Sunday, February 1, 2015

Mount Maculot Traverse (930 MASL)


Major Jumpoff: Mountaineer's Store, Brgy. 7 "Siete", Cuenca
Exit point (traverse): Brgy 5 (to Grotto), Cuenca

LLA: 13°55 N; 121°2 E; 706 MASL (Rockies) / 930 MASL (summit)
Days required / Hours to Rockies / summit : 1 day / 1-2 hr / 2-4 hr
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 (Rockies); 4/9 (Traverse) Trail class 1-3.

Features: Scenic views of Taal Lake, rock formations, forests

Bantog Backpackers just came from a difficult climb 4 days before Mount Maculot.  We are on a Christmas vacation as well as the kids.  I always wanted to do a year-end hike and I scheduled Mount Malarayat on those dates.  With a 13 days vacation, I guess I need another hike before I get back to work.  It rained during our scheduled Mt. Maculot day-hike and we will be going back home to Bataan that night.  When a little sun showed before we planned to go home, I said to my husband and brother-in-law, Raymart "Tara akyat tayo!" Raymart immediately texted and called again our clubmates who are willing to join us.





How to get to Mount Maculot?
The terminal buses going to Batangas areas are in Cubao, Kamuning and Buendia.  Take buses going to Lemery, Batangas, bus fare Php150.  Get off to Cuenca's town proper and flag a trike going to Mt. Maculot jump-off, trike fare Php15/person.

The comfort rooms and shower rooms for a fee
There is a registration fee of Php20 at the barangay outpost and a required guide fee of Php400 for a group of 4 persons, additional persons will be charged Php50 each. This guide fee is only up to Maculot's Rockies which can be hiked for 1 1/2 to two hours.

I am not an arrogant or bragging person that I have climbed multiple mountains.  But as a concerned mountaineer, Mount Maculot has an easy trail which can be easily followed even by beginners.  I am so sure that they can't be misled by the trails and there are a number of hikers that you will encounter in about 2 to 5 minutes interval.  

Mount Maculot has imposed a policy that all hikers are required to get a guide after the tragic death of Victor Ayson.  The mountain has been also been closed for sometime because of the investigations.

The registration fee is okay with us but the required guides is a little burden and an additional expense to my fellow mountaineers especially those on a budget.  Maybe you can require a guide for those climbing alone or for first timers but it will be their option to hire one.  We have opted to climbed the traversed one so I guess it is middling for us to get a guide.  Guide fee for the Mount Maculot traverse is Php1,000.


rest area
After 15 minutes of hiking, another rest area ...

Ang bundok na puro pahingahan, hahaha =)




After 5 minutes of hiking, another rest area ...
loves doing this with my kids

the view of Taal Lake from Mount Maculot


lunch at the campsite


The Rockies



groupie muna =)


that very dangerous rock formation ... where Victor Ayson fell



 

I didn't dare to sit at that area because the rock is not stable and it is where a mountaineer fell.... Kaya okay na ko dito =)

Uy! may maganda sa bundok!




Mt. Maculot's Summit as my background

The other side of the Rockies ...



the lovers Tephie and Ace <3



AMOC at the Rockies



After reaching the Rockies, the guide asked us if we will continue hiking up to the summit.  We said "syempre!".  He asked because the guide fee of Php400 is up to the Rockies only.

I've read in Pinoy Mountaineer blog that only 5% are continuing up to the summit and found it true.  There are only three groups during that day who pursued.  


view of the Rockies while assaulting the summit

There is no source of water throughout the trail so if you will hike up to the Rockies, bring at least two liters of water but if you will continue with the summit and traversing the mountain, bring at least 3 liters of water.

From the Rockies up to the summit is a little easy but muddy one hour hike.  




reached Mount Maculot's summit at 930 MASL (the second highest point in Batangas) with our new friends
It is time to climb down ...





the forested trail of the traverse hike
there are three roped segments after the summit



my turn ...

The traversed one is a little difficult ...

that cute and colorful worm
After 2 1/2 hours from the summit, we have seen the grotto ...







walking backwards ...

while waiting for our service vehicle

our mabait na guide, Jorvin cp no. 0906-2561665/0948-4253699 ... Thank You pre

We were on a hired vehicle so we were able to stop at a Gotohan in Taal, Batangas.






Mount Maculot Traverse Dayhike Itinerary :
6:00am to 9:00am   - bus ride from Cubao to Cuenca, Batangas
9:00am to 9:20am   - trike ride or from Cuenca Town Proper to jump-off
9:20am to 9:30am   - registration at Brgy. Outpost, negotiated with a guide
9:30am to 11:00am  - Jump-off to Campsite
11:00am to 11:30am - lunch
11:30am to 11:45am - Campsite to Maculot Rockies (706 MASL)
11:45am to 12:30pm - picture taking at the Rockies
12:30pm to 1:00pm   - Rockies to Campsite to Mt. Maculot Summit
1:00pm to 1:10pm    - at Mt. Maculot Summit (930 MASL)
1:10pm to 3:40pm    - Mt. Maculot Summit to Grotto
3:40pm to 4:10pm    - Grotto to Brgy. Pag-asa
4:10pm to 4:30pm    - Freshening Up
4:30pm to 7:30pm    - Cuenca, Batangas to Cubao

