Danao Coco Palms Resort

I was supposed to have a super hectic schedule for May’s weekends but to my dismay, almost none of it was materialized *sigh*.  I’m longing to have at least a relaxing escape, a beach or anything just before the summer ends. So, we decided to have at least a mini summer escapade. We’re thinking of Danao’s Coco Palms resort.  I had read good reviews about this resort and it’s just an hour drive from Cebu city so might as well visit it.

‘New’ Resort
Coco Palms Resort just operated a year ago so it’s somehow new.  The landscaped grasses and white sands give the resort a fresh and appealing look. It offers a beautiful view of the sea, affordable accommodations, lots of recreational activities and friendly staffs.

The resort’s area is quiet big. It’s a perfect place for team buildings, wedding, receptions, birthdays, family gatherings and other functions.

Swimming Pool
The swimming pool is medium size, not that big as it looks in the picture. Its deep ranges from 2ft to 5ft. The pool’s main attraction is the slide. It’s short and it will not really give you a smooth slide all throughout but I guess it’s an added attraction and gives a lot of fun especially among children. They are also lenient about swimming attire so no worries if you are hesitant on wearing swimsuits.

Attractions/Recreation
Danao’s Coco Palms resort offers a lot of recreational activities among their guests, adult and children alike. The main attraction of course is their waterpark. It’s a unique attraction and climbing on those inflatables provides a lot of excitement and fun. The waterpark is available during high tides as these require high level of water. Other water activities offered includes Snorkeling, Kayak and Jetski. Below are the entrances/rates for each activity.

• Waterpark – Entrance fee is  Php100
• Life Jacket – Php50/day
• Jetski(2 seater) – Php2,000/30mins
• Kayak – Php100/30mins
• Snorkel/Flipper Set – Php200/4hours

The Waterpark

Life Jacket @ Php50/day ;)

Kayak @ Php100/30mins

The resort also offers the following recreational equipment among its guests. You can borrow them and only need to deposit an ID in assurance that you will return the equipments.

Board Games

• Chess
• Monopoly
• Pictionary
• Scrabble
• Cluedo
• Boggle
• Checker

Balls available for different ball games

• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Soccer
• American Football

Playing area for children are also available like the Play house and Sand Play.

The Play House

Sand Play

Accommodation and Rates
Danao Coco Palms only offers one type of room, which are deluxe type. Overnight and Day-use accommodation is available. Amenities and Rates are as follows:

Deluxe Rooms (Day Use) - Php 900.00
Check in: 8AM
Check out: 3PM

Deluxe Rooms (Overnight Use) - Php1,980.00
* Inclusive of breakfast for two (2)

Extra bed / personPhp500.00

Guest Room Amenities:
* Air-conditioned Rooms
* 24Hr Front Desk Service
* Hot & Cold Shower
* Free Wi-fi Internet Connection
* Mini Bar
* Room Service
* Cable T.V.


Restaurant and Cottages
I think one of the downside of the resort is the corkage fee it charges for bringing foods and drinks bought outside. I’m speaking in the guest’s perspective of course as we can save if we can bring foods. However, junk foods and drinks less than a case are free of charge. Here are the resort’s corkage fees:

Food = Php50/adult
Drinks = Php150/case
Beer = Php350/case

In fairness to the resort, their food and drinks prices are not that expensive compared to other resorts. They also offer a wide variety of menus, including snacks and desserts.  I’ve took a picture on one of their menu list.

Menu List

The resort offers cottages for Php500/day. They also have tables and chairs for Php300/day.

Cottage

The Verdict

All in all, we had a pleasant mini summer escapade in the resort. Mr. Sun’s ray seems tolerable when it’s accompanied by the relaxing sea breeze. The feeling is just comforting and so relaxing.

The resort is a good venue for those who want to have a little escape and does not have the luxury of time for long travels.  The resort amenities are basically new and well maintained except their rest rooms and shower rooms (I’m referring to the common rest room). It seems that it’s still under construction and there’s even little water supply.  I just hope the management will make the necessary improvements. But other than that, the place is beautiful and the staffs are great too.

