Vacation Spot #1: Malagos Garden Resort, Davao
Family: Eric and Shelli Tomacruz and daughter Mantha, one year old
Why we went:
Davao is exotic. My memories of trips before I had a baby include monkey-eating eagles, durian and pomelo, Samal island, Pearl Farm resort, and delicious food.
What we loved:
On this trip, we were mostly in the city. We stayed at Marco Polo Hotel and only had a one-day trip to Samal Island, Malagos Garden Resort. Both places were child-friendly and the staff was very nice, too. There is a lot for kids to do in Malagos, such as their big vegetable and fruit garden, a petting zoo, and a bird show.
What to check out:
• Mantha loved the bird show. It featured all types of birds including a duck walk, where they had ducks on parade set to music, and a segment on eagles where eagles were allowed to fly around above the audience. The host explained that none of the birds are clipped and are free to leave if they want to, but they choose to stay.
• Mantha also got to ride a pony, which I think most children enjoy.
• In Marco Polo, she liked the pool and the fish tanks in the Chinese restaurant.
Traveler’s Tips:
• The flight is a bit long, so try to book the flight during off-peak season. For convenience, arrange for airport transfers, since your child may be tired after the long flight.
• Taxis are easy to get around town in. We never had trouble with traffic although there are one-way streets in town so it may seem like the taxi is going the long way, but isn't.
• There are barter stations where you can buy cheap local goods. It can be a one-stop shop for pasalubongs: malongs, sarongs, handicrafts, etc.The batik for kids are cute for both girls and boys, and cheap, too.
• Bring home local products and produce, and take lots of pictures!
Money Matters:
• A standard cottage at Malagos Garden Resort which fits four to five people is P2,400 a night, inclusive of breakfast for four people.
Photo from malagos.com
Click here to see vacation spot #2: Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar in Bataan.
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Read on to see vacation spot #2: Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar in Bataan.
Vacation Spot #2: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bataan
Family: Jamie and Rhea Bautista and their son David, one year old
Why we went:
We chose to go to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan because we were interested to see this unique resort. The resort is a village of beautiful Filipino homes and buildings from the 18th to early 20th century.
What we loved:
It was wonderful to live in old buildings that had modern fixtures and amenities. I was in awe at how beautiful our architecture was during those days.
There's a pool and a sandy area kids can play in, but when we were there, it was raining and there was a slight storm, so David couldn't really play there or ride the calesas but they have a very good Pinoy restaurant, whose singer David loved and really danced and moved along with.
I hear they have recently added more things like street food, puto bumbong and bibingka stands and a bakery. I think they've also opened a bar.
What to check out:
We were quite limited because of the weather, but we were still able to take a tour of the many buildings and we dined in this very good Pinoy restaurant. We also went around their different shops. They have an antique shop, a gallery, a souvenir shop and even a convenience store.
There are different types of accommodations—hotel bedrooms, hotel suites, and casas (you can have an entire Spanish colonial villa to yourself!).
Visit their site: www.lascasasfilipinas.com
Traveler’s Tips:
1. The Cafe Marivent serves excellent Pinoy and Spanish food, so eat there!
2. Take a lot of pictures! It is a very photogenic place.
3. The drive going to Las Casas from Manila is about half a day. Prepare car activities, food, and drink for your kids. Have several bathroom stops, too.
4. Bring a jacket for you and your little ones—the resort faces the sea and it can get windy!
Money Matters:
The prices can all be found on the website under “Promotions”. A suite costs P7,225 net per night and a meal in the restaurant is about P1200 to P1500 per meal for four adults.
Photo from lascasasasfilipinas.com
Click here to see vacation spot #3: Misibis Bay, Bicol.
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Read on to see vacation spot #3: Misibis Bay, Bicol.
Vacation Spot # 3: Misibis Bay, Bicol
Family: Myke and Anne Santos, with their son Tiago, 2 years old
Why we went:
Misibis Bay is highly recommended by friends who have gone. The magic words were "very kid friendly". And it was one of the pit stops in The Amazing Race Asia.
What we loved:
It is not only kid-friendly, but it is for families, couples, and singles who are looking for a quiet getaway that is not so far from Manila. Amenities are great and service is even better! They have an impressive buffet, and even the pickiest eater will have something delicious to eat.
