Amazing Coron Bluewave Hotel

As from my previous post, there are many accommodations in Coron to choose from. As a wise traveler, price & location is the most that need to consider. Going to Coron with my daughter Keisha is gonna complicate my itinerary because she requires a Hotel with swimming pool. Looking for accommodation with swimming pool seems a challenge for me. while searching in Agoda, I found out this new built Coron Bluewave Hotel. I was shocked on their rates because its just PHP 2500 per night with a complimentary breakfast of your choice on their menu. As was choosing the Hotels from Coron, this Hotel caught my attention.

How to get there?

From Francisco B. Reyes Airport - Hotel (approximately 30 mins)

There are van transfers from airport to Hotel which cost (PHP 150 peson/way). You can call the Hotel before your flight so they can arrange it for you in advance.



I choose Coron Bluewave Hotel because....?

Price

Very affordable compared to other Hotel, because some Hotels don't have a swimming pool and complimentary breakfast. Their amenities are very basic but same rates in Bluewave Hotel. I paid PHP 2500/night from Agoda website.

Location

Their location is very convenient, it is walking distance on everything. There are restaurant, bank, market & travel agencies nearby. You can walk going to Mt. Tapyas from the Hotel. I was planning to book a Hotel which is 10 mins away from the town proper and then I realized that riding a tricycle is not very convenient when eating at restaurant or exploring the town or stay and stuck up in the very far Hotel with few food options to choose from.

Facilities

This Hotel just opened 3 months ago. New facilities, more updated on the pictures and very cute hotel. Also, the Hotel has their own backup generator because electricity in Coron is poorly disturbed.

I can watch my daughter from our room

Picture of the pool at night

Amenities

Rooms with pool access is my favorite in this Hotel, very bright idea. Our room has a hot shower, air condition, television and mini fridge. They also provide a complimentary breakfast and has big servings of food. Their restaurant is located at 3rd floor of the Hotel with a nice view.

Food

 It is 4 pancakes, I ate the other



Our drinks they also provide unlimited coffee on Breakfast

Staff

I can't have any doubts on the reviews on this Hotel in Agoda. the staffs are very friendly and accommodating. They will assist you at their very best. Even the Hotel is very new, the staffs are very well trained. The Korean owner of the Hotel also assist us and very hands on with our every request.  Sometimes he is the one who will serve your meal on your table. I'm amazed for his hard work because you can see him everywhere in the restaurant or reception. Very hospitable and friendly. I'm sure this Hotel will be bombarded by tourist within a year. Kudos to the owner.

If I will going back to Coron next year, I will definitely choose Coron Bluewave Hotel. I will recommend this to my relatives and friends. Thanks for the wonderful service Coron Bluewave Hotel.

Thanks for reading my blog! Cheers!



CORON BLUEWAVE HOTEL

Contact number +63 905 570 5978

My "Coron Trip" preview

Traveling on different parts of the Philippines is always my dream. I want to visit Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Palawan, Davao and many more destinations. Dream came true and thanks for the Airfare sale all the time that made it possible. This is my chance to visit the magnificent island of Coron, Palawan. If you’re looking for beach, adventure, relaxation, good food, friendly people & affordable, Coron must be on top of your list.

How to get there?

CORON – MANILA via CEBU PACIFIC aircraft

Coron Airport – Coron Town Proper (approximately 30 mins by Van) PHP 150 per way



More cows along our way

We stayed in Bluewave Coron, a newly built Hotel which just opened 2 months ago and owned by a Korean. The Hotel is located at Nueva St. near at San Agustin Parish Church. I booked this Hotel because of the price and it is brand new. I bet the picture on the Agoda is updated.

Coron Bluewave Hotel

Before going to Coron, I planned everything including the van transfer, tour and where to eat. The airport transfer has a standard price in Coron which may cost (PHP 150). It’s the same price on our Hotel so it’s my pleasure to let the Hotel arranged our Transfers.

If you want an affordable tour your can join groups which is a way better if you are traveling alone or just couples. Their rates are very cheap compared to other travel agencies because of the food, entrance fees, boat are included on the package as well and it’s up to you what tour s you should take. I book our tour in Coron Galeri. But you need to go to their office a day before your desired date so you can pay and book in advance.

Food is not a problem in Coron, you can eat everywhere there are lots of restaurants or eatery at Coron. Some are affordable by locals some are not. Be wise where to eat. We ate at Kapemos located in front of LBC. I love their “chicken inasal” one of the best and very affordable for PHP 120.

Lunch at Kapemos

What to do in Coron?

Island Hopping:



I would recommend the Corongaleri travel agency. They are really organized, very affordable, accessible and provide good food.

