Category Archives: Recreational Water Activities

Mega Grand World Hanoi (Vietnam)

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Mega Grand World Hanoi

Prior to our departure back to Manila, we made a short stopover at the Mega Grand World Hanoi, a large-scale entertainment and leisure complex that opened in 2023.  Designed to be a comprehensive destination for both locals and tourists, it combines shopping, dining, cultural experiences, and entertainment. This new urban area, mega complex and vibrant festive space, conveniently situated at the heart of Ocean City, to the east of Hanoi, offers visitors a unique blend of top-tier entertainment, upscale shopping, vibrant events, and where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Asia and Europe via a captivating fusion of Asian and European landscapes. 

L-R: Jandy, Grace, the author, Lourdes and Lorraine

It connects the Coral Avenue of Vinhomes Ocean Park 2, the Four Seasons Avenue of Vinhomes Ocean Park 3, and Ring Road 3.5. From the timeless elegance of Venetian-inspired areas and the bustling energy of Korean-inspired zones, Grand World provides endless opportunities for sightseeing and photography.

Jandy and Grace

The lively Venice – Riverside Western Market, featuring an authentic array of colorful shops lining the colorful streets and enchanting banks of the river, offers Italian charm with gondola boats, which are reminiscent of those found on Venetian canals. Visitors can board these gondolas and enjoy a picturesque cruise along the serene, 830-m. long canal, admire the magnificent sunset, explore the diverse shops, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture that this zone encapsulates. During the ride, you will also get to enjoy impromptu European music performances.

Pedestrian bridge crossing the canal

Crossing the canal is a pedestrian bridge connecting to Asia, with typical Korean ancient houses in the K-Town subdivision.

The bustling K-Town – Coastal Eastern Street, featuring a dynamic blend of traditional and modern architecture, creates a vibrant ambiance reminiscent of some of Korea’s most iconic areas. This zone captures the essence of both ancient and contemporary Korean culture through its diverse offerings, including the upscale Gangnam shopping street, the multicultural Itaewon cultural street, the youthful Hongdae food and art street, and the bustling Myeongdong fashion and beauty street.

Little Hong Kong, a zone that captures the essence of Hong Kong, feels like entering a paradise of shopping, entertainment, and joy. Stepping into Little Hong Kong, visitors can experience the culinary delight and cultural life of Hong Kong, right in Hanoi, as they enjoy an array of experiences that extend from vibrant shopping streets to lively entertainment venues, including lounges, bars, and pubs.

The unique Grand Voyage Show, a special, unforgettable performance held on Asia’s largest outdoor boat stage, brings to life the bustling and magnificent European trade route, crossing the maritime Silk Road, five oceans, and the trading port of Hoi An, Vietnam through captivating performances enhanced by advanced technology, impressive 3D mapping, dynamic sound and light effects, a giant water screen, and a talented cast of over 62 actors.

Gondola ride

The mesmerizing and unforgettable “Journey to the Wonderland,” a circus show presented by a talented troupe of professional performers from China, invites and transports audiences to a new realm of thrilling dreams through the captivating language of elaborate circus performances. With awe-inspiring acts and mesmerizing choreography, the show promises to dazzle audiences of all ages.

The fantastic and delightful carousel ride, with its vibrant colors and enchanting music, offers a nostalgic journey for visitors of all ages as you enjoy panoramic views of Grand World’s bustling atmosphere while being carried away by the gentle motion of the carousel.

Grand World, a shopping paradise that cater to every shopping enthusiast’s needs, boasts a plethora of renowned fashion and cosmetic brands. Visitors can also shop for furniture at Sinh Phu, sofas at Kuka Home, and household appliances at Lock & Lock. 

Come evening, visitors are treated to a dazzling spectacle of lights and colors as fireworks light up the sky above Grand World, adding an extra layer of magic as you’re strolling through the vibrant streets, enjoying a delicious meal at a restaurant, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling complex.

