Island Hopping & Snorkelling 18 Nov 2015

It was a beautiful and peaceful morning at the Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort. Both Daddy and I woke up around 5.00am morning.

It was early but the sky has been brightened up, both of us left the children asleep in the room and we went out for a morning walk near the beach. We wanted to see the sunrise from the beach, eventually we a bit disappointed as we thought that the sun have rose.

We were walking along the Cove path and gazing over the other side of the sea as the colour of the sea is so blue and beautiful.

During when we wanted to go back to our room, there were 2 Pilipino greeted us and they thought that we were Korean. We just greet them back and told them that we are Malaysian.

One of the guy speaks more fluent English named Jimmy, he offered us whether we would like to go for island hopping and fishing for the price of PH5,000.

In the package, include the life jacket, snorkel set, sanctuary fee, bread for fish feeding and included a BBQ lunch. It would be up to us on how many hours we want when are we going back to hotel.

Both of us also think that this is a good deal, then Daddy just on it and passed to him PH2,000 which he needed to get some supplies and will be meeting us at the hotel reception lobby at 9.00am.

Daddy was so excited for the deal and our adventure of the day, where I was still a bit nervous as I do not how to swim and this is our first time snorkelling.

We went back to our room and woke both Issac and Annabelle for our breakfast then Daddy told them about the island hopping and fishing trip which we will be having later. Both were so obediently behave and woke up after hearing the new itinerary of the day.

Surprisingly our breakfast at Allegro Restaurant was a great one! Their buffet breakfast provides so many varieties of food, from American, Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian, and local Philippines food.

We really had a hearty breakfast! it took us a few rounds to taste all the delicious breakfast.

There are soups, conggee, noodles soup, breads and pastries, rice with varieties of lambs, beefs, chickens, porks, vegetables, salads, cerials, ice creams, desserts, cakes, fruits, etc.

Complete with free flow of mango juice, orange juice, watermelon juice, lemon juice, and not forgetting the coffee and tea. Of coarse, we do not take the said hot drinks.

After our breakfast, we went to explore another 2 swimming pools which the Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort have to offer: there is one just next to the Amuma Spa Wing and the other more fun and bigger one is surrounded by the Garden Wing.

We were so attracted to the pool, thinking of after we came back from our trip then we can came here for a swim. Then, we went to hotel reception lobby and we can see Jimmy was waiting us there.

Jimmy leaded us to walk out from the hotel and to the lane just beside the hotel. We can see there were so many more motels hidden behind the Bluewater Maribago.

Jimmy told us that most of them are for divers or learning diving tourists, or backpackers they will stay here. Most of them just come here for diving purpose only.

There are small houses and infront of their house just opened up a small convenient stalls which are selling packets shampoos, packets hair conditioners, everything is in a packet size just nice for the travellers packs.

We came to the shores where all are shallow corals and seaweed. Due to the low tide, the pump boat we would be sitting was parking outside the deeper sea and we have to walk on the corals and seaweed to reach to the boat.

It was quite a eery feel when we stepped on the coral and the seaweed brushed over our both feet. Eventually we were got use to it after that.

There were additional a young boy, a man helped us drive the pump boat and a lady followed us and she would be our chef to cook for us for our lunch. The lady was taking with us many hand crafted beads, sea shells and all sorts of souveniers, she told us that if can ask our help to buy from her later after the trip.

All of us were so happy and excited and enjoying the sea breeze blowing our faces. Jimmy stopped the pump boat at one of the spot near the Hilutungan Island.

Hilutungan Island is one of the islands in the Olango Reef which is protected by the government as fish sanctuary. This beautiful island is 20 to 30 minutes away from Mactan Island. This island is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving due to abundant corals and tropical fishes. Jimmy told us within 3 to 7 meters we can have fun in feeding the fish.

All of us geared up with the snorkel sets, and Jimmy helped us one by one going down the boat, and got into the sea. At first, it was quite difficult for me to get use to the snorket set and especially I found out that it is because of the life jacket kept on pulling me above the sea.

It was quite fun too. Jimmy helped to teach Annabelle after seeing me getting use to the snorkelling thing. The other young boy helped Issac.

These tropical fishes are friendly that we can feed them with bread and swim together with us. We spent quite some time in the sea, and I was keeping swollow the sea water.

It was fun and glad seeing both Issac and Annabelle enjoying our whole family first ever snorkelling experience. We got up to the boat a while, and there were 2 other men on board. They are coconut sellers which selling things from boat to boat.

Jimmy did advice us earlier that, we don’t drink as it is not inside the package, because these people are merchants and want to make money from the tourist and it is quite expensive according to him.