Hike at Kayangan Lake


Stairs to hike
crystal clear water view after the hike...WOW


This is the highlight of my Island Hopping because of the beautiful view and the hiking. The hiking is worth it when you get to the lake. But I will not recommend for toddlers or people who have difficulty walking upstairs. Based on our experience, I was with my 4 year old daughter who weighs 26 kgs and his Dad carried her going to Kayangan Lake. I feel bad for his Dad.  After Kayangan Lake the dad complained about the hike. My bad.

our very own "nipa hut" cottage with this magnificent view

Eat at Bulungan Beach

Its lunch time and we are hungry because of the hike. Out next destination is “Bulungan Beach”. That’s the location where we should eat on the itinerary. Finally!!  The food that provided for us are grilled pork liempo, grilled fish, seaweeds salad & banana. Rice and bottled water are included. Not bad for PHP 650.


Keisha & Mommy playing


Perfect view for Photoshoot

Hike at Mt. Tapyas



Prepare yourself for a 718 steps when you go to Mt. Tapyas. You can ask tricycle going there. I wish there was a zipline going down.

Soak your aching muscles in "Maquinit Hotspring"



You can go there via tricycle also, a roundtrip transfer cost PHP 300 and the driver will wait for you. The entrance fee in Maquinit Hotspring will cost you PHP 200.  But this is the best sidetrip after you hike Mt. Tapyas. Hotspring will soothe your aching muscles. I advise you to go there on 5:00 in the afternoon when the water is not too hot.

Food Trip: More restaurants offers different variety of food. I put some in my list below.

Kapemos

Lolo Noynoys

Big Mama’s

La sirinetta

Lobster King

Where to stay at Coron

If you’re looking for accommodation town proper is very convenient.  Everything is accessible like restaurants, bank, wet market (where you can buy fresh seafoods) & the port when going to island hopping or diving. You can ride a tricycle which cost PHP 10 per way. The good thing in Coron, the drivers are very honest, I pay more than the rate purposely as they think that I’m foreigner (but I’m not). They gave me back the excess, the driver told me that the rate is just PHP 10 and I don’t need to pay more than that. How amazing is that? Unlike in Manila if they find an opportunity to take advantage tourists, sure they will rip off your pockets if they think you’re stupid enough to be their victims.

If you want exclusivity, you can choose expensive resorts such as Two Seasons Coron or Huma Island. Sure this is very expensive but worth it. Never been there, maybe next time or not.

I would recommend Bluewave Hotel because I’ve been there and pool is required for me for every vacation. They have complimentary breakfast but limited selection. But if it’s not complimentary, it will cost your PHP 300 per breakfast. You will not regret staying this hotel I swear. The room with access to the pool is a plus and the owner and his staffs are very accommodating. I definitely recommend this Hotel to my relatives, friends and colleagues. Our stay exceeded my expectations. Kudos to Bluewave Hotel.



Our room with pool access @ Coron Bluewave Hotel

What to buy in Coron:

Cashew is the most popular products in Coron, next is the dried fish or dried squid. I didn’t bought a dried fish and it’s not allowed to be hand carried on the plane because of the smell.  T-shirt as a souvenir from Coron will do. Last are key chains and magnets. I just noticed that souvenir from Coron are expensive as compared to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Where to buy?

Market (for the dried fish), Majika Store and Makulit (tshirts and trinkets), Cashew Harvest (cashew). You can ask the tricycles to drive you there.



You should plan your Coron vacation now. I promise that you will enjoy the experience. Thanks for reading my blog. Cheers!

CROSSWINDS HOTEL TAGAYTAY

CROSSWINDS HOTEL TAGAYTAY



Sometimes it’s hard to think where to unwind or spend some quality getaway weekend with your families or friends near in Manila. Of course most of us wanted a nice place with a nice view which is far from busy chaos of Manila. Well, Tagaytay is a number one spot near in Manila in terms of getaway. So we discover Crosswinds Resort Suites!

Crosswinds Resorts is located in Tagaytay which is Swiss inspired community. With the beautiful background of pine trees everywhere. Take a glimpse of the stunning beauty of its natural terrain as you enjoy the fresh air with the scent of Pine trees. Chill out and unwind to the serenity of the atmosphere, and wake-up to see a breathtaking view from your room.

the view from our room

We booked a 2 bedroom villa in crosswinds good for 6 persons. Our villa has a fully equipped kitchen if you love cooking. The good thing about this Resort is you can bring foods and drinks without corkage fee. Which means party time?



our food[/caption]

Before going to crosswinds, we went grocery to buy some foods and drinks for the entire stay. And I’m excited to cook and then get drunk at night.

