Mahaplag Inland Resort

Location: Malinao, Mahaplag, Leyte

The resort was ornamented with flowering plants and small trees and the cirque-shaped pool has a wide circumference, occupying the resort with wooden chalets around, a small slide, and a bridge at the center.

Note: The resort also offers overnight accommodations at their mini hotel located just right next to the pool area.

For queries, contact the resort or message them at their Mahaplag Inland Resort facebook page. 

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia Zest
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses which transports to Mahaplag, Leyte. Travel takes two (2) hours from the city. You'll have to tell the driver to drop you off at the road to Mahaplag Inland Resort.

CEBU CITY VIA BAYBAY CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Baybay route via large sea transports and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City. Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. The city’s bus terminal is just near the port area so you can directly ride vans or buses bound for Tacloban City so you'll be able to pass by Mahaplag, Leyte.

Notes: 

• There are two (2) shipping lines which operate from Cebu City to Baybay, Leyte: Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc. and Roble Shipping Lines, Inc. 
• There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Ormoc, and Hilongos, Leyte.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Castañas Spring Resort

Location: Brgy. Balinsasayao, Abuyog, Leyte 

Note: Located just along Abuyog-Baybay Road. You’ll see a signboard and colored flaglets along the highway.

Just like with other spring resorts, the water is clear and so cool, perfect for your kind of summer dip. The water came from a small falls situated at a more than an hour hike from the resort. Most visitors actually go there, searching for the water’s origin. Be sure to have with you a local guide.

Notes: 

• The pool was divided into two parts – for kids and for adults. 
• You can rent tables and chairs or cottages located near the pool area. You can bring your own food and drinks also. No corkage fee.
• Rooms are available for overnight use.

Fees: (Rates subject to change)

• Entrance - P25
• Cottage good for 20 persons - P500
• Cottage good for 30 persons - P1,000
• Folding Tables - P150
• Umbrella (with 6 chairs) - P300
• Rooms good for 2 persons - P850

For more info, you can contact the resort manager/owner through this number: 09069277717

Related Articles: 

Villa Escober Spring Resort, Paranas, Samar
Pine's Farm Resort, Abuyogan, Burauen, Leyte
Cansiboy Burabod Spring Resort, Cansiboy, Burauen, Leyte

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia Zest
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans and buses which pass by Abuyog, Leyte or PUVs bound for Baybay, Leyte (since it passes through the resort). Travel takes more than two (2) hours ride from the city. You'll have to tell the driver to drop you off at Castanas Spring Resort.

CEBU CITY VIA BAYBAY CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Baybay route via large sea transports and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City. Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. The city’s bus terminal is just near the port area so you can directly ride vans or buses bound for Tacloban City so you'll be able to pass by Abuyog, Leyte.

Notes: 

• There are two (2) companies which operates from Cebu City to Baybay, Leyte: Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc. and Roble Shipping Lines, Inc. 
• There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Ormoc, and Hilongos, Leyte.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Cold Spring Resorts in Burauen, Leyte

Burauen, Leyte became one of the popular destinations in the province because of the spring resorts located here. Well thanks to social media, every Facebook share and posts helped this unknown place become a famous destination now – people posted their photos of family outings and get-togethers, Cansiboy Burabod Mountain Resort or Pine’s Farm Resort as venues, located at Brgy. Cansiboy, and Brgy. Abuyugon, Burauen, Leyte, respectively. 

A. Cansiboy Burabod Mountain Resort

The resort has a man-made pool with spring waters coming exclusively from mountain peaks. The amount of spring water it pours down to the hillside probably depends on the water pressure in the aquifer or the amount of rainwater.

Note: There are actually two sets of pool. The other was at the lower part of the mountainside which is managed by the local government. Cansiboy Burabod Mountain Resort, on the other hand, is a privately-owned resort.

The water was very, very cold. I can’t even swim properly coz I was shivering badly. The water was icy, but definitely not in a sub-zero point. I think you need to splash yourself a bit first. This gives your body a chance to react more than if you jump straight into the pool or you can also do some research to get some tips on how you’ll improve your tolerance to cold water – for some who want cool swims.

Entrance Fee:

20.00 (Adult)

15.00 (Children)

Cottages:

Near the poolside: P300

B. Pine’s Farm Resort

The pool was designed with large rocks, coated with white, snowy shade to make it look like little icebergs. (Arctic feels!)

So many people visited the resort last Easter Sunday (2016), so we just went to the other side to get a quick dip of the water. It was so crowded and we got no place to stay.

