Only in the Philippines: Best Summer Escapes
Words by Katherine Castillo Eustaquio
Published in Total Fitness Magazine March 2013 Issue
It’s never too early to plan your summer getaways. In fact, by now, you should have an idea where to go and what to do before you run out of good flights and great resorts. Whether you are a beach-loving babe or the mountain-climbing type, the Philippines never fails to surprise. Here are some of the best and must-see summer destinations in the country:
Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa
Marinduque
Bellarocca, as it is commonly known, is like something out of a dream. Located on an isolated island in the Marinduque Province, aptly titled the “Heart of Philippines”, this luxurious resort offers the kind of privacy and relaxation that are perfect for newlyweds, couples, and expat families. Taking inspiration from the famous Santorini in Greece, “Bellarocca” means “beautiful rock” and as such, the entire resort is literally built on an elephant-shaped island. Its architecture reeks of Greek origins and its all-white walls remain cool under the summer sun. The resort isn’t all comfortable luxury. It offers several water-sport activities like Hobie cat, Jet Ski, diving, and laps at their infinity pools. If you want a relaxing and secluded summer getaway, Bellarocca is your best choice.
Don’t miss: Riding a Jet Ski around the elephant-shaped island. Will take about 30 minutes.
How to get there: If you’re not taking a private helicopter, chartered plane, or a yacht, you can always book a flight to Marinduque via Zest Air. A company shuttle will take you from the airport to the marina (takes about 45 minutes), where a 5-minute ride on board a speed boat will take you to the island.
Misibis Bay Resort
Cagraray Island
Misibis Bay is another luxurious resort tucked away in the south-easternmost area of Cagraray Island in Bicol. Dubbed as the “Boracay of Bicol”, Misibis Bay is abundant with clear, blue waters and white sand as soft as powdered sugar. Unlike Boracay, Misibis Bay Resorts caters to those who want to enjoy rest and relaxation in a secluded setting. They have several accommodations—from villas to hotel rooms—that suit every traveling group. They also have several restaurants on the island—Spice Market, Dela Playa Beach Grill and Tapas Bar, and Sula Bar & Lounge—that serve the freshest catch of the day to their affluent vacationers.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking sunset at the beach.
How to get there: The resort offers airport and hotel pickups for guests in Legazpi City. They can also arrange pickups at Embarcadero de Legazpi as early as 7PM. Guests are treated to a historical 45-minute road trip, stopping at famous landmarks for photo-ops. After a two-minute barge ride crossing Sula Channel and another 15 minutes on the road, guests are welcomed with a traditional Ibalong dance.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Bagac, Bataan
Imagine a time when women wore elaborate Filipiniana gowns and men donned hats; a time when people gathered at the plaza to socialize and listen to live kundiman as they are sung with great pride and joy. Imagine cobblestoned roads and grand Filipino houses filled with families sharing meals while slaves—aliping sagigilid and aliping namamahay—walk around the house to serve the illustrado without actually been seen.
Sounds like Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, right? Imagine that a place still exist (or at least the grand remnants of it) in today’s Apple-loving Filipino society. Yes, there is such a place, it’s called Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Located in Bagac, Bataan, this one-of-a-kind resort houses reconstructed and well-preserved houses of our glorious past. The resort is perfect for large vacationing groups who want to learn more about their heritage. Dinner is served beside the river with a live kundiman group singing songs of a bygone era. There is such a place and it is magical.
Don’t miss: Chicken Binakol from Marivent Restaurant
How to get there: Take Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and make your exit at Dinalupihan. After the town of Hermosa, take a right turn going to Mariveles that will lead you to Bagac, Bataan.
Banol Beach
Coron, Palawan
While Coron is becoming pretty popular nowadays, there are several small destinations in Coron that still offer that tranquil feeling you can’t fight in most beach resorts nowadays. Banol Beach is one of the many destinations you can choose from a Coron package tour. No fancy hotels or even small guest houses, just the simplest beach gazebos made of bamboo where you can have your lunch, which prepared by your very own boatmen. The beach itself is the gem—towering rock formations, powdery white sand, and blue-green waters. No loud motorboats, no screaming kids, no messy makeshift barbecue grills. Just you and the sea.
Don’t miss: Towering rock formations.
How to get there: From your guesthouse, take a tricycle to Coron’s public market. Look for boatmen offering island hopping packages. Include Banol Beach in your tour.
