ROOM RATES: Badjao Inn - Puerto Princesa, Palawan

ROOM RATES AS OF APRIL, 2015:

Badjao Inn, Puerto Princesa - Room Rates

Deluxe Room - aircon, TV, mini-ref, hot & cold shower
P1,125 - Single
P1,235 - Double
P1,485 - Triple

Standard Room - aircon, TV, hot & cold shower
P995 - Single
P1,105 - Double
P1,355 - Triple

Fan Room - fan and private bath
P465 - Single
P575 - Double
P825 - Tripe

*Maximim 3 persons per room
**Additional person/extra bed - P250
***Free airport transfer Monday - Saturday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM




CONTACT INFORMATION:
+63 48 4332761
+63 998 9834408
badjao_inn@yahoo.com

ADDRESS: 350 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City


ACTUAL ROOM PHOTOS:

Old and beaten up, but unfailingly reliable. Badjao Inn is where I always stay when in Puerto and in need of a place to stay the night - usually at the start or end of a trip where an overnight stay in the city is required. The location is perfect - smack in the center of Rizal Avenue, you can walk to the airport in about 10mins or downtown in the opposite direction in just the same time. It's just around the corner from the provincial capitol, walking distance to Kalui and other topnotch dining establishments, bank with ATMs, a drugstore and laundromat is across the place, and NCCC shopping center is quite close by.

Biggest problem is that it's next door to Kinabuch - if you book a fan room, you'll be plagued with rowdy music the whole night. But I've always been too tired to care. The aircon rooms will not be a problem as it's in the rear of the property with new rooms.

The Gazebo is also quite a delight, inside by the central courtyard, quite a peaceful spot of greenery away from the noise and revelry from Rizal Avenue.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS A STOPOVER POINT.

Badjao Inn, Puerto Princesa - Room Photos - Fan Room

Badjao Inn, Puerto Princesa - Room Photos - Fan Room

Badjao Inn, Puerto Princesa - Room Photos - Fan Room

Badjao Inn, Puerto Princesa - Courtyard Gazebo Cafe

Badjao Inn, Puerto Princesa - Courtyard Gazebo Cafe

Badjao Inn, Puerto Princesa - Facade

ROOM RATES: Hotel Alejandro - Tacloban, Leyte

ROOM RATES AS OF NOVEMBER, 2014:

P1,700 Standard Double
P1,900 Superior Double
P2,400 Deluxe Room
P2,600 Superior Deluxe
P2,800 Bridal Room
P3,000 Executive Room

P500 for extra bed

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Phone: +63 53 3217033
Phone: +63 53 3217510
Phone: +63 53 3217509
Phone: +63 53 3217873
Fax: +63 53 5237872
Email: hotelalejandro360@gmail.com

Hotel Alejandro Tacloban Rates

Hotel Alejandro Tacloban Contact Information

ROOM RATES: Rosvenil Hotel - Tacloban, Leyte

RATES AS OF NOVEMBER, 2014:

Rosvenil Hotel Tacloban Rates

Rosvenil Hotel Tacloban - Lovely Facade

Standard Rooms
P1,280 - Single Bed
P1,480 - Matrimonial Bed
P1,680 - Two Single Beds

Deluxe Rooms - with complimentary breakfast
P2,080 - Matrimonial Bed
P2,480 - Two Single Beds
P2,880 - Family (Matrimonial & Single Bed)
P3,780 - Suite (Matrimonial + Sofa Bed)
*Extra Bed P400

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mobile: +63 939 9248973
Mobile: +63 917 8304757

Phone: +63 53 3212676-77
Phone: +63 53 3216009
Phone: +63 53 8320577

Address: 302 Burgos Street, Tacloban City

Rosvenil Hotel Tacloban - Front Garden

ROOM RATES: Banaue Hotel - Banaue, Ifugao

RATES AS OF JANUARY, 2015:

Banaue Hotel, Ifugao Room Rates

P2,300 Standard (Single/Twin)
P3,000 Deluxe (Single/Twin)
P7,000 Suite
Extra Bed: P650

*All rates inclusive of breakfast


CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mobile: +63 908 4007596
Mobile: +63 927 5702355
Email: pta_banauehotel@yahoo.com
Email: tieza.banauehotel@yahoo.com

ROOM RATES / REVIEW: Ocean 101 Beach Resort - Cloud 9, Siargao

RATES AS OF NOVEMBER, 2014:

Ocean 101 Resort Cloud 9 Siargao Contact Infomration

Ocean 101 Resort Cloud 9 Siargao Room Rates

P9,000 Villa Natali (Executive Suite)
Panoramic view of the sea.
AC room with satellite TV, sound system, jacuzzi and  big stylish lounge.
Up to 4 people.

