Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a story teller.
-Ibn Battuta
Allow me to be your story teller for my recent happy experience.
May 17 is my most awaited day, as it is the day that I get to see for the second time, the wonders and beauty of Cagbalete Island. Also, it is my post birthday celebration. :-)
*for information on how to reach Cagbalete Island, as well as to be aware of the budget needed, click on this - The Cagbalete Island Excapade
*for information on how to reach Cagbalete Island, as well as to be aware of the budget needed, click on this - The Cagbalete Island Excapade
Again, I stayed at Dona Choleng Camping Resort, I have already made the arrangements few weeks before my date of vacation. As usual, upon arrival, staffs are really welcoming, they speak so gently and politely.
Accompanying me on this vacation is my boyfriend, we were unable to catch the shuttle (yes, Dona Choleng has it's own shuttle!) which transports tourists to the resort. So we decided to walk.
Accompanying me on this vacation is my boyfriend, we were unable to catch the shuttle (yes, Dona Choleng has it's own shuttle!) which transports tourists to the resort. So we decided to walk.
As I came to the resort, I've noticed that those still under construction during my last visit were already done. :-) There is a newly built Reception Area (before, the reception area is located with the restaurant) , and that's the first place that you'll see upon arrival at the resort.
Above is the newly built reception area. It's very welcoming.
Dona Choleng Camping Resort was named after it's first owner Dona Choleng Taino. It's just one of lots of resort located in Cagbalete Island. If you are looking for a great vacation spot and you want a place which suits your tight budget, Choleng is the perfect place. I have provided the rates below, check it out!
Cagbalete Island is dubbed as the Boracay of the Pacific because of the white sand, clear sea and most of all, it is clean. This place will give you serenity especially if you want some "Vitamin Sea".
We arrived before 10 am, check ins are by 1pm so me and my boyfriend decided to wander in the resort and the island as well. We asked the receptionist if we can go inside the resort already, and they allowed us. :-)
Wander? Haaa. My boyfriend wanted to rest first so I decided to just take pictures of the beach while he rests.
I noticed that low tide happens by 10 am to 4 pm, so when we got there, it's already low tide. The Sand Bar is very visible during this time. So yeah, I went at the Sand Bar near the resort. I enjoyed taking pictures while it's low tide, I've seen a starfish, a crab, sea shells and a lot more.
I also knew that a nearby island is accessible during low tide, and that is the Bonsai Island so I also went there.
Bonsai Island is a 20 minute walk from Dona Choleng, it is only accessible and visible during low tides. The island has great rock formations and you'll love it. Just don't forget to put on your sunblock because you'll be walking in the middle of the sea.
I also knew that a nearby island is accessible during low tide, and that is the Bonsai Island so I also went there.
Bonsai Island is a 20 minute walk from Dona Choleng, it is only accessible and visible during low tides. The island has great rock formations and you'll love it. Just don't forget to put on your sunblock because you'll be walking in the middle of the sea.
Aside from going to Bonsai Island, Dona Choleng Camping Resort offers other activities like videoke, camping, kayaking, snorkeling, island hopping. You can also play sports in here like table tennis and beach volleyball. Just ask the receptionist about the activity you would like to do and they will dearly arrange everything for you.
The resort has it's own restaurant, if you don't have packed foods or you don't wanna do the cooking, they offer a lot of variants on their menu. They serve, inihaws like inihaw na isda or pusit, silog meals, pork adobo and adobong pusit and a lot more for reasonable price. The meal we ordered is inihaw na isda at pritong isda, all for 200 pesos with rice already. Not bad!
Fast forward, we left on the next day afternoon. I enjoyed my experience here. I loved swimming in the clear waters, walking in the white sand and feeling the sun rays touching my skin. I would never get fed up of the beauty of this island.
I would like to thank Sir Ryan, current owner of Dona Choleng, for he is the reason why I was able to visit again this magestic place. All thanks also to the staff who are very kind to us. :-)
I would like to thank Sir Ryan, current owner of Dona Choleng, for he is the reason why I was able to visit again this magestic place. All thanks also to the staff who are very kind to us. :-)
What are you guys waiting for? Plan your vacation and reserve your slots now. It's not too late for a great summer getaway!
Ways to contact Dona Choleng Camping Resort
mobile: 09108823346, 09328525489, 09266549958
website: http://www.donacholeng.com
mobile: 09108823346, 09328525489, 09266549958
website: http://www.donacholeng.com
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