Our WANDERful JouRnEy!: Islands of the Philippines

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Boracay at its BEST!

So happy to be back in Boracay for the summer after booking Piso fare from Cebu Pacific late last year and this time I enjoyed the island with my Honey. During our first time visit in this paradise February of 2011 we got to enjoy different fun activities like Reef walking and Automatic Terrain Vehicle Ride to Mount Luho viewing deck (story here). But now, since it’s our second time to visit the place, we decided to just relax and enjoy Boracay beach at its finest. Third week of March when we travelled to Boracay and luckily it was not that crowded even summer has just began. Still, you need to book your accommodation in advance because tourists started to flock for as early as February. Even if we didn’t have a detailed itinerary, enjoying the Sun, Sand, and Sea is enough to have the perfect vacation we’ve been rooting for.

Boracay 2011 Reef walking

Boracay 2011 ATV to Mount Luho

Boracay will always be Boracay, a paradise on its own. It is considered as one of the top tourist destination not just in the Philippines but in Asia and the whole world. It is one of the top choices among white sand beaches when visiting the Philippines. Boracay still is a BEAUTY. Even if others say that it is too commercialized, I'm still delighted every time I see the island. Seeing the white sand, blue waters and hearing the sound of the beach waves bring so much relaxation to my mind and body. A proof to that is falling asleep by the beach while lying on a plastic white bench, haha.

This is LIFE in Boracay haha

Our 3 days vacation in Boracay is so refreshing. Fine white sand, crystal blue water, witnessing magnificent sunset, eating seafood, swimming, strolling along the white sand, hearing the sound of the beach waves, and staring at the spectacular scenery of the island are among the words that perfectly describe this island. Boracay is the place I will never get tired of visiting.

Enjoying the pool of La Carmela De Boracay

Boaracay 2014

Boracay 2014

Buffet by the beach Boracay 2014

Rehabilitation of Boracay - widening the white sand part of the beach

Boracay 2014

Beautiful Boracay

Beautiful Boracay 2014

Facade of La Carmela de Boracay

Boracay Station 1

view from La Carmela de Boravay pool area

Boracay 2014

Beatiful Boracay 2014

Even if others find this place overrated and commercialized, I will fall in love with Boracay all over again. Boracay has this kind of CHARM that keeps people coming. No wonder why this alluring place is always among top islands in Asia and in the world. One reason why "It's More Fun in the Philippines!" Now, how could you not fall in love with this place?!

Magnificent Boracay Sunset 2014

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Discovering Burot Beach of Calatagan Batangas

Our group had an unexpected trip to this beautiful place in Calatagan, Batangas. Since our group wants a last shot outing for summer, we decided to have a beach trip. Our original plan was a weekend getaway to Laiya Batangas but as per my inquiry to several resorts there, they were all fully booked so we ended up searching for new destination in Batangas and found out about this secluded white sand beach in Calatagan, Batangas known as Burot Beach.

Burot Beach in Calatagan Batangas, formerly known as "Elizalde beach" but now a private property of SM Group of Companies is an undeveloped, unspoiled and peaceful beach. Getting there from Alabang is roughly 3 hours drive passing by Tagaytay and towns of Lian, Balayan and Calatagan Batangas. It’s still open for public so if you’re planning to visit the place, make it soon before SM totally close the property to construct a Beach resort and Golf Course.

Before going to Burot Beach, you must first get in touch with Mang Cesar (+63915-6028907) the caretaker of this private property that can help you in renting tents and other additional queries. It’s your choice if you want to stay for just a day tour trip which will cost you 65 pesos only while 120 pesos for an overnight stay. You can also rent a nipa hut (good for 6 to 8), table or tent ranging from 200 to 300 pesos. No need to worry if you are bringing your own vehicle because the whole place is so spacious that you can even park your car beside the nipa hut of your choice and most of all parking is free. Cottages and rooms are not available in the area so if you are planning to have an overnight stay make sure you have your tents with you otherwise you can rent some tents for 300 pesos. Moreover, there is no electricity in Burot beach but there are available bonfire woods (250 pesos per bundle) that you can use to be your light the whole night. Two public toilets and two showers are available in the area but with slow flowing faucet. Since Burot beach is now discovered by many, I do hope that management can add more toilet facilities for visitor’s convenience. Also be ready if some fishermen will offer you an island hopping to the nearest sand bar for 40 pesos per head. Too bad it’s already high tide when we got there but still we enjoyed the view and the clear water.

Tent pitching at Burot Beach

View from our rented nipa Hut - Burot Beach

Just a friendly reminder, there is a sari sari store in the area where you can buy some drinks and the like but it’s too pricey so better buy all your needs at Calatagan public market just after Sto. Domingo Church before heading to Burot beach. You may also bring your own food to cook, drinking water, ice box and grilling/cooking equipment to complete your beach bum experience.

Here’s the direction going to Burot Beach in 2 ways:

By private vehicle

1. From Manila, drive all the way to SLEX (South Luzon Express Way) until you reach the expressway after Alabang junction. Straight ahead and exit to Eton Greenfield. From here you will pass by Nuvali Sta. Rosa and Tagaytay City. Drive all the way to Nasugbu, Batangas until you reach a junction then take the right turn going to Lian. Drive straight ahead.

2. After passing the CADP (Central Azucarera Don Pedro) Sugar Refinery, take a left at the intersection (Landmarks: Shell and I-Gas Gasoline Stations). Drive ahead to reach Sto. Domingo Church then turn right. You will pass by a public market then turn left in M. Apacible Street. From here you can also ask some tricycle drivers or locals that will pass by for clear directions. But most likely you will see rough road on your right side that leads to a cemetery and an eco center. Drive straight until you reach a gate with uniformed security guard that will count the number of visitors.

gate going to Burot Beach Calatagan Batangas

By Commute

1. You can hunt for buses in Starmall Alabang en route Nasugbu Batangas that will pass by Calatagan. You can also found a Bus Terminal located along EDSA near MRT Taft Station (at the back of McDonald's and Sogo Hotel) bound for Calatagan. Travel time is approximately 3 to 4 hours. Don’t forget to ask the conductor to drop you off at Calatagan Market. Then, at Calatagan Market, you can hire a tricycle that will bring you to Burot beach for Php150.00 or Php60.00 per person.

Aside from boasting a cream fine sand and pristine waters, Burot Beach offers a gorgeous view of the sunset.

Burot Beach Sunset

Burot Beach Gorgeous Sunset

Emo mode haha - Burot Beach Gorgeous Sunset

Burot Beach Gorgeous Sunset

Burot beach is a newly discovered destination few years ago and is unfamiliar to many that made the place so relaxing and not that crowded. It has creamy white sand, crystal clear water, beautiful rock formations, beautiful sunset and lot of trees which provide shades and cool wind. It’s an ideal place for relaxation and perfect way to end summery days! So, if you're planning to visit a peaceful and relaxing beach destination in Batangas, make it to Burot beach, the soonest!