P2,500 Honeymoon Cottage
Panoramic view of the sea.
AC room with satellite TV, with hot/cold shower.
Up to 2 people.

P4,000 Family Room
Air-conditioned room with hot/cold shower.
Up to 6 people.
Extra person charge of P500.

P2,000 Watefront Room
Air-conditioned room with hot/cold shower.
Up to 2 people
Extra person charge of P900

P1,300 Watefront Room
Fan-cooled room with hot/cold shower.
Up to 2 people
Extra person charge of P600

P1,400 Surfer Favorite Room
Air-conditioned room with hot/cold shower.
Up to 2 people
Extra person charge of P700

P750 Surfer Favorite Room
Fan-cooled room with hot/cold shower.
Up to 2 people
Extra person charge of P350

Upstairs Fan-cooled Room
- Beach front P600
- Two single bed P600
- Back side P500

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mobile: +63 919 8268837
Mobile: +63 910 8480893
Mobile: +63 927 9193101
Email: michael@ocean101cloud9.com
Contact Person: Peloy Alipayo

*Credit cards accepted
**Online payment via PayPal also available

ACTUAL ROOM PHOTOS:

I booked the Upstairs Fan-cooled Room, which was a measly P500/night. It's located above the restaurant / dining hall - which is the oldest / original structure of the resort. The stairs and the floors were made of wood, they get squeaky at night. Noise was not an issue despite the location, the shared shower/toilet was a bigger concern as there was only 1 set to share for everyone who booked an Upstairs Fan Cooled Room (about eight rooms I believe). There's a balcony by the front-end where guests can hang their clothes to dry, and it has a good view of the sea and the resort grounds from there too.

My room consisted of a double bed, windows facing the newer structure holding the fancy air-conditioned rooms, there was a small side-table, a ceiling fan, and a closet. Towels are not provided.

Ocean 101 Cloud 9 Siargao - Fan Room

Ocean 101 Cloud 9 Siargao - Fan Room

Ocean 101 Cloud 9 Siargao - View from 2/F Balcony

Ocean 101 Cloud 9 Siargao Corridor to Balcony

Pawikan (Sea Turtle) Conservation Tour

All species of pawikan (sea turtle) are considered endangered, and a huge responsibility for conservation rests on our shoulders since our shores are a favorite nesting ground. The amazing thing about sea turtles is that females always go back to lay eggs in the same beach where they were born - they know exactly where it is 25years later!

The Pawikan Conservation Center located in Morong, Bataan is run by locals who work purely as volunteers - and they actually used to be poachers. Realizing the need for conservation, they organized themselves into an association and they have been running the center for 12 years now. Every single night they patrol the shore, move eggs to the protected area and release the baby turtles. They've released over 52,000 hatchlings so far! With an estimate of only 1% of hatchlings making it into adulthood, they know that every single egg will make a difference. 

I hope my turtle comes swimming back to the shores of Morong after 25 years to lay her own batch of 100 turtle eggs!! :-) 

We also had time for a sidetrip to the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) up in Mount Samat, Pilar Bataan. This serves as a memorial for the brave American and Filipino soldiers in the Battle of Marlon Bataan, survivors of whom were later led on the the Bataan Death March. The shrine is a moving reminder of the horrors of war and the gallantry of people who fought in it. 

I joined this awesome tour organized by Route +63 Sustainable Travels Inc. Check their website for other upcoming trips! :-) www.route63travels.com

Entrance to the Center. They have several dorm rooms and private rooms available for overnight stays, or one can opt to pitch a tent in their camping grounds. Not to worry - clean public showers are available.

 Chairperson of the center giving a very educational talk about sea turtles - their habitat, mating habits, conservation issues, and a history of the volunteer work that they've been doing here.

The hatchling area, where nests uncovered from the beach are moved for protection. Each nest can contain 100-200 eggs, and will take almost 2 months for full incubation. Turtles dig their way up and out of the sand once they hatch. 

We were lucky to witness hatchlings digging their way out of the sand and into the world! They're still covered in sand, as one can see. Look at their opal-like eyes... kinda creepy. Hehehe 

This is our group under Route +63 Sustainable Travels Inc.! As part of the package, they took care of the transportation from Manila t Balanga, Bataan via bus, transfers to Morong and back, 4 meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast and lunch on Day 2), accommodation at the center, and the sidetrip to Dambana ng Kagitingan.

