We are spending our 4th Anniversary as a couple in this Harry Potter themed condominium unit in Tagaytay! What to Expect:
– Hogwarts Express (Kitchen)
– Three Broomsticks (Dining)
– Platform 9 3/4 (wall)
– Portal to Ministry of Magic (toilet!)
– Hogwarts bedroom
– May pa-Hogwarts Student Robe pa! Pili ka na lang kung san ka, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw 😊😄
– Meron din mga Funko Pop displays ng favorite characters natin!
– Netflix available din!
– Wifi is also good! Harry Potter Staycation
Ang laki ng room, pwede hanggang 6 (as far as I know).
WHAT’S INCLUDED and EXPECTED?
TV – select “SMART TV” to turn on Netflix and other applications
Tv Plus – Make sure this is plugged in and turned on, select AV OUTPUT and browse channels.
Fridge – is already turned on Harry Potter Staycation
The Sky Suites PH units are carefully planned, designed and constructed with utmost attention to detail. From materials to merchandise, everything inside our themed suites is custom-made and built with passion and care.
There is a swimming pool on the ground floor, open for guests from 6am to 10pm – proper swim wear is of course required. The pool is closed during Mondays and Thursdays for cleaning and maintenance.
There is a roof deck on the 24F of Tagaytay Prime Residences that will offer you a panoramic view of Taal Lake.
Points of Interest:
7-11 on the ground floor of the building
2 Cafes on the ground floor of the building and within walking distance (open 24 hours)
Ayala Malls Serin
Walter Mart
Filinvest Fora Mall ( Metro Supermarket open 24/7)
Fast Food Restaurants:
McDonalds
KFC
Henlin
Mang Inasal Harry Potter Staycation
Jollibee
Travel Spots
Sky Ranch ( 4km – approximately 5 minutes by car)
Paradizoo ( 5km – approximately 10 minutes by car)
Picnic Grove ( 6km – approximately 6 minutes by car)
People’s Park in the Sky ( 7km – approximately 10 minutes by car)
How much? 3500/night lang (ung nakuha namin kasi 2pax lang).
How to Book you Harry Potter Staycation via SkySuites PH?
1. Register first thru our link: bit.ly/AIRBNBJERNYD to get discount (as much as 2,200 PHP) on your first booking!
2. Click this link: https://abnb.me/k2Z8b7S3pY
3. Select your dates, number of pax, and Pay.
4. Wait for confirmation of reservation. Harry Potter Staycation
Getting There Once You Are Already Booked:
Information from Airbnb unit:
From Tagaytay rotunda, there are two ways to get to Tagaytay Prime Residences. You can walk down Tagaytay-Calamba road for about 4 minutes as it is just 300 meters from the rotunda. If you’re coming from Emilio Aguinaldo highway, you can walk or take a tricycle from Olivarez Plaza to Tagaytay Prime Residences as it is also a short distance of 400 meters from there.
Below are the bus details. Harry Potter Staycation
Buses to Tagaytay: Route and Bus Fare
ALL buses to Tagaytay now stop at Uniwide Coastal Mall (MMDA Southwest Integrated Bus Terminal)
Bus Fare to Tagaytay Rotonda from Uniwide Coastal Mall (MMDA Southwest Integrated Bus Terminal): around PhP80.00. Travel time is around one hour and thirty minutes ( maybe closer to Php 200 or less per way)
JAM Transit has trips to Tagaytay, Balayan, Batangas, Lemery. Jam Transit terminal is at Taft Avenue corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue accessible from LRT Buendia station. Fare: PhP83.00 ( maybe closer to Php 200 or less per way)
Crow Transit, Erjohn & Almark and Genesis have bus terminals at the corner Taft Ave & EDSA, behind Sogo Hotel and McDonalds, right below MRT Taft Avenue station and walking distance from LRT EDSA station. They have buses to Nasugbu/Calatagan/Balayan in Batangas or Alfonso, Cavite in regular schedules.
DLTB (Del Monte Land Transport Company) with bus terminal on EDSA, Malibay, Pasay City has buses every 15 minutes to Nasugbu, Balayan, or Calatagan Batangas that pass by Tagaytay. Bus Fare to Tagaytay: PhP83.00 (Baclaran to Tagaytay bus fare: PhP80.00) approximately ( maybe closer to Php 200 or less per way)
These commuting instructions are a guide only, and may change at any time without prior notice. Sky Suites PH is not liable for the accuracy of the information.
Everybody loves freebies and discounts, especially on shopping, and with the Honey app you can get a ton of those. These days is that general coupons and promo codes are limited in release. You can add the Honey app to automatically search for coupons on Amazon and other e-commerce websites.
The Honey app is a browser extension that searches the database of coupons. Once installed, you can receive an alert if a product is available for a lower price. The app pulls the price history of items, giving an idea of the regular price and discounts.
If you’re new to the Honey app, here’s a guide to know how you can snatch the best deals while staying at home. Using the app is easy and it saves you time to enter the promo codes manually. Read on to find out more about this app.
What is the Honey App?
Honey unlocks the best deals in hundreds of websites from Amazon, Nike, Sephora, Groupon, Expedia, and more. The browser extension automatically finds, tests, and applies the codes to give users the best deals for specific products.
The app is safe to install in supported browsers and even provide gift cards to favorite stores. First-time users receive bonus Honey Gold to make purchases in several popular sites.
Where is Honey Available?
