Green Canyon Eco Art Resort

There are few blog post on this newest resort in Clark. According to When In Manila this is the first Eco Art Resort in the Philippines. So, what is an Eco Art? An eco - friendly resort that turns nature into art without destroying or harming it. Most of its furniture in the main lobby is handcrafted by different artists.

I will give you a list on why to choose Green Canyon Eco Art Resort as your next staycation:

1. It is a new resort, means all things are new, bright and clean.

2. It is not congested and have a large space for different kinds of activities e.g. Playground, Biking lane, picnic, swimming, photo ops, yoga etc.

3. They have 2 large swimming pools (one is a regular pool with sauna while the other is a wave pool)

Wave Pool

Regular Pool

4. For mountain lovers, they offer free guide going to the summit just at the back of the resort.

At the summit

Early morning hike.

View from top, overlooking Clark Special Economic Zone

Mountain Lovers

5. The landscape of the whole resort is very pleasing to the eyes. You will not see any buildings around, instead, lush green mountains and trees will greet you. They also have a hanging bridge which is perfect for picture taking.

See! No buildings or any infrastructures.

Very pleasing to my eyes

6. They have free bikes which you can use and go to places inside the resort.

Haha. It was really fun to ride a bike and go down rushing in this slope.

7. For those who loves arts and crafts, they have free sessions you just have to ask the reception.

Reception and a cute boy playing

8. Their lobby is so awesome! I enjoyed it, very spacious and it looks like an art gallery and every item is for sale. I heard these furniture were showcased during the recent APEC Summit.

Things to consider when having your weekend stay.

1. During midday, the scourching hot will limit you from doing things. Don't worry, you still have plenty of time in the afternoon and early morning.


2. They have corkage fee, bringing food is not allowed though I saw some guests bringing in food.

3. You should bring your own car, there are no public transportation in the area, as this is 30 minutes away from Clark. Don't worry they have a room for your drivers.

4.  The food at the Palette is not that delicious besides from super slooooow service and small serving. Nevertheless, the interiors are still great for photo ops. :(

5. They close the wave pool at 6pm but the other pool is open until 10pm.

Night shot

6. The signal is poor but they have wifi!

7. Bring extra money, the time we went there they are not accepting credit card.


How to get there?

This resort is only accessible to private cars but they arrange a pick up transport for you. It will take you about 2 - 3 hours drive from Manila to reach this place.

You can visit their site for more details:

For inquiries, bookings, & reservations

Email:  stay@greencanyon.com.ph     info@greencanyon.com.ph

Landline:   +63 45 499 4800 / +63 2 584 4121

Mobile:  +63 998 963 4332 / +63 998 963 4331

Fax:  +63 45 499 4859

For weddings, celebrations, & corporate events

Email at:  events@greencanyon.com.ph

+63 998 963 7692 / +63 998 963 4328

VERDICT OF TARA GUMALA:
Green Canyon Eco Art Resort is expensive but worth visiting if you are into artsy fartsy kinda thing and enjoys nature. If you want a weekend getaway and have a money to spare, then you must visit this place. It would be best if you bring your own car as the other attractions like Clark Freeport, Zoocobia and the likes are only accessible with private cars. 

Ano, TARA GUMALA??

CIAO.

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GABRIELA

Travel Guide to Bantayan Island, Cebu

Last November 2013, typhoon Yolanda struck the Philippine Archiepelago and left devastating aftermath in most parts of Visayas. One of the most hard hit by the said typhoon was Bantayan and Malapascua. At first, I was hesitant if I should go to the Northern part or Southern part of Cebu but my eagerness to see how the northern part rise after the devastating typhoon motivated me to visit the place.

If you are planning on your first backpack trip, I highly suggest that you visit Bantayan and Malapascua. It is a very tourist friendly and your craving for island paradise will be satisfied! 

How to get there:

From Cebu City:

You must ride a bus or van from Cebu North Bus Terminal going to Hagnaya Port or if you are lucky ride a bus that goes straight to Sta. Fe. There is an hourly trip from Cebu to Hagnaya Port from 4:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. 