The serene Tropical Lagoon, a man-made beach with fine white sand and clear blue water amidst urban landscapes, provides the perfect setting for moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. It also boasts an array of artworks, making it a haven for photography enthusiasts seeking to capture quality photos.

Grand World 0ffers an unparalleled culinary experience, with hundreds of renowned domestic and international brands. Visitors can indulge in dishes from Vietnam’s three regions as well as explore unique flavors from Thai, Korean, Japanese, Italian, and American cuisines. After a satisfying meal, you can relax at beautiful coffee shops, bars, and clubs, including favorites like Highlands Coffee, Trung Nguyen Legend, Katinat Cafe, Poseidon Bar, and 729 Club.

VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, surrounded by blue water and white sand, offers a variety of thrilling and exhilarating water sports activities such as slides, themed playgrounds, and outdoor and indoor pools.

Mega Grand World Ha Noi: Nghĩa Trụ, Văn Giang, Hung Yen, Vietnam.  Tel: +84 1900 232389. Open 24/7 (some activities and services have specific operating hours). You will need to pay for optional experiences like gondola rides or costume rentals.  Entrance fee: Free of charge (some activities and services have specific fees). The main daily show, “The Grand Voyage,” takes place on the Venice River at 9 PM (21:00). Various attractions have different opening and closing times. The gondola ride service on the Venice river operates daily, from 10 AM to 8 PM. The Teddy Bear Museum may have separate ticket prices. A general admission ticket is available for around $150,000 VND. 

How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach Grand World from Hanoi via various means of transportation. If you have a motorbike or car, you can drive to Grand World from Hanoi yourself in just about 50 minutes from the city center. This complex is equipped with numerous parking lots.  Just follow the route: Vinh Tuy Bridge – Co Linh Street – Hanoi-Hai Phong Highway – Grand World. VinBus. which continuously operates, connects Grand World with various locations in downtown Hanoi. Free electric VIN bus service is available from Hoan Kiem and Time City to Grand World Hanoi. 

Ambrose Day Cruise (Ha Long, Vietnam)

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Ha Long Bay

After breakfast at Tru by Hilton Viet Tri City Centre, we all boarded our coach for the over 4-hour/258-km. drive, including short stopovers at Hanoi and Hai Durong, to Ha Long Bay arriving, before noon, at the Ha Long International Cruise Port which just came into operation in 2019, is closer to the city center and, hence, easy to travel.

Ha Long International Cruise Port

Upon entering the terminal, we walked towards the berthing area of Ambrose Cruise which was to take us on a a modern, 5-star luxury six-hour day cruise of Ha Long Bay.

Ambrose Day Cruise

Launched in 2025, Ambrose Cruise is a 40 m. long, vessel, with three luxurious decks with an area of 400 sq. m.. Built in an elegant and sophisticated Indochina style, it can accommodate up to 99 guests.

L-R: Grace, Jandy, Lorraine and Lourdes at the sun deck
The jacuzzi pool

It has an infinity Jacuzzi pool on the second deck, an ocean-view restaurant and bar, a grand stage with a large LED screen and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and a spacious outdoor lounge area.  I liken it to a “floating hotel” with high-class, 5-star standards.

L-R: Lourdes, the author, Grace, Jandy and Lorraine at the dining area
The lunch buffet

We arrived just in time for a premium gourmet buffet lunch with a wide selection of local traditional Vietnamese dishes, including vegetarian/vegan options, seafood, fish and chicken.  The spacious dining area featured a wooden ceiling, a yellow lighting system and black and white pattern floor tiles. 