The Honey app is available as a browser extension, therefore, you can only use it with a compatible browser such as Edge, Safari, Opera, Chrome, and Firefox. You can use it whenever you shop and it works on hundreds of websites.
How to Install and Use the Honey App
Just as how you add other web browsers, installing the Honey app is also easy. Follow these steps to install Honey to your browser.
Open any supported web browser and visit the website of Honey at join Honey.com.
Click Add to Chrome/Firefox/Edge/Safari/Opera to add the app to the browser.
Click Add Extension and Allow to complete the installation. Note: If the browser directs you to the add-on or extension store, click Get or Install button.
Choose Join with Google/Facebook/PayPal/Email.
Click ‘I’ll Sign Up Later’ if you wish not to sign up immediately.
Once the installation is complete, the logo of Honey will appear on your browser on the upper right part. The small h button indicates that you can use Honey anytime you shop on your favorite sites. Honey pops up automatically to give you the coupons.
If you want to use the coupon, you can click Apply Coupons before checking out. Honey helps you compare coupons and save money from the best deals. The thing is, you can share the information real-time to friends and family.
Supported Online Stores
Honey works with more than 40,000 online stores, providing discounts for web users. Installing the app gives you automatic updates or alerts on the best coupons to use. One great thing about using Honey is, you don’t need to change anything and simply shop as you normally do.
Some online stores that support Honey include the following.
Macy’s
J.Crew
Lowe’s
Adidas
Stubhub
Ultra
Target
GameStop
Nike
Pizza Hut
Bloomingdales
Forever 21
Nordstrom
Amazon
Honey app features a Droplist wherein users add items to the list and get notified if there’s a price drop. This applies to Amazon and other websites. You can get automatic alerts once any item in the Droplist goes on sale.
The browser extension also compares millions of sellers and gives you the best deals per item of choice. For instance, if you are looking for a television set, a window will appear to let you know of the best deal.
Honey Gold
If you think getting coupons is all that matters to using Honey, you’re wrong. Even Honey has a rewards program that lets you earn a percentage back in Gold. Redeem the Gold for gift cards at some of your favorite online stores.
Conclusion
Even when you shop at home, you can still get the best deals using the Honey app . By simply installing the browser extension, you can easily access free coupons to thousands of online stores like Amazon. For more information on Honey app, you can visit their website.
In this season of hearts, Discovery Primea offers guests the opportunity to speak their love language with romantic options— from exquisite feasts to relaxing escapes
Makati City, February 2020 – With its sweeping views of the city skyline and luxurious facilities, Discovery Primea sets the stage for an unforgettable romantic celebration for couples and for those who simply want to show their love to the most important people in their lives. Celebrate love with refined dining choices curated by Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco or sink into blissful spa treatments specially designed as a sweet interlude for two.
Allow Discovery Primea to take you and your significant other on a culinary journey starting with a beautifully prepared Valentine’s dinner menu at Flame restaurant. On February 13 to 15 at PHP 3,500++ per person, feast on choice dishes such as Pan-Seared Foie Gras, Pacific Grouper “Carpaccio”, or modern Filipino-inspired fare such as “Parang Ravioli” or Josper Grilled Rib Eye “Tagalog” to name a few. End the experience on a sweet note with a dessert of Chocnut Marquise.
You may also opt to sample the Mediterranean flavors of Tapenade, where the hotel’s culinary experts have prepared a 4-course Valentine dinner available only on February 13 to 15. At PHP 2,000++ per person, enjoy Salad Nicoise, Spice Roasted Tomato soup, a main course of either Pan-Seared Black Bass or Braised Beef Marsala, and an exquisite dessert of Poached Pears “Belle Hélèn”. Fancy a romantic nightcap after a satisfying dinner? Head over to Edge at the 16th floor. Also, only available on February 13 to 15, enjoy two of our signature gin-based cocktails and a complimentary rose for the price of one at PHP 375++.
How about treating yourself and your significant other to a romantic spa treatment at Terazi Spa? Available the whole month of February, choose between two Valentine’s Day packages with a 60-minute Signature Couples Massage at PHP 6,500 nett or a 90-minute Signature Couples Massage at PHP 8,500 nett, both inclusive of a bottle of chilled Bottega Prosecco and fresh strawberries which will be waiting for you right after your massage, along with a special Valentine surprise.
For inquiries and reservations, please call +63 2 7955 8888 or e-mail primea.restaurants@discovery.com.ph. For more information on upcoming activities, please visit discoveryprimea.com or follow Discovery Primea on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. About Discovery Primea Discovery Primea is a luxury hotel in the Makati Central Business District. Designed for transient and extended stays, its 140 modern suites come with high-speed Internet for multiple devices, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), and access to an infinity pool overlooking the city skyline. Restaurant Tapenade and the Gilarmi Lounge make it a burgeoning dining destination. Discovery Primea is one of five properties of Discovery Hospitality’s portfolio of distinctive hotels and resorts, and is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious L.V.X. Collection. Get updates through Discovery Primea’s Facebook on http://facebook.com/DiscoveryPrimeaMakati, Instagram @DiscoveryPrimea and Twitter @DiscoveryPrimea. About Discovery Hospitality Discovery Hospitality is a Filipino hospitality group that owns and manages a collection of hotels and resorts in exquisite locations around the Philippines. Its distinctive destinations inspire authentic experiences for every traveler, from Discovery Suites Ortigas, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, Discovery Shores Boracay, Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan, to Discovery Primea in Makati. Discovery Hospitality’s portfolio of award-winning properties is known worldwide for its signature Filipino hospitality, marked by genuine and personalized “Service That’s All Heart”. About Preferred Hotels & Resorts Preferred Hotels & Resorts℠ is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 650 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries. Through its five global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The iPrefer™ guest loyalty program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Family℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.
