Antulang Beach Resort
posted on Friday, September 04, 2009
Still sleepless from an early flight to Dumaguete, we stumbled along the airport, fumbling with our bags and fixing our messy hair to look more alive. Our shuttle driver held up a sign with my friend's name on it. It was amusingly misspelled and left us all in stitches while boarding the van. An hour's worth of drive is what it took for us to reach our destination. We barely got to catch some shuteye during the drive -- there was a long stretch of bumpy dirtroad before we finally reached our resort. It was not a refreshing way to begin our vacation, but let me tell you this: once the big gates of Antulang opened to welcome us, a love affair began.
I'm not quite sure how I first found out about Antulang Beach Resort. I think it was just a combination of my friends' Facebook status updates and about an hour of consulting Mr. Google. I ended up checking their website, and saw that they had promo packages for August and September. I quickly told my best friend this, and we rounded up more friends for a quick weekend getaway. Another friend came along with us, girlfriend in tow. We got all the more excited for the trip, as he was planning to propose to his girlfriend there! FYI, it is also in Antulang that Ryan Agoncillo proposed to Judy Ann Santos. Perhaps there's something about this place that makes the proposal magical. With the proposal planning and the travel bug biting us real hard, we were all raring to take in the Antulang experience.
If you want to take the off-the-beaten track and fall in love with nature and scenery, this sprawling Dumaguete haven will impress you. During our trip, we were pleased that the place wasn't congested, and that it had a quiet kind of aura that was such a welcome treat to our senses. Trees abound, blooming bougainvillas dotted a beautiful contrast against the greenery, and the sea breeze gently soothed our skin.
Visit the souvenir shop for some pasalubong or to rent DVDs for your room
Antulang has an on-going promo until September 30, 2009. We availed of the Getaway Package (P3,575/pax triple occupancy for 3 days and 2 nights) entitling us to a Seaview Cottage (with outdoor jacuzzi that can comfortably fit 2 persons). Along with the package, daily breakfast and dinner, roundtrip transfers, complimentary activities (like kayaking, snorkeling, et cetera).
The Seaview Cottage ($140 - regular rate) is roomy and cozy with its wooden interiors. The bathroom is compact and clean, while the front area of the cottage had a platform with a jacuzzi facing the sea. It actually exceeded our expectations, since we assume promo packages tend to be mediocre.
Seaview Cottage
What also surprised us was the promo's complimentary breakfast and dinner - serving sizes are ample, and the menu has just enough options for a weekend stay. This is a good thing, since the city proper is far away and you're basically left to try out the resort's food offerings to make the most out of your time. Breakfast is your staple Filipino or Continental fare, with coffee or juice (I recommend their Chorizo-silog).
Dine in their different restaurants and bars (or choose to have your meal in the cottage)
The dinner is more special, as it comes complete with appetizer, soup or salad, main course, and dessert. I liked their Egg Drop Corn Soup and Grilled Tanigue with rice. The fried Shrimp Roll was quite tasty, too, and its serving is big. Come dessert time, go for their Mango Float.
If you are going ala carte (for lunch time, for example), I suggest you order ahead of time since the preparation time can take 20 to 30 minutes. Their Battered Chicken is excellent, and the Pancit Canton, they say, is also a best-seller. For a hot afternoon, Fruit Shakes are your best bet to cool down. You can actually order meals way ahead of time. For example, order your breakfast the night before, and just inform them of the time you will eat. They can call you up the next day to wake you up in time for breakfast, so that you arrive on your table with the food ready for you.
Rediscover Paradise
A cruise away from Antulang is the Tambobo Bay, which is surrounded by lush mangroves, trees and bamboo. You can choose from three vessels for the Tambobo Bay Cruise (P4,000-P5,000, depending on vessel), which can accommodate 20 to 40 people. Take the cruise during sunset for good photo-ops, or while the sun is up high if you want to do some sunbathing onboard. Better yet, wait for the sunset and have your dinner onboard.
Tambobo Bay Cruise aboard the Annabelle Lee
For the Getaway Package, we got to avail of our complimentary kayaking and snorkeling. The boys got to use the game room, where they played billiards while we took a nap. We tried out their different pools, too!
We weren't able to go horseback riding (you can take the horses to the beach/water!), as on our second day we availed of a room upgrade. Just in time for my friend's proposal! Oh, we refused to leave our unbelievably beautiful Pool Villa.
