Soak Up the Sun
by Christine Ko, Team Publisher, Kids' Titles
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is home to a host of undiscovered island paradise. My criteria for a good beach are: clean and clear waters, a good stretch of white sand, and comfortably isolated. From north to south, take your pick. Visit these places before they become too tourist-y!
CAVANARAN BEACH, Batanes
Batanes is famous for its New Zealand-like hills and pasture land (“Marlboro Country”), well-preserved architecture and culture, and secluded beaches. We stayed in Batanes Resort where they arranged a tour for us complete with transfers, packed lunch and a guide.
Cavanaran Beach is breath taking. A rock structure that forms an arch greets you as you set foot on its white sands. They also serve as cover from the sun. The shoreline is lined with unique and colorful shells and pebbles I have never seen before. Proof that it is still unspoilt and untrodden.
The waves are quite strong so it’s best to just have a dip and stay close to the shore. But the rustling sound of the waves is great for relaxation. Close your eyes and you have the live version of the New Age CDs they sell at record shops.
Getting there: Asian Spirit flies to Basco 4x a week. (www.asianspirit.com)
Contact: Batanes Resort (078) 533-3444 or (078) 533-3456.
VIRGIN BEACH RESORT, San Juan, Batangas
Virgin Beach Resort (VBR) is the answer for a quick beach fix. It has the best shoreline (clean and wide) in the whole Laiya strip.
Its landscaped beachfront is lined with various plants, trees, and small huts (with electric outlets) where you can leave your things, plug in your iPod speakers, or get a massage.
The dining area is al fresco. It’s spacious and has a very nice view of the beach. Meals are served with an appetizer, soup, the main course (choose from three entrees), dessert, and iced tea.
The water is calm and just right for a dip, swim, and kayaking. Just watch out for sea urchins.
Its rooms (including toilet and bath) are spacious. Each cabana has a small porch with a bench and hammock, ideal for chit-chatting.
Given that it’s pricier than the other resorts in the area, VBR should make up for better service. They should provide a water station/dispenser for the guests, or at least serve free drinking water during meals. Their staff can also be a little friendlier.
Getting there: Virgin Beach Resort is a 3 to 4-hour drive from Metro Manila.
Contact: For more info, visit www.virginbeachresort.com.
MATUKAD ISLAND, Camarines Sur
Island hopping in Camarines Sur can be dangerous…to your skin, that is. You will be distracted by the many neighboring islands, limestone cliffs, clear blue skies, and plump, white clouds that you’ll hardly notice you’re already burnt.
Matukad Island is an ideal place for sunbathing, picture taking, and a lunch picnic. One part of the island has a Lost-like jungle feel as its backdrop.
There is an “annex” beach on the left part of the island that is separated by two rock formations. It is here that you can feel like you’re in a travel program. The water close to the shore is light green and transitions to a dark blue. Add the mountain range, surrounding islands, and the blue skies to the background and you’ve got yourself a scene perfect for a postcard.
You can venture at least a few meters from the shore and it’s still shallow. Snorkeling is encouraged as the water is rich with marine life…including jellyfish. But, as unbelievable as it may seem, they don’t sting. My friend held one up with her bare hands.
Getting there: Fly to Legaspi or take a bus to Naga City.
Contact: The Camarines Sur Provincial Tourism Board at (054) 475-4884, 0920-947-0396 or 0920-947-0396.
July 7th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
AWESOME!
July 8th, 2007 at 1:36 am
the nearest would be the virgin resort in batangas.. you guys know how to get there?
July 8th, 2007 at 11:10 am
To dhaye:
Here’s how to go to Virgin Beach from Manila (according to the website):
# From Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway all the way to Exit 50 and get on the National Highway to Batangas, Laguna, Lucena, Legaspi.
# Drive approximately 6.5 km until you see the Star Toll Way sign. Turn right to enter the toll way and drive towards Lipa City (approx. 20 km.)
# Towards end of toll way, watch for U-turn slot. Make a U-turn and turn right on exit ramp near U-turn slot. From exit turn left and drive to Lipa City.
# You will see La Salle University Lipa to your left. Shortly, you will see a Mc Donald’s and a Y junction. Take right side of Y which is C.M. Recto Street.
# Drive along C. M. Recto and turn right on street corner adjacent to Mercury Drug Store. This is P. Torres St., which becomes the National Highway that will take you thru the towns of Padre Garcia, Rosario, and finally San Juan.
# On reaching Rosario town, you will see a Mercury Drug Store along main road. Turn left on main road (Gualberto Ave.) and follow this road (approx. 18 km) until you reach San Juan town proper. Stay on main road.
