nailon beach resort in Bogo City

Saturday, July 31, 2010

NAILON BEACH RESORT IN BOGO, CEBU

Bogo is roughly a 3 hour drive from the city of Cebu, so looking for a good, afforable resort would be a welcome treat for a family with anxious children cooped up in a car from a 3 hour trip. The rooms are old, but clean and presentable. They have TV, a ref and working hot water. The pool is large so the kids enjoyed that. The beachfront however was littered with trash which was washed up on the shore. Fortunately, there was a hotel staff assigned to clean the debris . We were not able to sample the food since we took regular trips to the city to explore the restaurants available. There weren't much, but do visit the German owned pizzeria fronting the city plaza. If you are looking for an affordable place, with good amenities, but no frills, this resort could be the place for you.

Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines

Bantayan island, the shining tropical paradise in Asia is commonly known as an island paradise in Philippines. Tourists as far as Europe fall in love with its fine white sand and crystal clear blue waters. Many of these foreigners even settled down on the island to spend the rest of their lives. They build single-cottage beach houses along the shore but as time went by, construct a couple of new cottages instead to accommodate the growing number of tourists who seeks safe haven on the splendid island paradise. Two of the main attraction of the island is its crystal-clear waters and it's long stretch of powdery white sand. The stunning sunset will really spice those romantic walks on the beach. One of the reasons the island is famous is its peacefulness, the way a resort should be. Unsaturated beauty and a combination of sweet smiling natives made the island as it is now.

When you get to cool, crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, pleasant town folk and delicious sea foods ... you're in the island of Bantayan. Coming to Bantayan is like coming out of a time machine. It's like entering the time and place when life was simple and quiet.

The island, which is composed of three municipalities, specifically Bantayan, Madridejos & Santa Fe is also generally known as the “Egg Basket” in the neighboring regions because it has been generating over one and a half million eggs a day to supply the growing demand of eggs for mainland Cebu, Negros, Panay and even Leyte.
In Bantayan, there are 405-year-old church the one-and-a-half century house of Anun Escario, the Ogtong Cave and the rest of the ancient unarmed caves the old Spanish kota (fort) in Sta. Fe, the beautiful island in the district and the sunset at the pier.

The people in Bantayan island is mostly Christian, aside from the fact that it has the oldest church in the Visayas and Mindanao, it is also named as the Lenten capital of the Visayas. Many people from Cebu and as far as Manila go to Bantayan not only for a swim and relaxation but also to witness the holy week procession and to observe the most solemn practice of faith. Because of this, almost all resorts double their rates at this time of year.

During holy week, on Maunday Thursday and Good Friday, both locals and visitors get together by the thousands at the town center of Bantayan to be part of the Lenten procession of religious symbols and images symbolizing the Passion of Christ. Such religiosity only reflects the Bantayanon's unquestioned faith in Christ therefore making the island one of the safest place in the country.

But there is also the human aspect. You see kids with even tan running around the beach lines, naked, simple-hearted and friendly. Bantayan Island has a remarkable dialect, mixture of Ilonggo, Waray and Cebuano but one that is Greek to both Cebuanos and Ilonggos. And its tone changes from town to town. The people in every town just have their own of expressing it.

Like its dialect, each of the three towns has its own character. Bantayan considered as the town proper of the island has 25 barangays and the basic infrastructure. The town is known for its mouth-watering dried fish and squid. Aside from fishing, the people are also into rock phosphate and limestone mining.

If the other two towns are busy with their income projects, Sta. Fe is busier during the Lenten Season with hundreds of people who gather to its white sandy beaches. Reservations to Bantayan's beach resorts for the Lenten Season should be done six months to one year earlier. As early as February this year, the resorts have already been fully booked.

With regards to the food in Bantayan, a combination of cuisine is served on the island with a taste of restaurants serving Filipino, Thai, and Japanese to European menus. A massive selection of sea foods fresh from the day's catch is very well dished up since most of the people of the island are fishermen that cast their nets on the abundant Visayan seas. One can even visit the wet market to see fishermen unpack their precious catch from the sea. Fresh live fish from groupers to blue marlin's are just two of the many surprises. Shrimps, crabs and lobsters are displayed in large quantity in the market. After a full meal one can choose a selection of fresh fruit shakes with choices from mango to choco banana.

Your stay in Bantayan would be a dream come true.