Entrance Fee: P10

Cottages: P150 - P300

Notes:

• It is best to rent a vehicle (if you don't have one) going to these resorts. Only few passenger vehicles pass in this area.
• You can bring your own food and drinks. No corkage fee.

RELATED POSTS: Villa Escober Cold Spring Resort, Paranas, Samar

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia Zest
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses bound for Burauen, Leyte. Travel takes two-hour ride from the city. 

CEBU CITY VIA ORMOC CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Ormoc route and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City (via large transports or fast crafts). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships and just three (3) hours for fast crafts. The city’s bus terminal is just beside the port area so you can directly go to the terminal and ride vans bound for Tacloban City Terminal. You can look for vans or buses bound for Burauen, Leyte once you arrive at Tacloban City.

Note: There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Baybay, and Hilongos, Leyte. 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

4D/3N Manila Tour

Instead of going to island destinations near Manila, we head up visiting the art museums and historical places in the city. We visited some of its popular factual sites, art galleries, crafts center, and many others.

The following are the places we’ve been to:

Note: We booked our 4D/3N Manila Tour through All World Travel House amounting P4,300 each, including other fees, hotel accommodation (Grand Plaza Hotel), and food. Plane fare is not included.

1. Las Piñas Arts and Crafts Center (Las Piñas City)

Creativity and Resourcefulness. - This trade center weaved bread baskets and traditional bayongs, picnic or clothes hampers, blankets, bags, trays, lamp shades and even utensil coasters and slippers, most of which were made from water lilies using traditional and local wooden machines. This center is actually under Manny Villar’s Foundation, furnishing livelihood to the locals in Las Piñas.  

2. Bamboo Organ Tour (Las Piñas City)

The Church and the Bamboo Organ History – We visited the St. Joseph Parish Church styled with bamboo designs inside, and enjoyed the complete series of presentations or exhibits at the museum where artifacts, ancient prints and photos of the church and the bamboo organ were displayed.

3. Bahay ni Rizal or Calamba Shrine (Calamba, Laguna)

Jose Rizal Shrine and Museum - The house was labelled as a National Shrine by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, located along Mercado Street and Rizal Street in Calamba, Laguna’s Poblacion 5. By the way, this house is now a museum replica, a shrine rebuilt from the original Bahay ni Rizal which was devastated during World War II. This house was constructed in Spanish-styled architectural framework and was one of the first stone and hardwood living structures in Calamba.

I was really interested of the ligneous tables, chairs, and the rooms depicting the typical room quarters of Filipino families in the past years. You will be directed to its souvenir shop after your tour.

4. National Museum (Ermita, Manila)

Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Gallery - Of course our Manila tour became more interesting when we’ve visited the National Museum of the Philippines – a public gallery which preserves and restores Philippine collections related to the study of human races, origins, societies, cultures, and antiquities.

There I saw Juan Luna’s painting which is prevalently known as the Spoliarium, located at the museum’s Level 2 (House Floor), The Old House of Representatives Session Hall.

Note: Using camera flash is prohibited, especially on paintings displayed at the museum.

5. Cultural Center of the Philippines (Malate, Pasay)

State venue for different activities - This cultural capital site delivers and provides presentation venues for numerous native and worldwide productions where events and activities includes structural designs, dance, motion pictures and television arts, literary culture, music, drama and optical arts.

6. Nemiranda Art House and Museum (Angono, Rizal)

The Great Artist – From the entrance you’ll be welcomed with this large Nemiranda signboard outside the museum designed artistically and creatively. You’ll also find a lot of different sculptures and paintings made personally by the artist, Nemesio B. Nemiranda – artist known for “Imaginative Figurism” – drawing of human form from imagination.

7. Rizal Park (Luneta)

Dedicated Officers – Officers in-charge should receive salutation and praises for being so devoted to their duties, guarding and securing the Rizal monument which is the symbol of nationalism and patriotism.

8. Lady of Manaoag Shrine (Tierra de Maria, Tagaytay City)

We visited this famous sanctuary in Tagaytay to pray; hoping our prayer requests will be granted by the miraculous Lady of Manaoag.

9. Palace in the Sky (Tagaytay)

Literally a palace in the sky - overlooking a 360 degree view of the surroundings, the eminent Taal Lake in Batangas and the Taal Volcano from above here; the place also gave us a cooler climate provided that this is situated at higher altitude.