Then, we went down to swim for a little more longer, then Daddy encountered some jelly fish thus we quickly come up to the boat.

From far Jimmy told us that during lowtide the opposite side of the island is bare at low between Olango Reef at knee below one can walk between 5 islands along the reef.

Then, we departed to Sulpa Island for our BBQ lunch. We have to walk quite a distance as the boat cannot reach the sea shores as it is low tide. Again, we walked through all the coral reefs and seaweed to reach there.

There are a few cottages on that, which we believe were built by the people there. We just picked one of the hut and our chef preparing our BBQ lunch.

Jimmy went to the other side of the sea to pick up some sea urchin for us to have a taste. There is a little toilet at the island for the tourists I guess.

We had a walk and hunting for the star fish. Jimmy brought us the 6 sea urchins and let Daddy and I have a try. Our lunch are ready.

It is for us so great to have a BBQ in the middle of the ocean. We had squids, fish, chickens, pork satays and together with fruits. The package was not include the drinks and the sea urchin, thus we paid a little extra for that.

We really have a good meal until we unable to finish it.

During at the island, we did see some familiar faces as we met them in our hotel. I guess we were a bit lucky that we spend a bit lesser compared to the hotel arrangement as it is double the price that we having.

After our lunch, we bought some souveniers back to Malaysia. Daddy bought me a black pearls necklace. It came with a set of ear rings and bracelet. All in black pearls.

Issac and Annabelle both had chosen each a dolphin tooth necklace for themshelves too. Besides that, Daddy chose 2 small fridge magnets. We bought it all from our ‘chef’.

After then we departed to our another activity, which is fishing. Just using the small little hermit crab for baits, and using the small tiny fishing string, Jimmy taught us how to fish the small fish.

It was quite fun as all of us managed to catch the fish. Timing have to be right, as the fish are smart too, they will eat the bait without you knowing that.

Annabelle was the first to catch the small fish. She was so happy! Sharing her experience with us, that she felt something on the hook, and quickly she pulled up the string.

I am the second one, just I felt the string had been pulling by something. Quickly I just pulled up, and there the fish! Smaller than Annabelle’s catch but really fun!

Issac tried but unable to catch then Jimmy helped him and managed to get one too! It is really all about the timing! Daddy too, at least all of us managed to get one small fish.

It was quite a fast one as we finished up all the baits we had, because most of our baits been eaten by the smart and clever fish!

Daddy just told Jimmy to send us back to the dock and it was almost half day already. All of us were so happy on our new adventure today.

The pump boat reached the dock, we got down from the boat and walked through the small lane where we came that morning, passed through all the residential areas and motels and came to our hotel.

We met the guy which we met at the Korean Restaurant the day before, I heard him calling us, “Liars!” Anywhere we ignored him and went in to the hotel.

Annabelle and I went straight to the fun swimming pool which we saw at the morning. Daddy and Jimmy settled the balance of the fees.

Jimmy told Daddy to look for him, if we are going to come back to Cebu next time. Daddy took his mobile number. I think we will if our next trip to Cebu again.

When I was mentioning about the guy outside the hotel, Daddy just said that, we never confirm anything to him on the other day.

We just walked to the swimming pool which we saw in the morning and had our swim. Let the swimming pool washed away our salty smells and sands of the sea. Hahaha…

We swim for quite a while, then only we went back to our room and took our shower and have a good rest. It was about 1pm or 2pm then already.

We were happy for this trip.

Daddy said, it was the Lord’s blessings that we had this wonderful outing today with the more cheaper price. I do agreed on that!

If not, we would not confirmed on the spot and is the right timing in the early morning! Praise the Lord!

 

View Full Album

Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort and Spa 17-19 Nov 2015

We attended one endowment session at the temple before we came back to the Bayfront Hotel Cebu and checked out.

We took a bigger cab and went to Mactan Island to check in for our another hotel, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort and Spa.

We crossed over the bridge and to our destination, almost 45 minutes arrived. We would be stayed here until 19 November and go back home from there.

When you enter Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, you will experience a warm welcome that overwhelms. The Reception area is well designed with the resort feel. Initially we booked for Deluxe Room, which after it is so kind of the front desk to waive the early check in fees as we were arrived around 1.30pm.

They upgraded our room to Premier Deluxe with only extra PH1,000 per night which equivalent to around RM100 only. We were glad to hear that. They do served us the welcome drink too. Then, the baggy send us to our room. Even though both Issac and Annabelle were tired, but they do still enjoy the baggy ride.