What to check out:
Tiago enjoyed everything: swimming in the pool and the beach and playing with sand, the playground, the ball swim in the indoor playroom. He also enjoyed the kayak and hobbie cat rides and even their DVD collection!
I personally enjoyed learning how to wind surf! The free foot spa in our room was a treat as well—especially for parents who have no yayas—because we got it while Tiago was asleep.
There are so many activities to choose from for adults and kids of all ages: swimming, kayaking, sailing, wind surfing, jetski. They can even take you to an Eco Park where you can wall climb and zip line! Go sight seeing. You can plan your stay according to the activities you like or you can just relax and enjoy.
Traveler’s Tips:
I would recommend going there during the summer season or maybe January or February when it's not raining, so you can see the glorious cone of Mt. Mayon. See the sights of Bicol. We went there in September and it was raining on some days so Mt. Mayon was covered with thick clouds and going around was a hassle as the roads were wet and slippery.
The Legaspi Airport only has a small canteen-type of resto which easily gets packed, so you can ask the resort to take you to a fast-food drive thru for your lunch before your flight back or you can dine at the lobby of Hotel Venize (same owner as Misibis Bay), which is five minutes away from the airport.
Try to stay for at least four days so you can have a day to go around Bicol.
Money Matters:
We availed of their promo so we spent around P50,000 which is inclusive of airfare, three days and two nights accommodation, food, all activities, and the tour. You really don't need to spend for anything else once you're there. Check out their site for their rates: www.misibisbay.com.
Photo from misibisbay.com
Click here to see vacation spot #4: Bellaroca, Marinduque.
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Read on to see vacation spot #4: Bellaroca, Marinduque.
Vacation Spot # 3: Bellarocca, Marinduque
Family: Jem and An-Marie Villarin, son Santi, 2 years old, and family friends
Why we went:
A friend of ours, with whom we travel together often, invited us. She sent us pictures of the resort and the prices. The pictures were beautiful and the price was right.
What we loved:
The resort is as beautiful as the pictures. Grounds are well-maintained and everything was accessible through the golf carts. Drivers were prompt when called and drove safely. The lobby is bright and airy and very spacious. All the information you would need such as spa schedules and nightly activities were readily accessible. Aside from the hotel, they have villas that are one- and two-bedrooms with kitchens and their own pools.
The staff was very friendly. Check-in was also fast considering that we were a big group (more than 10 people). When we were shown to our rooms, a microwave was brought in for Santi. Although we didn’t need it, that was a plus in my book. They were also very quick and efficient when responding to requests. In addition, even without our requesting it, they set up a very nice table al fresco for us at dinnertime complete with candles, draping, and fresh flowers. They said that they thought we might enjoy the nice weather and the privacy.
The dining area is also bright and airy and very clean. There was enough space between tables that made the dining experience comfortable and pleasurable, as you didn’t have to hear other people’s conversations and vice-versa. The food was good, but not great, and, although it was a buffet, there was not a lot to choose from. I enjoyed the breakfast spread, however. Also, the food was very child friendly, i.e., normal, straight-forward flavors, nothing too spicy or too weird and exotic.
What to check out:
Swimming, swimming, and swimming! And eating! All of which Santi enjoyed!
I also tried their spa. The location (at the highest point of the island, I believe) was perfect for relaxing and feeling detached from the hustle and bustle of people and things. The rooms (2 of them) were enclosed in glass so you could see the outdoors. They smelled good and were clean and cozy. Two people could share a room. The massage was ok, but I’ve had better. And the waiting time was quite long (30 minutes for me) despite having booked ahead.
The resort also has a meditation area, but I didn’t visit it. They probably have some water sports because I saw some kayaks and wind surfing paraphernalia.
There are also different activities in the recreation room each night like a movie showing and videoke.
Traveler’s Tips:
The resort is an island so you really don’t have a choice of where to eat and where to go. It’s really just the restaurant at the hotel or you can choose to cook in your villa. Then it’s just the spa, the two pools, the meditation area, and the small beach—the waves can be high, though, so be careful.