From Hagnaya Port hop on RoRo going to Sta. Fe and from there, you may opt to ride a habal habal or walk!

From Malapascua Island: (This was my route)

Hiring a pump boat is definitely a NO-NO for a solo backpacker like me. Don't worry, traveling from Malapascua Island to Bantayan Island is like a piece of cake. 

1. Ride a passenger boat from Malapascua Island going to Maya Port (40 Php)

2. Wait for a bus that is bound for Cebu and ask the driver to drop you off at Hagnaya (70 Php)

3. Take a public tricycle from highway to Hagnaya Port (25 Php)

4. Ride a RoRo going to Sta. Fe Port. (147 Php - Student Rate)

Where to stay:

Bantayan is cheaper compared to Malapascua and there are lots of accommodation waiting for you to discover. Since I stayed here for 2 nights, I opted to try the cheapest accommodation and a high - end resort that is still under my budget. 

1. BANTAYAN COTTAGES

This nice place is very accessible! It is just few minutes away from port, market and it is along the national road, you could just wait outside for a jeep going to the town of Bantayan. 

I loved the simplicity of this because the staff are accommodating and I only paid 650 Php for an overnight a/c room with shower. Ooh, and you can cook your own food at their kitchen, for FREE.

I recommend that you stay in this place if you are on a tight budget but does not want to sacrifice comfort.  

  

2. KOTA BEACH RESORT

I read a lot of bad reviews about this place but I gave them the benefit of the doubt and they did not disappoint me. Kota Beach has the best beach front along Sta. Fe Beach, mainly because of its sandbar. Though, their staff are a bit arrogant, maybe they cannot speak fluent Tagalog. Nevertheless, the view is really amazing! I didn't try their food because it was expensive and the service is soooo slow.

The rooms are really nice, the accommodation can range from 900 - 5,000 Php per night. I stayed at a standard room which costs 1,400 per night. Fair enough, the room is air conditioned plus hot and cold shower. All their rooms are newly refurbished because it was damaged during the typhoon Yolanda but some rooms are still under renovation. 

 What to do in Bantayan:

1. Stroll around the long stretch of white sand beach of Sta. Fe!

2. Set up a hammock and drift all your worries away.

Met new friends through this hammock. Shoutout to my new hungarian friends who really enjoyed being in the hammock! :)

3. Bike your way to the places. It is eco -friendly and budget - friendly at the same time! :) Naka - tipid ka na, nakapag -burn ka pa ng fat.

4. Visit Ogtong Cave, Bantayan Town Proper and Kota Ruins via bike or motorcycle or jeep.

5. Try their KFC (Karlito's Fried Chicken) partnered with Puso!

6. Join a tour going to Virgin Island early in the morning. Shoutout to my new found friends from Cebu! :)

7. Party all night long at a local bar.

8. Watch Bantayan Sunrise!!!

TARA GUMALA TIPS:

• Rent a bike, it will save you a lot of time and money from going to places. Bantayan is very small but if time is of the essence, biking is the most convenient and cheapest way to explore the place. 
• Food are really cheap! You just have to explore the place. 
• Always talk to the locals, you will learn a lot from them and they can bring you to places in the cheapest way possible. 
• Hydrate. Bantayan heat will really penetrate in your skin!
• ENJOY!

Verdict of  Tara Gumala:

Bantayan Island is suitable to all ages. This is one of my favorite summer destinations. 

I will definitely come back and bring my friends.

I hope my post helped you, if you have any questions feel free to put it in the comment section!

ANO, TARA GUMALA?

Ciao.
--

GABRIELA.

Hof Gorei Beach Resort, Samal Island, Davao del Norte

A SECRET HIDEAWAY IN SAMAL ISLAND

Samal Island or also known as IGaCoS (Island Garden City of Samal) is a small island in Davao Gulf under the jurisdiction of Davao del Norte. It is nearby Davao City and been a hideaway for people who wants to escape their city lives. Only 10 - 45 minutes away from Davao depends on where you want to go. 

Hof Gorei Beach Resort is second to none accommodation in Samal Island, it may not be as prestigious as the Pearl Farm because it is privately owned by a Filipina whose husband is an Austrian. One of their unique features is that they assign personal butler in every room. In our case we had two butlers because I booked two rooms. 

