Thursday, December 29, 2011

Solo, Mabini, Batangas

Solo, Mabini, Batangas Anilao is popular with divers and snorkelers. The waters surrounding the area are teeming with marine life, plenty of corals and amazing diversity of fishes.



The northwest shore of the Calumpang Peninsula, from Anilao to Bagalangit, is lined with local resorts that cater primarily to local tourists. Although the beach at Anilao is not recommended for swimming, thatched bamboo rafts, rustic cabins and picnic cabanas are available for rental at local resorts. From these resorts, you can also rent a boat for island hopping and visit the diving spots, coves, and islands like the Sombrero and Maricaban islands. With its niche popularity among divers, Anilao is no longer as difficult for visitors to get to as in the past. It is accessible by sea or land. From Manila, one can typically get to Anilao by taking a bus bound for Batangas City (Buendia terminal) and asking the conductor for drop off at the Mabini/Bauan jeepney terminal. By request, a Mabini jeepney driver will then take passengers to the Mabini dock area. From the Mabini docks, visitors can hire a driver to any one of the resorts. The beauty that this place is known for lies not above the water, but underwater. When you visit this place for the first time and plan to go swimming, at least bring a dive mask or rent one. You would be glad you did. It would also be important to note that this place called Anilao, which has been known to be a world class dive destination, is actually just a barangay of Mabini town of Batangas. The dives sites and resorts are actually scattered all over the several barangays of Mabini (Solo, Bagalangit, San Tedoro, etc) and across to the island of Maricaban. Anilao is the name that caught up in the divng community because, years ago, Anilao was the only jump-off point to the dive sites. -wikipedia, waypoint narrative King Solomon Dive Resort




King Solomon is a newly opened family owned dive resort in Anilao, specifically located in the Sitio of Solo, Mabini, Batangas Philippines . The place imparts a homey feeling. Facility is complete with all your diving needs from scuba gear to tanks and can be rented out exclusively for those who would like to enjoy a peaceful stay. With only 3 hours away from manila, you can enjoy a quick get-away and to visit Paradise in Batangas. 

With easy access to several diving sanctuaries in Anilao, King Solomon Dive Resort is the perfect place.










San Jose, Anilao, Mabini Batangas

Anilao, Mabini Batangas 
Mabini is a 1st class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. It is located on the Calumpang Peninisula between Batangas Bay to the east and Balayan Bay to the west. It is named after Apolinario Mabini, a Filipino revolutionary hero. Anilao is popular with budget divers and snorkelers. There are several diving centers where trips can be arranged to diving spots in Balayan Bay near Cape Bagalangit and near Sombrero and Maricaban Islands. Although the beach at Anilao is not recommended for swimming, thatched bamboo rafts can be rented with tables and benches at the Anilao Beach Resort and other resorts. BISA BAYSIDE





One of the very few beach like along Mabini. This place is not that impressive so I won’t recommend it unless you have a really tight budget and do not intend to stay overnight nor rent rooms. Though, It's still nice to just sit, relax, sip a cup of coffee and watch the sunset.




VISTAMAR Beach Resort and Hotel Vistamar is a 2 hectare resort complex situated in Anilao, Mabini Batangas. It is the biggest resort facility in the area and can accommodate up to 3,000 guests. It offers a wide range of services and facilities aimed at providing guests with a quality service and convenience.





Carfel-Vistamar Incorporated traces its beginnings in 1981 when Carfel Seaventure Phils. was established. It started as a sister company of Carfel Shell Export which was then among the top shell exporters of seashells and handicrafts in Asia, supplying shell shops and shell collectors worldwide with specimen shells as well as rare collectibles. Carfel Seaventure Phils. was one of the country’s pioneer dive companies that offered dive tours, SCUBA instruction, equipment sales and rentals. In 1991, the company ventured into the resort industry and established Vistamar Beach Resort & Hotel in Anilao, Batangas, Philippines. Strategically nestled between sea and lush mountain, its modern 4-building hotel has 96 rooms that provide comfortable rest and leisure for up to 500 hotel guests. The sprawling 3 hectare resort can hold up to 3,000 day trip guests at any one time, making it the biggest picnic destination in the area. The beauty that this place is known for lies not above the water, but underwater. When you visit this place for the first time and plan to go swimming, at least bring a dive mask or rent one. You would be glad you did. It would also be important to note that this place called Anilao, which has been known to be a worldclass dive destination, is actually just a barangay of Mabini town of Batangas. The dives sites and resorts are actually scattered all over the several barangays of Mabini (Solo, Bagalangit, San Tedoro,etc) and across to the island of Maricaban. Anilao is the name that caught up in the diving community because, years ago, Anilao was the only jump-off point to the dive sites. 
-waypoint narrative


Monday, November 7, 2011

Anawangin Cove, Zambales

Anawangin Cove 



Pristine white sand beaches surround the isolated, crescent shaped cove. There are no roads leading to Anawangin. It is only accessible by a 30 minute boat ride from Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales or by a six-hour trek through hot, open trails thru the Pundaquit range.What makes the place unique is the unusual riddle of tall pine trees flourishing round its vicinity. Just behind the beach is the pine forest and a marsh, where one can find natural springs feeding to the sea. The area is home to a number of bird species. The cove's relative isolation has kept it free from development, there are no resorts on this sparkling piece of natural beauty, save for a few huts and deep wells.  Anawangin Cove is an exciting destination for beach goers and campers.