My sea turtle! We woke up early the 2nd day - 6:00am to be exact - to take part in releasing the hatchlings into the sea. We watched them scamer on the sand and find their way into the water, with the waves finally eating them up. Pretty cool too when they start swimming with nothing but their tiny heads jutting out of the water

The Pawikan Consevation Center's beachfront during sunset, with kids playing around.

View of the Pawikan Conservation Center from the beach

ROOM REVIEW: Rosanna's Cottages, El Nido Palawan Philippines

Rosanna’s Cottages was ranked as the top budget pick in El Nido by Lonely Planet, and had praises all over the internet. That made it one of our top picks, so we went around and checked other places first, and ended up deciding that Rosanna’s was going to be our home for the next days to. We got their deluxe room on the 2^nd floor, with a private balcony overlooking the beach and Cadlao Island.

Location – it’s a little off center, nearer to the edge of the road leading to the highway than it is to the center of town. El Nido’s a small town though, everything’s within a 5minute walk. It’s in a less crowded hence more quiet part of the beach. From the street, it’s right across Balay Tubay – one of my personal favorite hangout places in town. The location is excellent, if you ask me.

Facilities – the reception area (a counter by the main gate) has some maps and books. The staff can happily arrange tours for you too. Best thing about the location is that they have a beachfront, with a gate opening right on to the beach. The room itself has a large dresser, electric fan and a table with a couple of chairs. Another set of chairs are available out on the balcony too.

Bed – We had 2 beds – a queen size and a single. The beds were really so-so, it was a little lumpy, but the sheets were clean and the pillows were ok enough. Again, this isn’t a deluxe hotel - don’t expect goose down pillows and heavenly mattresses. No need for a mosquito net here for the bed, the entire room has screens guarding the doors and windows, keeping the notorious mosquitoes of Palawan away.

Toilet  & Bath – it’s a sparse comfort room, with your basic shower, toilet and a sink. Again nothing fancy here (no bathtub, if you’re wondering). The water pressure in EL Nido is adequate, I wouldn’t say strong. There was one brief moment when water disappeared while I was in the shower, but it went back on a full force after a couple minutes.

Budget – we paid P900/night for the deluxe room – now that’s a little steep for El Nido, where you can find places for less than P200 a night. But for the comfort, peaceful atmosphere, to die for view and that island getaway vibe – I think this is a price you can’t beat.

Overall, I highly recommend the place. The location is perfect if you want to rest and get away from the busy crowds. For breakfast we order from Balay Tubay and have it served by the balcony. The best part really is that balcony opening out to a majestic view of the beach, the sea and Cadlao Island – it’s just your picture perfect El Nido escape.

Contact Information:

0920-6054631 / 0929-7063647

Rosannascottages_elnido@yahoo.com

http://rosannas.multiply.com

*please note that the numbers listed for Rosanna's in Lonely Planet and the Jens Peters guide are incorrect

Bay's Inn Baler Rates

This is the published rate card of Bay's Inn, Baler Philippines (as of October, 2010).
Please contact them directly for reservations and to get updated prices.

Here are their contact details:
Mobile - (+63)9189266697
Email - plasb_43@yaoo.com

Port Barton, Palawan Philippines

The moment I got off the jeep in Port Barton, things started to take a slow turn all around. Must be the way things are, in this small beach town locked between mountains and the sea. This, where the 21st century world is separated by 21km / 60minutes & 100pesos, where electricity is a luxury open only from 6pm-12mn, where nature's awesome presence greets you everywhere you turn your gaze. This is Port Baron, where your system clocks down, without a choice thankfully - perfect conditions to relax, recharge and steep in the island life.




How I Got There

• From the Roxas transport terminal, I took the jeep (it had a big "Lion King" sign)
• From Roxas, it left the terminal at 11am (no fixed sked I heard, but around this time)
• The fee was P100 per way
• The trip was a little over an hour, through a mostly unpaved & beaten road

Where I Stayed

• Elsa's Beach Resort - a little south of center, large grounds dotted with hammocks under tall tree shades, & a wide elevated resto with sweeping sea views
• Paid off peak rate of P500/night for a double bed cottage with own Toilet & Bath
• The cottage had a small porch, a pretty mosquito net swooping down from the ceiling, and the cobblestone walls in the room added a nice flare
• They have cheaper rooms with common toilet & bath, just P300/night
• Elsa's price point more expensive than the average, but well worth the extra cost

