Instagram Facebook Youtube Twitter
Airports Featured Travel Uncategorized Video
by Erica Poyauan

Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort in Mabini, Batangas — Review

In Airports, Featured, Travel, Uncategorized, Video
August 27, 2019
0
Share


I only stayed one day, but I can already tell the Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort in Mabini, Batangas is a place to fall in love with. If you don’t mind paying a little extra for great food, hospitality and unique experience, then you should definitely allow this place to get you fully smitten.

I have visited several resorts in Batangas now and I know that standard accommodation in this area range from Php1500 – Php8000 depending on the type of room and the property in general. Deluxe rooms at Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort start at Php4,999 inclusive of breakfast. The property has no swimming pool nor a stretch of powdery sand along its private beach but has that “extra something” that makes it worth the price. 

Find my full review of the Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort below. For added visuals, watch the video clips I took around the property posted on my YouTube channel and embedded right above the article heading. It’s worth noting that this resort allows day trips, walk-in guests for weekend BBQ and dining. Currently, they offer all-you-can-eat buffet-style brunching on Saturdays at Php699 per person. I was invited to try and review this brunch buffet but as usual, all views I share here are my own. 

Admiring the beauty surrounding me in the hammock

Accessibility

Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort is conveniently located along Mabini Circumferential Road, about 2.5-hour drive from Manila Airport. It is accessible through public transportation—via provincial bus to Batangas, then jeepney from the bus stop to Mabini and then tricycle from Mabini crossing. The resort also offers a shuttle service from the Airport to the property for Php5,000/14pax. If you are a group of divers staying in this resort, best to coordinate with the resort about the shuttle service. The property has spacious, secure, and free parking in case you plan to go via private transportation.

For guests with dietary restrictions, mobility issues, or travelling with youngsters or elder family members, the resort remains accessible. There are ramps for guests on wheelchairs, common lounge room with family entertainment, kid-friendly buffet, customized meals for those with allergies or strict meal plans. 

Unfortunately for those who travel with their pets, the resort doesn’t welcome them. 

My happy face inside the FALL IN LOVE room




Accommodation


I described my experience in Saltitude on my social media posts as “a beach getaway with an attitude” mainly because of the owner’s careful attention to the overall experience their guests have—manifested in the creative and unique room designs, for one. 














You can see from the video and photos, each room has a story to tell—with themes properly executed without compromising the comfort and cleanliness guests have come to expect. 














Guests can enjoy taking photos inside their rooms as much as they enjoy sleeping in. The bed is comfortable enough. The linens smell fresh. The restroom is spotless and clean-smelling too. There is a bidet in the toilet.   

View from the balcony just outside the Fall in Love room









Most rooms have a balcony with a view but the best room is the Let’s Fall in Love room (Php 5,699/night) which has a view of the beach. 












For group travellers, the Party Room is perfect (Php10,000/night) which occupies a maximum of 10 guests.












Posting my dive photos soon but for now, let me share my afternoon yoga








Activities



Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort combines the best elements of a quick beach getaway to escape the harried life in the Metro. A wide range of water sports is offered including scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, jetskiing, and kitesurfing. 








For seasoned divers, there is a comprehensive schedule of scuba and free diving. 








For those who wish to get their diving certification, the resort also offers a 3-5 day course at about Php25,000 fee. The owners are divemasters themselves and underwater photography enthusiasts. If you train with them, there is so much to learn and talk about!




For the landlubbers, I would also recommend a sunset trek to Gulugud Baboy. You can also rent a car and get around the nearby towns and visit some famous attractions in Batangas. 











  • [message]
    • ACTIVITY PER PERSON
      • ✓ Snorkelling – Php500
        ✓ Intro Scuba Diving – Php3,499 (Inclusions: gear, lunch, use of resort facilities)
        ✓ Intro Wind Surfing – Php3,499 (Inclusions: lunch, use of resort facilities)
        ✓ Intro Free diving – Php2,999 (Inclusions: lunch, use of resort facilities)
        ✓ Kayak – Php350
        ✓ Paddle board – Php350
        ✓ Sunset trek to Gulugod Baboy – Php350 (Inclusions: drinks and snacks)