2GO Travel, one of the largest premier sea travel providers in the Philippines, stays true to its daily mission to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable voyages to its passengers. To jumpstart domestic tourism, 2GO Travel offers a 10-peso ticket to each member of the amily to travel to popular Philippine destinations.
“Our goal at 2GO Travel is to provide memorable travel experiences, excellent customer service, and value for money for our passengers. After months of lockdown, we are giving our Filipino people a chance to visit their families in the province, and to travel to top tourist destinations in the country through our Sea You Soon! Sale,” said 2GO Vice President and Head of Sea Solutions Dan Fernan.
Starting today until October 16, passengers can avail of a 10-peso one-way fare, inclusive of 50kg baggage allowance, and exclusive of meals, and other fees.
Travel from Manila to Bacolod, Cebu, Coron, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Butuan, Puerto Princesa, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Ozamis, and Zamboanga.
The sea sale also covers trips from Batangas to Caticlan, and Roxas. Sailing period is from January 1 to June 30, 2021.
2GO Travel unites with the government’s initiative to promote local tourism as well as to patronize local businesses and products to boost the Philippine economy. As the country slowly opens and eases travel restrictions, health and safety protocols are still implemented.
“Our passengers’ health and safety are our top priority. We urge them to take precautionary measures by wearing face masks and face shields, and to practice social distancing at all times, while on board the vessel,” Fernan said in a statement. “Our 2GO staff and crew are #READY2GO and serve you. Sea you soon!” he quipped.
To book your tickets, please visit 2GO Travel’s website, https://travel.2go.com.ph/, call our hotline (02) 8 528 7000, email us at travel@2GO.com.ph, or visit any 2GO outlet near you.
ABOUT 2GO TRAVEL
2GO Travel is one of the largest premier sea travel providers in the Philippines. It constantly strives to push boundaries in providing travelers a wide selection of reasonably-priced hotel accommodations, tours, and event packages to make for unforgettable trips.
2GO Travel is an SM and Udenna-owned shipping line backed by over 148 years’ worth of combined history in the travel industry, making it a local leader in setting sea travel standards and trends. The company is present in more than 2,000 outlets nationwide, operating in 18 ports of call in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to bring you easy, comfortable, and economical travel-whether you’re bound for the sunny beaches of Boracay, the gastronomic wonderland that is Cebu, or the alluring pockets
of paradise in Palawan.
By integrating its fleet with top-notch tours and accommodations, breathtaking destinations, and warm hospitality from an experienced and dedicated crew, 2GO Travel continues to redefine sea travel in the best ways possible so you can be rest assured that for every trip you plan with us, you are always#Ready2GO.
ABOUT 2GO GROUP, INC.
2GO Group Inc. is the largest integrated transportation and logistics provider in the Philippines. 2GO has made its mark for providing class-leading travel experiences, efficient movement of products and cargoes, and catalyzing business growth in domestic and international markets.
Today, 2GO owns and operates successful brands such as 2GO Travel, 2GO Freight, 2GO Express, 2GOLogistics, and 2GO Special Containers. Under a single company brand, 2GO is able to leverage its size, and provide customized solutions that address the needs of our clients and customers with the best customer service and value. Our core services include multi-modal transportation, warehousing and inventory management, distribution, special container services and project logistics, e-commerce logistics including last-mile deliveries, and express courier deliveries.
2GO also offers travel services, and a wide range of peripheral logistics services such as freight forwarding, import and export processing, and customs brokerage.
Wanna make your summer photos even cooler like this one below?
Did you know that you can create your own DIY GoPro Dome for less than 150 Php [<3 USD]?
Here’s how! *Photo not mine: credits to dome.cam This is US using the dome!
Things you need to make a DIY Dome [DIY GoPro Dome] using *Candy Dome*
Candy Dome – usually sold at National Bookstore nationwide or party needs stores. Php 79.50 each.
Balloons – sold anywhere. I bought these balloons in National Bookstore for Php 16.50 each. Make sure they are of good quality.
Teflon Tape – also known as Thread Seal Tape. Sold at local hardware for Php 5.00 – 20.00 each.
Baller Bands – sold at local shops for maybe Php 10 each piece.
Scissors – obviously.
Waterproof Casing of Action Camera – GoPro/SJCam/Supremo/Yi Cam, etc. I used Go Pro Hero 4 and Supremo 4k. This balloon dome fits with all.DIY Dome
Step 1:
Roll the Teflon tape [thread seal tape] 3 to 5 times along the edges of the lens part of your waterproof casing. Make sure it’s not too thin and not too thick. Ignore the excess tape on the photo please [LOL].
Step 2:
Using your scissors [or any cutting material], cut the upper-mid area of the balloon and the thick part where we blow air into it. DIY Dome
Step 3:
Insert the dome [as we call the clear part of the candy dome] into the larger hole we cut from the balloon earlier. Make sure that the smaller hole is at least in the center of the dome just like in the photo above. It should cover the dome’s open area.
Note: Stretch the balloon first for easier setup.
DIY Dome
Step 4:
Place the baller band onto the edge of the dome. This will help hold the balloon in place and prevent the water from coming in.
