El Nido: Secret Beach Experience

Something exciting happened to me this day, it was to disobeying my tour guide Kuya Ronnie and swam fast all the way to that small hole without looking back and didn't listening of what my tour guide said just to see the so called “ Secret beach”. We've travel that far which it took us about 45mins to reach our first destination of the Tour C here in El Nido.  I am fully aware of what I did was dangerous;  to swim on that little hole coz the tendency if i couldn’t make it I might hit my head on that sharp rock formation due too big waves and fast current . So I dive a few meters and kick as fast as I can and when I came up from the water, indeed a beautiful beach. It has a small cove and a tree inside. It has crystal clear water which is about my shoulder level and so many fishes wherein you will enjoy it for snorkeling. None of us who got lucky to swim inside has a camera to take pictures instead a picture perfect somehow saved in the inner most part of my memory.

If someone would ask which part of tour C I like most, definitely I would say without doubt the “Secret Beach”. You will appreciate the beauty of the place if you come on high tide.  *wink* *wink*

The entrance hole was almost something like this with a waves. hahaha!

Photo of  gerryexide. ~thanks~

La Pernela BeachFront Resort

Talking about Bohol, first comes out in my mind is the beautiful white sandy beach of Panglao island, Loboc River Cruise, Chocolate Hills and Tarsier. Obviously, this is my nth times in visiting the island. Bohol is one of my favorite island destinations because of its accessibility and convenient and there are lots of things to do and discover around.

I was visiting the island with my good Arman and Saul. We stayed in La Pernela BeachFront which is owned by Filipina/French Maryvelle Forte. It is located in isolated rural area in San Isidro, Dauis, of Panglao island. You’ll cherish the serene atmosphere and marvel at the breathtaking vista of lush trees and rolling waves. It was a great place for my weekend getaway to unwind and escape from busy city.

 

We took the early trip at 6AM bound to Tagbilaran, Bohol. It was about 2hrs boat ride from Cebu City. Since we are a cheapo travelers we had the promo roundtrip ticket cost about P420 only from Oceanjet shipping but you have to booked it 2 weeks advance. As we arrived to the port of Tagbilaran, we went straight to a fastfood chain to have our breakfast while waiting for our ride to the resort.

We stayed in La Pernela BeachFront in Dauis, Panglao island. The resort started its operation 3years ago and it is well managed and maintained its cleanliness. The staffs are very friendly and accommodating. The food are great and don't miss the squash brûlée; as one of my personal favorite and their pasta.

We walked around neighborhood and we enjoyed seeing nature scenery. The resort offers painting retreat, romantic getaway, island cruise and island tour.

Contact Details.
La Pernela BeachFront Resort
San Isidro, Dauis, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines.
Contact Number (63)9173002748 or (63)9063962748
Email at maryvelle@lapernelabeachfront.com or maryvellef@yahoo.fr
http://lapernelabeachfront.com

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Special thanks to my good friend Arman Po for sharing these photos.

Borromeo Beach Resort distressful experience.

My recent booking experience with Borromeo Beach Resort in Camotes Island was AWFUL. I had my reservation since last month April 13. Until then i kept on communicating with them for my booking and assistance for transportation around the island. I invited one of my friend who brought and introduced me to the resort and the caretaker Manang Jocelyn of Borromeo. It turns out that we have same booking date with my friend to the same house. My friend Arman tried to contact the resort but they are not answering so he decided to give away his reservation for me coz he have learned that i booked the place ahead of them.

It's 4days away from our planned weekend outing to the island. Earlier this morning, i received a call from the resort said that a relative of the owner will occupy the house we booked. Instead they offered the main house to stay since no one was booked and we can occupy the whole house and so we did agreed with Manang Jocelyn. After few minutes, they rang again said that someone booked the rooms from the main house and they can only give me 1 room and so i was thinking how can we fit in one room with a 18 pax plus 5 kids.
We've requested to add 1 more room, now they will give us only 1 room. Without hesitation i canceled and hang up the phone. They've got the poorest customer relations. I didn't expect that they gonna do this to me who been visiting this place for about 3 or 4 times last 2010 if i am not mistaken. This place is one of my highly recommended place to visit in Camotes island. Today, you've just lost one of your guest and my recommendations.