Bai Chay Bridge
The Sun Wheel
The cable car tower of Queen Cable Car

We were soon on our way and, as we were dining, we had great panoramic views, from large windows, of the city’s harbor as well as its iconic landmarks such as the breathtaking Sun Wheel (a towering Ferris wheel, with 64 cabins, perched atop Ba Deo Mountain), the Queen Cable Car (known for having the world’s tallest cable car tower and a double-decker cabin) and the Ban Chay Bridge (a unique cable-stayed bridge) and, soon enough, of limestone islands such as Hon Ga Choi, Hon Dinh Huong and Hon Cay Dua.

Bo Hon Island

The first stop in our itinerary was Bo Hon Island where tourists can ride traditional bamboo rafts (a relaxed, local-guided option perfect for families or those wanting to soak in the scenery without paddling) or go kayaking (a self-paced adventure), paddling through the low archway of the natural tunnel of Luon Cave (Hang Luon), into a serene, enclosed lagoon, surrounded by limestone cliffs with lush vegetation, where you can spot rare orchids, ferns and playful golden monkeys.

Tradinional bamboo rafts
Kayaking at Ha Long Bay

Our next stop, also on Bo Hon Island, was Sung Sot Cave/Surprising Cave (Thien Cung Cave), the largest and the most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay.

Check out “Sung Hot Cave”

Sung Hot Cave

After disembarking from the boat, Jandy and I and joined other tourists, from other boats, in exploring the cave’s stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites and two vast chambers.

Ti Top Island

Our last stop was the 3.7-hectare Ti Top Island, one of the smallest islands making up Ha Long Bay and a not-to-be-missed stopover for tourists in the journey of exploring the bay. Originally called Nghia Dia or Hong Thap Tu, the island was renamed after the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov during his visit to Ha Long Bay in 1962. Here, tourist can go swimming along the beautiful, crescent-shaped Vang Trang Beach, with its smooth white sand beach, or hike up 400 steep steps, up a 100-meter high hill, to the island’s peak for spectacular panoramic bay views.

Sunset party at sundeck

Come sunset, a party was held on the sundeck where guests relaxed and served Vietnamese tea, cake, fresh fruits, and snacks.

Sunset at Ha Long Bay

Ambrose Cruises: 173 An Duong Vuong Street, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel/ Whatsapp: +84.987.876.013.  Email: contact@cruise-halong-bay.com.

Sto. Nino Cold Spring (Catarman, Camiguin)

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Sto. Nino Cold Spring

From Tuasan Falls, we again boarded our multicab for the 10.3-km. (25-min.) drive to Sto. Nino Cold Spring, the largest cold water spring in the province.

Check out “Tuasan Falls”

The entrance to the resort

Also known as Kiyab Pool. It has 2 stone pools, the larger one measuring 25 m. by  40 m.  and its depth varies from one-half meter to 2 m..

The author with Grace and Jandy⁰

The other is a kiddie pool.  The resort also has picnic huts (rented for Php150), toilets, function hall and native stores for picnickers.  Even if it wasn’t a weekend,  the resort was still packed with picnickers during our visit.

Here, I swam its icy-cold, crystal-clear spring water, flowing from Mt. Mambajao, continuously sprouting from its sandy bottom, sharing the spring waters with some tiny fish.

Picnic huts

Toilets and changing rooms

Sto. Nino Cold Spring: Brgy. Mainit, Catarman, Camiguin.  Admission: PhP70/pax. Open Mondays and Thursdays, 11 AM to 5 PM, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 8 AM to 5 PM.

How to Get There: The spring is located 4 kms. north and uphill of Catarman town proper. From Mambajao, it is a 45-min. drive. From the main road, make a turn into 2.4-km. long dusty track to the spring.

Tuasan Falls (Catarman, Camiguin)

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Tuasan Falls

After lunch and swimming at Bura Soda Water Pool, we gain boarded our multicab for the 6.5-m. (20-min.) drive to the beautiful 25-m. high Tuasan Falls. Though Jandy and I visited Camiguin in 2001, this would be our first visit to the falls.  The falls is just a few steps away from the entrance which has a huge parking lot, comfort and changing rooms and picnic tables.