marvelling at the clear sapphire water







  • [message]
    • DIVING GEAR RENTAL RATES
      • ✓ BCD – Php350
        ✓ Regulator – Php350
        ✓ Wet Suit – Php250
        ✓ Tank – Php250
        ✓ Booties – Php150
        ✓ Fins – Php150
        ✓ Mask – Php150
        ✓ Full Gear – Php1,200
        ✓ Flashlight/ torch – Php350
        ✓ Dive computer – Php500







canton, carbonara, bacon







Food and Dining Facilities


Although much of what happens here at Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort revolves around the reefs underwater, dining is also a highlight of the resort experience. Guests can indulge in traditional local dishes and delicacies. I highly recommend you try bulalo, bihon and sisig. 












On Saturdays, both in-house guests and walk-ins can enjoy a sumptuous all-you-can-eat buffet-style brunch. The selection is wide so there is definitely something for every palate, even for the pickiest eaters like my kid. The menu changes weekly too. You would have something to look forward to your next visit. 












While enjoying any food inside the dining area or al fresco, you can also socialize. In the “friendly” restaurant aptly named “Mingle“,  you’d be impressed with the resort’s congenial and hospitable staff. If you have the chance to meet the owners, you’re in luck for a more entertaining feast! 








Thanks for this photo of me brunching by the beach, Jen of Sandundermyfeet






Brunch by the Beach at Php699/person




In Tagalog, we use the word “sulit” for things worth your money or generally a good deal for your money. Brunch at Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort is sulit! With three different cuisines and at least 25 dishes to choose from, you can indulge from 6AM till 12:30PM. 




During our visit, we had Asian, Mediterranean, and American dishes. I ate a lot of california maki, pancit canton, fried rice, clams, roasted chicken, aglio olio and carbonara, pancakes, siomai, fish, and the bread with salmon toppings. You can see from my photos (and video above), I ate a lot!





The food tastes really good. The dishes are well-prepared and the presentation is well-thought of. The buffet table is already appetizing judging from the food set-up. Again, kudos to Ms. Malou, the owner of the resort, who personally prepared the buffet set-up. 












The newly renovated dining area is also worth mentioning. It resembles a rustic Filipino country house made with “sawali” or interwoven splits of bamboo walls, with high ceiling and wide open-air windows. Inside is a simple bar counter with high stools. Opposite the bar counter is a corner dining with nautical pillows and plain round tables.








I told you I ate a lot











Other dining tables have tiled tops that look elegant and gorgeous. They remind me of Mexican Talavera stencils. Especially when the blue and mustard yellow plates were placed on top of our table.  

















This table looks gorgeous!!!







  • [message]
    • AVAILABLE CUISINE:
      • ✓ Asian
        ✓ American
        ✓ Continental

        DRINK OFFERS:
        ✓ Tropical drinks
        ✓ Very good coffee
        ✓ Alcoholic beverage

        Sample food and drinks cost:
        ✓ Sisig – Php149
        ✓ Lechon Kawali – Php269
        ✓ Buffalo wings – Php289
        ✓ Garlic sausage – Php279
        ✓ Chips – Php79
        ✓ Cocktails – Php179
        ✓ Beer – Php89
        ✓ Fruit shake – Php149
        ✓ Iced Tea – Php99/PITCHER
        ✓ Canned Soda – Php69
        ✓Pasta – Php249
        ✓ Pizza – Php499
        ✓ Calamares – Php249
        ✓ Bulalo – Php389
        ✓ Bihon gisado -Php199








Caught selfie-ing by Tina in one of the resort cabanas







Resort Services and Facilities


  • [message]
    • ✔️Private beach area
      ✔️Garden with cabanas, hammock, and beach lounge chairs
      ✔️Themed rooms
      ✔️Restaurant
      ✔️Bar
      ✔️Shared lounge
      ✔️Diving certification (more details below)
      ✔️Saturday Brunching (more details below)
      ✔️Shuttle service to/from the airport
      ✔️Free WiFi
      ✔️Massage service
      ✔️Room service
      ✔️Car rental
      ✔️Spacious parking area



Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort garden 
Saltitude Dive and Beach Resort cabanas




SUNBATHING AT Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort





Estimated Budget




DAY TOUR: PHP 999/PAX




You can visit this resort on a day trip. The resort is open 8AM to 5PM Mondays to Sundays. 