Aaaah, living the high life! A villa by a cliff, overlooking the sea. A big jacuzzi heated up and bubbly for you with some gumamela (which is what Antulang is, the local name for hibiscus). A private swimming pool that needs no swimsuit requirement. Guaranteed privacy, peace and quiet. A king sized bed and a spacious toilet and shower, with a vanity area.
With the Pool Villa ($450 - regular rate), you will never want to leave Antulang. You are in your own little paradise...
But that's not to say Antulang's common facilities aren't great -- they are. Their pools operate 24/7, and they're equally beautiful. There's a shallow area with waterfalls for the kids, there is also an infinity pool near the bar. It has a spectacular view both day and night. And for diving newbies, a deep diving pool where you can have a Pool Introduction (P2,340) with their PADI dive instructor.
Antulang Beach Resort has a lot to offer that the hour's drive to the city is not a deterrent -- you have many activities to choose from within the resort that can keep you happily busy. The resort is a work in progress, too, as during our trip we saw some on-going construction in the far end. Looks like they are expanding the land area and perhaps adding more exciting amenities. This definitely calls for a re-visit next year!
Happily Spoiled
This sprawling Dumaguete haven not only houses beautiful villas with a splendid view. When talking about Antulang, I have to talk about their service. Perhaps it's for Dumagueteños in general, but our service - from airport transfers, front desk, and waiters - is commendable from Day 1. Our driver also patiently waited for us during our day trip to the city, also suggesting places where we should go.
Our butler extraordinaire, Alexis
Another plus when staying Antulang is that you can have a personal butler for your entire trip (if you avail of the Pool Villa). We have no complaints about our butler, Alexis - he knows how to take care of resort guests well. He would always serve us with a smile, from taking our food orders, helping us with our kayak, or suiting us up our life vests for snorkeling. My friends and I now joke that after experiencing this kind of friendly service with Antulang, there's no downgrading now -- we've been spoiled! I learned from my father before the trip that people from Dumgauete are really kind, but I didn't realize how until Antulang. I can now agree that yes, their city is indeed, the 'City of Gentle People.'
I have to admit, I still have an Antulang hangover. I had a good combination that can't be beat - a wonderful set of friends, friendly service, awesome facilities and accommodations. We've all decided to come back soon. I'm smiling as I remember our trip, how Antulang has taken care of us and won our hearts. Oh, and how can I forget? We came back to Manila with a newly engaged couple who can't take their hands off each other. Now that's our icing on the cake!
How To Get There:
From Manila, you can fly to Dumaguete City Airport via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific (1 hour flight). Antulang is an hour away from the airport. Contact the sales or booking office of Antulang to inquire about transfers and shuttle services.
I'm not quite sure how I first found out about Antulang Beach Resort. I think it was just a combination of my friends' Facebook status updates and about an hour of consulting Mr. Google. I ended up checking their website, and saw that they had promo packages for August and September. I quickly told my best friend this, and we rounded up more friends for a quick weekend getaway. Another friend came along with us, girlfriend in tow. We got all the more excited for the trip, as he was planning to propose to his girlfriend there! FYI, it is also in Antulang that Ryan Agoncillo proposed to Judy Ann Santos. Perhaps there's something about this place that makes the proposal magical. With the proposal planning and the travel bug biting us real hard, we were all raring to take in the Antulang experience.
If you want to take the off-the-beaten track and fall in love with nature and scenery, this sprawling Dumaguete haven will impress you. During our trip, we were pleased that the place wasn't congested, and that it had a quiet kind of aura that was such a welcome treat to our senses. Trees abound, blooming bougainvillas dotted a beautiful contrast against the greenery, and the sea breeze gently soothed our skin.
Visit the souvenir shop for some pasalubong or to rent DVDs for your room
Antulang has an on-going promo until September 30, 2009. We availed of the Getaway Package (P3,575/pax triple occupancy for 3 days and 2 nights) entitling us to a Seaview Cottage (with outdoor jacuzzi that can comfortably fit 2 persons). Along with the package, daily breakfast and dinner, roundtrip transfers, complimentary activities (like kayaking, snorkeling, et cetera).
The Seaview Cottage ($140 - regular rate) is roomy and cozy with its wooden interiors. The bathroom is compact and clean, while the front area of the cottage had a platform with a jacuzzi facing the sea. It actually exceeded our expectations, since we assume promo packages tend to be mediocre.
Seaview Cottage
What also surprised us was the promo's complimentary breakfast and dinner - serving sizes are ample, and the menu has just enough options for a weekend stay. This is a good thing, since the city proper is far away and you're basically left to try out the resort's food offerings to make the most out of your time. Breakfast is your staple Filipino or Continental fare, with coffee or juice (I recommend their Chorizo-silog).