Check out “Bura Soda Water Pool”

L-R: Grace, the author and Jandy

Though much shorter than the more popular and more crowded Katibawasan Falls, it is potential source of mini-hydro-electric power due to its impressive water flow.

This single-drop waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and has two natural pools, with crystal clear waters, at its base. 

Check out “Katibawasan Falls”

L-R: Lourdes, Lorraine, the author, Grace, Jandy and Gelyn

Rock pile art at the falls

Just like Katibawasan Falls, the pool nearest to the base of the fall has been cordoned off with a rope due to the danger of falling rocks.

Resthouse with toilets and changing rooms

Tuasan Falls: Brgy. Mainit, Catarman. Admission: Php50/pax.  Open daily, 7 AM to 5 PM.

How to Get There: The fall is located some 6 kms. northwest of the town and 4 kms. from the ring road.

Bura Soda Water Pool (Catarman, Camiguin)

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Bura Soda Water Pool – main pool

After our short visit and souvenir shopping at the Sunken Cemetery viewing area, we gain boarded our multicab for the 8-km. (15-min.) drive to the Bura Soda Water Pool, said to be the first of its kind in the country.  Located at the foot of the 1,250 m. high Mt. Hibok-Hibok, it was only developed in 2007 and it was not yet around when Jandy and I first visited Camiguin in 2001.

Pool entrance

The resort has two mid-size pools (separated by a concrete trellis), amidst lush vegetation, fed with cool, refreshing and clear, natural and unique effervescent soda water bubbling up from subterranean springs.  Natural soda water is known to reduce osteoporosis, decrease cardiovascular healt disease and lower blood pressure.  Another soda water spring can be found in Brgy. Agoho in Mambajao.

They even have drinking stations with taps where you can drink the soda water (commonly known as carbonated water, it is water where carbon dioxide, udder pressure, is dissolved). Its taste was comparable to high-quality, commercialized bottled spring water like Evian, slightly sweet but without the fizz and the acidity.

The second pool

Picnic huts

We rented a picnic table and had our lunch, ordering food from a nearby restaurant. The resort used to have a restaurant but it is now closed.  After lunch, we all went for a relaxing, cleansing and healing swim.

Male and female toilets and changing rooms

The now non-operational restaurant

Bura Soda Water Pool: Compol-NIA-Mainit Rd., Sitio Lumad, Brgy. Bura, Catarman. Admission: Php75/pax.  Open daily, 8 AM to 5 PM.

White Island (Mambajao, Camiguin)

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White Island

Come early morning of our second day in Camiguin, we were picked up by Quin Acala, our local guide and, together, we all walked towards Brgy. Yumbing, at a boat station behind Paras Beach Resort.

Boats docked at the beach at Brgy. Yumbing

Jandy and Grace waiting at the boat station

Here, we boarded two small motorized bancas for 1.4-km. (0.87-mi.) boat ride to the horseshoe-shaped, 2.4-hectare White Island, Camiguin’s pride. Not visiting the island, on the northern shore of Mambajao, would be like not visiting Camiguin at all.

On our way…..

It was drizzling when we left the port and, during our journey, the waves were slightly rough but we reached the island after 20 mins. The rain stopped soon after and a rainbow soon appeared in the sky, soon to be followed by the early morning sun.

The drizzling stop and a rainbow appeared…….

Also called Medan or Medano Island, it is a small, uninhabited and treeless, shape-shifting sandbar with dazzling white, sugar-fine sand.

The island’s shape differs depending on the tides and the constantly shifting currents.  This would be our second visit for Jandy and I, having first done so during a visit in 2001.

Back then, there were makeshift snack stands allowed on the island, marring its beauty.  Today, save for day trippers, there were none.

Check out “White Island (2001)”

L-R: Lourdes, Jandy, Grace, the author, Lorraine and Gelyn

The island is known for its postcard-perfect and Instagram-worthy views, with its backdrop of picturesque and majestic, 1,250 m. high Mt. Hibok-Hibok, an active stratovolcano, and the dormant, 838 m. high Mt. Vulcan Daan.