Day tour inclusions: 


✓Lunch 


✓Use of resort facilities 








OVERNIGHT STAY FOR 2 PAX: PHP6,000*


*Reservation is required if you opt to stay overnight.










How to get to the resort


Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort is located at 131-A Sitio Lagundi, Barangay San Jose, Batangas, 4202 Mabini, Philippines. The travel time from EDSA Shaw is about 2 hours and 17 mins if the flow of traffic is not heavy. 





































  • [message]
    • 1) Take Epifanio de los Santos Ave/C-4 to S Luzon Expy/Osmeña Hwy/Pan-Philippine Hwy/AH26/R-3 in Pasay
      2) Follow R-3 and Calabarzon Expy/STAR Tollway to Bauan – Batangas Provincial Rd/Diversion Road in Batangas
      3) Take Palico – Balayan – Batangas Rd to Bauan – Mabini Rd in Mabini











Contact


You may reach the resort by phone: 


+043 410 1857


+63 927 422 0428


+63 939 088843 




Or email: info@saltitude-anilao.com






Connect with their social media channels:


Website: www.saltitude-anilao.com/ 


Facebook: facebook.com/Saltitude-Dive-Beach-Resort 


Instagram: instagram.com/saltitude_dive




Book a Room








CLICK IMAGE TO RESERVE A ROOM








Parting Words




With all the competition for tourists and divers along Batangas beaches, resorts must have superb facilities and services to stand out. My type of resort is the one that’s able to give even the smallest conveniences to let the guest feel they care about their comfort and happiness. For those families, couples, group of travellers who wish to experience this (and more) can do no better than stay at Saltitude dive & Beach Resort. 














Have you visited any Batangas beaches? What do you think about this resort? Would you like to visit this place? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below! If you find this post useful, please do share! Thank you so much! Happy travels!

Author

Erica Poyauan

Erica is a former PR pro turned entrepreneur. Her greatest joys are family, blogging, music, skin care and social justice. As a Muay Thai enthusiast, Erica prides herself on working with increased focus, humility and diligence. She believes in living a fit life doing everything with a flair of creativity and love! Stalk her social channels @thegirlwiththemujihat

View all posts | Website

Related Posts

Glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort in Balete, Batangas

In Airports, Uncategorized
September 21, 2018
0

From time to time, we need to get away from the stress of daily life. My kind of escape is the one that reconnects me with nature and pampers me with good food. That is why I am a fan of glamping. 

Glamping is basically camping minus the inconveniences from uncomfortable bed/ blanket/ sleeping bag, tent set-up or location. When you glamp in a resort, you can sleep, eat and bath comfortably, as well as have the freedom to use all other resort’s amenities.

Hotels promoting glamping or “glamorous camping” are plenty and accessible from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or from nearby provinces like where I am from, Rizal. Nayomi Sanctuary Resort is among these splendid properties, where I got to experience glamping a week ago. 

Oh clouds!

Glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort 

It was a rainy afternoon when I arrived at the resort. I was welcomed by the friendly security and was helped with my backpack by Grace, one of the resort’s cheery staff. At the reception, which is a small room just near the huge entrance gate, I needed to fill out the check-in form and present my ID. Afterwards, I was escorted to my glamping tent that is a few minute walk from the reception.

During the short walk, I took the chance to ask Grace some questions about the resort and gladly she responded. I found out the resort’s owner is the celebrity family, Prats. Yes. Sarah ang Munting Prinsesa a.k.a. Camille Prats, John Prats, their parents and other family members. The resort was built exclusively for family use but was opened to the public in 2015. I was also told Camille Prats held her wedding ceremony and reception in the resort the weekend before my stay. Wow! That explains the wedding packages I saw at the reception. The resort is actually ideal for big, intimate gatherings as such.

After the chit-chat, we arrived at my glamping tent. It’s tent no. 3, good for 6 people, nested on an elevated deck with wooden balusters, and overlooks a refreshing view of Batangas mountains.