Where I Wined & Dined

• Jambalaya: I had the fish fillet steak with jambalaya, and it was fresh, thick & juicy. They serve imported brewed coffee, have ice-cold beer all day (no electricity is not an excuse!), and maintain a book exchange. The place is oozing with character - with the funny and unashamed signs, and the owners who make sure you will want to come back. Spent P280
• Summer Homes: I stopped over for coffee, where they have a generous serving of an entire 500ml press. If you want your coffee strong, ask them not to fill up with water. Spent P90
• Bamboo House: I had breakfast of thick pancakes, served with fresh honey, a side order of bacon strips and brewed coffee. They also have a souvenir shop with shirts, bags and local decor. Spent about P140 for breakfast
• Ysobelle's (now known as Deep Gold resort): had dinner with friends from El Nido, where we ordered some pizza, pasta, fish and a siding of aubergines. I was surprised with the variety of dishes in their menu, they must have a well stocked kitchen. Spent less than P300 each.

Top Things to Do

• I personally didn't do anything much, just lazed around in the beach, had coffee, read my book, walked around. I just wanted time to wind down. Port Barton is perfect for this :-p
• Pamuayan Falls: we tried to look for it without a guide, and it was a total failure! It's supposed to be an hour's hike from the beach, but the path is difficult to navigate with lack of signs and multiple forks along the way. You must get a guide!
• Island Hopping & Snorkeling: it's possible to do this, but operations not as efficient as in El Nido. You have to contract with one of the local fishermen, and they can arrange a tour for you.

How I Got Away

• I took the 8am jeep back to Roxas for the same price of P100
• From Roxas, it's easy to get a bus/jeep/shuttle whether you are heading back to Puerto, South to Sabang, or up north to El Nido or Taytay.
• There is a jeep from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa, it leaves 9am

El Nido, Palawan Philippines

El Nido is one of those fabled dream destinations, and contrary to popular perception it can be a more affordable beach destination than your usual trips to Puerto Galera or Boracay. Just be prepared to rough it up a bit with the long and bumpy roads, lack of 24-hour electricity and absence of modern day conveniences like ATMs and fast-food outlets. All the better actually if you ask me, since these are the exact ingredients for a one-of-a-kind experience with one of the most breathtaking places in the country.







How to get to El Nido

The convenient, fast and expensive option is to take a direct flight from Manila through Island Transvoyager Inc. Guests staying in the upscale El Nido Resorts usually take this flight.

The affordable and relatively east method is to take to land trip from Puerto Princesa City (from Manila, you can fly Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines or AirphilExpress or Zest Air). Just head over to the New San Jose Terminal about 5km from the city center. Once in the terminal you have 2 main options:

1. Van: Fort Wally Shuttle Service

• Vans leave daily, starting at 6am-7am. They keep going, as long as there are passengers.
• Travel time is between 5-6 hours
• Cost is P700 per way, with a discount if you book your return trip as well
• The vans are new, fast with good air-conditioning. Expect cramped conditions though
• Call Evelyn at 0917-2762875

2. Bus: Win Eulen Joy Liner

• There are 3 trips daily starting at 6am and leaving every hour thereafter
• Travel time is between 7-8 hours
• Cost is P350 per way
• These are not air-conditioned buses
• Call 0926-6998700

Places to Stay in El Nido

Countless lodges, transient inns, hostels and cottages line the main roads of Hama and Serena streets. It's pretty easy to walk around town to check a few places first hand before picking your preferred place to stay. Unless you have a specific place or room in mind that comes highly recommended, a reservation is not necessary. Here are some options:

1. Rosanna's Cottages - stayed at Room #5 for three nights in September, 2010. It's located at the east end, on the more quiet side of the beach. The room has a private toilet & bath, a double and a single bed, with a roomy balcony opening up to a perfect view of the sea with Cadlao Island looming over it. All windows and doors have screens to keep the mosquitoes away.

