Its perfect for beachbums, soulsearching, and retreat. If your sanity is on the verge of giving up-just take a 2 hour bus-ride and isolate yourself and relax. Tabuelan offers reasonably priced hideout, fresh food and perfect solitary confinement. Dont forget your paolu coelho book over buko juice it will surely calm your worn out soul.
How to get there? mini-bus is available in NorthBus Terminal(Cebu)with an hour interval that cost $2-$3. V-hire is also available but very limited at SM terminal area.
Where to stay there? LaFamilia Beach Resort and Durham is what I reccommend which are reasonably priced at $40-$45.
The Food? The place has lots of restaurant to choose from.
The first time I went there was when our Team won the company's monthly blitz which was an overnight stay at the resort, free dinner and a buffet continental breakfast. But what struck me the most was their artificial lagoon which covers almost entirely the whole property. I must admit Plantation Bay is very pricey for a backpacker lik me but it's worth it, you kinda paying the true value of their accomodation. And the hospitality man, oh it's very Filipino, without any pretensions or shall we say effective customer service, eh? nah, whatever! We even get a discount since my friend is working there! And did I mention the lagoon, the artificial falls, slides and numerous swimming pools? Those are just few of what Plantation Bay offers.
Lower rates apply for stays of 6 nights or more. Higher rates apply during these peak periods: Christmas / New Year - Dec 27, 2007 - Jan 1, 2008 Easter Holiday - March 20 - 22, 2008 Obon Period - August 14 - 17, 2008
Room rates are expressed in US$. Most other prices inside the hotel (except scuba diving services) are in Philippine Pesos.For cancellations during non-peak periods, please advise us at least 7 days prior to arrival to avoid a penalty of 1 night charge per room reserved. Full cancellation charge will apply for bookings cancelled less than 72 hrs prior to arrival. No-show on the day of arrival will be charged equivalent to the total number of roomnights reserved. During peak periods, the hotel's cancellation policy is to charge the total number of room nights reserved.* Please be informed that the photos shown in this website do not represent all rooms in each category. Lay-out and furnishings of the rooms may vary according to location.
Badian is a secluded town in the southernmost portion of Cebu where you can find pristine and white sand beaches. Few exclusive resort are mushrooming the area including Badian Island Resort and Cebu International Golf and Resort. Anyways I am not recommending those resorts unless you extend the credit limit of your visa card.
There are lots of ways you can groove your way down there, either thru a bus or a 15-seater van. A van will cost you $2.50 for a 2 hour ride from CebuCity to the town proper. Private villas and beach houses abounds the area ranging from $45 to $95 per night. The one we had rented has a patio/balcony, private loft, 3 bedroom, 1T/B and a shower room good for 6-8 people.
Restaurants are 5 mintes ride to town center since these houses are secluded. But food is not a problem, you might bring some canned goods or you can ask the house caretaker to buy you some fresh stuff and have them cook it for you, serve hot, how bout that?
Nostalgic sunset, calm seabreeze, comfy beachhouse, and good food is somethin Im looking forward the next time I will visit Badian. Ooh, I just cant wait for it.
For reservations: contack erick at this no. 09273157259
1. Boracay - an island located 315km(200mi) south of manila and just a few miles to the main island of Panay in the Western Visayas(Philippines). It comprises the 3 major Barangay; Manoc2x, Balabag and Yapak. Its powdery white sand and crystal clear water makes it one of the finest beaches in the world
2. Cebu – the queen city of the south is the haven of Philippine mardi gras. Cebu is not only known for its festive Sinulog and sweet Mangoes but with its history and century old landmarks. The UK-based Condenast(travel glossy) named Cebu the 7th best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region in 2007.
3. Panglao - an hour travel from Cebu thru fast craft is one of the finest island destination in the country. Located in Central Visayas and Famous for its narrow coastline and scattered islet. The island has an interesting geographical feature found in Hinagdanancave which has an underground water source.
4. Puerto Galera – is a coastal town in Oriental Mindoro known for its numerous pocket beaches and snorkeling and diving spots. The area has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia.
5. Palawan - the only Philippine island cited, is rated by National Geographic TravelerEast and Southeast Asia region in 2007, and the 13th best island in the world having "incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes. One of the most biodiverse (terrestrial and marine) islands in the Philippines...The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since early 1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable development".(WikiPedia key word: Palawan)
Even rich people do budget and plan their trip too. I have met a lot of people and talk to a lot of customer asking the same question all over again and again. And the answer is so simple book in advance and during low season(september-may excluding christmas and new year). But if you want a more detailed answer I have came across this article at farecast.com and it applies to all airline wether your booking it in whatever part of the world you are located right now. It's about buying airfare at the right time and predicting when will airfares are dropping down or rising up in the next seven days for a specific destinations.
Traveling is probably everyone’s excuse in pampering one self the guiltless way. Like the sunshine illuminating the window drape so is traveling illuminates our unconscious to appreciate every place our feet get in.