Money Matters:
A hotel deluxe room is $US 420 a night. Check out the site: www.bellaroccaresorts.com for their rates.
Photo from bellaroccaresorts.com
Click here to see vacation spot #5: Beijing, China.
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Read on to see vacation spot #5: Beijing, China.
Vacation Spot # 4: Beijing, China
Family: Jerome and Sheila Ng and their daughter Pia, 7 years old
Why we went:
It all started with the cartoon Mulan. Pia was so interested in the Forbidden Palace and the Great Wall in the movie. She kept asking if they were real. We had no plans to go to Beijing with Pia because we had the impression that it wasn’t exactly a kid-friendly place. Then when the Olympics was held in China and Pia saw the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube Building, she wanted to go—as in that minute!
What we loved:
The place is friendly, though there are still a lot of people there who cannot speak English. Having a tour guide was a great help for us. As for being child-friendly, it is a very safe place. I would be the first to admit that I am a very paranoid parent. My rule with Pia is she has to stay within my line of sight. There in Beijing, I still insisted on that rule, but I did not feel the pressure or the worry, even when we went to Tiananmen Square where there were a lot of people.
What to check out:
1. Beijing Circus Performance – Pia enjoyed this a lot
2. Olympic Village - We all enjoyed this because we were able to go down to the last row of the Bird’s Nest Stadium and there was still a lot of snow on the ground! It was the first time Pia saw snow.
3. Great Wall of China - Pia enjoyed it so much but we were not able to climb to the highest point of the wall. Downside: it was so cold and the steps were hard to navigate because they were uneven and some of the steps were as high as Pia’s hips.
4. Tiananmen Square and The Forbidden City - We saw where the Emperor used to live. We also got to sample their foot massage and the traditional Chinese medicine.
Traveler’s Tips:
1. Find a good travel agency. There were only four in our tour group so we did not ride a bus but a cool SUV. Though it costs more, I found it easier and more comfortable.
2. Engage your tour guide and driver in small talk. They like being asked about their country because they take great pride in it.
3. In a restaurant, always clean the utensils with hot water. Hot water is easily available there, but cold water is not. In fact, the waiters will raise an eyebrow when you order cold water! Asking for ice is like asking for hot water during our hottest day.
4. Though sometimes the cold can be tolerable, bring thermal wear for moments when it would be freezing.
5. Try to taste the food as much as you can (even if it looks gross). Sometimes the food is not as bad as it looks.
6. Your tour guide will probably bring you to a place where they demonstrate a wonder drug or some amulet. Watch it; it’s amusing - but don’t get tricked into buying.
7. While shopping, make sure that you will buy an item before you haggle, as vendors get upset when you haggle and don’t buy. You can begin by asking for 25% off the price tag, then take it from there.
8. Make sure you tip both your driver and tour guide. If you can give the tip early on the trip, you will get better treatment.
Money Matters:
We spent around US$800 per head (about Php120,000 total). This already covered all the meals and travel. Just bring a little more if you want to shop.
Photo from flickr.com
Click here to see vacation spot #6: Perth, Australia.
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Read on to see vacation spot #6: Perth, Australia.
Vacation Spot # 5: Perth, Australia
Family: Dondi and Sherry Dueñas, and son Aaron, 3 years old
Why we went:
I've wanted to visit Australia for years and never really had the chance. It was fortunate that my husband had a business trip to Perth and I happened to have a sister living there who has been begging me to visit her and her family. I think Perth was a good choice for us. I've heard and seen a lot of pictures and have wondered what it would be like compared to the US, Europe, and of course, Asia.
What we loved:
One of the things we loved about Australia was the fact that when we exited the airport late in the evening, we were welcomed by the smell of Eucalyptus. It was wonderful! Compared to the other countries we have visited, coming out and smelling that just made the place feel fresh and clean. Perth is a wonderful place to visit. We stayed in the city for a few days while Dondi worked but we got the chance to also tour the city. We walked most of the time and it was a big achievement since we had our three-year-old son with us and had no stroller. Most of the places we visited were very child-friendly.
What to check out:
1. Perth Zoo - It was huge! Instead of pushing Aaron along in a stroller, we rented a wagon which can seat 2 kids. From the wagon, kids can just get on and off as they please.