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa


Discover a resort in a class of its own. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is set in 11.4 hectares of secluded grounds yet only 30 minutes from downtown Cebu City. Plantation Bay offers one of the largest privately-owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of colonial-plantation architecture. Decompress from life's pressures in the healing tranquility of an environment that truly feels "away from it all." If you have ever spent time at a tropical plantation, you know what we mean. If not, come and discover a refreshingly different flavor of life. 
http://plantationbay.com/ 

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is exactly located at Brgy. Marigondon, Lapu Lapu, Cebu.  It is about 22 kilometers from the airport.
Hotel Class - 5-star.  
Number of Rooms : 256

Plantation Bay's Promise :
1. The resort has the nicest rooms, the best bathrooms and the most charming architecture.
2. The resort has the most extensive facilities in the country (regardless of price range).
3. Transparency
4. Safety
5. Outstanding food
6. The friendliest and most helpful staff, and a strict No-Tipping Policy.

I've been to Cebu thrice.  And everytime we go here it's always a "tipid-trip".  Our first time was a Cebu-Bohol trip exploring mostly of the Bohol Province and just went to see Cebu City.  Our second time was in January 2014 and explored the southern side of the Cebu Province.  

I've read a lot about Plantation Bay and when you see your facebook friends posting their photos and experience at this resort, I really am curious how it feels like spending at least a day in a 5-star hotel resort.  

I've already made my itinerary for our third time in Cebu and I still didn't include Plantation Bay.  My three boys haven't been to Bohol yet so I have no choice but to still include Bohol in our vacation.  Actually they just wanted to see how Chocolate Hills really looked like.  I know that I'll be spending a lot on a day-tour in Bohol for a family of six.  Aside from Bohol I included Bantayan Island and promised to be back at the Southern side of Cebu.  I noticed that if I follow this itinerary there is nothing new in our vacation except Bantayan Island because we've been at those locations before..... I really wanted that Plantation Bay visit even for a glance...

I consulted my hubby that I really want to go for at least a daytrip at Plantation Bay... and for a family of six I will spend Php9,000 for it.  Plantation is offering a "day-tripper" adventure for Php2,000 for adults and Php1,000 for kids 4 to 12 years old. I've already emailed my queries to the Reservation Officer that we really are interested in spending a day at the resort as a day-tripper.  Day tripper already includes a set of lunch and a drink, access to all lagoons and pools, wall climbing, 30 minutes use of bicycles, 15-minute use of kayak or nips floater, use of their table games and shower rooms.  But I've asked their hotel representative again to give me an option.  She insisted that staying overnight is a better option.  Thank you so much for convincing me Ms. Catherine R. Pepito, Reservation Officer of the resort. Our family room is priced at USD237.12 (Php10,907.52). One of their pool is undergoing construction during our visit so we availed of the USD40 discount. Spending a night (21 hours exactly) has almost no difference with a daytripper package.  I booked for an overnight stay.  Yehey!

I am sorry if I am exaggerating but when we go on a vacation we usually spend Php15,000 to Php18,000 only for our 4-5 days vacation for the six of us (Yeah! it's true!).  But in here you'll be spending already Php10,000+++ for just an overnight stay.  The experience was like waking up to a dream! Some of you may say that amount was just right for a stay in a hotel but for us it is already a big deal!  I can go to high quality resorts and hotel all by myself when my company is helding seminars, planning sessions or meetings.  Bringing my family here is a different story.  That means we will be spending this much for a day!!!  This is so extraordinary especially if you will read my previous blogs on different tourist vacations.  I usually blog cheap accommodations and not like this.

Anyway, enough of so much introduction.  I am so excited to show you the pictures of our once in a lifetime experience at Plantation Bay.  Sorry if I posted so much pictures but I just wanted you to know that what you paid here is  so worth it!

We already came from Bohol and Bantayan before coming here and I really planned to be at this resort on the last two days of our vacation so my kids can release their stress coming from two long distanced places.  This is actually a treat for my family... for a change! We slept at my uncle's house in Lapu Lapu before coming here.  We are so excited!!!  Checking in starts at 3pm.  We just rode a trike going to Plantation Bay.  Imagine us coming down from a trike and everyone going there usually has a car/suv and Yeah! in their expensive sports car.  The employee at the gate gladly accommodated us and called for their service carts for us to reach the reception area.

And our adventure begins...
Every staff was so polite and respectful.  They are always wearing that smile.  The receptionist gave us a cookie treat, all for the six of us.  They also gave each one a welcome drink which can be claimed at any restaurant within the resort.