Baller band provided was from Boracay Pub Crawl – check the article for partying in Boracay. DIY Dome
Step 5:
Insert the waterproof casing with the tape into the hole of your DIY Dome. The thread seal tape helps prevent water from leaking or getting inside your DIY dome.
Step 6:
Do a leak test on your DIY dome.
Dip the DIY dome into a tubful of water. Wait for around 10-30 seconds and if there are no bubbles after dipping it or there’s no water going inside your DIY dome, then it’s a success! Congratulations!
If bubbles are coming out and there’s water coming inside your dome, then just repeat the process until you get the desired result. You know, trial and error process. DIY Dome
*Finished Product*
Note: This DIY dome I created was already tested and luckily, there were no leaks after a minute! 🙂 Yay! However, I cannot provide a photo at the moment as there is not enough sunlight for a photo capture. Will provide photos after this weekend. 🙂
For just 150 Pesos, you made yourself a DIY Dome that is really good for this summer season!
Note again: I am not selling any DIY dome, but if there would be like requests for me to create and sell them, then why not? Maybe I could consider. 😉
I am also thinking of creating a guide using the Fake CCTV Dome [Php 149.00]. It’s has a larger diameter and I think it’s perfect for half underwater selfies and photos.
You may also check at Lazada.ph for Go Pro Dome using the search box below to check for prices. [It’s usually ranging from Php 1500 to Php 2000++].
Now that summer is about to come sooner as the holiday times are almost over, it’s also the time that we think in advance of where to go and stay for our summer vacations and outings. There’s a lot of it in the Philippines especially Batangas and Quezon, but let’s go further a bit for an adventure.
For all we know, there’s a lot of beaches and resorts in Bataan, however, there is this one beach resort that I can commend and recommend; the Bataan White Corals Beach Resort.
Bataan White Corals Beach Resort
The resort lies in the due west side of Bataan and the place is a good location for sunset when you are asking for it. Located in the coastline of Poblacion, Panibatuhan, Morong, Bataan, you get to witness amazing sunsets and great views of the ocean.
The sand in this beachfront resort (all over the coastline) is like grayish-white fine sands almost similar to sands used in construction works but a little whiter, but I know you’ll still gonna enjoy the beach nonetheless.
There also are ample parking spaces so it’s sure that you have a space for your car.
Bataan White Corals Beach Resort has its own:
Restaurant: where we had our sumptuous breakfast and dinner. They usually serve buffet breakfast during weekends or when there are lots of guests and ala carte meals when there are few.
Bar: Yup, you can order and drink as much as you can. Watersports Activities: As I have seen at the resort, they offer a Banana Boat ride, Kayaking, and Jetski. Swimming Pools: They have two (2) swimming pools, one saltwater and one freshwater.
Rooms: Being a known beach resort, they have lots of rooms to choose from. I and Jane stayed at the Tatay Building. Live Band Performances: Band performances are available from Friday to Sunday nights to entertain guests.
There quite a few rooms at the Tatay Building. We stayed at Unit Tatay 3.
Tatay Rooms all have two (2) double beds and the room is good for four (4) people. It has its own mini-refrigerator, a television with cable channels, a small center table, an air conditioner, and ensuite toilet and bath with hot and cold shower. You also get bathroom amenities like soap, shampoo with conditioner, and a dental kit.
The rooms aren’t really big but are spacious enough to settle your things and relax. The mobile data signal inside the room is not great but is still good for calls and texts. If you need a 3G/4G signal, you have to sit outside to get a good reception. The room is also electronically locked using a card.
We didn’t get to experience the resort in its full potential and enjoyment as everyone is busy for the festival and the only chance we had to experience the resort is when dining and or when we all have arrived during the night after a day of covering the festival activities.
We stayed here for two nights for the Pawikan Festival 2018 organized by the Bataan Tourism.