One of Nayomi Sanctuary Resort’s elevated open decks where my glamping tent is beautifully situated

Inside my glamping tent

The bell tent is spacious, carpeted and in itself, glamorous. What you can see inside are: 3 double beds with 2 pillows each, wooden chest for storage, a huge stand fan, 3 power outlets, a night lamp, a door mat, blanket and towel for each guest, and a pole at the middle – definitely for support and not for pole dancing! The pole also holds a Dream Catcher that provides a dreamy touch inside the tent. 

Glamping beds at night

How’s my sleep?

I was able to sleep cozily inside my glamping tent despite the relatively lower temperature. Thanks to the snugly blanket! I skipped on the fan and slept to the sound of raindrops against the tent, some crickets and the wind rustling the leaves. These gentle noises sort of completed a campground experience. However, if you feel like you wouldn’t be able to sleep to these sounds, bring ear plugs.

The Girl with the Muji Hat inside Nayomi Sanctuary Resort’s glamping tent

The bathroom

If you worry about where the bathroom is or whether you’d need to share the toilet with other guests, well worry not. Each glamping tent has a private comfort room that’s a few steps away. The bathroom has a cold shower, toilet, and a mirror. There are no hair dryers nor toiletries provided. You need to bring your own. But if you happen to forget, you can request from the resort for a reasonable price. 

That’s the clean, private bathroom just near the bell tent

The resort staff

My impression is that Nayomi Sanctuary Resort has the friendliest staff. From the security guard who welcomed me with full smile to the gardener who greeted me good morning when I was on my way to have my breakfast, down to the other staff I met and interacted with namely, Ms. Lhen and Ms. Pia. I felt really at home.

Photo Opp with Ms. Len Zara of Nayomi Sanctuary Resort

Activities to try


 Nayomi Sanctuary Resort promises to take all your worries away. It plans to do this by letting you “Eat, Sleep, Relax, Repeat”. But of course, as I have mentioned earlier, when you are glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort, you have the freedom to use all the resorts amenities, which I did even when it was cold ad rainy!

I guess I was cold during this shot
Just relaxing!
In between my swims
The pool was even more inviting come night~

If you are feeling more active, you can try outdoor activities such as wake boarding, banana boat, fly fish, hike to Taal Volcano, visit to Marian Orchard. The resort has package for guests wanting this kind of adventure. 

Other activities to try at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort

The food


 Nayomi Sanctuary Resort is a Filipino food haven. If you are hosting foreign friends or simply craving for Filipino food such as Kare-kare, Bulalo, Sinigang, Sizzling Sisig, Lomi and other Filipino dishes, you’ve come to the right place! The resort serves these flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients. If you are lucky to be in the resort during the mango season, you’ll have death by mangoes! I mean, you’d enjoy mangoes with fermented shrimp, ripe mangoes, mango salad, ripe or green mango shake – all freshly picked from the mango trees teeming all over the resort. Don’t miss on other fruit shakes though. Like the Soursop Shake (Guyabano Shake) I tried for my late merienda.  

Guyabano or Soursop Shake
Baby Back Ribs
Leche flan for dessert

You can dine by the pool. There is a Nipa Hut you can use and tables in the pool side. but at night, I recommend dining inside the Anahaw restaurant.

I was too full with my heavy merienda all I could add was this Garlic Kangkong

Breakfast 

For breakfast, guests can indulge on Filipino garlic fried-rice and fried egg combos such as tapsilog, bangsilog, cornsilog, longsilog, etc.. I had Daing na Bangus with garlic friend rice, sunny side up, pickled vegetables, and fried bananas. Also, coffee for my drink.

    

Hello coffee
Here’s the menu
Filipino breakfast at Anahaw Restaurant 

How to Get to Nayomi Sanctuary Resort


 If you are commuting, take a bus going to Lipa or Lemery Batangas. In my case, I took JAM Liner from EDSA Star Mall. The fare was Php 124.00. If you are coming from Quezon City, you can opt to take any bus headed to Lipa City from bus stations near Ali Mall. Ask the conductor to drop you off at Jollibee. It’s the one along President P. Laurel Hi-way just after Calabarzon expressway toll. You’ll know you are there because the traffic would get slower in that area.

