Macau Sights

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Reunion at Laiya, Batangas

Tonette was home for a one-month vacation so we thought of having our block reunion at Laiya Batangas. Laiya is about 140+km from Manila. It is located on the southeastern tip of the province of Batangas. It is known for its white beaches, good snorkeling and fishing.

Photo c/o Johann

We stayed at Sigayan Bay Beach Resort as suggested by Lissy. We haven't been there so we had no idea what to expect. Sigayan for me is quite nice since it is a family resort equipped with kitchen equipment and faciities in every cottage like gas stove, sink, refrigerator, water dispenser among others. The cottage that we reserved was quite small so we upgraded to a bigger one and since we did not bring anything to cook, we opted to dine out. The resto in Sigayan would take you around 30 minutes or so before you can eat so make sure you order beforehand. The staff were nice as they also arrange boat ride to explore Laiya cove.

Photo c/o Johann

We went snorkling, visited a cove, and tried food in other resorts like Kabayan and Punta Miguel. Compared to other places like Anawagin, Guimaras, Pagudpud, etc., Laiya offers simple shoreline but is a good alternative to Puerto Galera and other Batangas beaches due to its proximity.

Photo c/o Johann

After staying overnight in Laiya, the group decided to have merienda in Tagaytay before calling it a night, bringing good memories from our college years up to now. Looking forward to our next year's reunion.

FOOTNOTE:

- Going to Laiya - http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.html?wpt=laiya

- Information on Sigayan Beach Resort - http://www.sigayanbayresort.com/

Potipot Island: Calmness of Water and Island Combined

For our team outing, we decided to hit the beach and one of the places in mind was Potipot Island. It is located in in Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales more than a kilometer from the mainland. Potipot Island is like an oblong-shaped island that is surrounded by fine white sands and calm clear water. Added to that is the vegetation in the area that shades you from the heat of the sun. 

As there are no resorts on the island, we stayed at Marj's friend rest house in Masinloc, Zambales were we cooked our own food. You may rent motor boats for Uacon for P 500 round trip and rent nipa hut cottages in the island for P 500 also. But should you want to stay overnight near the the island, you may book in the nearest resort such as Dawal and Isla Verde. 

The island is well maintained as there are designated trash cans and area for cooking. There is also a 50-peso entrance fee on the island. 

We rented a van going to Zambales so for those who want to commute, I posted the direction from waypoint.ph (http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.html?wpt=potpot): 

How to get there

Uacon is about 46km north of Iba, the capital of Zambales. From Manila, take the North Expressway and exit at San Fernando. From San Fernando, head southwestward all the way toward Olongapo City. Right before the city boundary of Olongapo, there is a bypass way via the Subic Base Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) which you may want to take to avoid passing through the city. Take this bypass road through SBMA and exit at its Kalaklan gate then head northwestward to Subic town, Castillejos, Sn Marcelino, up to the T-junction near San Narciso.

At the T-junction near San Narciso, turn right and head north through the towns of San Narciso, San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan, up to Iba. From Iba, head for Masinloc then towards Candelaria. Do not enter Candelaria town proper. Instead, head straight, and continue along the National Road while keeping an eye for the signs that lead to Dawal Beach Resort in Uacon. Head for Dawal Beach resort.

Footsteps: Going to Guimaras

Book a flight going to Iloilo. Our airline of choice is Cebu Pacific. As you reach Iloilo International Airport, hire a van and ask to take you at Ortiz Port. The usual van route will take you up to SM Iloilo but since the new airport is far from the city proper, it is advisable to hire a van. We paid around P 500.

 

When you reach Ortiz Port, take a boat going to Jordan. The trip is less than 30 minutes and the fare is P 13. Remember that it is strictly prohibited to bring mango fruit, seedling and the like in Guimaras to protect their mango variety and the industry.

 

As you reach Jordan, you have option to hire a multi-cab or take a jeepney or tricycle to bring you to your destination. We opted to hire a multicab for P 400. The price is standardized so no need to worry.

 

Guimaras people are very accommodating as evidenced by our encounter with the multicab driver, boatman, resort staff, and others. They maintain that Illonngo culture of being malambing. Though life in Guimaras is simple, they take pride of their interesting places and mangoes .

 

It was a good retreat!  it's worth the trip!

ortiz port, iloilo

on air

iloilo airport

inside the boat

inday mar ferry boat

boat

iloilo airport

iloilo airport

iloilo airport

Footnote: Raymen Beach Resort

We're supposed to book at villa igang but no one was there when we arrived. When I asked Kuya Jesus our driver, he told us it's better to stay at Raymen so our feet led us to raymen beach resort.

 

It's facilities are relatively new as they offer hotel-like accommodation. We took the P1,100 room because they only  offer local tv channel s so we opted to let go of television. Fan rooms are simpler than air-conditioned rooms.

 

Unlike some reviews, we find raymen staff accommodating and the place is relatively peaceful. Added to that is access to good food for they have a cafeteria where you can order from their menu or buy fresh catch from local fishermen and ask the café to cook it for a minimal fee.

 

Raymen's shoreline is relatively small but it has fine white sand. The beach front is protected by safety nets for protection of its guests, as well as supervised by local lifeguards.

 

Cottages are also available for day trippers.

 

For more information, text Raymen Beach Resort at 09185207271.