Dine in their different restaurants and bars (or choose to have your meal in the cottage)
The dinner is more special, as it comes complete with appetizer, soup or salad, main course, and dessert. I liked their Egg Drop Corn Soup and Grilled Tanigue with rice. The fried Shrimp Roll was quite tasty, too, and its serving is big. Come dessert time, go for their Mango Float.
If you are going ala carte (for lunch time, for example), I suggest you order ahead of time since the preparation time can take 20 to 30 minutes. Their Battered Chicken is excellent, and the Pancit Canton, they say, is also a best-seller. For a hot afternoon, Fruit Shakes are your best bet to cool down. You can actually order meals way ahead of time. For example, order your breakfast the night before, and just inform them of the time you will eat. They can call you up the next day to wake you up in time for breakfast, so that you arrive on your table with the food ready for you.
Rediscover Paradise
A cruise away from Antulang is the Tambobo Bay, which is surrounded by lush mangroves, trees and bamboo. You can choose from three vessels for the Tambobo Bay Cruise (P4,000-P5,000, depending on vessel), which can accommodate 20 to 40 people. Take the cruise during sunset for good photo-ops, or while the sun is up high if you want to do some sunbathing onboard. Better yet, wait for the sunset and have your dinner onboard.
Tambobo Bay Cruise aboard the Annabelle Lee
For the Getaway Package, we got to avail of our complimentary kayaking and snorkeling. The boys got to use the game room, where they played billiards while we took a nap. We tried out their different pools, too!
We weren't able to go horseback riding (you can take the horses to the beach/water!), as on our second day we availed of a room upgrade. Just in time for my friend's proposal! Oh, we refused to leave our unbelievably beautiful Pool Villa.
Aaaah, living the high life! A villa by a cliff, overlooking the sea. A big jacuzzi heated up and bubbly for you with some gumamela (which is what Antulang is, the local name for hibiscus). A private swimming pool that needs no swimsuit requirement. Guaranteed privacy, peace and quiet. A king sized bed and a spacious toilet and shower, with a vanity area.
With the Pool Villa ($450 - regular rate), you will never want to leave Antulang. You are in your own little paradise...
But that's not to say Antulang's common facilities aren't great -- they are. Their pools operate 24/7, and they're equally beautiful. There's a shallow area with waterfalls for the kids, there is also an infinity pool near the bar. It has a spectacular view both day and night. And for diving newbies, a deep diving pool where you can have a Pool Introduction (P2,340) with their PADI dive instructor.
Antulang Beach Resort has a lot to offer that the hour's drive to the city is not a deterrent -- you have many activities to choose from within the resort that can keep you happily busy. The resort is a work in progress, too, as during our trip we saw some on-going construction in the far end. Looks like they are expanding the land area and perhaps adding more exciting amenities. This definitely calls for a re-visit next year!
Happily Spoiled
This sprawling Dumaguete haven not only houses beautiful villas with a splendid view. When talking about Antulang, I have to talk about their service. Perhaps it's for Dumagueteños in general, but our service - from airport transfers, front desk, and waiters - is commendable from Day 1. Our driver also patiently waited for us during our day trip to the city, also suggesting places where we should go.
Our butler extraordinaire, Alexis
Another plus when staying Antulang is that you can have a personal butler for your entire trip (if you avail of the Pool Villa). We have no complaints about our butler, Alexis - he knows how to take care of resort guests well. He would always serve us with a smile, from taking our food orders, helping us with our kayak, or suiting us up our life vests for snorkeling. My friends and I now joke that after experiencing this kind of friendly service with Antulang, there's no downgrading now -- we've been spoiled! I learned from my father before the trip that people from Dumgauete are really kind, but I didn't realize how until Antulang. I can now agree that yes, their city is indeed, the 'City of Gentle People.'
I have to admit, I still have an Antulang hangover. I had a good combination that can't be beat - a wonderful set of friends, friendly service, awesome facilities and accommodations. We've all decided to come back soon. I'm smiling as I remember our trip, how Antulang has taken care of us and won our hearts. Oh, and how can I forget? We came back to Manila with a newly engaged couple who can't take their hands off each other. Now that's our icing on the cake!
How To Get There:
From Manila, you can fly to Dumaguete City Airport via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific (1 hour flight). Antulang is an hour away from the airport. Contact the sales or booking office of Antulang to inquire about transfers and shuttle services.
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