I will give you a list on why to choose Hof Gorei Beach Resort as your next destination in Samal. 

1. They are easy to deal with, their reservation officer is very accommodating and ensured our boarding in their transfer (Yes, they provide free transfers from port to resort v.v.).

It was a large pump boat and we were the only guests that were transported

2. Your personal butlers are very attentive and will ensure that all your needs are given! Kudos for this and for preparing a romantic dinner for my family! (It was my parent's anniversary) We experienced a not usual dinner because of their set up.

Meet our personal butlers! Not just one, but TWO!

The Dinner with candlelight. Soooo romantic

3. Their food is surprisingly delicious and fresh. I loved their Puting Paksiw! :) 

4. The attic room is the best! Very spacious and has a nice view from lush green landscape to a relaxing view of the ocean overlooking Mt. Apo!  :) You should stay at this room as it provides tropical vibe to your vacation. Highly recommended but it is not advisable for oldies as it requires going upstairs.

5. It was like we rented the whole place, it was not crowded compared to Pearl Farm! You will surely enjoy the serenity of this place from white sand shore to lush green landscape to their swimming pool. It may not have activities but enjoying the nature is already time consuming! :)

6. Their jacuzzi on top was a surprise as well as the view on the way there.

7. You will feel closer to nature from white sand to different exotic trees to paradise view on our windows  to endangered birds in their vicinity.

For inquiries you may reach them thru the ff:

Address: Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines, 8120

Website: http://hofgorei-resortdavao.com

Contact No.: +63 922 864 6814 | +63 920 966 7564 | +63 917 711 3868

Ano, TARA GUMALA? 

CIAO.

--

GABRIELA

Punta Del Este | Muelle Bay, Puerto Galera

Weekend at Punta Del Este

Puerto Galera -  What comes into your mind when you hear that word? For me, white sand.party.crowded.congested but these were all changed when I got to visit the other side of Puerto Galera, the Muelle Bay. Muelle Bay is on the other side of Puerto Galera. 

Driveway in Punta Del Este

If you are more on relaxing and enjoying the serenity of a place, Punta Del Este is the perfect place for you to unwind from all the stress in working more than 40 hours a week and battling with traffic everyday . (HAHA. May pinanghuhugutan ako)   I was not expecting anything from that trip, I never believed in the advertisement of their website until I see it myself.

This view welcomed us! Accordingly this is the Varadero Bay.

Punta Del Este (the Point of East) is a 5 minute land travel from Muelle Port. Their Villas namely Sarimanok and Kasbah Remo are constructed and hidden in an abundant and mature garden planted with old trees and varied luxurious tropical vegetation. They are designed to offer the visitors a maximum of comfort in structures modest enough to respect an environment where Nature is at its best. If you want to book this lovely place just contact them.

Email: puntadeleste888@gmail.com

Tel: +63 998 552 1687

 

Sarimanok Villa has 2 rooms plus 2 detached rooms. Can occupy 10 guests.

View from the Dining Area of Sarimanok.

Dining area plus 2 butlers daily!

A small dining area outside

Since we have butlers, we opted to buy fresh seafood in the market since it compliments the stunning view that we have!

Overlooking the Varadero Bay

Take a plunge!

you can drink with your friends at the pool side

The other villa is Kasbah Remo, it is a smaller villa. It has 2 large rooms that can occupy 8 people. I do not know how much is the rent for this villa but I heard it is cheaper.

Interior of Kasbah Remo Villa

Add caption

Patio in Kasbah Remo, you can held cermonies here!

I like the view here compared to Sarimanok but latter ismore cozy than the former.

Beauty of being on the cliff.

Duyan Queen! HAHA.

That was my experience in Punta Del Este. It was indeed a Bakasyon Grande!!!I give them 2 thumbs up for this lovely place and including butlers in the accommodation. I understand that they do not have AC because the ocean breeze is more relaxing than an air conditioned.

If you've been there, share me your experience. If not, TARA GUMALA! I want to go back in Puerto Galera to explore and appreciate more her beauty.

CIAO.
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GABRIELA