Not all people take their star sign seriously, but sometimes, it’s amusing how astrological placement can define your personality, what you choose to do, who you talk to, and what kind of places you want to go. If you are planning to travel anytime soon, you can also check what your zodiac elements say about the best destination for you. The world has a lot to offer, and if you aren’t sure where to go, here’s a guide to know where to travel based on your star sign.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – January 19)
People with earth signs are reserved and have deep connections with nature. The Capricorn sign, specifically, loves trips that combine fun and family together. This means a quiet time at the beach and laidback getaways. The best destinations would be Hawaii, Spain, and Taiwan for a festive atmosphere. Greece is also a good idea, with activities like sailing and climbing mountains available.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
It’s natural for the Aquarius sign to be adventurous and experimental when it comes to traveling. Because this is an air sign, most Aquarius people love going out of their comfort zones. The best destination for you is Morocco, for exploring the unique culture of North Africa. The alternative getaway includes Brazil and Bolivia.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Pieces are old souls, and they want to be somewhere away from the crowd. If this is your sign, you probably need to be in a dreamy destination that has plenty of room for staying in bed and daydreaming. Tibet is a great place to begin with, exploring the quiet and peaceful roof of the world. You can also go to Bali or Maldives for a refreshing location surrounded by the ocean.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Being a fire sign, you are definitely spontaneous and the life of the party. Aries people love basking under the beautiful sun and going for surfing lessons. They are fun and mostly love trying new things that are out-of-the-ordinary. The best trips of your life can be in Australia, to discover wildlife and marine life. Guatemala can also bring out your fondness of temples and ancient villages.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
A way to a Taurian’s heart is through the senses, particularly good food and relaxing ambiance. Earthly pleasures, such as having a great view, can give you peace of mind. A visit to Florence is an excellent way to explore its history and culture. For a natural alternative, you can head to Napa Valley in California for wine vineyard exploration.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Being a mutable sign with multiple personalities, Gemini people love being around different kinds of people. To stimulate your brain, you can go to places offering several land and water activities. The best locations to visit include Croatia for island hopping and weekend strolls in Rome.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
The cancer sign is ruled by the emotional moon; therefore, you love being in your comfort zone. Familiar activities like going to museums and trying the best cuisines give you a sense of satisfaction. Cozy destinations like Maine and South Carolina are best for you. Rent out a nice villa and order the best tasting foods to enjoy the trip. Boracay, Philippines is also another top-notch destination on the list because of the serene beach and nightlife you shouldn’t miss.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
With the astronomical sign of a lion, it’s no wonder why Leos do things with so much passion. Solo vacations give you more time to explore huge cities. Iceland is packed with a lot of activities you can try, and also New York for nonstop adventures – especially nightlife.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Virgo is a perfectionist sign, and most of the time, Virgos value luxury. Although you are also practical, indulging the greatest view on top of a building or mountain gives you a sense of relaxation. New Mexico is an upscale location for restaurants and unique hotels. With crystal clear skies and mountain views, you can absolutely fall in love with this place.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
When it comes to traveling, one of your worst traits is being indecisive. You can relax a bit if your itinerary is fixed, with the help of a travel agency. Book a tour around Southern Italy to visit the best ranches in the area. This doesn’t involve lots of activities, so you are good to go.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
This sign is associated with being rebellious, just like Aquarius, but rougher. You love going out of your comfort zone but also love taking control of the situation. The best destination for Scorpions is Kyoto, Japan, for a zen-like ambiance, or glamping in Tanzania.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
Out of all the signs, Sagittarius is known to be a true wanderer and explorer. You most likely fancy exploring gritty locations and trying new things. South Africa is the perfect destination to sustain your desire for wildlife, but you can also visit Mongolia for dreamy voyages.
Conclusion
By assessing your personality, you can find it easier to decide where to spend your breaks and holidays. Zodiac signs are helpful because they pave the way to let you understand your being. The destinations listed above are just recommendations, and you are still free to roam the world on your terms.
You can’t talk about the world’s most beautiful countries without mentioning the Philippines. This country is blessed with a beautiful land made up of more than 7000 islands. You can, however, not accredit the county’s beauty to its capital, Manila. There are a lot of beaches near the capital that are worth exploring.
The beaches near Manila are hassle-free to get to for you can easily get there by simply taking a car, bus, or a ferry. The outskirts of Manila has a lot to offer including luxury resorts and mid-budget accommodation. If you are tired of city life and want to take a break, then you should just jump over to the outside of Metro Manila’s blessed surroundings. The beaches here are very beautiful and affordable.
Here are the best beaches and beach areas near Manila.
Calatagan, Batangas
It was formerly known as the Municipality of Catalagan and the 2015 censers estimate the population to about 56,499. It is made up of the Catalagan Penisula between the South China Sea and the Balayan Bay. The peninsula’s near white sand beaches are a hotspot for attractions for vacation and leisure.
Photo by John Hernandez via Unsplash
Zambales is a province located in Luzon. There is a lot that you can do in this place but most people go here for beach hopping. This place is blessed with several beautiful beaches and fresh seafood worth exploring. It is a good idea to visit the Pundaquit Beach, which is famous for being a fishing village. The beach is famous for its clean shorelines and clear, calm waters.
Photo by Veronica Joy Pugal
Once, this place was dabbed the best bay in the world for its beauty. The combination of forest-clad mountains dropping hundreds of feet into the sea, the coconut trees and the white sand are a sight to die for. However, the most beautiful and interesting thing is the beautiful underwater acting as home to rainbow-hued fishes.
One of the most awesome activities to do in this place is to go beach hopping. The place has got everything one needs to have a fun time with friends or alone if they want to stay away from people. It has affordable accommodation and you can survive even with a torn wallet. Apart from the cost effectiveness, it has an eco-tourism resort which will help you disconnect from the world. There is a lot of activities that you can do in this place including kayaking, snorkeling, and even windsurfing!
Laiya Beach can be located in Laiya playa and is a very popular tourist destination located in the outskirts of Manilla. It has gained popularity over the years for its proximity to the capital, Manila. The beach is a sight to behold with its white sands and clear waters. The beach is within driving distance and one can get there in approximately six hours.
Photo by Stephen Leonardi via Unsplash
Many people fail to visit this place because of the rumors that it has been exploited. You just don’t know what you are missing out. There are a lot of options and activities to choose from when visiting the Hundred Islands. You could decide to go for a hike to the Governor’s Island and enjoy the magnificent view of the park, or you may go cliff jumping in Marcos island. Apart from the beauty, the island also has a very rich marine life, good for snorkeling and diving.
Photo by Rizanoia
The Masasa beach is a place worth visiting in your next stop in Batangas. It has got fine particles of sand, though not sparkling. The atmosphere there is cool and somehow silent. This place is great for natural camping activities as there are no resorts.