The 1,250 m. high, cloud-shrouded Mt. Hibok-Hibok

The 838-m. high, cloud-free Mt. Vulcan Daan (locally called Tandang Bulkan), a now dormant volcanic fissure, created by Mt. Hibok-Hibok, that spewed out lava and destroyed the town of Catraman on May 1, 1871.

You can swim its shallow, crystal clear waters, take Instagram-worthy shots, sunbathe or just relax along the beach.

White Island: Brgy. Agoho, 9100 Mambajao. The island shrinks substantially during high tide, so visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Ardent Hot Spring (Mambajao, Camiguin)

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Ardent Hot Spring

After our visit to Katibawasan Falls, we again boarded our multicab for the 10.4-km. (25-min.) drive, via the Camiguin Circumferential Rd., to our last destination – Ardent Hot Spring.  Formerly under the Philippine Tourism Authority, it is now a government-owned and municipal government-run recreational and leisure facility since 1999. As always, there are souvenir shops and food stalls at the entrance.

Check out “Katibawasan Falls” and “Survivng Mt. Hibok-Hibok“

The spring’s entrance

In the past, this therapeutic mineral spring, gushing forth from the bowels of Mt. Hibok-Hibok into three beautifully-designed natural stone swimming pools, with varying depths, were scaldingly hot with water temperature registering an average of 40°C and reaching as much as 50°C.  Picnickers even boil fresh eggs on the shallow portions.

Jandy. Grace and Lourdes on a bridge between two pools

It was certainly that way during our first visit on April 11, 2001 when we dipped our tired, aching muscles here after our daylong hike up and down the 1,250 m. high Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

A Min-waterfall

In September 2007, rehabilitation was started in anticipation for the influx of tourists attending the October Lanzones Festival.  During the COVID 19 pandemic, it was closed for over two years and only reopened to the public on August 19, 2022.

Picnic huts

However, during this recent visit, it was no longer that way.  We were disappointed as the three upper pools (with nets to keep the leaves, from the towering trees, off the pool) were cold and only the smaller, lower level pool was lukewarm. This is where we took a dip.

Definitely not hot and totally underwhelming.  It is said that a recent earthquake shifted the plates underneath and hot water no longer flows here naturally.  I suggest they rename the place as its waters are no longer hot.  The facilities also need upgrading.

Ardent Hot Springs: Sitio Esperanza, Brgy. Tagbo, 9100 Mambajao. Admission: Php50/pax. Open daily, 6 AM to 10 PM.  Tables and chair rental: Php150.

How to Get There: The springs is located 6 kms. (4.2 kms. rrom the main road) southwest of the town. To get there, take a 3.5-km. motorella ride from Mambajao to Brgy. Kuguita.  It is a 2.5-km. hike from Kuguita Church.

Katibawasan Falls (Mambajao, Camiguin)

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Katibawasan Falls, the highest in the province and of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the country

Upon our return from our excursion to Mantigue Island, we again boarded our multicab for the 17.3-km. (30-min.) drive to the 76.2-m. (250-ft.) high Katibawasan Falls, the highest falls in Camiguin and one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the country.  Located 5 kms. southeast of Mambajao, it is fed by nearby 1,614-m. (5,295-ft.) high Mt. Timpoong, the highest peak of Mt. Mambajao, a dormant volcano.  This was to be the second visit for me and Jandy (we were here in 2001) and the first time for Grace.

Check out “Mantigue Island” and “Katibawasan Falls (2001)”

The entrance to the falls

From the entrance, we descended a 67-step concrete stairway, passed a view deck, and again beheld one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have so far seen in the country.  The slim waterfall cascades precipitously, down a monolithic cliff face, to a large rock pool teeming with fresh water shrimps.  It is surrounded by a massive granite mountain wall swathed with ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders.