For accommodations, you have a selection of well-appointed royal bungalows, luxurious deluxe rooms, and expansive spa suites. The resort hosts 153 rooms with three wings – the Beach Wing, Garden Wing and Amuma Spa Wing.

Our room is located at the Beach Wing, and we were so delighted with the 2 King size bed we have in the room.

The room is air conditioned, a bit disappointed as the aircond provided only one horse power, so we had to on the air conditioner all day long, just to cool up the whole huge room.

The room complete with the right amenities, like a mini bar, a cable TV, a shower and bathtub, a private veranda, and a coffee/tea service.

Just outside our room, there is a kids playground, where there are a lot of games, such as chess, board games, badminton, kids bowling, etc.

After we checked in and settled our luggage in the room, we just walked out across the resort to have our lunch, which is Korean food. We noticed that Cebu really have a lot of Korean tourists and Korean restaurants. They formed majority of the tourists in Cebu.

Well, we were not really fond of Korean food, just feel like we should may be at least had a Korean meal.

After our lunch, we were asking the locals about the famous yellow submarine and the cost of it. We found this yellow submarine thing at the Bayfront Hotel Cebu where there was a travel agency brochure putting on the desk.

There were 2 guys came in and explained to us on their package and urged us to confirm. We just took the information but did not conclude anything.

Apart from the modern amenities, the resort's rooms are surrounded by trees, giving the surroundings a naturally cool temperature! Bluewater Maribago indeed knows how to combine nature and a modern holiday living.

To further accentuate the elegance and natural beauty of the place, the resort also installed several saltwater ponds, called Marine Wildlife Lagoons, that have really nice landscapes and various fish species.

Their main lagoon, which is found near the lobby, even comes with 2 black tip reef sharks, and guests can leisurely feed them daily at 4:00pm. We were here joining the crowds in feeding the fish after our lunch.

Both Issac and Annabelle together with Daddy straight away jump into the swimming pool, after they had changed into their swimsuits.

Our room actually is quite near to the main pool which is for day tour guests use. We had a refreshing swim in their 4-feet pool that boasts of an elegant-looking overhead fountain and a range of comfortable lounge seats.

Aside from the fact that the pool's depth is child and non-swimmer friendly, the resort's main pool is also near the Allegro Restaurant, making it easy for day-use guests to satisfy their gastronomic cravings while enjoying the resort!

We went to the beach side to continue swim, eventually we found out that the beach is not really the natural instead was a man-made. The sea near the Cebu is full of the seaweed and corals, thus they have to do a man made beach.

Far out is the Bluewater's very own 1.1-hectare private island, white sand beach called Cove Beachfront. Their private island is filled with palm and cabanas, nipa cottages, and lounge seats where guests can comfortably relax and chill in. It also has two big function areas for wedding receptions and other events.

We had an evening walk on the way to the near the Oyster Bar at the Cove restaurant. The scenic view of the ocean was a amazing and marvellous! Cove is a live seafood restaurant that overlooks the Bluewater Private Island and the open sea.

Cool and breezy, the Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort’s premier restaurant is arguably Cebu’s best place to indulge in the freshest sea bounty. One can choose varieties from seawater aquariums, prepared to your liking. Offers ala carte lunch and dinner menus.

We had our dinner buffet instead at the Allegro Restaurant. Thinking of wanted to go out and search for food, but may be due to tiredness and not familiar with outside the hotel, we decided to dine here.

The Allegro Restaurant is Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort’s main restaurant. It offers al fresco patio dining by the pool with selections from Filipino, Asian and continental cuisines.

Serves daily buffet breakfast and lunch and dinner ala carte or buffet menus. A variety of theme dinners and entertainment are offered throughout the week. Open 24 hours daily. The food served for dinner buffet were average only. We feel that it was overpaid for the food we were having.

Other great dining spots found in the resort are the Molto Italiano, which serves brick oven specialties, and the Amuma Spa Cafe & Juice Bar, which offers fresh juices and light meals for guests who want to have some refreshment after working out or getting a relaxing massage in the Amuma Spa.

We wondering around in the resort to see the night scene. This resort really believes in the word pamper. In fact, they built and named a whole building after it! Amuma Spa (Amuma is a Visayan word, meaning: pamper, indulge with every attention, comfort, care, spoil) is amidst lush tropical surroundings offering a fine selection of spa services and treatments to rejuvenate the body and spirit.

The Bluewater Gallery showcases paintings by Philippine artists. It provides a venue for local talent to show their beautiful works to local and international audiences. Guests can get a glimpse of Filipino culture through the arts. And, there is a convenient shop too, selling all the souvenirs, gift sets, swimsuits, etc as well.