8. Anilao, Mabini, Batangas
Photo by Anilao Diving Resort
This place is about three hours drive from the Capital. It is home to scuba diving in the Philippines. The place is blessed with marine biodiversity with an abundance of corals and deep-water life making it a suitable dive destination in the Country. Though it has no fine white sand, the [lace has the marine life to cover up for that. There are a lot of options when it comes to where you can spend your night. There are very beautiful beach resorts in the area to choose from.
Photo via Get Your Guide
The Subic is located along the Subic Bay coast. The beaches may not be as good as those of Boracay or Laiya, but the Halfmoon beach is not as bad as you may think. Don’t miss out on the duty-free shipping just beside the beaches. You may also want to try retail therapy which is effective stress relieving formula. It takes approximately four hours to get there.
Photo by CAVITE.INFO
This place is a favorite spot for those who love mountain climbing and hiking due to the rugged terrain. Climb to the mountain peaks and watch the scenic view from high above. You can also go swimming and some marine activities such as diving.
10 Best Beach Resorts in Ternate
Bucana Beach Resort
Dalaroy Beach Resort
Blacklisted Beach Resort
Kamandag Beach
Puerto Azul Clubhouse
Caysubic Beach Resort
Caylabne Bay Resort
Beck’s Beach
Katungkulan Beach Resort
Aroma Beach Resort
If you live in Manila, then you should not be worried about your lifestyle there because your surroundings offer a lot that you don’t have. There are great destinations near Manila that are worth visiting for work break or for a quick getaway. You should, however, do a lot of research before going to a destination for you may end up being disappointed. If you are not sure, just contact the travel agencies or the resorts while still in Manila and they may give you some few tips.
Coron getaways wouldn’t be complete without having a tour around town. We didn’t expect we would be doing a town tour as we were more inclined to see the beaches and islands, but Coron Town Tour is one that you shouldn’t miss. There are a lot of options for accommodations and hotels but what we loved was Coron Soleil Garden Resort. A cheaper option with 5-star amenities is their Express Hotel located within the compound.
Coron Blue Lagoon Adventure Travel & Tours
Coron town tour could be done without having to book from an agency or tour package. However, if you are looking for extra convenience, then booking a tour is a MUST. Our Coron Town Tour was provided by Coron Blue Lagoon Adventure Travel and Tours – they have been in the industry for long and are participating in Travel Mart events. Legitimacy is important for travelers and I assure you they have provided an experience we couldn’t forget.
Coron Blue Lagoon Adventure Travel and Tours provided the best experience we could get in touring the town. From pick-up at the hotel to the food, everything was a bliss. The van transport from one point to another is another remarkable trait about them. Even if the two of you are the only clients booked for the day, they’d still accommodate you and won’t transfer you to another operator. Do take note of this: the food was really sumptuous especially the Buttered Garlic Crabs! Yum!
If you want a travel agency who’ll also take care of airfare and accommodation, I also recommend Philippines Travel Package. They offer complete packages for Coron, and you could even combine it with other Palawan destinations! Their service is 100% tailor-made, so adding in the town tour is no problem at all. You can see all of their Palawan packages here and just tell them exactly which tours and attractions you’d like to include in it.
Coron Town Tour
Coron town tour usually includes the following:
Souvenir Shops
There are quite a number of souvenir shops in Coron and they are bringing their clients to the biggest souvenir shop in town. From cashew delicacies (roasted, sweetened, etc) to handmade crafts, keychains, ref magnets and shirts, everything is available. Some items may appear quite pricey at this store but since there are tough competitions, you can always look around other shops.
Lualhati Park
Part of the Lualhati Park.
Lualhati Park serves as the main docking port for island tours. You may also just relax and unwind on this part of the town or take some photos of the Coron shoreline. There was actually a zipline here before but it was already ruined and has stopped operations since Coron was hit by an earthquake. You’d find here are good vantage point for Mt. Tapyas. A few around here is also the Public Market of Coron.
St. Augustine Church
St. Augustine Church
As for me, I’d really like to visit churches in every place I go, so St. Augustine Church is also a part of our main itinerary. You’d be surprised by how intimate St. Augustine Church is. It can room more than 100 people and it’s also located in the town centre few blocks away from the Lualhati Park and Mt. Tapyas. Drop by in here to pray and give thanks to the Almighty. May you be blessed!
Mt. Tapyas
Mt. Tapyas viewdeck
Mt. Tapyas is one of the main highlights of the town tour. It requires 721 steps from the foot of the mountain to reach the summit. At the view deck, you’d be able to see the view of Coron town as it is the highest peak in the area. When we got there, the grasses were already tall and is pleasant for the eyes especially for photographers looking for a scenic landscape.
Mt. Tapyas is open at all times, some people go here to camp (especially for foreigners with a tent) to save accommodation fees or picnic with friends and family. You also don’t have to worry about getting tired as there would be benches on your way up to the summit. Mt. Tapyas also is a good spot to witness sunrise and sunset in full view. Located at the foot of this mountain is also the Coron Soleil Garden Resort.
Maquinit Hot Springs
After a tiring climb at Mt. Tapyas, you should never miss the Maquinit Hot Springs, a natural saltwater hot spring located only in Coron. It’s best when you go here when there’s still daylight to capture the beauty but it would be more romantically pleasing to the eyes during the night, and enjoyable too. The temperature plays from 36°C to 42°C. Why it’s hot? An underwater volcano is situated nearby and that makes the water in this particular area hot. Maquinit Hot Springs during the night
Just be careful when dipping into the hot waters of the spring. Your body needs to adjust to the temperature first so start by dipping your hands to test the water temperature. If you’re okay with it, then go ahead with your feet and legs, don’t go all the way yet as your body would react violently over the hot water, you might feel some palpitation. When you feel good about the heat, slowly dip in your whole body to the water. Recommended dipping time is from 10 minutes to 15 minutes with some intervals between each dip.
