El Nido | Budget vs Luxury

As a kid, I used to think people named El Nido after my favorite powdered milk, Nido, because the sand there is as white and fine as the powdered milk I love drinking. Its been my dream to go there since then.

Photo Courtesy of El Nido Resorts Website

El Nido is famous for the luxury resort chain, El Nido Resorts. There are currently 4 resorts in the different islands of Palawan under their management. Each are internationally recognized and multi-awarded for its eco-friendly design and luxury. But of course, luxury comes with a price. For more budget conscious tourists, a trip to El Nido could be as equally fun and exciting with the affordable island hopping activities that are available. Bacuit Bay in El Nido features beautiful islands with white sand beaches, lagoons concealed in limestone walls and rich marine life that are perfect for diving and snorkeling. So its just a matter of preference and, of course, budget. 

There's a small domestic airport in El Nido, however, only the charter airline of El Nido Resorts fly there now and they offer guests round trip airfares for about Php13,000++ per person. Seair no longer offers direct flights to El Nido Airport since early this year. A more affordable alternative is to fly to Puerto Princesa airport and ride a bus or a van to El Nido. Another option is to ride a boat. I'm not a fan of long boat rides so I won't even explore that option.  

Thanks to one of Cebu Pacific's promo fares, my friends and I were able to book a round trip flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan for only Php1115. I was able to contact Fortwally Shuttle Service and they offered us round trip private airport transfers to El Nido for Php 1100 per person. Its a 5-hour ride so I really hope its a comfortable van. 

The next question is whether we'd go for budget traveling or luxury vacation. For easier decision making, I made two itineraries with projected expenses each. 

Luxury El Nido Itinerary

March 2 (Sat): Day 1 – Arrival

4pm        Departure: NAIA Terminal 3 

5:15pm   Arrival: Puerto Prinsesa Airport

               Van to El Nido

               Dinner

1am        Arrival at El Nido

               Check-in at El Nido Town Hotel

March 3 (Sun): Day 2 – El Nido Resort

9am         Check-out El Nido Town Hotel Transfer to El Nido Resort

10am       Check-in at El Nido Resort

                Water Sports Activites (Hobie Cat, Windsurf, Kayak, etc)

                Standard Resort Guided Activities/Tours (snorkeling, island-hopping, etc)

March 4 (Mon): Day 3 – El Nido Resort

               Water Sports Activites (Hobie Cat, Windsurf, Kayak, etc)
               Standard Resort Guided Activities/Tours (snorkeling, island-hopping, etc)

March 5 (Tues): Day 4 - Departure

12pm      Check-out El Nido Resort Lunch

               Transfer to Puerto Princesa 6pm Arrival at Puerto Princesa

               Dinner
8:10pm   Departure: Puerto Princesa Airport

9:25pm   Arrival: NAIA Terminal 3

Budget El Nido Itinerary

March 2 (Sat): Day 1 – Arrival

4pm        Departure: NAIA Terminal 3 

5:15pm   Arrival: Puerto Prinsesa Airport

               Van to El Nido

               Dinner

1am        Arrival at El Nido

               Check-in at El Nido Town Hotel

March 3 (Sun): Day 2 – Island Hopping

9am        Island Hopping (Tour C) 

5pm        Return to El Nido Town Hotel

               Rest, Dinner, Nightlife

March 4 (Mon): Day 3 – Island Hopping

9am        Island Hopping (Tour A) 

5pm       Return to El Nido Town Hotel

              Rest, Dinner, Nightlife

March 5 (Tues): Day 4 - Departure

12pm      Check-out El Nido Town Hotel Lunch

               Transfer to Puerto Princesa 6pm Arrival at Puerto Princesa

               Dinner
8:10pm   Departure: Puerto Princesa Airport

9:25pm   Arrival: NAIA Terminal 3

We still haven't decided on where to go just yet. But its definitely going to be fun either way. 

Till next time ;) 

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Travel Madness Expo 2012 - An Aftermath

Its only my first time to attend a travel expo. I've always wanted to go but something always kept me from attending similar events in the past. Anyway, I had my expectations but I kinda hoped for more. Most of the booths are from travel agencies that offer THE SAME tours and rates. They even give out the same freakin' flyers. Speaking of flyers, I have a lot those now. I don't know why, but I just had to get them. Its not like I'm going to book a tour for a trip like HK, I'm a do-it-yourself kinda gal. And I hate those travel agencies that rip off their clients. Anyone could do a lot better with just enough research. Well, that's their money, not mine. 