# Turn right on the road adjacent to the San Juan Municipal Building and drive towards Laiya (approx. 22 km.).
# Pass Laiya Cocogrove, Kabayan, and the Balakbakan area. Watch for Y road section and Virgin Beach Resort sign. Take the left side of the Y which leads to our main gate.
the website given is incorrect. click on my name for the proper website of Virgin Beach Resort.
July 8th, 2007 at 11:39 am
virgin beach is awesome! best beach in batangas. and the day trip package only costs P650, so worth it.
but you’re right about the staff, they could be a little more attentive!
July 8th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I miss Koko!
Got to see Legoland
July 8th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Hello. it should only be http://www.virginbeachresort.com/
July 8th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Camarines Sur is loooove!
July 8th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
would anybody know if virgin beach resort has wifi? i remember reading something about it but i cant remember.. TIA
July 8th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
VBR has Wifi but only in the dining area. And it has a schedule.
July 8th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Maggie, it seems you’ve been away for weeks when you’ve only been gone for 8 days. ;p
July 9th, 2007 at 11:02 am
i love beaches! thanks for this article. if you’re going to ask me, the best beach i’ve been to is in an island called manamok in palawan. it is 45 minutes from amanpulo. no words can explain how wonderful it is there. it was jaw-dropping and it truly is paradise. you won’t see a single pebble or a single stone. there are no shells either. just sand and water. thing is there are no accomodations in that island. electricity in the island is only from 6pm to 10pm. we enjoyed the accomodations in amanpulo but enjoyed more the beach in manamok. i have pictures of the place but i don’t know where to attach them.
July 9th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
che cinco
-same here. i’m planning to visit palawan anytime soon. please send me the pics of the manamok island, am really interested! here’s my email: dian_lino@yahoo.com.
many tks che!
July 10th, 2007 at 11:04 am
I knoooow! It’s off to Vegas tomorrow. We dropped by Mexico today for a couple of hours.
July 10th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Nice photos!:)
July 10th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
love palawan !!! its my dad’s hometown, go there every 2 years to visit my lola , for me palawan is best =)
July 11th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
breath taking…
we’l be going to bhol on sept i hope its as beautiful as these places
July 11th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
To Che Cinco: How do you get to Manamok island in Palawan? Did you charter a boat from Amanpulo or can one reach it without passing from the main island of Palawan by public transpo? I would love to see ur photos of the island! I love Palawan! Thanks.
July 12th, 2007 at 8:58 am
i love your pictures of matukad beach!!! the water is so clear and super white sand…love it!!! hope i could go there soon
July 12th, 2007 at 9:14 am
MATUKAD ISLAND, Camarines Sur is like a paradise.
CAVANARAN BEACH, Batanes reminds me of a beach i have seen in the movies.
I’ve never heard of these beaches before but it’s great to see that we have so many beautiful beaches other than those popular ones.
July 14th, 2007 at 5:06 am
Hi sis, I just want to ask for your feedback regarding the service sa Virgin Beach Resort. I’m planning to go there in Octber and I read sa click city.com na panget ung service. How about you sis, what do you think of their service? please let me know.
July 17th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
AMAZING! Wow Philippines! =)
July 29th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
my family is planning a vacation in camarines sur next year. where is this matukad island. how do get there? never heard of this place. been to many beaches in camarines sur, but not this one. am really interested to see this place.
August 20th, 2007 at 1:23 am
ask ko lng po kung pno pmunta sa mtukad island and ung accomodtion nrin..thnk u
September 7th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
hi, we plan to visit camarines sur next month. We plan to stay for one day in naga city and then go island hopping the next day. Is that possible? Can we explore the islands in a day? Also, what about accomodations? thanks so much.
September 12th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
nice article, girl. wala talagang tatalo sa ganda ng pinas!
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:09 am
Hi, Rea! The staff at VBR can be a bit friendlier (like smiling to the guests) and being more attentive. And every move you make parang you have to pay. But it’s so nice and clean:)
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:19 am
Hello, Madz and Krys! Sorry for the late reply. I hope I’m not too late. You may contact The Camarines Sur Provincial Tourism Board at (054) 475-4884, 0920-947-0396 or 0920-947-0396. They’re very helpful! They can arrange your itinerary. We stayed in La Casa Roa. They would also know the contact number to LCR. Enjoy!
November 1st, 2007 at 12:52 am
hey, do you happen to know any house for rent in punta fuego ?
March 26th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
can anybody suggest of a nice resort @ puerto galera?
thanks