Maquinit Hot Spring will help you relieve tensions and muscle tiredness and helps heal other ailments on your body especially after climbing up to the peak of Mt. Tapyas. A great way to relax and end the day before heading to bed or enjoying the night more at the bars in town.
There still are more places to see in the town but we opted to skip some as our time is limited and we really wanted to enjoy the hot spring more. Your schedule depends on you so make the most out of it during your travels. Your memories are a treasure and no one can take it away from you. 🙂
You may contact Coron Blue Lagoon Adventure Travel and Tours via their FB page or send them an email for tours quotations and packages at coronbluelagoon@gmail.com or coronadventuretour@yahoo.com.
Few of the best places to visit in Taiwan can be found on the north and east coast areas of the country and that includes the ever famous site in Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen. Normally, one day is not enough to visit the places but is totally doable.
Lucky enough, KKday is offering this day tour from Taipei that covers Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen which we availed and had a great experience with.
Day tour from Taipei: Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, and Jiufen
Yehliu Geopark
The tour starts at 8:45 am given that the roster for the people who booked for the day is complete. However, we left the station at around 9:10 am due to other people who came in late. It was okay though, they paid for their trip but they should have been mindful of the time.
Meetup point for the KKday Day tour from Taipei is at Taipei Main Station, Exit East1. If you are are not familiar with the place, you might get lost so you better ask for directions or head out outside and look for the exit signs. Taiwanese people are somehow similar to Japanese people, they are also polite and cool so you can ask those people you think could understand you. Also, read your voucher thoroughly as the information about the trip is already provided. All you just need to do after the booking is to read. KKday Bus for Daytour from Taipei
On Exit East1 of Taipei Main Station, we found the KKday officer/guide who will be with us on the trip – Emma.
After making sure that the participants are complete, we then headed to the KKday bus. At first, I actually thought that the bus will be a small one, similar to what was provided on the KKday Shuttle Bus to NPM and Taipei 101 but it’s a regular tourist bus.
While on the bus, Emma explained our itinerary. Our first stop will be in Yehliu for the Geopark. The voucher doesn’t come with an entrance ticket so you have to pay for the Geopark Entrance Ticket (NTD 80) separately. Next, Shifen for the lantern and waterfalls. Lastly, Jiufen, one of the oldest towns in Taiwan. Day tour from Taipei Note: There will be a supply of bottled water for everyone. But lunch and other food costs are at your own expense.
First Stop: Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark
One of the best destinations to go to Northen Taiwan is the Yehliu Geopark. This geopark is home to many unique geological formations made by nature itself. The most iconic of all the unique geological structures in the land is the “Queen’s Head”. Other remarkable formations include Sea Candles, Fairy Shoe, Ginger Rocks, Elephant Rock, Ice Cream Rock, Kissing Rock, and Princess’ Head. Certainly worth visiting.
Our group got here at about 10 am after an hour ride from Taipei Main Station and the entrance is overwhelming with people and the weather was hot. Luckily, KKday is a partner of the Geopark and everything went smoothly in the entrance. Yehliu Geopark Entrance
We were given only an hour to explore Yehliu Geopark, which certainly wasn’t enough but is just fine for a short exploration. We dearly wished we had more time to explore to see the whole and all of the Geopark itself. This part, I believe, should have at least 90 mins to explore. We were there on a weekday and yet there are a lot of people visiting.
Bring loads of Imagination Day tour from Taipei
Another thing, if you’re visiting the Geopark, you should bring all the imagination you can have to appreciate the stone formations. We recommend bringing water, hat, umbrellas, and fan to keep yourself from sweating so much because of the heat. The Queen’s Head has a steady long queue for picture taking so find time for yourself to enjoy the other stone formations. Though our trip here was a little short for my taste, we still were able to take good photos of the area. Do not forget to have fun!
Second Stop: Shifen (Shifen Old Street, Sky Lantern, and Shifen Waterfalls)
Shifen Old Street is a roundup of paths and alleys in and around the Shifen railroad station area. Basically built for transporting coal during the Japanese era, the station and tracks run straight through the village. Around the area is a marketplace where you can buy an ample amount of souvenirs. There also are lots of stores where you can buy street food and milk tea refreshments.
Shifen Old Street
Quite famous in Shifen area is the lighting up of Sky Lanterns that is held on the railroad tracks. I believe it’s best experienced at night so you can see the light when your lantern is going up to the sky. Since KKday tour is during the day, we had no other choice but to experience it during daytime which is also a good experience. Day tour from Taipei
Emma told us each sky lantern costs $100 NTD for single color and $150 NTD for those with assorted colors. Each color represents a certain meaning such as happiness, love, wealth, health, etc, so you definitely can pick a lantern color of your liking. Almost every store is offering a lantern so if you’re not with a tour, it’ll be a hard choice. With KKday, a designated store is readily available. All you need to do is let them know the color of the lantern that you want. Day tour from Taipei
White Lantern for Good Health
Shifen Sky Lantern
For us, we picked the white lantern, meaning for GOOD HEALTH, which is the most important factor of all. You won’t be able to achieve anything if your health is at risk. I think you already know why.
