First semester has finally ended and I believe I deserve to have a break (a BIG BREAK actually after a chaotic and bloody sem). As I was browsing my facebook, I remember that I liked a page of this resort located in Zambales. The place looks so serene and that is the kind of environment that I need to relax and rejuvinate. Without further ado, I will now start sharing my Zambales experience.
Because it is already December (considered as high peak season), we decided to visit Victory Liner's station in Sampaloc Manila to get tickets (Manila to Zambales) the night before our scheduled trip to Zambales. If you're planning to visit Armada Resort, choose their Sta. Cruz Zambales trip. One way fare from Manila to Palauig costs Php 391.00/person. We left Manila at 11 o'clock in the evening (that's the best time to leave for Zambales since it's already late, less hassle, less traffic and shorter travel time). We arrived in Palauig at exactly 4:30 in the morning. Drop off point would be "Radyo Veritas, Pangilongan Palauig". Upon arriving, I called Ms. Grace Armada of Armada Resort to inform her that we are already in Palauig. At the drop off point (Radyo Veritas), there are already tricycles waiting. You just need to tell them that you are going to Armada Resort and they will drop you in Armada Compound. The fare would be Php 75.00/person. After that, there was already a boat waiting for us and we immediately headed to Armada Resort, Magalawa Island. The boat fare is already included in the package offered by Armada Resort so no need to worry.
SUNRISE! Mr. Sun is finally saying hello! Good morning, Magalawa Island! As we arrived, we felt hungry. However, the 2 days 1 night package that we availed includes 4 meals only (lunch, dinner, breakfast and lunch). We had to buy breakfast at our own expense. Their meal costs Php 150.00. Unfortunately, I was not able to take a photo of the meals we had during our stay in this island but believe me, it is really worth it. Below is the photo of their canteen where they regularly serve the meals of their guests.
They also have their newest attraction, the floating restobar. That is where we had our lunch. Unfrotunately, the restobar is still under construction during our stay so the photo below is how it looks when we had lunch. BUT the good news is that it is already done, fully furnished and well decorated. It was really refreshing to eat there and see different fishes around the restobar.
After eating, the perfect thing to do is to wander around the island and appreciate Mother Nature but in our case, we prefer to sleep. LOL! We stayed in their Fan Room with CR which is Php 2500.00/night. The inclusions of the 2 days 1 night package that we availed are the following:
- Boat Transpo (2way)
- Entrance
- 4 Set Meals (3menu -combi of seafood/fish, pork/chicken, veggies, unlirice, soda, mineral water, dessert)
- Day 1 – Lunch, Dinner; Day 2 – Breakfast, Lunch
- Snorkeling/Rafting (w/ Lifevest and snorkeling gears provided and 1hr max duration)
- Accommodation of your choice (Option 1-7)
(Armada Resort's 2 days 1 night package from http://magalawaislandresort.com/rates/)
(Armada Resort's 3 days 2 night package from http://magalawaislandresort.com/rates/)
Below are the photos of their air-conditioned and fan rooms. Scroll down. :)
(Air-Conditioned Room)
(Fan Room with CR)
(Kubo, Tree House and their own garden)
Our first day in the island is about to end and we need to do something to kill time so we had our drinking spree. However, bonfire and playing loud music is not allowed in the island. This place is merely for relaxation purposes. For the party people, don't worry the resort offers different alcoholic beverages. Just ask them what you need and they will be very much willing to grant your request. And that is how we ended our Day 1!
Hello, Day 2 (our last day on the island). We had our breakfast in their canteen and stroll around the island after. We were told that their mangroves is a "must see" especially those who love photography.
The resort includes snorkeling in their package and because of this, they have decided to add their newest so called "love boat" which will be used by the guests. This was made to accommodate large groups. Below is the photo of their love boat.
(Photo grabbed from http://magalawaislandresort.com/gallery/?fbalbum=10152360851711809)
Snorkeling is really not my thing but guess what? I enjoyed it! The view underwater just made me speechless. If you're lucky enough, you'll be able to see different fishes in the corals but please be careful as there are sea urchins too. I'm pretty sure that you will also enjoy this activity! If you are already satisfied with your underwater experience or if you are already hungry, you may ask the staff to bring you back to the resort. After our snorkeling experience, we had our lunch (food again! Love it!) then proceeded to appreciate the island before leaving. As per Ms. Grace Armada, you may enjoy the island until 6 o'clock in the evening. Isn't it great? For photos of Magalawa Island, kindly scroll down.
Though it hurts me and it made me sad but I needed to say goodbye to this lovely island. The boat of Armada Resort brought us back to Armada Compound. Outside the compound, there are tricycles waiting for passengers. Again, the fare is still Php 75.00/person. Another bumpy ride for how many minutes to finally reach the drop off point. We waited for a bus going to Iba, Zambales but was not lucky enough to find one so we rode an ordinary bus going to Olongapo. The fare costs Php 140.00/person. Our travel time was around 3-4 hours (I know! It's a looooooong trip). Upon reaching Victory Liner's station in Olongapo, we immediately bought a ticket going to Pasay which costs Php 218.00/person. While waiting, we decided to have our dinner. Don't worry, you have many options (e.g. Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, etc.). We travelled for another 3-4 hours and arrived in Pasay at exactly 12 midnight. Though I had a long trip, I must say that I also had the best experience in Armada Resort. See for yourself to appreciate the place and be ready to be amazed.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly getaway, this is the place to go! See the breakdown of expenses below for you to have an idea.
Breakdown of expenses: (Armada Resort)
Fare:
-
Manila
to Zambales =
PHP 391.00
-
Tricycle (drop off point to Armada Compound) = PHP 75.00
-
Tricycle
(Armada Compound to drop off
point) = PHP 75.00
-
Bus
to Olongapo = PHP 140.00
-
Olongapo
to Pasay = PHP 218.00
2D/1N
Package = PHP 2500.00
(accommodation
+ 4 meals + boat fare + snorkeling gears)
Extra breakfast meal = PHP 150.00
__________________________
TOTAL: = PHP 3549.00
Thank you to Ms. Grace Armada and to the people/staff of the resort. I will surely visit Magalawa Island again and will definitely refer this to my friends. For those who are interested, you may reach them through their contact number. Just look for Ms. Grace Armada (0920-948-3303). Furthermore, you may visit their website for other info.:
http://magalawaislandresort.com/
