Weekend Getaway: Batangas & Albay

I've been contemplating to take another travel in the countryside in the coming weeks, need to breath fresh air and rest my tired soul under the cool shade of verdant plants. I need to create a concise itinerary to determine the cost and how much I would spend.

Since relocating here in Manila last June 30, 2013, my excitement to visit historical provinces in Luzon grew everyday. As a travel blogger nothing more satisfying and fulfilling than taking an outdoor adventure in the countryside, the sharing of the experience is more lively and inspiring when coated with the natural beauty of the environment, the serenity of nature and the scenery of lush tropical plants.

The farthest destinations I took outside Metro Manila so far are Tagaytay and Laguna. I already visited Baguio City in 2008 and no plan to take a re-visit in the coming months because I am more excited to see other destinations.

There's something in traveling that I find very alluring and liberating, it's the freedom of being in a completely different place, discovering something in the environment and learning from its culture and tradition. I am always fascinated with history, research and discovery and taking a road trip far away from where I am living is a perfect way to satisfy my curiosity.

I want to go back to Tagaytay to take a leisure visit to Sonya's Garden and the Highlands, I heard extraordinary comments about these spectacular places and it's my wish to see it for myself and experience the charm and comfort they have been raving.

Batangas is another fascination which hopefully I could visit before the year ends. Other provinces I would love to hop in for a quick getaway are Camarines Sur, Bicol, La Union and Ilocos Norte. The travel might be taxing and quite costly but the rare experience of marveling at the landmarks of these exciting places is priceless so I would not mind spending for the trip, it's a great escape and one of the best ways to loosen up and wind off a very tiring day.

Speaking of Batangas, there's one resort in Lipa City featured in the tripadvisor site that I find very relaxing, Valentino Resort and Spa. Ranked number 2 among the 5 hotels in Lipa City, Batangas,  and ranked number 10 among the numerous resorts in the Batangas province, Valentino Resort and Spa is located at Brgy. Pinagtung-ulan, Lipa City. Its villas and lounges in any of its ten cabanas surrounding the three swimming pools magnify luxury, modern comfort and elegance. The tropical garden adds romance to the natural beauty of the resort. I want to no more about this resort, since the clients' testimonies are very inviting. Visit the resort's website HERE.

This photo of Farm at San Benito is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This photo of Farm at San Benito is courtesy of TripAdvisor 

 But if you want luxury, glamour combined with comfort and wellness under the natural backdrop of nature visit The Farm at San Benidto. It offers a great value for visitors' money according to tripadvisor site. The Farm, already featured in numerous lifestyle magazine and TV shows, is located at 119 Brgy. Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas. It has an approval satisfaction rate of 95% from visitors. Explore the The Farm through its site HERE to check the details of its amenities, villas, accommodations and rates.

Another exciting place to hop in for a quick roadtrip is Albay. I was deeply enthralled with the breathtaking landscape of Misibis Bay Resort after watching the TV 5 teleserye of the same name. It is located in the province of Albay just a few hour drive from Manila. It's a private tropical resort with casino particularly located in Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay. Travellers may take a bus from Manila to Legaspi, since this is a luxury resort, the accommodation is quite expensive but the place is so elegant and gorgeous you don't mind setting aside a large chunk of your income for this getaway. For more details, visit the official site of the resort, click here.

The gorgeous tropical resort of Misibis Bay popularized by the TV series
with the same title via TV 5

For foreigners who want to take a leisure visit in the Philippines in the days, months to come, don't worry about the recent insurgencies that erupted in Zamboanga, the area is far from Luzon and Visayas and there are breathtaking and exciting places around the Visayas and Luzon worthy of your time and travel plus the accommodation is relatively cheaper compared to other holiday destinations in Asia.

Come and experience the natural wonders and beauty of the Philippines and see for your self why the country is dubbed the Pearl of the Orient Sea.

Lots of discovery awaits here, the people are warm and very hospitable, weather is moderate and enjoys a tropical climate whole year round. The Philippines uses Philippine peso as local currency. 1 US dollar is more or less Php 43.00 as of September 13, 2013. The manner of transportation around the metro is by land, jeepney, taxi, bus, FX and train.

It's more fun in the Philippines!!