I love to travel so I always set a side a portion of my paycheck for it at least once in every three months. Traveling need not to be expensive for you to get the best out of it, all you need is the 3P where most backpackers have: proper planning, perfect schedule and passion.
I’m not trying to play expert here, I’m just trying to share what I learned from my previous experience. I’m a budget traveler or what they usually call backpacker, so most of my tips here would come from that perspective.
So, what are you waiting for, prepare your self and discover the world around you.
QUICkFACTS Where to stay in Cebu?DE LUXE CLASS PLANTATION BAY MACTANMarigondon, Lapu-Lapu City(63-32) 340-5900 SHANGRI-LA’S MACTAN ISLAND RESORTPunta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City(63-32) 231-0288FIRST CLASSWATERFRONT AIRPORT HOTEL & CASINO Airport Road, Lapu-Lapu City(63-32) 340-4888 WATERFRONT CEBU CITY CASINO HOTEL Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City(63-32) 232-6888
STANDARD CLASS CEBU MARRIOT Biliran Road, Cebu Business Park(63-32) 232-6100 CEBU GRAND HOTELN. Escario St., Cebu City(63-32) 254-6331 CEBU MIDTOWN HOTELFuente Osmeña, Cebu City(63-32) 253-9711more..
TOURIST INN DYNASTY TOURIST INNJasmin St., Capitol Site, (63-32) 253-7598 BAHIA RESORT HOTELBarrio Agus, Lapu-Lapu City(63-32) 495-2352 HOTEL VICTORIA DE CEBU174 V. Gullas, Manalili St. (63-32) 254-1333 more..
APARTELLE THE APARTELLE N. Escario St., Cebu City (63-32) 255-6385
What are they saying?Cebuanos speak Bisaya the local dialect but they can also understand and speak English, as well as Tagalog. Since they are hospitable people they usually start the conversation with greetings. Like "Maayong Buntag" which means Good Morning, "Maayong Udto" for Good Afternoon and "Maayong Gabii" for Good Evening.
some useful words:
Yes / No = O / Dili
With / Without = Naa / Wala
Have / Don't have = Naa / Wala
I / We = Ako / Kami
You / They = Ikaw / Sila
He / She = Siya
Who / What = Kinsa / Unsa
Where / When = Asa / Kanus-a
Why / How = Ngano /Paunsa
Man / Woman = Lalaki / Babae
Small / Big = Gamay / Daku
Hot / Cold = Init / Bugnaw
Near / Far = Doul / Layo
Open / Close = Sirado / Abri
Fast / Slow = Paspas / Hinay
Good morning = Maayong buntag
Good afternoon = Maayong hapon
Good evening = Maayong gabii
I am [your name] = Ako si [your name]
How are you? = Kumusta ka?
I'm fine = Maayo man
Thank you = Salamat
TransportationThe Jeepney is a conventional form of public transport. Getting around Cebu on Jeepney´s is puzzling especially for first time visitors but its worth the adventure. Their routes are indicated on the sides of the Jeepney and fare range from P6.00 or more depending on destination. Other forms of transportation include the bus, taxi, and chauffeur-driven cars. Buses provide service in the city and outbound journeys. The taxi is the most convenient way of getting around Cebu and could be flagged down anywhere. Taxis also queue at most hotels and shopping centers and can be requested by telephone. Car rental companies have offices around Metro Cebu, in major hotels, and at the airport.
Business/MoneyThe Philippine currency is peso, divided into 100 centavos. Next to the peso, the US dollar enjoys wide acceptance. Most foreign currencies can easily be changed at banks, hotels, and authorized dealers. Foreign currency is not readily taken by establishments in Cebu. Major foreign credit cards may be accepted only at major hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants. Visitors are advised to bring sufficient amount of change is small bills or coins. Banks - 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday; Government agencies and offices - 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday; Private firms - 9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday. Most department stores stay open on Sundays and holidays.
Calling Cebu from the US?
When your calling Cebu from the US you just dial
for calling Cebu from the rest of the world?
Cebu Weather!
Cebu enjoys a dry, hot season from December to May where temperatures can reach as high as 37 degrees centigrade. The rainy season usually starts on June and ends on November. Temperatures are pleasantly cool around 24 to 30 degrees. So wearing natural-fiber, lightweight clothing is reccomended. Bring shorts, hat, sunglasses, bathing suits, insect repellent, flashlight, sun block cream, tough shoes for walking, rubber slippers for the beach too.
Its perfect for beachbums, soulsearching, and retreat. If your sanity is on the verge of giving up-just take a 2 hour bus-ride and isolate yourself and relax. Tabuelan offers reasonably priced hideout, fresh food and perfect solitary confinement. Dont forget your paolu coelho book over buko juice it will surely calm your worn out soul.
Lower rates apply for stays of 6 nights or more.