A lot of international airlines also participated in the expo. But we're basically booked for the year and I can't spend anymore money on new travel plans. And most importantly, they are still way too expensive. I'd rather splurge on something else than on airplane tickets. I mean, Cebu Pacific can also take you to KL safely, why spend and additional Php 10,000 just to ride Malaysian Airlines instead? But then again, their money, not mine. 

I thought I'd be able to see booths from hotels and resorts, but nope, nada! Not a single one. 

Although there are 2 important things that I got coming out of this expo: 

1) It gave us an idea of how much we have to save up for our dream vacations: Europe Tour, Maldives and Caribbean/Mediterranean Cruise. 

2) I found a travel agency that could give me good rates for Amanpulo (aww yeah)

our dream vacation on flyers

While walking around the expo, the Citibank guys kept on persuading us to apply for a credit card. We weren't really interested at first but they were giving away these bags (and other freebies) which was very convenient at that time considering the tons of flyers we had been carrying around. So heck, its not like its gonna hurt to get another (its actually my 4th) credit card. 

Citibank eco bags - convenient!

In the end, we didn't really book or buy anything. All that we have now are free tourist maps and a lot of inspiration for our next destinations. I really did enjoy it though. Running around, taking flyers that we don't really need, listening to sales/marketing people sell out their products and services, and being surrounded by a lot of other travel enthusiasts. Totally worth Php50 (?). But I do hope for better promos on the next travel expo which is, I think, next year. Yeah, I'm willing to do it all over again - says the travel junkie in me. 

Till next time. ;) 

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Bellarocca Island Resort: A Beautiful Rock

Inside our villa, my dream home, everything was perfect. It was like everything else didn't matter. But of course it did. We had to go out at some point. For one, we had to eat. We brought in enough snacks, but not real food. Besides, I really wanted to try out their restaurant The only negative comment of this resort is about the food in the restaurant so I wanted to check them out myself.

On our 3-day stay in the island, we were able to try 4 complete meals from the restaurant. The menu was very limited but acceptable. Its not like anyone will be staying there for a month. They also had a buffet but we didn't try them. We weren't big on eating so it wouldn't be worth it. Two meals plus drinks for the both of us costs around 1000 Php. Only on our last night, we indulged on their expensive meals and desserts, and our check got a little overboard. 

complimentary bread, butter and jam

Contrary to the negative reviews, the food was actually good. Its expensive but really worth it. I guess they've made a few adjustments to the menu after receiving those comments. Too bad I wasn't able to take a picture of anything we ordered. We were always hungry every time we went to the restaurant and they all looked so yummy that I couldn't take the time to stop and snap at least one photo before we ate them. Aside from the gorgeous and classy restaurant, guests may opt to have their meals in the garden or in other exclusive areas in the island - subject to certain charges, of course.

Hotel Facilities and Marina Cafe and Bar

Terazzas and Hotel Lap Swimming Pool

After our lunch on the second day, we were scheduled for a free tour around the island. First stop was the hotel rooms. These are the cheapest accommodations you can get in the island. If you just want to experience staying in the island and trying out its amenities, then this is the way to go. Plus, its in the same building as the restaurant and its steps away from the infinity pool. Well, they're not really cheap, I think it costs around 30,000 Php per night. If you're lucky, you can get promo rates for a lesser price. Next to the infinity pool are the more expensive terrazas. They are like the villas without the backyard. The casas are like the terrazas but they're located on the far end of the island. 

Bellarocca Spa

Inside the spa room

We were also able to visit the other facilities in the island during our short tour. There's a bar/cafe where they organize movie nights and other parties for the guests. It can fit around 20 people. There are also venues for weddings (for rich people) and the like. There is also a spa at the top of the island. Its very exclusive and very relaxing. But of course, their rates are crazy expensive. We didn't even consider trying them. On the lower part of the island is a mini, man-made beach where people can try out water sports activities. Another infinity pool can be found here where most of the guests hang out. We didn't get the chance to try any of the pools and the beach because it was always crowded. 

the beach, seaside swimming pool and outdoor venue

Needless to say, we didn't spend much time outside the villa. But all in all, the entire Bellarocca experience was wonderful and perfect. The staff were nice and friendly. The food was superb. The facilities were great. And the villa, oh my villa. I don't think we'd be able to afford another trip back there any time soon. But I have enough great memories with me to last a very long time. This remains as the most expensive trip we've had so far, but I say, indulge yourself every once in a while because you know you deserve it. 