You will be writing your wishes on your own by the four (4) sides of the lantern and you can fill it as much as you want, short or long. See how we did ours. Shifen Sky Lantern
Once you are done, you will be in the queue for lighting your lantern up and photo taking by either a friend or a designated guide from the store. Mind you, they take good photos!ay tour from Taipei
We were situated on the railroad tracks (they know when the next train will arrive) so it will be safe for sure. We also had pictures on all the sides of our lantern as a remembrance of what we have written for a wish. After making sure we had nice photos, it was then the time that we light up and fly our lantern up to the sky. NOTE: The store owner mentioned that the materials they have for the Sky Lantern are biodegradable so it will be decomposed by itself in time. Some of the lanterns are also getting lit/fire while in the air making it disappear in mid-air before the material drops to the ground.
Shifen Waterfalls
Shifen Waterfalls is a 40-meter tall waterfall that creates a rainbow as it splashes into the lake, regarded as one of the most scenic spots in Taiwan. It is located 30 mins away from the Shifen Old Street but since we had the guided tour from KKday, it only took us five (5) minutes by the bus. Shifen Waterfalls
To get to the waterfalls, you need to walk or trek (from the parking area) for about 10 minutes under the hot and humid weather. Since during the day a lot of tourists are visiting in, there also have been stores situated inside the park going to the waterfalls. By that, you don’t have to worry about getting dehydrated. But seriously, if you’re a sweaty kind of person, you need to bring extra clothes for this trip to the waterfalls. Day tour from Taipei
The area surrounding the waterfalls have already been developed so there were picture-taking spots in the area. You cannot get closer unless you would want to hike a little more to get to the bottom to see the waterfalls upfront and personal. I am not also sure if you could swim in it as I have not seen anyone did this before. Nevertheless, a must-visit spot in Shifen is the Shifen Waterfalls. Day tour from Taipei
Third Stop: Jiufen
Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen became famous because of the anime/cartoon movie “Spirited Away”. It was originally built by the Japanese as a gold mining town but it is now a maze of alleys with rich culture and history. Now, the town is filled with both retro Chinese and Japanese styled cafes, tea houses, souvenir shops, as well as the fantastic views of the ocean. Day tour from Taipei
Since this is an old town, it’s also recommended to explore the area by wearing a Qipao, a traditional one-piece dress for women, available for rental.
After getting off the bus, we were delighted by Emma with a treat from a famous store in town, Coffee Biscuits by the Saint Peter shop. It was one of the “must-eats” in the town. It was tasty enough and a good one to try. You should buy a box. PS: Thank you, Emma!
We have about 40 to 50 mins to explore the area which is an ‘okay’ amount of time actually considering it is a small town and you have the option to drop off here and not go back to the bus to Taipei by KKday. You may opt to explore more of the township and spend a few more hours to see how Jiufen shines at night.
To get back to Taipei by commute, make sure to ride Bus 1062 and maybe spend a few hours at Raohe Night Market.
Explore Jiufen Old Street
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Of course, we didn’t let the opportunity pass to take some photos and the photo of the Jiufen Old Street, the stores, the famous tea house, and the overlooking view of the ocean. According to Emma, it is also where you can find the cheaper goods. Day tour from Taipei
Spending time here is enjoyable as every corner is filled with different shops and a lot of ‘free’ samples of food and drinks. You didn’t even have to spend a penny here because it’ll feel like you have eaten a lot from all those free samples. We also loved how the dogs are fat and friendly in this place.
This day tour of the three (3) famous areas in Northern Taiwan is really a great deal especially if you are looking into an affordable and convenient way to travel to these places from Taipei. Although the time to explore is quite shorter than expected, it has been planned well making a visit to these three spots entirely possible.
Since you also have the option to drop off by the third stop (Jiufen), you can surely explore more of the town and or go to a nearby town, Pingxi, for another ‘laidback’ sky lantern experience.
How to book for this Day Tour package via KKday?
1. Go to KKday website or visit this link for Day Tour from Taipei: Jiufen, Yehliu, and Shifen.
2. Select the date you want for the tour to take place. We recommend you do it on a weekday. Click Book Now.
4. Login with your FB or Google account (or register and sign-in).
5. Update and input your information. If you have a promo code, please add it. This will save you some cash for the trip.
6. Pay using a credit card or debit card. Your debit card needs to have a Visa or MasterCard logo in order to be used. Day tour from Taipei
7. You will receive an email regarding your voucher which can also be viewed using the KKday app. Print the voucher and present it to the KKday guide at Taipei Main Station Exit East1.
1. Chia Rong Hostel (Highly Recommended Spot)
You can book at Booking.com or Agoda
Price: ₱1,131/Night (Private Room) 2. Homey Hostel
You can book via Booking.com or Agoda
Price: ₱900/Night (Bunk Beds)
*They also offer private rooms 3. Taipei City Home
You can book at Booking.com or Agoda
Price: ₱957/Night (Bunk Beds)
*They also offer private rooms 4. Main Inn Taipei 梅樓驛站
You can book at Booking.com or Agoda
Price: ₱713/Night (Bunk Beds)
*They also offer private rooms
Stay connected while in Taiwan
We availed the 5 Days Unlimited Data SIM Card for Taiwan via the Pinoy Traveler’s Unlimited Sim Card. Read our review and why we love this particular product sold in the Philippines. As a digital nomad, being connected all the time is my number one priority. REVIEW and HOW TO AVAIL. Alternatively, you may opt to choose a WiFi device rental via KKday.
