After an Italian Dinner at City of Dreams Manila, we drove at 12mn en route to Potipot.
Still sleepy especially I since I came from the night shift and not a small amount of sleep, which is fine anything for Valentines and Hubs birthday. Slim hasn't slept yet but he works in the morning napped at NLEX gasoline station for almost 2 hours.
We didn't make a turn at Subic instead drove past SCTEX, TPLEX at 6am we are in Aguilar, Pangasinan we took the longer route but I think it made it better (I think) thanks Waze!
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Aguilar Church |
After an hour we had our breakfast in Alaminos.
We have reached our destination by 9: 30am.
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The view |
Since I don't like the idea of camping (not yet) I've read blogs about resorts where we can sleep and use the bathroom comfortably. Resorts in Candelaria are affordable.
Our first stop is Puerto Del Sol; this was also recommended by a friend. And coming from Pangasinan this is the first resort at our map. They charge 1500 for 2. We didn't take it because he felt unsafe with the place. Food package is fine, what is available is what they will cook 100 for 1 viand; unlimited rice and 150 for 2 viands, plus water or soft drinks. Then we checked Sunbloom this was really my target, 1400 for 2. The place is quaint the problem is the food. They don't store food during low season. Potipot Island is a camping place. Harvest Resort doesn't have any restaurants too. Dawal is nice but pricey so we chose Isla Vista. They have a pool, 1700 for 2, with cable TV, which we don't need. We took it because we were tired and settling down is what we want. The good thing about this is they have a resto! The catch? No hot shower. I think the room with shower is 1k more. We didn't complain, it's just a rip-off for hot water.
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Our room |
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Funny sign. The owner of the resort is a Doctor so every Saturday he has a clinic at the resort. |
We checked in at 10am, time was adjusted checkout time is 8am. We had our lunch prepared while we fix our island things. Lunch is fine; we ordered Lechon Kawali and Chopsuey.
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Selfie before our boat ride. |
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Happy kid |
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5 minute boat ride. |
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Dried leaves at the sand. |
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Puyat |
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Almost powdery sand |
We stayed at the Island from 12 until 4:30 pm, We were swimming, eating, drinking, swimming again and nap. I just have sarong as our mat. There are campers pitching tents, kids enjoying the place. Before leaving we strolled the Island, so many photo shoot perfect areas. The water is clean on the beach, I didn't get itchy, and again it's my indication of clean water. The only thing I don't like about the Island is on the island itself has garbage scattered and ants near the garbage area. If only travellers are responsible enough. They also have restrooms and shower areas. I didn't look at the restrooms, looking from a distance I can feel the filthiness sorry... don't have the guts to check it.
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Sad |
I am happy that my Birthday Celebrant enjoyed the trip. He is used to camping when he was a teen and had been to places in Visayas and Mindanao so I though this is not new to him. He told me before leaving that he left his heart at the Island. I guess this was a good stress reliever for him.
We planned to nap back at the resort then take dinner but I guess we were so tired that we woke up at 3am then sleep again.
We had breakfast and check out by 8am.
This is one adventure for me. I'm not really the camping type but am entertaining the idea.
Next Stop San Antonio, Zambales.
Break Down of Expenses
Gas
(Unleaded +93 Octane Rate) |
PHP 2000 Rountrip
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Plus Sidetrip to San Antonio |
Hotel |
1700
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Toll Fees (TO Potipot) |
45 |
Min Ave Toll |
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173 |
Nlex |
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79 |
Sctex |
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104 |
Tplex |
Toll Fees (TO Manila) |
168 |
Sctex |
|
218 |
Nlex |
|
22 |
Subic |
Chips/Water/Snacks |
300 |
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Day 1 Bfast |
200 |
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Lunch |
800 |
with 6 Bottles of Beer |
Day 2 Bfast |
400 |
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Lunch |
800 |
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No dinner |
**** |
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BoatRide |
400 |
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Potipot Entrance |
200 |
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Total |
7609 |
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We exceeded our budget. It's usually 7000 for the two of us but it's okay, after Potipot we went to San Antonio to have lunch. Check my next blog entry.