A Day at Stilts, Calatagan Batangas

Dreaming of visiting in a world class overwater villa in a luxurious private resort in Maldives but you are in a low budget? Well, worry no more because Batangas, Philippines has its own local version of Maldives inspired resort, the Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort. It may not as fancy and extravagant as what maldives can offer but it could still give you a relaxing and blissful beach experience!

We planned for just quick weekend getaway, good thing it is just few hours away from Manila located at Barangay Sta. Ana, Calatagan Batangas. Thanks to waze app for a smooth trip. We left Manila around 6:00am.

For only P385.00/head inclusive of entrance, swimming pool and use of other facilities. Nice place, clear sea water, fine white sand beach and a scenic view of overwater cottages and garden. They offer lots of activities like island hopping, ride an atv, snorkeling nd more! 

We availed the Sand bar and snorkeling tour for P1500/4pax. You will be transferred to the boat area via pickup car which is just few minutes away.

The sand bar is just few minutes boat ride. The sand bar is really great! We got to enjoy the entire sand bar because there was no other tourists at that time. 

Unfortunately , we did not continue to go to the snorkeling site because of the strong waves when we were on our way there. Though it was tolerable but of course safety first. They just refunded our payment for the snorkeling tour.

When we returned, we did not enjoy swimming at the beach since it was low tide and even at the other side of the beach is rocky so we decided to stay at the swimming pool. 

A few minutes walk if you want to go to the other side of the beach, though you can ride a shuttle if you want. Most of the cottages for day tour is located in that side of the beach.

on our way to Harmony Beach Side

Other accommodation with Tree Houses

Over all, we enjoyed our day tour! But better to stay overnight maybe to maximize the stilts experience.

For details about the resort just visit their site. 

Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort

https://www.stiltscalataganbeachresort.net/

stilts.sales@gmail.com

Motorcycle Ride Adventure: Caramoan, 2017

It's been a year since the last time we had our long motorcycle ride. But it's all worth the wait...We will go back to Bicol but this time we headed to Camarines Sur.  Last year weve been to Bicol Albay and Camarines Norte and I must say that we were fortunate to able to experience the beauty of God's creation...This time, we will witness the stunning beaches of  Caramoan Island located in far Eastern part of Camarines Sur, Philippines.

Caramoan Island was known when it was chosen location for a reality show "Survivor Philippines". 

Assembly time is 10:00pm at Mercury, Monumento Caloocan.

Kuya Emey is giving instructions regarding the direction on our way there.

Waiting for other riders

There were 8 motorcycle who joined the ride and 4 backriders. Good thing I was able to arrived on time after my class. 

First stop at Shell Mother Ignacia 

Due to heavy rain we decided to stop and wear our rain coat

It was almost 12mn when we decided to go with the ride 

It was not easy at first because some of the roads were bit flooded at it was hard to drive while it's raining and we really have to be extra careful. Good thing that the rain stopped. So the ride went smoothly.  We just had some stop over in a gas station for few minutes rest and gas up usually after every 2-3 hours straight driving. 

It was normal to encounter minor repair during our ride

Then rest for 15-30 minutes at Gas Station. Don't expect for luxurious accommodation

It was almost passed 12nn, I think It was already somewhere in Camarines Sur. We  had our lunch first then continue with the ride.

We parked and left our motorcycle in Sabang Port in Naga Central Terminal. Then  transferred to ferry boat to Caramoan Guijalo Port for about less than 2 hours boat ride that cost P120 per head. Then from Guijalo Port,  transferred to tricycle for almost 35 minutes ride going to Bikal Port at Bgy. Paniman. 

A must try Chili flavored ice cream!

It was almost 5:00PM when we arrived at Caramoan Island, unfortunately there were no available accommodation. Good thing the boat man offered their house then we could have the island hopping early in the morning.  Island hopping cost P5000.00 ( 12 pax). 

We hopped to his boat. While travelling to their house, were all energetic, some were taking photos and making fun...Until it was already dark....too far from the shore...no sign of residential island and the worst... no more network signal! A lot of things were running in our mind, are we still safe? Everyone were quite because we were not aware that his house is more than an hour of boat ride.

Until we spotted an island with lights. Woahhh...sign of little relief but not yet sure if there are other people around the island. When we reached the island, we were all surprised when we found out that its a little community.  Mostly of residential houses are made up of nipa hut, but Kuya's house ( boatman) is modern already.  Their family is very accommodating and kind for letting us stay in their house.  

Some decided to pitch their tent outside

Dinner time

Rise and shine...getting ready for the island hopping!!!

Freshly caught fish for lunch

Kuya's family busy preparing our food. 

Advantage of staying in Kuya's house is that we were almost near the island hopping area, which will take almost 2 hours from the port.

First stop was at the Guinahuan Island Light house. 

Fresh buko juice.

There are kids in the island who are willing to guide  and assist you especially for picture taking...they are really good at it. It's up to you how generous you are in giving them tips.

Requires about 15 minutes trekking to the light house

The best part of the tour was the Manlawi Sandbar! 

Floating Cottage for P200 

We had our lunch at the cottage.

Everyone were surprised  and amazed when the water slowly subsided and able to witness the beautiful sand bar during low tide. 

Just like a kid playing around the sand bar.

Then we visited other island like the Cotivas Island and Matukad island.

Special thanks to Kuya boatman and his Family. Unfortunately, I do not have his number because it was our Tito who has his contact number at that time.