• Price: P900 / night for room #5 (low season rate). They have other rooms that go for P600/night
• Phone: 0920-6054631 / 0929-7063647 (Lonely Planet & Jens Peters have the wrong numbers)
• Email: rosannascottages_elnido@yahoo.com
• Website: http://rosannas.multiply.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

2. Chizlyk Cottages - another beachfront property on Hama St. right beside Rosanna's

• Price: P600/night with private toilet & bath
• Phone: 0929-5408321 / 0919-8799333
• Email: ana.bacsa@yahoo.com

3. Og's Pensione - with a popular restaurant, smack in the middle of the beach. One of the places with air-conditioning in their rooms

• Price: P1,200 for air-conditioned rooms, P800 for fan room with private toilet & bath, P500 for a fan room with common toilet & bath
• Mobile: 0920-4040223 / 0916-7070393
• Email: ogspensionne@yahoo.com

Places to Eat in El Nido
1. El Nido Art Cafe - wide selection of Western, Asian and Filipino cuisine. Extensive wine collection and they also have a book exchange. This is one of the landmarks of El Nido, with the boutique/shopping are downstairs and the restaurant occupying the second floor. A live band performs as well, playing reggae, alternative and Filipino favorites. Main courses start at P180.

2. Balay Tubay - located on Hama St. just behind Chizlyk Cottages - transplanted here from the house's original location in Sibaltan, where it was said to be a secret meeting place for guerillas during WWII. Interiors are pretty cool, featuring pieces from artist friends. They serve excellent Nido Soup (a must try in EL Nido of course!), and their home-made bread is one of the best I've had in my life. A live band plays on some night s as well. Main courses start at P180.

3. Og's Pensionne Restaurant - one of the more affordable beach front options, with their complete budget meals (comes with soup, 2 main courses and a fruit platter). They have tables on the beach set out at night, and they have happy hour 5pm - 7pm where you can get beer for P50 only.

4. Pukka - this is a reggae bar, where the servers imbibe the attitude with their dreadlocks and slow swaying to Bob Marley, Soja and Sublime. Sanwiches and shakes are good, and they also sell some customized souvenirs and fashion accessories like sling bags, necklaces, and scarves.

5. Sea Slugs - one of the more popular dining places in EL Nido, with the wooden interiors, live band playing some slow music and at night tables stretch all out to the sea (you can dine with the waves touching your toes, during jam-packed nights). It's a pretty setup, with the candles lighting up the tables on the beach at night.


Things to Do in El Nido

1. Island Hopping - the island hopping tours in EL Nido are very organized and have been grouped together for convenience - there are standard offers named Tour A, Tour B, Tour C and Tour D. Whoever you talk to - the boatman, the cottage manager, the tour operators - they all refer to the same stops per tour. Each tour has its own highlight and main attraction, lasts the whole day from 9AM - 5PM and usually includes a picnic lunch. You also have to pay for the exo-tourism fee which is P200/pax valid for 10days - this is your entrance pass to all island hopping stops.

• Tour A (P500/pax) - Big and Small Lagoon, Miniloc Island, Simisu Island, 7 commandos beach and a lot of snorkeling!
• Tour B (P600/pax) - Caves and beaches, Snake Island, Lagen Island, Malapacao island
• Tour C (P700/pax) - Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, more snorkeling, Matinloc Shrine, Tapuitan Island and Helicopter Island.
• There is a Tour D, I'm not entirely sure of the itinerary and cost. Just ask your guides :-)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

2. Kayaking - you can rent a kayak for P700 for half a day from the Artcafe. You can just kayak and explore the nearby island, and find your quiet secret spot in the Bacuit Archipelago.

3. Diving - Sea Dog Divers is run by Barrie, a very helpful and enthusiastic Englishman who has been living in EL Nido the past 8 years. They offer everything from introductory courses for first-time divers to open water diving trips for advanced divers.

• Phone: 0916-7776917
• Email: barringtonwhitely@gmail.com
• Website: http://www.seadogdivingpalawan.com

There are a host of other things to do in El Nido - you can rent a motorbike to go around and explore the surrounding towns/beaches, there are treks and cliff climbing tours available, you can have yourself dropped-off in one os the island-beaches for quiet time to read a book, do yoga or just sleep on the beach. Just go around town and ask the very friendly and helpful townsfolk.


Useful Links on El Nido:
1. El Nido Boutique and Artcafe - considered as the main tourist center for many, they offer tour packages, currency exchange, credit card withdrawals, hotel recommendations, and everything else you need to know about El Nido.

2. Lonely Planet Palawan Guide - instead of lugging around your thick and heavy Lonely Planet Philippines guide which I'm sure takes up a lot of prime real estate in your backpack, I suggest just buying a pdf copy of the Palawan chapter and having it printed back-to-back, 2 pages per sheet. Or better yet, save it on your smartphone, iPod or e-PDF reader. Now that's a compact guide. It's just about USD5.00

3. El Nido Tourism Office - for the latest news about travelling to El Nido. They also have a directory of accommodations. restaurants, and guids to other activities