The resthouse with comfort rooms and changing room

Jandy and Grace descending down the concrete stairway

The rock pool was shallow except at the area were the falls hit the water.  During our first visit, we were able to station ourselves at the boulders underneath the falls, feeling the very cold and refreshing, cascading waters massage our backs.  Today, the approach to the rock pool has been cordoned off by rope due to the danger posed by falling rocks.

L-R: the author, Grace and Jandy

Near the falls is a resthouse with toilets and changing room, picnic sheds (Php150) and concrete tables and chairs for rent (Php100).  Apart from swimming and exploring the area around the falls, there isn’t much else to do.  Also, like most tourist attractions, there are vendors just outside the gate, selling souvenirs, snacks, drinks and other items.  Try the kiping, flat, fried cassava drizzled with molasses.

Katibawasan Fall: Brgy. Soro-Soro, Mambajao, Camiguin. Open daily, 8 AM to 5 PM.  Admission: Php75 per pax.

How to Get There: The falls is a 6.5-km. (15-min.) drive, via Itum Rd., from Mambajao town proper and 7.5 kms. (16 mins.) via Gen. Luna.  From the main highway, it is 4.8-km. drive.  The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or hire a tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to take you there (ask them to wait for you as there isn’t any public transportation outside the falls.

The Last Regnant Leisure Hub (San Manuel, Isabela)

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The Last Regnant Leisure Hub

After our visit to the Nascent Textile Fiber Innovation Hub, in the municipality of Benito Soliven, we made a long, 1.5-hour (57.2-km.) drive to The Last Regnant Leisure Hub in San Manuel, the biggest resort in Isabela.  Upon arrival, we dined at the Arabic-themed Baba Leo’s whose hearty Middle Eastern menu includes Mixed Grill Biryani, Kabsa Chicken and Makbhoos Chicken.

Check out “Nascent Textile Fiber Innovation Hub”

Baba Leo’s

They also feature a remarkable selection of dishes that showcase traditional Filipino culinary heritage with a twist.  It includes Pancit sa Bilao, Sinigang na Salmon head sa Miso, Bangus Ala Pobre, Arroz Caldo (a soupy rice chicken broth), Calamares (a Mediterranean breaded fried squid dish), Chicken Inasal, crispy Fried Chicken Lumpiang Shanghai (spring rolls) and sizzling hot griddled Pusit. Desserts include coffee jelly, buko pandan and leche flan. Outside food isn’t permitted.

After lunch, we toured this stunning, 4.4-hectare state-of-the-art facility.  Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Juvito and Lucita Sermonia (fondly known as Sir Jun and Madam Luz), it is a slice of paradise that combines the natural beauty of the country with unparalleled comfort via an array of outdoor recreational activities and engaging scenic spots.  Its plethora of activities and attractions includes a zoo, gardens, 3 playgrounds, a dance hall, an outdoor park and refreshing swimming pools.  You can go around the resort via their free shuttle service.

The Tent

Plant enthusiasts will enjoy and be captivated by the greenhouse with beautiful and colorful orchids and vibrant anthuriums (with flamingo flowers in shades of pink, orange, red, green, salmon and yellow). The Bougainvillea Garden Park, at the resort’s upper area, near the zoo, showcases dazzling, evergreen bonsai bougainvillea trees with their colorful bracts and paper-thin petals.

Bougainvilla Garden Park

Affordable and diverse food stalls, serving various cuisines, include the Snack House for savory treats; Drinks House for refreshing smoothies; the BBQ Smoke & Grill for tasty grilled barbecues, and Mama’s Lechon Manok for a local specialty.

Snack Bars

You can also enjoy the highly sought-after, Starbucks-like Ethiopian coffee, renowned for its rich aroma and flavor, paired with delectable cakes and pastries. At the Pasalubong House, you can pick up special local food and items as gifts for loved ones back home.