Till next time. :)

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa 
Province of Marinduque, Philippines
http://www.bellaroccaresorts.com/

Tuggy's Travel

Contact Tuggy at +63 928 554 6564 / +63 2 892 4120

http://www.tuggystravel.com/

http://www.facebook.com/tuggstravel

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Bellarocca Island Experience - The Villa

From the reception area, one of the staff assisted us to our villa. We could actually walk from there but he insisted we take the golf cart instead. All the villas were named after Gods and Goddesses, still aligned with the Greek Theme of the resort. Ours is named Aphrodite and oh how appropriate of a name it was.

Upon entering the huge double doors, we were welcomed to a small foyer that has a great view of the backyard and a small fountain in the pocket garden against a glass window. The staff walked us around the villa first, giving us a few instructions on how to use the facilities and equipment. I couldn't hide my excitement. I was almost jumping at my feet while he showed us each room.Our bags came in shortly after. Did I mention that the last time I saw them was at the airport in Manila? The staff took care of them all since we landed. We had the full-on luxury experience of a lifetime.

view from the foyer

Before he left, he taught us how to use the espresso machine. Yeah. We had our own freakin' espresso machine. It became my favorite item in this kitchen. Not that I didn't like the top of the class stove and refrigerator. We didn't get to use them though. I would've brought my favorite instant mac & cheese if I knew we could cook them there. Right next to the kitchen is a maid's room. Its a pretty decent one. It had its own air-conditioning, complete with beddings and pillows and all. Even has its own bathroom. Pati si yaya naka-bakasyon kung sakali.

the kitchen 

The dining room is exquisite. (Gosh, I'm running out of words to describe this place!) It has an elegant long table with cushioned chairs stowed underneath. Its very simple yet elegant. We had our plates set up for us but all that was served were a few local fruits. The best part of the table was the collection of mini liquor bottles carefully placed on the far end. I would've loved to try them all but, of course, it came with a price which I'm not willing to pay. Not in this island, that is.

the dining room

Just like how it was described in the voucher, the living room has a Sony Bravia LCD TV (42") with complete DVD Player and state-of-the-art home theatre stereo system, satellite cable TV, iPod dock and Hi-Fi compact sound system. Just, wow. All of that situated along with this comfy sofa set. We spent our first night here after renting a couple of DVDs from the library.

the living room 

booze and dvds

When we thought things couldn't get any better, we found the bedroom. It had the same electronic equipment as the living room plus the king size bed with the comfiest pillows and sheets ever. Every corner of the villa had its own air-conditioning equipment. (Is this really what its like in rich people's houses?) Further into the bedroom is THE masters bathroom. Its the single most amazing bathroom I've ever seen. Later on, I found out that this bathroom is actually on the list of top luxury bathrooms in the country. Who would've thought there's such a list? It has a rain shower, double sink vanities, a jacuzzi whirlpool bathtub (that creates bubbles) and a complete range of luxurious bath amenities (we got L'Occitane) replenished daily. And it was huge, I tells ya.

THE bathroom

And then finally, the backyard. The dining room, living room, bedroom and bathroom had individual glass doors leading to the backyard. This part was as convenient as it was difficult. We could practically get in and out of the house from anywhere in the backyard, but we had to close them too at some point. Its not that security is an issue. I'm just not comfortable leaving them open all the time. But most importantly, we had a backyard! Here we have an infinity pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, a pocket garden and a sun deck. This is where we spent most of our time. I mean, how couldn't we? How many time could you actually have all these amenities to yourself? Plus, we had the most amazing view of the ocean (or sea?), the mountains and the sunset. I just couldn't ask for more.

the infinity pool 

the outdoor jacuzzi

To be continued…

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa 
Province of Marinduque, Philippines
http://www.bellaroccaresorts.com/


Tuggy's Travel
Contact Tuggy at +63 928 554 6564 / +63 2 892 4120
http://www.tuggystravel.com/
http://www.facebook.com/tuggystravel

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The Journey to Bellarocca Island

The day has finally arrived. All our bags are packed and we are so ready to go. Our bags, by the way, contain loads of goodies. We brought as much food as we can to save some money because we expected that the meals in the restaurant would be expensive. We weren't charged for corkage or anything so I guess its not prohibited. 

to Marinduque via Zest Air

And maybe just to prolong the waiting, our flight was delayed by an hour. It was raining by the time we left Manila but it didn't stop us from leaving. Thank God. The plane was really small. I think less than 30 people can fit in it. Its cute actually. Knowing that most people on board the plane were also guests in Bellarocca made it kinda exclusive. It was a short flight from Manila to Marinduque, probably the shortest I've had since Naga. I didn't even had the chance to warm my seat when the pilot announced our landing.

at the Marinduque Airport

Once we've stepped on the Marinduque Airport, everything else was a bliss. We were greeted by the resort staff with a bottle of cold water and towels to freshen up. They asked for our names to verify our reservations and then led us to a van while they take our baggages from the counter. There were 6 of us in our van, the other van was much more loaded. We had a very comfy 40-minute ride through the province of Marinduque. Its very peaceful out there, but most important of all, the weather was perfect. The staff in our van told us a few facts about the province and the resort which only heightened our anticipation.