  Ash fall from the eruption of Mt Pinatubo formed into volcanic rock mountains, and blew in pine seeds that created a unique pine forest behind the cove’s banks. The cove has natural springs that feed into the sea, and a marsh that is home for several bird species.







The sand in Anawangin Cove is mainly Mt. Pinatubo lahar. 
-waypoints


Capones Island, Zambales

Capones Island 




Capones Island is a two-kilometer long island situated four kilometers off the coast of Barangay Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales. The bone-shaped island is mostly rocky and barren, and is surrounded by white beaches that shift location due to weather and sea current.
Originally named “Isla Gran de Capon” during the Spanish era, Capones Island does not have commercial resorts and facilities. The island is a big rock formation with high cliffs and little soil, and is joined by a sand bar (which disappears during high tide) to two smaller islands called Camara, which are only two kilometers away from the mainland.
Since the surrounding waters of South China Sea are described to be rough, it is advisable to take a boat ride early in the morning when the sea is still calm. Visitors may opt to camp in a tent along the beaches if there is no typhoon or stay in the small fishing village of Pundaquit where they can hire a boat to get to Capones. 








 Although the island is not a typical commercial destination, visitors can still enjoy exploring the island's historic and natural wonders, such as: Trek to Faro de Punta Capones, the old Spanish lighthouse built in 1890 Camping Swimming, snorkeling, and diving Island hopping Water sports ... and hermit crab hunting...






 Visitors may take the North Luzon Expressway, exit at San Fernando, Pampanga, and go to Olongapo City. Before Olongapo's boundary is a bypass way via the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority that leads to the towns of Castillejos, San Marcelino, and eventually, San Antonio. Pundaquit is located southwest of San Antonio, where visitors can ask directions from the townspeople. 
-wikipedia



Saturday, July 30, 2011

Shercon Resort and Ecology Park, Batangas

Imagine... lush forest... breathtaking view of Taal Lake and Tagaytay Ridge... with lots of grounds to linger imagine...Shercon Resort and Ecology Park is located at Brgy San Sebastian Mataas na Kahoy Batangas. Mataas na Kahoy is a progressing town 85 kilometers south of Manila...
Shercon Resort and Ecology Park was first conceptualized as a private rest house for the family and its closest friend...until most of the friends would want to rent out the place...thus the beginning of improving these forest paradise... 








 Currently, Shercon Resort and Ecology Park has 3 swimming pool area, 1 conference room, 3 function halls, a lake view garden park, 16 airconditioned rooms, lots of picnic table and big space to linger...




Shercon Resort and Ecology Park is very ideal for your Team Buildings, Seminars, Retreat, Receptions, Parties, Outing, Camping or just your weekend getaways....
There are 3 pool areas to enjoy. Each area has a distinct feature but with the same concept of a forest getaway. The perfect venue for team building, seminars, company outings, retreats, recollections, camping, wedding ceremonies and receptions, debut and birthday parties, reunions or just any social gatherings. Shercon Ecology Pool Area: Overlooking the Scenic Taal Lake and Tagaytay Ridge. The poolside area can accommodate 500 guests for catered weddings and other special functions. Shercon Infinity Pool Area: Infinity designed seashore like pool with forest backdrop




Shercon Prime Pool Area: Garden inspired swimming pool and surroundings Take a plunge into the resort's current largest pool which overlooks Taal Lake and Tagaytay Ridge. The pool's waterfalls backdrop provides an interesting contrast to the serene view of Taal Lake. The kiddie pool can accommodate 40 kids at a time while the adult pool can accommodate 150 persons at a time. Thinking of holding a party or serving cocktails beside the pool? The pool side is big enough to accommodate 350 guests. Renew friendships, strengthen bonds of camaraderie among your employees or simply celebrate an important occasion with family and friends. The resort's very first developed area offers a delightful sanctuary to those who simply want to get away. De-stress and soak blissfully. Simply perfect for more intimate events or celebrations. Shercon resort is like a "resort" inside a big forest. It is very relaxing as you can hear only the sounds of water and crickets at night. A great bonding experience with family and friends.