Monday, August 31, 2009

Stuckli Beach in Badian

Last May 2009, under the heat of the summer sun, we had an impromptu decision of beating off the humidity by going someplace cool and breezy.

We've heard about Stuckli Beach Resort in Badian and decided to check it out. Together with our colleagues, we headed northbound at 7am. We had a few stops to to get some supplies and arrived at the beach at around 11am. It shouldn't take that long actually except that the supposedly short stops took longer than usual. We had a hard time finding the place as it would appear that you are driving towards the middle of a mountain uphill, then we went downhill for a bit and discovered the beautiful stretch of white beach.

We didn't plan to go overnight, but because we got enchanted by the tranquility of the place, we decided to stay for the night.

For those of you who wants to get their contact number, here it is:


09273157259 and 2541057. Look for Rick.

The room rates are as follows:



ROOMS 1 and 2 (good for 2-3 persons) = P 1,000.00
ROOM 3 (A/C - good for 2-3 persons) = P 1,500.00
*HOUSE 1 and HOUSE 2 = P 2,000.00
**HOUSE 3 and HOUSE 4 = P 2,500.00
HUTS = P 500.00

DAY USE = Minus 50% of the Normal Rate
*Good for 6 persons with beds, electric fans, and toilet and bath.
**Good for 8 persons with beds, electric fans, and toilet and bath.
** For excess persons we charge P150.00 each.


















Saturday, August 29, 2009

Boracay: Return to Paradise

When I left Boracay last year, I made a promise that I would be back the soonest that I can. Cebu Pacific presented me a very good opportunity last February, so I booked a flight for our anniversary on June.

Since we already tried staying in station 1, we decided to try station 2. Also, I've researched that station 2 has cheaper restaurants and resorts. It's also where Talipapa is located which is their wet market where they sell live seafood and you can have them cooked by the surrounding restos.

Unfortunately, June is not a very good season to go to Bora. It's habagat season which means it's so windy and rainy. We didn't even get to land in Caticlan due to heavy rainfall and zero visibility. We braved the turbulence on air and attempted twice to land in Caticlan, until the pilot decided to land in Kalibo instead.

It was raining so hard when we got to Bora. There were several re-routes before we got to the island, and to the strip of white beaches. We got off from the pedicab in Talipapa where we treaded the waters of Bora - the "baha" (flood) water, that is. hehehehe

Nevertheless, we enjoyed our stay there. We got to try the really great food at very affordable prices. I forgot the name of the resort we stayed in during our first night, although I know it's in station 2. We stayed Orchids Resort in station 3 on the 2nd and 3rd night. We originally planned to stay in different resorts each night but decided to settle in Orchids Resort because the place is great and affordable, and the staff are also very friendly.

Setting aside some of the unfortunate events, my 3rd visit to Bora is still superb. And again, I still don't want to leave the place. hehehehe...Hopefully, I could go back with a larger group, and tag my kids along.
























































Thursday, August 27, 2009

My Boracay Experience

Boracay has always been one of my dream destinations...Being a water-person, there's something about the beaches that draw me close. And since my first visit to Bora was not exactly an experience to highlight, I planned another visit, with my hubby this time.

To say that I was really prepared was an understatement. I purchased our plance tickets more than 4 months ahead. I filed for a leave from work 3 months ahead. And despite a client visit on the very day of my scheduled trip, I, the client services coordinator, escaped from the office for a much anticipated vacation.

We had an uneventful trip going there. We took a plane via Cebu Pacific and in less than two hours, arrived at our resort. I didn't make any reservation because I know that they shoot up resort prices when booked online. But I knew where to stay.

We checked in at Boracay Tourist Inn in station 1. It's not exactly beach front, but it's less than a minute-walk to the famous white beach. We got the deluxe room for only 1k (I negotiated a discount) for an off-peak rate. Not bad for the location and the amenities provided. Actually, I think it's already a very good deal. There room has a double bed, cable tv, hot and cold shower and a small refrigerator.

When the plan landed in Caticlan, my heart sank because the runway was wet and there was a drizzle. It was even raining when checked in to our rooms. We were already starving so immediately unpacked and changed into our swim wears and headed out to the beach line to look for a place to eat. When we hit the shorelines, lo and behold, the sun is out. God must have really loved me! hehehehehe


We went to the grocery store after lunch and bought a few essentials including a bottle of red wine and some cans of beer, as well as some chips. And then we proceeded to officially start our sun-baskings and photo shoot.



We were invited for a free dinner on our 2nd invite and was given a presentation about investing in realty shares. Naturally, we declined not because we don't want to, but because we can't afford...hehehehe....but the meal was good, and the best thing was that it was for free.






I also unexpectedly met a college friend who I haven't seen for a long time, Mutya, with her boyfriend who's visiting from the states. A few weeks later, when I was back in Cebu, Mutya informed us that she got engaged.












We went island-hopping on the 3rd day, which happens to be my birthday and had a su-tu-kil lunch at Puca beach.





On the mornings, we'd walk the shoreline, drop dead by the sand and enjoy the sun and the cool waters. What amazes me the most about Bora is that despite how blazing hot it is, the water so icy cool....paired with torquise waters and white sands...it was a perfect combination!!!



I the afternoon, we'd go to the soveiner shops to buy pasalubong for friends and family at home, then enjoy the sunset by the beach.




We had several night caps where we had to fortune of meeting the amazing firedancers.






I didn't want to leave Bora but I had to. When I did, I made a promise that I would be back. And indeed, I did. More stories in the next blog....

And I'm back in the game!!!

For the longest time, I haven't been writing here. For the past 3 months, I didn't have internet connection, and that's truly my excuse. I realized that I could quite live without connection and be fine with it. However, another vacation is on the works which have led me to extensive research that I am planning to go to. I searched for information online at work and came across blogs that has inspired me to blog again. And so I'm back in the game.... =)

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