Saturday, April 23, 2016

REAL SURF featuring Kafe Paradiso

It’s summer and my friend is looking for a cheap beach resort where pets are allowed. We found REAL SURF Resort in Real, Quezon, which resembles a small portion of Baler but only 3.5 hours away from Makati/Manila. The sand may be black but it’s so fine, no rocks, huge waves and even if it is hot, you don’t need to wear your slippers. Cool, clean and smooth breeze blows around the area making your overnight beach camping with your pet a serene and relaxing one.

Resort’s Name:  REAL SURF
Location:  Brgy. Malapad, Siniloan - Famy - Real - Infanta Road, Real, Quezon
Budget:  Php 1,500 including food for overnight, transportation and tent

morning sunrise view of Real Surf's beach
pets rule at Real Surf hehehe
Yuurikins playing at the resort's common area, where guests are getting drunk early in the afternoon
photo shoot at the beach
PROS
  • Activities: beachineering, surfing, camping, swimming in the falls, and pets friensdly
  • There are two falls near the resort that is accessible by car or tricycle - BALAGBAG FALLS and NONOK FALLS
  • Pitching your own tent is allowed in a cheap amount (varies depending on the season)
  • beach front - requires you to walk a few steps only and the beach is there
  • You can rent cozy cabanas with electric fan, hammock, electrical outlet and lights. Reservation ahead is required.
  • The owner is truly friendly, helpful and accommodating.
  • Road going to this resort has a coastal view wherein you can go down and take a nice photo.
  • You are allowed to borrow kitchen utensils in case you forget to bring one for cooking. The owner lent us their cooking pot, ice bucket and sticks for barbeque. No extra charge.
  • Accessible by bus but easier by driving and no need to pay several toll fees.
  • Great sunrise view
  • Sea is warm, has huge waves and great ambiance for swimming.
  • Has space where you can cook or grill your food
  • Fishermen will offer their freshly caught seafoods for a cheap price and you can directly cook it in the grills available on both left and right side of the resort.
  • Their store sells ice and charcoal for Php 25 per plastic but you can also use the leftover charcoals in the grill of other guests once they are finished cooking.
  • Did not encounter any mosquitoes or bugs
  • Your group gets to have their own table for merrymaking and drinking while couples can relax in the common area made of bamboos and has lots of colorful bean bags around.
  • Has the nicest and cleanest toilets/shower area among other resorts in Real. They clean it every 30 mins or one hour.
full moon that night
tents line up at the beach
checking out the sunrise
cabanas on the right side area of the resort
the cooking area is located at the far end
lots of space left for other tents to pitch
the rockies on the left side area of the resort
the huge waves of real surf
it's a resort for all walks of life
don't forget your Lagu so that you can relax at the beach
CONS
  • Need to pay for entrance fee, tent pitching and table.
  • They do not serve breakfast and their store opens at 8:00 AM. Surrounding resorts sell breakfast and coffee and sometimes a pandesal and taho vendor passes by.
  • No rooms for rent only cabanas; shared toilet all the way
  • Lots of boats are parked on the shore so some of the beach spaces are occupied.
  • Cabana rental fee changes depending on the season
  • Reservation for cabanas is required especially during peak season
  • Beach area sometimes reek of fishy smell since the fishermen’s boats are parked in front.
  • Plenty of parking area but there’s no roof.
  • Bonfire is not allowed.
the much awaited sunrise
NOTES:

  • Bring your own mineral water but there is plenty of water near the grill to wash your pots and ingredients.
  • Arrive early so that you can pitch your tent in an perfect beach spot or to have a better parking slot.
  • Bring your own tent. If not, have a reservation for the cabanas as early as you can. You can reach the resort’s admin through their facebook page.

On your way back home, in case you are craving for some good ol’ food, a cozy restaurant at Mabitac, Laguna can be found along the highway - KAFE PARADISO. The prices are affordable. Filipino menu is available and food is served sumptuously. They also sell lettuces, pepper and other organic vegetables that they’ve grown in their backyard for a low price.



Along the road, you’ll have the chance to buy fruits that are currently in season and are low-priced. The places are easy to find in google maps. Happy driving!

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Weekend Beach Getaway : The PaRK, Real Quezon


March 19-20, 2016 (2 days 1 night)

Budget: 1,500php


River mouth of Tignoan River
Hue never ceases to amaze me. After sunset hues. 
   
People enjoying the Pacific waves
Our milky way. It's one clear sky night for us.
Shooting star! Make a wish
'Little Prince'
Nonok Falls
My Crib

Actual Itinerary
Day 1
08:30 AM-Meet Up at Raymond Bus Station
09:13 AM-Depart the bus station to Real Surf
12:00 NN-Stop over somewhere in Mabitac Laguna
12:30 NN-Continue Traveling
01:50 PM-Arrival at The ParRK. Settle our place, and have some fishballs by the entrance.
03:30 PM-Rent a trike good for 5 and visit the Nonok Falls.
travel time is ~20 mins from the PaRK
04:30 PM-Getback to the resort
05:00 PM-Beach bum \m/!
Day 2
03:30 AM-Stargazing/Astro photography (Optional for people who can get up this early)
06:30 AM-Breakfast/ Freetime
11:00 AM-Lunch / Pack up
01:30 PM-Depart the Park to Manila
05:00 PM-Arrive at Manila