Aquamania, the resort’s complete aqua sports facility, offers you a grand ticket to a good time with recreational activities such as jet-skiing, scuba diving, snorkelling, para-sailing, banana boat riding, and island hopping to intensify your tropical experience.

View Full Album

We did ask at the front desk about the pricing of the island hopping and snorkelling package. It really costly as we left not much Pesos and need to spare some for the travel tax during when we will fly back Malaysia.

Well, we were still thinking of what will be our itinerary for the next day as on the 19th we will be back to Malaysia…

Bayfront Hotel Cebu 12-17 Nov 2015

Before we came to Cebu, both Daddy and I were searching on internet on the hotel which we would want to stay. We were scrolling for a lot of hotels on the Agoda.

Lastly Daddy decided to book for Bayfront Hotel Cebu, as it is near the sea and the location is more centralised compared to the rest.

It was so coincidently that during month of September when we wanted to booked for the room, its website online booking had an offer like 50% off on the published room rate without breakfast.

It was actually cheaper from the Agoda. Thus, I just go ahead and booked the superior room.

Upon arriving the hotel, the friendly front desk welcomed us and the bell boy helped us to take our luggage to our room.

Initially we would like to request a big bed, but after we found out that the superior room provided the single bed actually the size is larger than our normal super single, it is about 4 feet width. Meaning it is really comfortable for 4 of us to share the bed as we have 2 beds in the room. This made us happy!

The ambiance of Bayfront Hotel Cebu is reflected in the guestroom. The interior of the room also decorated nicely and considered quite spacious to us. In the room, we can enjoy wired and free Wi-Fi internet connection, air conditioning , hot and cold shower as the bathroom is quite decent, there is an executive writing desk and chair, minibar, in-room safe, phone, coffee and tea facilities even though we do not drink at all. And, all the rooms of coarse are non smoking rooms. We really love it so much!

Bayfront Hotel Cebu offers impeccable service and all the essential amenities to invigorate travellers.

Guests of the hotel can enjoy on-site features 24-hour front desk, facilities for disabled guests, express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, wake-up service are just some of the facilities that can be found throughout the property.

The hotel offers wonderful recreational facilities such as fitness centre to make your stay truly unforgettable.

There is even 7-Eleven  Convenience Store and we did went in to buy some snacks during we were there. There is an ATM just at the side of the hotel lobby and it made easier to everyone.

Through out our stay here, we did call for the laundry cleaning service twice for the amount of our clothing put in to wash, of coarse it would be pricy but we don’t have the choice as there is no nearest laundry shop there.

There is one time, Issac was on high fever on the second night we were there, we called for the clinic service which is serviced by a nurse. She is so helpful and gave us some medicine for him to cool his fever down. It is really gave us some comfort during our stay there.

Bayfront Hotel Cebu, located in North Reclamation Area, Cebu City, is a popular choice for travellers. Set 11.8 km from the excitement of the city, this 3-star hotel commands an excellent location and provides access to the city's biggest attractions.

With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. The security outside the hotel just need to help us call a cab every time we wanted to go to our temple and visit the tourist’s spots.

Bayfront Hotel Cebu is a smart choice for travellers to Cebu City, offering a relaxed and hassle-free stay every time. We really enjoyed our stay here.

View Full Album

Ayala Centre Cebu 16 Nov 2015

Before coming to Cebu, we did do a research on internet on the shopping malls in the city, Ayala Centre is one of destinations besides Colon Street and SM City Cebu.

Since this was the last night which we would spent at the Cebu City before we move to Mactan Island, we thought that we should at least pay a visit there.

The City of Cebu earned its prestigious title of being the Queen City of the South because of its empowered commercial and cultural arena, among many other sources of pride. For majority of the urban population, the opening of Ayala Centre Cebu marked a significant boost in the City’s industry.

Ayala Corporation opened Ayala Centre Cebu to the public in November 1994. Since then, it has become a premier shopping destination. From just about 24 tenants to begin with, the mall now has over 300 businesses in place.

Among numerous stalls and boutiques found inside the mall, Metro Gaisano occupies the largest space. The Metro Gaisano department store and supermarket takes up six stories of Ayala Centre Cebu which we had visited the branch at the Colon Street. National Bookstore also has a branch inside Ayala Centre Cebu.

I guess there are 2 segments of markets which it targeted. One is the more middle income and the other one would be the high end market. We were attracted the the wing nearer and attached to the Marriot Hotel, we are able to see more international brands.

Among the many boutiques and shops present in the malls are Nike, Manels, Artwork, Blue Magic, Mango, MNG, Penshoppe, Bench, Human, Oxygen, and Odyssey. H&M is soon to open there as we were 1 week ahead from the opening date.