After the land transfer, we had to take another 10-minute boat ride to reach the island. There were two boats waiting for us at the dock. We took a few photos from there while the staff loaded our bags to the boats. The first sight of the island is unforgettable. Its surreal. From afar, you'll see the greens forest and white structures shaped like an elephant stuck in the sea. I couldn't stop taking photos even during the boat ride. 

the Bellarocca Island

On the island, we were welcomed with flowers and serenades from more resort staff. Then they brought us up to the reception area using golf carts. (Too bad we couldn't drive them by ourselves. I've always wanted to try that.) All guests gathered at this fab reception area for some introduction from the Resort Manager. They gave us welcome refreshments while we sign a few more papers for the reservations and wait for our rooms to get ready. 

welcome drinks and welcome letter

And at last, we reached our final destination, our home for 3 days, the villa. I couldn't even begin to describe how wonderful this piece of structure is. Seeing it made my dream house into a reality. I didn't even know what I wanted my house to be until I saw it with my own eyes. And it was there. In the freakin' gorgeous island of Marinduque. 

the Villa

To be continued...

The villa, the restaurant and more about the resort on my next blog. :)

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Our Travel Checklist from 2010

Found this list from one of our email exchanges dated June 20, 2010. These are the places that we wanted to visit together. Wanted - being the operative word. I mean, capiz? Who the hell goes to capiz? I didn't even remember that we made this. But its fun though. Especially the part where we cross out some of them.

After 2 years.

We have visited a couple more places that are not included here (might not have imagined we could afford them then). Well this list needs some major makeover because what we wanted then and now have somehow changed a bit. We need to add a few more and probably remove some (i.e. capiz). Oh, exciting times!

We'll be able to cross out a few more by the end of this year. How and when will it get finished? I have no idea. But its definitely something to look forward to. ♥

luzon

• batangas
• baler
• mt pinatubo
• baguio
• sagada
• batanes - basco
• honda bay, palawan
• puerto prinsesa palawan
• el nido palawan
• cam sur
• calaguas camarines norte
• bicol - donsol la union
• pangasinan - hundred islands, bolinao
• ilocos norte (via laoag airport)
• pagudpud
• cagayan - Palaui
• Tuguegarao
• Kalinga
• benguet - mt pulag
• mindoro - Apo Reef Pandan Island
• bataan - corregidor
• butterfly farm
• ocean park - manila
• club manila east
• cloud 9 antipolo
• zambales - anawangin potipot magalawa

visayas

• cebu
• boracay
• bohol
• kalibo
• capiz
• iloilo
• guimaras

mindanao

• dakak - dipolog
• davao
• siargao
• mt apo

ASIA

• hongkong
• macau, china
• korea
• japan
• bali, indonesia
• phuket, thailand
• beijing, china

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Bellarocca | A Dream in the Making

Photo courtesy of Bellarocca Island Website

I couldn't take my mind of Bellarocca ever since I found it on the internet while searching my next destination. It became on the top of my list of places I wanted to see before I die. Their rates are crazy high and it would take me forever to save up for it. But then, forever came too soon. 

When the era of group buying sites began, I took advantage of my unlimited internet access to check on their latest offers. Naturally, I was keen on getting the best travel discounts I could get. All the time, I hoped I'd run into a deal for Bellarocca. It came soon enough on Deal Grocer but I wasn't totally convinced so I waited for other options. I found another one on a travel agency's website, anywherephilippines.com. Their rates are quite acceptable and we were seriously considering it. Until I met Ruthy from Tuggy's Travels. If this was a fairy tale, she would be my fairy godmother. I saw her deal on Facebook:

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa
► Marinduque
► http://bellaroccaresorts.com/► 2D/1N in a One-Bedroom Villa
► includes:
- roundtrip land & sea transfers (Marinduque Airport-Resort-Marinduque Airport),
- Welcome refreshments at the Resort.
- Intimate and luxurious accommodation with individual climate control; Sony Bravia LCD TV (42") with complete DVD Player and state-of-the-art home theatre stereo system, satellite cable TV, Ipod dock (upon request and subject to availability) and Hi-Fi compact sound systems, in-suite safe, mini bar, pillow selections, modern bath and shower facilities with complete range of luxurious bath amenitites, a private balcony/verandah, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, entertainment/game room, and library.
- All villas have its own eternity pool, Jacuzzi, pocket garden.
- Complimentary internet connectivity in the accommodation (cable) and public areas (Wi-Fi).
- Complimentary drinking bottles of water in the room, replenished daily.
- Complimentary coffee & tea selections in room.
- Golf cart service
- Complimentary access to the resort's range of exclusive facilities and recreational activities, i.e. 9-hole golf course, 2 main swimming pools, tea house, meditation sanctuary, fitness gym, entertainment room, among others.
► inclusive of taxes and service charge
► Not valid during Peak periods
► Valid until 8/31 and 11/30 

I just died. A 1 bedroom villa? I wondered how much an overnight stay would cost. Other deals could only offer a deluxe room and I couldn't even afford that. But this one is a 1 bedroom villa. You get to have your own infinity pool, an indoor and outdoor jacuzzi, and all the good stuff that comes with a 1 bedroom villa. I wanted it so bad. I felt like I owed it to myself to at least inquire for their rates. So I sent Ruthy a message and she immediately responded.

I practically begged her to give us a huge discount. She was very accommodating and even arranged for me to do the bargaining with his boss, Tuggy. I always thought I had good negotiating skills and this was exactly what I needed when I bargained with Tuggy over his Bellarocca vouchers. Eventually, we made a deal that was acceptable for both of us. I immediately called my boyfriend to inform him of the deal I made with Tuggy and I could hear his happiness equalling mine. We closed the deal and arranged a meet up for the payment and the vouchers. We couldn't trust them enough back then to just simply make a deposit for the payment, I mean, I've never heard of Tuggy's Travels until I met Ruthy. Its quite a large sum of money. We had to make sure it wasn't some sort of a scam. Well obviously, it wasn't, and I couldn't be happier. We made more deals with Tuggy after this one, but that's a different story. 

We dropped by Tuggy's office in Makati where I met him and Ruthy. Apparently, Tuggy works for a travel magazine and is currently based in the Philippines. He's originally from London which made it somehow difficult to communicate (major nosebleed). He explained a great deal about his work and his business. We made conversations about his personal life, his travels and our travels. Quite a funny guy. He even gave us copies of his magazine which featured a lot of tourist spots here in the country, including Bellarocca. Which leads us back to the vouchers. He showed us a couple more of his vouchers for other resorts. He's got plenty and I was eyeing each one of them. Right then I just knew I haven't seen the last of Tuggy's Travels. 

When we've finally concluded our little chat, we handed him the check and he gave us our vouchers. Getting our hands on the vouchers made it official. This is really it. My dream come true. 

I was so happy that I had to share the deal I made to my friends. And I owed it to Tuggy to promote his business after giving us a good price. I also promised to keep the price he gave us a secret. I think he'd be out of business if people started bargaining with him like we did. Anyway, I was able to refer a good friend of mine and she got a good deal with him too. So I guess I wasn't totally out of line. 

We arranged the reservation with Bellarocca right after we got the vouchers. My boyfriend and I decided to schedule it on his birthday in October. We made the deal in May. That was a very long wait. 

The booking was made thru Ms. Venus, a Reservations Manager of Bellarocca, and was finalized within a week. We immediately booked a flight to Marinduque following the dates we have reserved for the villa. For vacations in such resorts with limited capacity, ALWAYS reserve your accommodation first before your flight. Its easier to modify reservations on resorts than on flights. Had to learn this the hard way.

The only commercial airline that flies to Marinduque is ZestAir. Here are the flight schedules provided by Bellarocca management (valid as of October 2011).

We chose a Saturday to Monday trip, which was our BIGGEST regret up to this day. Its the shortest trip of them all! But we did have our reasons:

1) Longer stay means more meals and more meals means more expenses. Food in the island is crazy expensive. 

2) For some reason, those days have the cheapest flights when compared with others 

So we just thought a few hours wouldn't make much difference. But we were so wrong. The additional expenses of staying a bit longer could've been all worth it. 

The flight and accommodations are booked. Now the waiting game begins. 

Spent the following months reading articles and blogs about the island, looking at pictures, dreaming of the day when it'll be our turn. 

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa 
Province of Marinduque, Philippines
http://www.bellaroccaresorts.com/

Tuggy's Travel
Contact Tuggy at +63 928 554 6564 / +63 2 892 4120
http://www.tuggystravel.com/
http://www.facebook.com/tuggstravel

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