• We took our buffet lunch at Sir Manny Villar’s house during our second day.
• Visiting Manila’s Ocean Park was also in our itinerary but something  came up, ended up cancelling our trip there.
• We took our last day in Manila buying pasalubongs for our family back in Leyte. 
• Credits to my friends for the photos (some pictures posted here)

AIRLINES WITH DIRECT FLIGHTS TO MANILA (INTERNATIONAL)

Emirates 

Malaysia Airlines 

Gulf Air 

Cathay Pacific    

Japan Airlines 

Delta 

Qatar Airways   

EVA Air 

Kuwait Airways 

Etihad Airways 

Saudia 

Qantas 

KLM        

Korean Air        

China Eastern 

Singapore Airlines      

Asiana Airlines 

Royal Brunei 

Turkish Airlines 

Air China 

Ethiopian Airlines 

Thai Airways       

Oman Air                

Garuda Indonesia 

ANA          

China Southern    

Vietnam Airlines

Philippine Airlines (Direct from UK)
Cebu Pacific
AirAsia 

Source: Skyscanner

Note: Manila International Airport or popularly known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is an airport serving Manila and its surrounding cities and towns. It is the main international gateway for travelers to Philippines and the central base spot for AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific, CebGo, PAL Express and Philippine Airlines.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Albuera's Perfect Spot: Baybayon Ni Agalon Resort

Baybayon ni Agalon

Unlike with the white sand beaches we used to see on island resorts, Baybayon ni Agalon is actually a pebble beach offering a pool resort located just along the road in Malitbog, Albuera, Leyte.

Small huts, tree houses and 2-storey kiosks were constructed at the beach, overlooking a panoramic view of the oceanfront.

Photo grabbed from Baybayon Ni Agalon Facebook Account

Photo grabbed from Baybayon Ni Agalon Facebook Account

The pool’s structure was wide built with slides sloping down to the water where kids can climb up and slide down to the pool area.

Photo grabbed from Baybayon Ni Agalon Facebook Account

Photo grabbed from Baybayon Ni Agalon Facebook Account

Also, children will surely love to play at the resort’s mini playground equipped with facilities for recreation. My cousins actually loved jumping on the large trampoline set there.

Photo grabbed from Baybayon Ni Agalon Facebook Account

There is also a fresh spa pedicure tank at the resort providing treatment where tiny and toothless scavenger fish clean and exfoliates the skin, nibbling away your dry and dead skin. However, we haven't got the chance to try this spa treatment since the staffs were cleaning the fish tank that time. 

Photo grabbed from Baybayon Ni Agalon Facebook Account

The resort, too, has a small menagerie or zoo, lodging different animals like birds and reptiles. One of which are the ostriches seen near the resort’s entryway. We strolled around the resort and saw many kinds of birds housed on big enclosures and saw a large oviparous python resting in its cage wrapping itself on its food.

As you walk around the area, you’ll see these lizard-type creatures of which are suborder long-bodied reptiles dispersed everywhere on ornamental ponds and camouflaging on large brown trees at the resort. The pond, however, was filled with large carp bred fishes swimming at its mud-filled waters, with small pavilions or summerhouses set on ponds.

Additionally, the resort offers overnight accommodations and a snack bar or restaurant where you can buy food and drinks. 

Photo grabbed from Baybayon Ni Agalon Facebook Account

Photo grabbed from Baybayon Ni Agalon Facebook Account

Baybayon Ni Agalon is actually a great spot for family picnics, barkada outings, or venue for weddings. With its serene setting, beautiful landscapes and resort activities offered there, you’ll surely love to spend some of your vacation here.

Photo grabbed from Baybayon Ni Agalon Facebook Account

Accommodations and fees: Baybayon ni Agalon
P.S. Some pics were grabbed from Baybayon Ni Agalon Facebook Account to provide full picture of the resort. Credits to owner.

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses which transports to Ormoc City or Baybay City. 

Reaching there:

A.) Via Baybay City 

Ride a van bound for Baybay City. Upon reaching the terminal, ride a bus going to Ormoc City. Tell the driver to drop you off at Baybayon Ni Agalon. 

B.) Via Ormoc City

Ride a van bound for Ormoc City. Upon reaching the terminal, ride a bus going to Baybay City. Tell the driver to drop you off at Baybayon Ni Agalon.

CEBU CITY VIA ORMOC CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Ormoc route and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City (via large transports or fast crafts). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships and just three (3) hours for fast crafts. The city’s bus terminal is just beside the port area so you can directly go to the terminal and ride a bus bound for Albuera, Leyte or Baybay, Leyte (you'll pass by Albuera before Baybay)

CEBU CITY VIA BAYBAY CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Baybay route via large sea transports and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City. Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. The city’s bus terminal is just near the port area so you can directly ride vans or buses bound for Ormoc City so you'll be able to pass by Albuera, Leyte

Note: There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin and Hilongos, Leyte.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.