Then, we saw Rustan’s. It was quite a bit curios to us as we never see the brand at Malaysia. Once we approached to the department store then we realise it is a more exclusive stores just like Tangs or Isetan back home in Malaysia.

We went in and immediately all of us were attracted by the shoes. I had chosen a pair of rubber shoes which moulded like a court shoes but very comfortable, and it is a Brazil brand called “Mel”, Annabelle took a purple colour “Jelly Bunny” and Daddy took a canvas shoes.

Ayala is not only for shoppers. The mall also showcases a variety of food choices, from random food stalls scattered about the area to established fine-dining restaurants. The mall unveiled a new and improved food and beverage strip last October 30, 2008.

“The Terraces," as it is fondly dubbed, transformed what used to be a mosquito- and lovers-infested lagoon area to a vibrant strip with landscaping and water fountains.

Among the many occupants of The Terraces are: Bread Talk, Pancake House, TGIF, Lemon Grass, Laguna Garden Café, Shakey’s, Yellow Cab, Vanille, Roma Mia, Don Henrico’s, Hukad, Sunburst, Fully Booked, Postrio, Bigby’s, La Tegola, Gerry’s Grill, Big Mao, Casa Verde, Bistro Ecila, Roma Mia, Mooon Café,  Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Gloria Jean’s, Bo’s Coffee, Starbucks, Seattle’s Best, Gelatissimo.

We decided just went to the food court at the top of the Ayala Centre to have our dinner. I guess that is the mix rice stall we choose. 4 plates of rice, together with some the clam soup, fried squids, fried fish, and egg plant fried with egg. Well, I guess we still not get to use with their taste. Overall still a good meal.

View Full Album

Cebu Sweet Delights ~ 7D Dried Mangoes 16 Nov 2015

After the tartanilla experience, we had our snacks at Gaisano Mall at Colon Street and shopped around their supermarket looking for some cheese, herbs and spices, and dried fish to bring back home.

We took a cab to 7D Mango factory which are located at Mandaue City before we went back to our hotel.

Cebu is famous for their dried mangoes. Colloquially dubbed as such, dried mangoes are bits and pieces of ripe mangoes that were dried out under the sun.

Their chewy texture and sweet taste make dried mangoes so addictive that you will crave for more.  Made from the best Cebu-grown mangoes, dried mangoes are excellent for snacks and desserts.

Dried mangoes are excellent fat-free alternatives to sugary snacks.  With its sweet and non-acidic zest, this dried fruit product is rich in vitamins and made from the best handpicked mangoes of Cebu.  Each bite is guaranteed to be tasty, chewy and full of flavour.

These fruit snacks are perfect for every occasion.  You can serve them as appetizers or desserts in dinners.  You can even bring them to outdoor excursions and outings.  These chewy nibbles are perfect whether you are at work, at play, or simply at home.

Besides dried mangoes, we bought the mango puree too. And, we tried the mango nectar too, it is a ready to drink mango juice. It is really nice!

Tartanilla/Kalesa Ride in the Streets of Cebu City 16 Nov 2015

After our Taoist Temple trip, we came to Colon Street by cab, as all of us were so hungry as we did not take our breakfast at all before we went to the Taoist Temple.

Daddy wanted to come to Colon Street again as we believe there are much more to see after our first trip there on Saturday.

We had our brunch at McDonald’s, just wanted to try out how are the taste difference in each country.

Well, we were a bit disappointed on the food and the price are more or less the same compared in Malaysia, just the taste and variety are not there. We still love our Malaysian McDonald’s.

We were walking and wondering around the Colon Street and we came to see some interesting and new to us in the city. There are horses on the streets!

While I was taking some photos on it, Daddy went up and asked about a ride and price. Local call it Tartanillia or Kalesa.

Tartanillia is one of the oldest mode of transportation not only in Cebu but all through out the Philippines. Tartanilla or kalesa is a horse-drown carriage which still exist in some local streets here in Cebu City.

They roam around the busy street in Boromeo, Leon Kilat and some part of Colon Street.

Since both Issac and Annabelle were so excited wanted to go for a ride, we just on the deal and climb onto the carriage. The carriage is a little bit small, but still can to squeeze 4 persons.

Then the Kutsero (driver of horse-drawn vehicle) brought us roaming around the streets near the Colon Street. We did pass by some public markets, universities or smaller malls, etc. Quite excited too as this trip let us see more as we did not manage to see.

And, a great experience in this part of country! It is quite fun too!

View Full Album