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It's More Fun in the Philippines: Boracay! Day 1

Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Category : , , 0






     We went to Boracay almost a year ago, i.e., December 2011.  It was my first time going there, and most of my companions were first-timers, too.  Well, I wanted to touch the famed fine, white sand and to see what the fuss is about Boracay.

     So, from Manila, we all boarded a Cebu Pacific plane.  However, since we were a big group (around 15), we were in 2 different flights: the super early one and the afternoon one.

     It was my first time, too, to board a plane smaller than the regular airbus, so I was kinda scared.  I asked if I could be seated in front and my request was granted.  I got seat 1, on the first row, but it was a seat facing all the other passengers!  So, I felt like a flight attendant.  It was an odd experience but a memorable one.  

     Anyway, we arrived in Caticlan where we found our transfer service awaiting for us.  So while the rest of our co-passengers scurried to get tricycles to the jetty port, we got a much better service in an air-conditioned van courtesy of The Sands Hotel.  Yay!   Moreover, when we got to the port, The Sands' own boat picked us up.  Double yay!  It was so, so convenient, specially that we didn't need to carry our bags (I had a very heavy overnight bag).

 Jetty Port


Transfer Service


     Well, we finally reached Boracay and it proved to be what I imagined it to be: fun and full of people.  However, since I'm one of those weird people who seeks tranquility while on the beach, I find Boracay crowded.  Good thing we were booked at The Sands in Station 3 where there were fewer people, away from the unbearably crowded Station 2.

The sand in Boracay are powdery white, but not in this photo!
The setting sun made the sand look beige. 


     Indeed, the sand was powdery white, but not all Stations have the same texture of sand.  Station 3 has the coarsest and it gets finer the farther you go along the beach towards Station 1.  However, I observed the sand is less smelly in Station 3 than in the other 2 Stations for some unknown reasons. And really, the liveliest and most crowded place is definitely Station 2.

     However, when we arrived in Boracay, most people were out boating, riding the paraw, taking refuge from the midday sun or sleeping in.  So Boracay was relatively serene mid-afternoon, even in Station 2.



Starting 5pm, the crowd got thicker, and by sunset, Station 2 became a party destination.  As for me, I just relished the sunset and went back to the hotel to rest, refresh myself and get ready for dinner.






   



     
   

It's More Fun in the Philippines: Bataan - Day 1 at the Westnuk Beach Cove

Wednesday, June 13, 2012 Category : , , , , , 0


Westnuk Beach Cove on a stormy afternoon.



     Our accommodations at the NPC Village includes a free day pass to the Westnuk Beach Cove.  It is located inside the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in Morong.  Before, you cannot go to the Westnuk Beach unless you know someone from the National Power Corporation who could accommodate you as a guest.  But not anymore!  It is now open to the public, but for a minimal fee.  If I'm not mistaken, entrance for day-trippers is around Php 130.00 per person, more or less, with discount for government employees..

     Now that it is accessible to the general public, the secret of its beauty is now out!  And it says so in its website:

Hidden away in the heart of Morong, Bataan, Westnuk Beach Resort is the perfect getaway for weary travelers looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our resort is only a two and a half hour drive from Manila. Getting there is an experience in itself as the roads you travel are filled with scenic views of where the mountains and the sea meet.
Even in its simplicity, Westnuk Beach Resort features comfortable accommodations with scenic ocean views. We cater to friends, families, and even companies seeking to have fun under the sun. For larger groups and company outings we can accommodate over five hundred people at our hotel at NPC Resort Village, a twenty minute ride via our shuttle service. That’s two venues to experience in one convenient package.
Be surrounded by nature unspoiled by man. When you’re not swimming, facilities for basketball, beach volleyball and karaoke are available for you to enjoy. Come and enjoy one of the Philippines most beautiful and unspoiled beaches for a holiday you’ll never forget.

     You know what?  NPC got it right.  The roads of Bataan to Westnuk do offer scenic views and are well-maintained; no traffic, too.  And the one from NPC Village to Westnuk Beach showcases rows of fields and clean creeks or streams.  It's very calming.

     It is a treat to go inside the BNPP and to see the Plant itself.  And then, you'll see the cove and it looks amazing.  However, since there was a storm when we were there, we didn't thoroughly enjoy the beach.   At first, the weather seemed fine: the sky was overcast, but no rain.  Thus, we were able to wade in the water but not for long.  Well, the winds started to get crazy and it affected the waves.  Good thing it was a cove so the waves were not intimidating.  Then, the skies suddenly grew darker and darker.  And it started to rain hard.



No rain yet.

But the waves came in succession,turning sea water to foam/bubble.



Heavy rain started to pour, and the waves got a little bigger.


See the rocks in the background shrouded by the rain.


     The Westnuk Beach also offers overnight accommodations, but it is almost always full.  Their ocean-view two-storey guest pavillion has four air-conditioned rooms and three regular rooms able to accommodate a total of forty-two guests.   If you can't get a reservation at the beach, the NPC Village and the NPC Hotel, 15-20 minutes away by car, are the alternatives.



It's More Fun in the Philippines - Blog Series

Monday, April 30, 2012 Category : , , , , 0


Cagsawa Ruins and Mt. Mayon, Bicol



     Although I have reservations about the Philippines' tourism slogan, I can do nothing about it.  Might as well find something useful about it.  So, I've entitled my Philippine travel adventure series, "It's More Fun in the Philippines."  

     Lately, I've been going around the country one tourist destination at a time.  I'll start blogging my adventures after wrapping up my Hong Kong and Macau adventures, but here's a sneak peek:


West Nuk Beach, Bataan


Boracay, Aklan


Caramoan, Camarines Sur


Pico de Loro, Nasugbu, Batangas


Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, Batangas

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