Malapascua Exotic Island can be found in : Cebu, Philippines

Malapascua Exotic Island can be found in : Cebu, Philippines

 ‘Exotic’ as the locals call it, is situated on the southern side of Malapascua and is set directly on the eastern end of Bounty beach. A 10-minute walk from the public area Exotic is nicely secluded from passing day traders and other tourists; yet close enough for those who wish to mingle. The white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters of the Visayan Sea create a perfect setting for the resorts natural garden frontage.

Straight off Exotic Beach the sea gradually increases to a depth of 12mts, revealing healthy coral formations and creating a safe and exciting place to swim and snorkel.

Our family run resort prides itself on keeping a relaxed yet professional atmosphere where we hope to provide all our guests with a magical holiday experience. We should always be your first choice on Malapascua.

Why Exotic

If you are thinking of diving or staying in Malapascua you should always consider Exotic as your first choice. We are the only all inclusive 5* PADI dive operator and resort on the island. We do not rely on a third party for any part of your holiday as we have it all.

Our first class accommodations, in house 5* PADI shop, international restaurant, bakery, fully stocked bar, coffee corner, land and sea transfers, Exotic spa, travel service, dive safaris, Internet café and convenience store; not to mention a perfect white sand beach for the exclusive use of our customers means we can guarantee the best service and best value for money. Our desire and promise is to give you an unforgettable and complete diving holiday.

The blinding white sands of Bounty Beach fringe the southern side of Malapascua and have been called one of the best beaches in the Philippines. It is a paradise where time has stood still, leaving you breathless as soon as you step onto this island dream. The clear turquoise waters create a perfect contrast to the lush mountainous views created by northern Cebu, southern Leyte and even the volcanic islands of Maripipi.

The northern side of Malapascua has a more panoramic rocky coastline and is an attractive alternative to the ever-popular white sand beach. Malapascua also called Logon by the elder locals is located 8km north east of Cebu mainland and 25km west of Leyte. Everyday seems to be a holiday on Malapascua; it’s a place far away from mass tourism and large beachfront hotels. Even the locals appear to be in a constant state of relaxation, the perfect place to escape from the rush of daily life.

The island interior is filled with lush tropical flora with an array of colourful flowers found growing amongst the ever-present palm trees. A network of sandy paths intersperse the island taking you from sleepy fishing villages to idyllic deserted bays. There is always a friendly local willing to show you around or point you in the right direction. The ‘hike’ to the lighthouse is a must, with its spectacular views. A walk around the entire island will take approximately 2 hours and is the perfect way to meet the friendly local people.

Exotic is the pioneer dive resort on Malapascua, established in 1998 Exotic has grown over the years and now is the largest all-inclusive dive resort on the island. Our continued expansion is a result of our customer’s loyalty and desire to revisit and share their Exotic experience with others. Why not come and see what it is that brings people back to us year after year.

HOW TO GET HERE

Mactan International Airport is about 15 km from Cebu City, approximately 20 minutes by taxi. It has direct regular International Flights from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Bangkok, Malaysia and Singapore. From Europe you can fly with Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), Singapore Airline (via Singapore), Qatar Airlines (via Doha) and Malaysian Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur) direct to Cebu. Other International Flights can be accessed via Manila, where you can take a Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines or Philippine Airlines domestic flight into Cebu.

From Mactan Airport a taxi to the North Bus Terminal takes approximately 25minutes, traffic depending. If you would rather take a metered taxi, which are more economical than the private ones waiting at the arrival gate, simply walk up the ramp to the departures area and hail a white street taxi, make sure they put the meter on. On reaching the bus terminal we recommend the bright yellow Ceres Bus Liner. This company has fairly direct buses that leave for Maya, the jump off point for Malapascua Island, approximately every 30minutes. Ceres Bus Liner does not have air conditioned buses.

The journey itself takes between 3 – 4 hours and costs Php 170 per person. The best time to travel is early in the morning as it tends to be cooler and there is less traffic on the roads. Be sure you always take the bus with the signboard “Maya Bagay”. The bus stops once, after about 1hour, outside of the city for a brief toilet and snack break and sometimes a second brief stop at Bogo City the largest town between Cebu and Maya.

At the bus terminal be aware of people trying to convince you to travel to other places, their only interest is earning commission from certain resorts. Also watch the ‘porters’ who will be very quick at helping you with your bags and directing you to the first bus leaving for Maya - all for a small charge, average Php 20 per bag.