It was less than two hour drive from Paranaque. The location of the resort can be daunting without a GPS navigator. It was located in the middle of a forest like area and was far from the main road. The good thing was the roads were all paved making driving smooth. Only in the last stretch that it got rough and partially cemented. We entered the gated resort and paid at the guard. Our change and receipt were to be given at the reception area. At Php2200 per head, this was an expensive day tour.
Though the staff at the reception area were nice, none of them briefed us on the facilities, house rules and other small welcoming chat. A few steps from the reception, there was a kiosk where a staff is giving out free gulaman. Coconut trees abound and surely they can offer fresh buko juice which is more refreshing than sugar laced gulaman.
Though you are only allowed to bring in water, they dont search your bag and the brave one can sneak in chips and some energy bars just be responsible to dispose wrappers properly. It was a long walk from the reception to the dining area to the locker room.
When you reach the locker room, you can opt to rent a locker for P500 which is fully refundable (just dont lose the key and damage the locker). (There are gazebos, tables and chairs which you can use but if nobody will look out for your things, better to get a locker) The shower and locker room is clean and quite spacious. The locker can accommodate 2 medium sports bags.
The main warm pool can be reached by series of stairs downward. This main pool consists of 3 basins. Water temperature in all 3 basins are just right, not too cold and not too warm. The depth in the middle pool is about 5 to 6 feet while 3-4 feet in the lowest pool. Water is naturally flowing and is clear. There is no smell of chlorine which is good.
 |
| main warm pool |
Away from the main pool is the Soda pool which is surrounded by tall trees. Water is warm but quite deep. About 20 meters away is the Lover's pool. The path to this pool is also cemented but downward. This is much secluded for those who want to be away from the crowd.
 |
| Soda pool |
About 20 minute walk through the forest and bamboo pathway is a hidden waterfalls.
The falls is gorgeous and basin is shallow. Unlike other waterfalls we have been to which have cold waters, water here is warm. You can walk barefooted and feel the sand at your feet.
There are boulders and lush vegetation in the area.
Pros
-close to nature, quiet , very relaxing, well maintained resort
-pools have clean surroundings, warm water , depth is appropriate
-ample parking area
-senior citizen card is accepted
-polite staff
-shower area is clean and air conditioned
-dining area is spacious and airy; dinner wares and tablecloth are clean
-male staff overseeing each pool area and at the waterfalls
-trek to the falls and the waterfalls itself is gorgeous
Cons
-Resort fee is expensive
-There is no added value at the reception area except staff giving your change and receipt.
-No map of the resort or map in the resort. Management could either give out flyer or install maps in strategic areas to let guests know they are
-Long queue at the buffet table. This resort has been in the business for so long and yet management & staff dont see the predicament of the guests during lunch time. They could have made two lines at both sides of the buffet table to shorten the waiting time.
-Food is bland and nothing special. Dishes are ordinary. Management should try to taste the food they serve
-There was no improvement in the dishes as we overheard from a second timer.
-Tissue rolls at the toilet are not replenished on time
-Staff manning the pools are quite stiff; they could be a little "warmer" when talking to guests or when giving directions
Generally, for nature lovers , the cons can be overlooked and just enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Experiencing the waterfalls is unforgettable.
No comments:
Post a Comment