Swimming Pool with Pool Bar

Wave Pool

The Zoo Park, up a hill, is an animal kingdom that houses various animals like monkeys, rabbits, peacocks, ostriches, Brahma chickens, lions, deer, fancy ducks, parrots, love birds, gold fishes, turtles, alligators, pythons, wild ducks, monitor lizards, and a horse.

Swimming pool with water slides

Jacuzzi

You can dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Water Pool Park which features a magnificent wave pool, infinity pool, pool slides, two jacuzzis, and a pool bar, a place to relax with a drink while enjoying the views.

Children’s Playground

Carousel

The Tent, an organized, high-end events space, is open for all celebratory activities and commemorations. Esplanade, scenic and enchanting boulevard, is a wonderful spot for photographs. For accommodations, you can stay at the A-frame Grand Cabana.

Greenhouse

The Kid’s Place features miniature versions of a Princess’ House, Market, Shipyard, Bread House, Hair Cut Salon, School, Police Station, Kitchen, Fire Station, and more. There’s also a safe and natural Sand Garden Playground and a brightly colored, appealing merry-go-round carousel for both children and adults to enjoy.

Grand Cabanas

The Arcade Zone, a place for amusement and entertainment, offering games such as the Ocean Train Truck, Jewel Carnival, Air Hockey, Cooking Fever, Nintendo, Storm Rider, Speed Drive, Dance Central, Starlet Shooter, Jumping Union, and Pink Date. Winning games earns you tickets which can be exchanged for special items at the counter.

Pasalubong House

Last Regnant Leisure Hub: Purok 4, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, San Manuel, 3317 Isabela. Mobile number: (0999) 225-0960 (Rex delos Reyes).  E-mail: lastregnantleisurehub@gmail.com.  Entrance: Php50.

Rates:

Swimming Pool: Php125 (children), Php150 (adults)

Cottage Rental: PhP250 to 450 per cottage.

How to Get There: A 10-minute drive from the main highway, you can either take the road to Sta. Cruz, bypassing the Mananao road, or choose the main route passing through 7-Eleven enroute to Sta. Cruz.

Maydangeb White Beach and Blue Lagoon (Mahatao, Batanes)

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Maydangeb White Beach

On our way to Mahatao town proper, we made a short stopover at the scenic and secluded, beautiful white sand Maydangeb White Beach and, later, passed by the small but equally beautiful Blue Lagoon, both located just beside the national road. Both are also among the few places in Batanes where one can go for a relaxed and safe swim.

The rocky promontory on the right

The quite cozy Maydangeb White Beach, a popular spot for swimming and picture taking, is flanked by rocky promontories and fringed by coconut trees, providing natural shade for those who wish to relax under them, plus it is often not crowded, providing a quiet and relaxing environment for visitors.

The rocky promontory on the left

The 150 to 200-m. long beach is accessible during both high and low (though swimming may require walking a bit far from the shore) tides. For beachgoers, it a budget-friendly option as the beach is free to enter.

The latter, just around the corner, concealed by rocky cliffs, is more commonly known as Huhmurun by the locals.  During the Spanish era, it was called the Spanish Lagoon or Spaniard’s Lagoon because only Spaniards were allowed to swim in this natural pool.

L-R: the author, Grace and Jandy

Now open to both locals and tourists alike, it has crystal-clear waters that turn blue during the summer season.  Though accessible from the highway, you have to walk a few meters down a inconspicuous, steep and rocky trail.  Around the area are deep ravines and rock formations.

Blue Lagoon (Huhmurun)

Maydangeb White Beach: National Rd, Homoron, 5901 Mahatao, Batanes.

How to Get There: Mahatao is located 13.4 kms. (a 30-min. drive) south of Basco.

Provincial Heritage and Tourism Office (PHTO): Mobile number: (0929) 230-5934. Website: www.breathtakingbatanes.com.