Published in Total Fitness Magazine March 2013 Issue
It’s never too early to plan your summer getaways. In fact, by now, you should have an idea where to go and what to do before you run out of good flights and great resorts. Whether you are a beach-loving babe or the mountain-climbing type, the Philippines never fails to surprise. Here are some of the best and must-see summer destinations in the country:
Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa
Marinduque
Bellarocca, as it is commonly known, is like something out of a dream. Located on an isolated island in the Marinduque Province, aptly titled the “Heart of Philippines”, this luxurious resort offers the kind of privacy and relaxation that are perfect for newlyweds, couples, and expat families. Taking inspiration from the famous Santorini in Greece, “Bellarocca” means “beautiful rock” and as such, the entire resort is literally built on an elephant-shaped island. Its architecture reeks of Greek origins and its all-white walls remain cool under the summer sun. The resort isn’t all comfortable luxury. It offers several water-sport activities like Hobie cat, Jet Ski, diving, and laps at their infinity pools. If you want a relaxing and secluded summer getaway, Bellarocca is your best choice.
Don’t miss: Riding a Jet Ski around the elephant-shaped island. Will take about 30 minutes.
How to get there: If you’re not taking a private helicopter, chartered plane, or a yacht, you can always book a flight to Marinduque via Zest Air. A company shuttle will take you from the airport to the marina (takes about 45 minutes), where a 5-minute ride on board a speed boat will take you to the island.
Misibis Bay Resort
Cagraray Island
Misibis Bay is another luxurious resort tucked away in the south-easternmost area of Cagraray Island in Bicol. Dubbed as the “Boracay of Bicol”, Misibis Bay is abundant with clear, blue waters and white sand as soft as powdered sugar. Unlike Boracay, Misibis Bay Resorts caters to those who want to enjoy rest and relaxation in a secluded setting. They have several accommodations—from villas to hotel rooms—that suit every traveling group. They also have several restaurants on the island—Spice Market, Dela Playa Beach Grill and Tapas Bar, and Sula Bar & Lounge—that serve the freshest catch of the day to their affluent vacationers.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking sunset at the beach.
How to get there: The resort offers airport and hotel pickups for guests in Legazpi City. They can also arrange pickups at Embarcadero de Legazpi as early as 7PM. Guests are treated to a historical 45-minute road trip, stopping at famous landmarks for photo-ops. After a two-minute barge ride crossing Sula Channel and another 15 minutes on the road, guests are welcomed with a traditional Ibalong dance.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Bagac, Bataan
Imagine a time when women wore elaborate Filipiniana gowns and men donned hats; a time when people gathered at the plaza to socialize and listen to live kundiman as they are sung with great pride and joy. Imagine cobblestoned roads and grand Filipino houses filled with families sharing meals while slaves—aliping sagigilid and aliping namamahay—walk around the house to serve the illustrado without actually been seen.
Sounds like Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, right? Imagine that a place still exist (or at least the grand remnants of it) in today’s Apple-loving Filipino society. Yes, there is such a place, it’s called Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Located in Bagac, Bataan, this one-of-a-kind resort houses reconstructed and well-preserved houses of our glorious past. The resort is perfect for large vacationing groups who want to learn more about their heritage. Dinner is served beside the river with a live kundiman group singing songs of a bygone era. There is such a place and it is magical.
Don’t miss: Chicken Binakol from Marivent Restaurant
How to get there: Take Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and make your exit at Dinalupihan. After the town of Hermosa, take a right turn going to Mariveles that will lead you to Bagac, Bataan.
Banol Beach
Coron, Palawan
While Coron is becoming pretty popular nowadays, there are several small destinations in Coron that still offer that tranquil feeling you can’t fight in most beach resorts nowadays. Banol Beach is one of the many destinations you can choose from a Coron package tour. No fancy hotels or even small guest houses, just the simplest beach gazebos made of bamboo where you can have your lunch, which prepared by your very own boatmen. The beach itself is the gem—towering rock formations, powdery white sand, and blue-green waters. No loud motorboats, no screaming kids, no messy makeshift barbecue grills. Just you and the sea.
Don’t miss: Towering rock formations.
How to get there: From your guesthouse, take a tricycle to Coron’s public market. Look for boatmen offering island hopping packages. Include Banol Beach in your tour.
