Right after midterms, I can feel that school has become more stressful and this EDSA holiday is a perfect time to unwind. Since I have no class during Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I have decided to stay away from the stressful city and school to relax. I booked for a 3D/2N vacation last week (February 24-26, 2014). Me and my friend chose Ceres Liner (their bus station is in Buendia near McDo and LRT Gil Puyat station) en route to Batangas Pier and the bus fare is PHP 167.00 per person. It took us 2 hours before we reach Batangas Pier (that's the case if there's no traffic). Upon reaching Batangas Pier, we headed immediately to the area where we can buy tickets going to Puerto Galera and we have decided to choose Minolo Shipping Lines (of course there are other shipping lines available). The fare is PHP 600.00 (roundtrip) per person. Again, we need to travel but this time via boat and the travel period from Batangas Pier to Puerto Galera (Muelle Port and White Beach) is 1 hour. However, something changed in White Beach. Upon arrival, you have to pay an environmental fee (PHP 50.00 per person). Well, that 50 pesos is reasonable because this is used to maintain the cleanliness of this "Little Boracay". White Beach is still as lovely as before. It's not my first time in Puerto Galera but I'm still mesmerized with the place.
From White Beach, I called Tamaraw Beach Resort and asked for their shuttle (by the way, it's for free!). We waited for about 3 minutes and the shuttle finally arrived. It was a brand new L300 and we were the only passengers. Finally, we arrived in Tamaraw Beach Resort.
And this is their lobby... Scroll down! :)
My favorite spot in their lobby, what I called the "stairway to heaven". LOL! I swear, it is really cool! :) Not to mention their chandelier is also cute! Haha! It may not look that expensive but still it matches with the design of their lobby.
And this is the way going to the table where their receptionist is. Furthermore, this is where they are having their breakfast buffet served for the guests.
And now, let us proceed to the room where we stayed. We booked for a Superior Room which is good for 2 persons. The rate of the room is PHP 2000 per night (since it is Peak Season). Welcome to our room! Taaadaaaa!
This is our bed! The room is air-conditioned, with TV but no wifi (sad but true). 6 persons can actually fit in this room but of course, there's an additional charge because the rate is only good for 2 persons.
But then again, this was my first concern when I called their resort -> their comfort room. Haha! Who would want to stay in a hotel with a disaster and jurassic comfort room, right? Fortunately, their comfort room is clean and reasonable for the price of the room. They have cold and hot water, soap, towels and a glass.
Meanwhile, every room has their own balcony where you can sit back and relax when you get bored watching inside your room. The air is sooooooo cold that you just want to stay in this area even during lunch time. HAHA! I swear! I always have my jacket with me everytime I stay in this area.
(Balcony)
I also love their pool but I think it was made to cater to foreigners (tall people) because the water is too deep. The structure of the pool is not the usual one which has a flat flooring. Their pool gets deeper as you approach the center. Scroll down to see their infinity pool.
(Infinity Pool)
BUT the good news is that for the people who are not blessed with a good height (like me. LOL!) and those who cannot swim well, they have a kiddie pool. It is spacious enough for you and your friends to fit in.
(Kiddie Pool)
The resort is somewhat isolated from the noisy area of White Beach and there are no restaurants near the place unless you take a ride (tricycle) from the resort to White Beach which costs PHP 100.00 (one way). However, the resort has their own restaurant and the food is not that bad (reasonable for the price).
(Tamaraw Beach Resort's Menu)
I have read somewhere that their adobo is a must try so I did! In all fairness to their adobo, it taste really good! Not just the ordinary salty adobo. It is a combination of salty and sweet adobo (sounds weird? but it taste really good! I swear!).
(Mango Shake and Pork Adobo)
Their adobo costs PHP 200.00 (with rice and that cucumber with tomato and onions). I also tried their Mango Shake which costs PHP 80.00. Not bad, right? Moreover, their pasta may be expensive ranging from PHP 120-200) but when you see their serving, you'll be amazed. The pasta per order is good for 2 persons already! I love their Spaghetti with Sausage and Tuna but what I don't like was I asked them to remove the onion (since I'm allergic to it) but as I was enjoying my food, I noticed that there are still onions. Clearly, they ignored my request. Same thing happened when I ordered Spaghetti Bolognese.
(Pancit and Spaghetti with Sausage and Tuna)
If you feel guilty because of the sinful food, don't worry because they also have a gym where you can workout. You are free to use their facilities (that's your privilege).
They also have their own Basketball Court and Karaoke Room (sorry, I forgot to take photos). Other facilities are available in the resort such as the following...... Scroll down, sweetie!
(Way going to the Function Room and Badminton Court)
(Badminton Court)
If you want to enjoy the beach, they have huts where you can relax. I don't know if it is allowed but during my second night there, a group of foreigners enjoyed the night with a bonfire. I promise to try it next time!
If you really want a place where you can relax and reminisce, this is the right place to go. However, I just noticed that most of the guests here are foreigners. Since this place is very quiet (unlike in White Beach, the place where party people belong), I can say that what we paid is really worth it. I will not end this blog without showing the wonderful view that made me fell in love with the place. Scroll down...
Lastly, this is the view from our balcony. Who wouldn't love to wake up with this kind of view? Very relaxing, right? I promise to come back in this place when I have time.
And that is my Tamaraw Beach experience. If you are interested to visit their place, you may reach them thru their numbers (see photo below).
(Contact Numbers)
For their rooms, below is a photo of their rates (got this copy from their receptionist).
(Room Rates)
Thank you for reading my blog! :)
Thank you for reading my blog! :)