During at night we played beer pong, and we are so loud yelling because of the game. And of course we are totally drunk and hyper active. Thank god the guards or reception didn’t check us to our room maybe it is sound proof?

On the other day we went swimming in their pool despite of the cold weather. The cold never bothered me anyway. As long as there’s a pool, I will swim. The pool is far from our villa so they provide free shuttle going there.
the pool without heater

The water is so cold, there is no heater. Bringing foods and drinks in the pool premises is not allowed. There are guards if you planning to sneak out some alcohol.

Other things to do:

picnic?

more pictures[/caption]



On the way going home, we stopped by their Christmas village which add to the fun. Nice to take photos especially with kids, too bad my daughter is not with me. I’m sure kids will love it. Actually I acted like a kid here. Its everyday Christmas, it’s like Santa Claus village.

santa's bus[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_698" align="aligncenter" width="660"] the tallest christmas tree I've ever seen

christmas village[/caption]

Watch out for the road because it’s very steep. If you are a beginner driver I suggest don’t drive. If your car is in a ramshackle condition, you must think twice before you get stumble and fall on the cliff. Safety first!



Staying in Crosswinds is great choice if I want to unwind for a weekend for a fair price and near location. It is now my favorite hotel in Tagaytay.

So plan your trip now if you want a staycation near in Manila..Thanks for reading my blog! Cheers!

Las Islas Gigantes escapade

A must see Gigantes Island
If you are looking for another get away, this trip must be added to your bucket list. Gigantes island is located at the northern part of Iloilo. It consists of 10 islands which I should explore.[/caption]

How to get there

From Roxas City you can ride a bus going to Estancia Port in Carles (estimated time is 2 hours)


from Roxas to Carles Port

From Estancia Port to Gigantes Island you will ride a public boat (cost PHP 80 per way)

Schedule of public boat:

Estancia port to Gigantes Island – 2:00 PM

Gigantes Island to Estancia port – as early as 6:00 AM

This is the only boat schedule going and leaving the island so you must be on time before you miss the boat or else you will wait until the next day. It might ruin your itinerary.

But what we did was we came from Caticlan, Boracay going to Estancia Port, Carles. We rented a van from Caticlan which cost us PHP 400 per person (we are 10 pax and paid PHP 4,000). The price was not expensive at all because it is more convenient than commuting going to Carles. It was a very long ride when left Catliclan by 10:00 AM in the morning. We reach the Estancia Port by 4:00 PM (including the stop over lunch).

We paid PHP 75.00 on the Estancia Port for Environmental Fees before riding a boat (for tourist only).

We had a private boat because it is included in the package from a resort (dela vega beach resort) that we availed before going there, so the schedule of boat is not an issue. It was a 1 hour boat ride going to the Gigantes, island. The owner of the Hotel warned us that there is not signal in the Island. What??? So beware.

Dela Vega Beach Resort

How to get around

The main transportation in the Island is a single motorcycle. So we opt to ride motorcycle going to our Hotel. Riding in tandem.

What to do

Island hopping ..the gang is complete

Island hopping is the main attraction in Gigantes Island. We failed to explore all the islands because of the Typhoon Kabayan and the condition of waves is really rough. So we were just able to explore the Bantigue sandbar, Antonia beach, Cabugao gamay island (most popular in pictures). I was disappointed because the reason why I went to Gigantes Island is to see the Tangke Saltwater Lagoon. But the island hopping was fun though, and I guess I will visit again this magnificent remote island to see the Tanke Saltwater Lagoon.

BANTIGUE SANDBAR

Bantigue sandbar




ANTONIA ISLAND
Antonia island



Heading up to the secret cave at Antonia Island

The creepy cave





CABUGAO GAMAY ISLAND

Cabugao Gamay Island



the way going up





Also there is an old light house in Gigantes, Island. Sunrise is the best time if you want a spectacular view.

THE LIGHT HOUSE

the light house
while watching the beautiful sunset

old structure around the area





PROS:

• Very remote island (far from internet)


• The seafood’s are very affordable (more scallops)


• The accommodations are affordable.

CONS:

• The electricity is limited and shut off every 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM


• There is no signal in the Island


• The boat ride is 1 hour and there is a schedule

TIPS:

• Be on time if riding a public boat


• Better to travel during summer season


• Avoid rainy season because of heavy waves going there


• More sunblock


• Prepare some canned goods such as corned beef, spam, etc. (seafoods overwhelmed me and I need canned meat)


• Bring more water for the island hopping.

Plan you itinerary now to see this magnificent island! Thanks for reading my blog! Cheers!