I hope these will not happen to other beach goers who makes booking at the resort and if ever you make a reservation with them. Please make sure to follow up with them often for your booking, just to make sure you have your confirmed booking and so they will be reminded and not giving it away to other guest. And i hope they will have a logbook so they can easily keep track their booked dates.

Today, our weekend getaway plan was ruined and disoriented. My day went out crazy trying to plot a plan B. Maybe its time to explore other place around the island.

Thank you and ciao Borromeo....

My Destination: Camotes Island

My favorite summer destination for 2010 was the island of San Francisco, CAMOTES ISLAND. I visited this island thrice simply because i was fallen inlove with the place and the beach. It's very quite and perfect place to escape from the busy city. We stayed in Borromeo Island Resort at Bakhaw Beach in Brgy. Esperanza. The people are very friendly and accommodating.



Must know
This part of Camotes is considered a little bit isolated and a “virgin territory.” No restaurant available around the beach. Advisable to bring your own food as you have full service kitchen at the resort were you can make your own favorite meal.








Commonly spoken dialect/languages
Cebuano, Tagalog and English.



Travel time from Cebu City
30-45 mins from North bus terminal to Danao Port. It takes 2hrs boat ride from Danao Port to Consuelo Camotes. 15mins from Consuelo to Bakhaw Beach.



How to get there
The fast way to reach the island is to travel from Danao Port to Consuelo, Camotes. Take a bus from North Bus Terminal located near SM Mall going to Danao port. From Danao port take RORO boat crossing Consuelo, Camotes which it cost P180 pesos per way.

Boat Schedules
M/V JOMALIA

Daily Trip Schedule
Danao to Consuelo 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM
Consuelo to Danao 5:30 AM and 2:00 PM


SUPER SHUTTLE FERRY
Scheduled Trips Monday - Sunday
Danao City to Consuelo Wharf, Camotes
6:30 AM - 8:00 AM
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM - via Poro Wharf

Consuelo - Danao City
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Poro, Camotes - Danao City
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

There are lots local transportation upon arrival at Consuelo port in Camotes. For 2 to 3 pax i would suggest if you take a motorcyle (habal2x) going Borromeo Island Resort. Normal fare was P100 that time but you can still haggle the price. If you are in a group, take mini jeepney to take you to your destination because it will be cheaper and convenient ride.






Best time to visit
Summer time from March to May because it is when the waters are calm.








Must to bring
• Beach wear and any comfortable footwear
• Sunglasses
• Tent and sleeping bag – just in case you want to sleep outside the house.
• Insects/mosquitoes repellant
• Sunscreen or sunblock
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit and medicine
• Camera and enough batteries and memory cards to last the length of stay
• Warning: This area DO NOT have signal for Sun and Globe. Is your choice to have your mobile phone turned off while you are in this part of the island or have a Smart sim for you to get connected.


What to do
Take a quick tour around the island at Santiago bay, Lake Danao, Mangodlong Rock Resort and Timubo Cave. Aside from that you will really enjoy swimming, watch sunset, watch the stars at night and fishing if you will have the equipment.






A special thanks to my very good friend Arman Po and Arnold Ramirez for sharing some of their photos.



Reference Link.
http://www.travelcamotes.com/files/borromeoresort.jpg

http://mastomaso.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/camotes-2010/

My first blog...

As i recall in my college days, my first programming exercise was to display in the screen the "Hello World" using the Turbo C language. Since then my curiosity started and questioning how is it started and how it works. Same thing happened here in making a blog. I really don't know where to start with but rest assure everything is all about my passion; beach,low cost island trips, food experiences, friends for life and of course my first love family. This is just for fun and out of boredom. I'm not a writer but im trying. LOL! So, i guess this is it! Now, i officially welcome myself and would say Hello Bloggers! Follow me through this journey of blogging and see you around.