Danao Coco Palms is located at Km 31, North Road, Sabang, Danao City (2kms north of Mitsumi Corporation and 300 meters north of CTU). For more information, please contact 032-512-2132 or 0-922-801-1777.

Read more »

Posted in: Cebu

Ogtong Cave Resort in Sta. Fe Bantayan

Bantayan Island is famous for its white-sand and crystal clear beaches. There are several resorts offering amazing view of the island’s long stretch shoreline and splendid view of the beach. However, we had chosen to stay at Ogtong Cave resort during our Bantayan escapade. Basically, our decision were based on the reviews and the fact that I’m not into beaches (prior to this trip ) as I’ve mentioned in my previous entries.

Located at Sta. Fe Bantayan,  Ogtong Cave Resort is situated on a large natural rock. It’s one of the Class A rated resort in the island. Its main attraction includes cave, beautiful landscaped garden, clean facilities and fresh sea foods dishes. Their swimming pool also uses fresh water from the cave so it’s a big plus for me at least.

Beautiful Resort
My first impression of the resort is it’s beautiful. I can tell from the moment I saw the fountain near the entrance and when we were in their reception area. It is well maintained and clean.

Cottages and rooms are set in beautifully landscaped gardens. Grassy lawns and concrete walkways serve as pathways to the swimming pool and the beach.

Garden Villa

Non-Aircon Room

The view of the white sand beach and crystal clear water through the rocky cliff is great.  Plus the well-maintained landscaped garden perfectly provides a scenic view and relaxing atmosphere – it’s a perfect ambiance!

The Rocky Cliff

The Beach

The resort does not have a shoreline but it has a powdery white sand and crystal clear water. Its serenity is just perfect for those who want to relax and feel the calmness of the water and sea breeze.  No loud bars, jet skis and only few tourists – just the beach and its calmness.

The Beach during low tide

The view during sunset is also spectacular. It’s also ideal to have a walk along the shoreline to have a feel of its powdery white sand but not a good time to swim since its low tide.

The Cave and the Pool
As evident on its name, Ogtong Cave Resort, I am expecting for a big and exciting spelunking experience on the cave. But I was surprised and upset that it’s so small, more likely a pit. You have to go down a few steps on the stairs to have a feel of cool and fresh water.  What makes me more saddened was the fact that I was not able to swim on it as it was not allowed during our visit as advised by DENR.

The Cave

Disappointed by the cave, we just headed to the pool to have at least a swim unto the fresh water. The resort has a medium size pool. You need to have on your proper swimming attire though since they are a little strict on it.

The Pool

Accommodation

The resort offers variety of accommodation, from fan cooled to air conditioned rooms.  We had the Sea View room. It is concrete and well designed.  Overall we are satisfied with its amenities and cleanliness. It has the usual private toilet and bath with hot and cold shower, Cable TV, refrigerator with variety of drinks. And what I like most is the balcony overlooking the beach. The view is beautiful especially the early morning sunrise.

Sea View Villas

Below are the varieties of rooms they are offering:

• Non-Aircon Rooms - Php1, 600
• Garden Villa – Php 3,200
• Row House – Php 3,200
• Seaview Villa – Php 3,500
• Family Room – Php 4,300
• Deluxe Room – Php 4,300
• Duplex Room – Php 5,200
• White House – Php 7,000
• Deluxe Suite with Jacuzzi – Php 16,000

The resort has also a full service open air restaurant. They are offering variety of cuisines like Chinese, Thai and Native dishes. Fresh sea food dishes are also their specialty. I love their sizzling tangigue in particular. You can also have a wifi access in their restaurant.

Though we were frustrated by the cave, we were pleased generally with the resort’s amenities and services. Its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities is a major plus. The free service going/from the resort to the pier is also an added bonus.  You just need to inform them of your scheduled trip and they will arrange a free service. Their staffs are also friendly and accommodating.

So, that was our relaxing getaway at Ogtong Cave resort. It has indeed soothed and re energized us, just the way we planned it.

Read more »

Posted in: Bantayan,Cebu