Our room at PP22 (PP stands for Palermo Piazza)
the complimentary basket of goodies
Our family room...it has four beds for my four kids, a queen sized bed for me and my hubby, 2 television sets (one for gaming), a dining table, a coffee/tea making facility, a refrigerator, cabinets with vault, a spacious bathroom and most importantly, a strong wifi.


our spacious bathroom

shampoos, conditioners, soaps

they're so excited!!!

complimentary bottled water

you'll be charged Php100 for each pair of slippers opened

for a closer look of Plantation Bay Map, click here

my first captured photo of their resort ...  amazing place!

my super excited kids




the sands in the lagoon area ... perfect!

kayaking




At the reception area, guests will be given a hotel map.... And when there is a map, it does not mean that there is a chance of getting lost... it means that there are lots of places to explore!


archery

the instructor said that JP has a potential in archery... with just two tries, he always land the arrow near the center

James' favorite place at Plantation Bay
 


Josh
JP
the friendly instructors of archery and wall climbing

while the adults are on wall-climbing, James is enjoying this playground
golf course area

Swimming Pool hopping ... more fun in Plantation Bay!!!
freshwater swimming pool at the Savannah Park
daddy the photobomber!
Freshwater swimming pool near our room at Piazza Palermo

always be at your proper swimming attire

as if we have a private pool =)
ayan na naman ang likod! hahaha =)
I enjoyed the pool all by myself

unlimited pose because no one's around ...


The kids finally got tired of swimming.  It's playtime for them... The resort allowed us to choose 3 dvd with games.  And this is all they did before sleeping.



We also checked the game room after dinner...

 


 

When you're here for just a day you may not want to sleep anymore and just enjoy the place... But of course we did sleep, hehe =) 



 Good morning Plantation Bay ... OMG! I still can't believe that I'm here!!!
My three kids are still sleeping so my hubby and my daughter checked out the rest of the resort...


From some rooms, guests can directly jump into the water from their verandas ... 

Conventional Rooms
Water's Edge Room at US$220
Lagoon Side Room at US$200
Lagoon View Room at US$190
Poolside Room at US$160
Breakfast not included

Specialty Rooms and Suites
Spa Indulgence Room and Package US$190
Family Room US$200
One Bedroom Suite US$250
Two-Bedroom Suite US$380
Quantum Villa US$ 1000
Riverboat Cruise US$450








this place is great for photo shooting <3

the falling flowers




the gentleman pose

 


free use of their bicycles for 30 minutes

my baby finally woke up =)
he immediately tried the table games at the Game Room
table tennis


daddy's new model

We invited my uncle,who is a professional photographer, and my cousin, Lylwyn to at least join us for picture taking.  If the guests will not use the resort facilities, they will not be charged of anything.


Tito Arthur, my super bait and accommodating uncle, who is based in Cebu
with my cousin, Lylwyn, who is also based in Cebu
moment mo 'to couz, Lylwyn <3
Bantog Backpackers with my cousin, Lylwyn









chatting with the kayak in-charge





addicted in taking photos of the kayak!!!

The beach area ...



 




back to their favorite pool at Piazza Palermo



the very entertaining Lyndon =)
 

Their SPA is a winner!

photo owned by http://plantationbay.com/spa/
photo owned by http://plantationbay.com/spa/

The spa’s setting is uniquely charming, designed to resemble an 18th century Tokugawa Japanese village with its own thundering waterfalls, creek, and fog-like mist. Open your skin’s pores and float away your cares in a soothing hot spring; rejuvenate your body in a stimulating mineral bath; and enjoy a vigorous hydro-massage in the main waterfall basin. Then move on to a dry-heat sauna to sweat out the toxins, and from there to your choice of classic massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, or body scrub.

For Spa treatments prices, click here

For dining experiences, there are variety of restaurants to choose from.  FOUR OUTSTANDING RESTAURANTS :  Kilimanjaro Kafé, international. Fiji, seafood and Asian specialties. Palermo, tapas and pastas. Savannah Grill, fast-food favorites with 5-star flair. Three of these are rated by the prestigious Philippine Tatler among the Top 150 restaurants in the entire country.

  

 

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa offers... 
the luxury of space, gift and time ...
the family-friendly resort that everyone loves ... 
child-friendly ... with extensive activities for children ... 
where everyday is an adventure itself ...
Have romance on your mind??? they have the ambiance to set your mood ...
From some rooms, guests can directly jump into the water from their verandas ... 
laid back... immersive...not your run-off-the-mill resort ...
Revel in splendid... take your breath-away vistas from almost every room
elegant-spacious guest rooms with tasteful decor...
where business and pleasure seamlessly meet ...
feel like you're at own privately estate ...
more ... and more varied leisure activities  than in any resort in Asia ...
mesmerizing ... anytime of day - or night ...
there's something every night at Plantation Bay... 
luxury-award winning spa ...
a symphony in water ...

http://plantationbay.com/
Overall. our stay here was extraordinary!!! Everything was unforgettable and definitely an experience! We will definitely come back here if there is an invitation, hehe... but seriously, we will be back.  We just need to fill up our piggy banks again to pay for an overnight stay or hopefully for two nights to fully enjoy  their facilities.  What daddy paid here is so worth it, the pictures can prove that.  We truly appreciate the "No-tipping" policy of the resort, so guests will not worry about whom, when and how much to tip, especially in a 5-star resort where staff is assisting you most of the time.

Thank You so much sa staff... You will really experience here the epitome of Philippine hospitality...

I hope you enjoyed the pictures =) 

... and I wish Plantation Bay will give us free stay, hahaha =)
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