2. Kings Park in the city - Kids can run about as much as they want and tire themselves out.
3. Caversham Wildlife Park – You can interact with the animals like kangaroos, sheep, pigs, Koala bears etc. Within the wild life park, there are other places to visit like the Transportation Museum, which is always interesting for boys.
4. Hillarys Boat Harbour – the aquarium we visited was easily Aaron’s favorite.
5. Freemantle – similar to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco
We visited most of the parks around the area including the beach, which was 10 minutes away from my sister’s house. Aaron enjoyed all of them.
Traveler’s Tips:
Food is practically okay anywhere. Dondi liked their Indian food very much, and that was merely a fast-food stall in a mall. They have excellent fish ‘n chips restaurants -- special mention to Freemantle.
You’ll need to rent a car since some of the places to visit are quite far from each other.
Dos:
• Visit after March, since the weather starts to cool in April.
• Make sure you get hotel brochures to give you an idea about activities that you can do there.
• Try all types of food Perth has to offer.
Don'ts
• Expect too much when entering a mall.
• Bother going to Yanchip National Park.
• Speed!
Money Matters:
Here’s a breakdown of expenses:
• Php120,000 on airfare for a family of three.
• Average of US $120 per night for a decent hotel.
• Php 2,000 to 3,000 per meal for a family of three. You might spend Php 1,500 if you will eat just to put something in your stomach, and of course, there's McDonald’s and other fast-food chains if you are on a strict budget. But then again, why visit this place and only eat in McDo, right?
• You will be safe with Php 40,000 pocket money since you will spend it mostly on food and transportation. Of course, this is assuming you have your credit cards with you.
Photo from commons.wikimedia.org
Click here to see vacation spot #7: London, England.
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Read on to see vacation spot #7: London, England.
Vacation Spot # 6: London, England
Family: Miko and Gabbi Pascual, and daughter Natalia, 2 years old
Why we went:
My husband grew up in London and he still has family there so we decided to pay them a visit with our daughter in tow.
What we loved:
There's so much history and the architecture is fantastic! It truly is a beautiful place. There's so much to do for the whole family. The people are very warm and friendly, not to mention super polite. Strangers would stop and say hello to Natalia. You could say she charmed the pants off the Brits!
What to check out:
1. The London Zoo - Natalia enjoyed the gorillas the most. It was amazing how we were able to see them up close. Quite literally, we were seeing these gorillas eye to eye!
2. Hamleys - the famous 250+-year-old toy store! Natalia was so overwhelmed by everything we had to chase her around the store through giant teddy bears and balloons. Not the best scenario given my husband and I were so exhausted already from the zoo!
3. The London Eye - a giant 135-metre (443 ft) tall Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames that gave us a spectacular view of the capital.
4. The Sea Life London Aquarium - right next to The London Eye. We headed straight there where Natalia had a grand time.
5. Natural History Museum - Natalia ogled at the dinosaur displays and enjoyed seeing all the stuffed creatures.
6. Science Museum - one of my husband's all-time favorite places. I got a kick out of seeing him act like a kid again and it was great to see Natalia having so much fun with all the activities they have for both the young and the young at heart.
7. Thorpe Park - also known as "the nation's thrill capital" which is actually an amusement park in Chertsey.
Traveler’s Tips:
We visited London on the last week of March and it was still chilly. On hindsight we should have gone in April. The weather would have been more comfortable for Natalia; then again, the cold made it more bearable to walk around. Nobody takes a taxi in London unless they have money to burn. Be prepared to walk. A lot.
We brought along a makeshift bed, which proved to be a lifesaver. We used an inflatable kiddie swimming pool. She loved sleeping on it and we never had a problem putting her to bed (in spite of the jetlag). She was so comfortable on it plus it was A LOT lighter than her Pack N Play. No excess baggage fees! Yay!
Money Matters:
For a simple bed and breakfast, it would cost around 80 pounds a night. If you want to stay in a chain hotel, it’s around 150-200 pounds a night. We spent about 80 pounds a day to commute from Weybridge (where we stayed) to London and back. This included our meals and cost of entertainment (tickets, etc).
Photo from fotopedia.com
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