After getting off the bus, cross the street and take any PUJ going to Robinsons or SM. The fare is Php 7.00. Ask the driver to drop you off at Starbucks near Shakeys. You can get off just before the footbridge. Take any tricycle from the terminal near Starbucks. Tell the driver to take you to Nayomi Sanctuary Resort. Once they hear Nayomi, they already know. The ride is Php 200 for at most 4 people. If you with your friends, you can share but if you are alone, you’d need to pay the full amount. It’s a long and bumpy ride by the way!

If you have a private transportation, it’s much easier to locate. You see the address and the map below? It’s approximately 1 hour 58 mins away from SM Megamall.  


Address: JM Katigbak Street Barangay Alangilan Balete Batangas, Philippines 4219

Contact No.: (02) 645-3092 | (02) 986-5487 | 470-2708 | 240-3478 | 240-5021 | 470-9334

Email Address: nayomiresort@gmail.com

Parting Words


 Glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort is perfect for family, group, couple or even solo getaway – the glamping tents’ charm is in its effort to please both children and adults. I recommend the resort for guests wanting to be a few hours away from Manila, yet in a calm, quiet and well-manicured garden setting. At Nayomi Sanctuary Resort, the staff cordially connects with each guest and assures a stress-free, memorable stay. The restaurant menu features scrumptious food with fresh ingredients for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-between snacks. With the its recreational activities, food, and location, this nature preserve is “a sure escape from the urban world”.

I rate my glamping experience at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort as one of the best in the South. I felt a homey-esque vibe overall when I glamped at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort. I enjoyed my stay and would always remember the short laughs I had with the resort staff, the days I marveled with my favorite Mango trees, and the relaxation I got being unplugged and glamped in a beautiful sanctuary. I cannot wait to go back, preferably during the Mango season! I also invite you to try glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort or try a family staycation in their Himalayan House.

If you want to know more about Nayomi Sanctuary Resort, check out their official site here. 

Do you want to go glamping? Have you glamped before? What do you think about glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort? Share your thoughts below. And if you find this post helpful, don’t forget to share!

How to travel to Siargao during the pandemic: Documents you need, expenses breakdown, tips

In Airports, Travel, Travel Documents, Uncategorized
January 2, 2021
0

With new normal travel protocols, Airlines continue to work hand in hand with relevant government authorities, especially when it comes to domestic flights travel requirements.

If you are traveling to Siargao, here are important reminders from the province’s tourism office you should know.

1. Download e-Health Pass

The provincial tourism office collects tourists’ contact information and destination address through the e-Health pass website. You can click on the URL above and fill out the required information on the page. After you’re done, a e-Health pass “QR CODE” will pop up. You have to save it in your mobile phone and present it to the airport staff when asked. Make sure to save a digital or printed copy of the e-health pass QR code, as this may be needed to enter local establishments.

2. Download TRAZE MOBILE APP

You also need to download the TRAZE mobile app. You need this app to scan QR codes for contact tracing at the airport and other establishments in Siargao.

3. Email required travel documents to sdntourism@gmail.com

The Province of Surigao del Norte requires all arriving guests to present the following documents, to be accepted for flight. All arriving guests in the Siargao Airport and in the Surigao Airport are required to email the following documents to the Provincial Tourism Office at sdntourism@gmail.com to avoid delays in exiting from the airport. 

Once the email is received, a confirmation will be sent back to you.

You have to present the email confirmation of the Provincial Tourism Office upon check-in. 

REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS


For residents of Surigao del Norte:

1. Negative RT-PCR (swab) test result, valid up to forty-eight (48) hours after the date of release of result 

2. Valid ID with Surigao del Norte residency

3. Filled-up e-health pass

4. Certificate of Residency issued by the Punong Barangay Concerned / Travel Certification issued by the Provincial Governor or City/Municipal Mayor  

For Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR):

1. Negative RT-PCR (swab) test result, valid up to forty-eight (48) hours after the date of release of result 

2. Valid ID 

3. Filled-up e-health pass

4. Travel Order / Mission Order / Work Order

5. Confirmed booking of accommodation in the province (for Private APOR) 

6. Travel Itinerary (for Private APOR) 

7. Roundtrip Ticket (for Private APOR) 

For Tourists:

1. Negative RT-PCR (swab) test result, valid up to forty-eight (48) hours after the date of release of result 

2. Valid ID 

3. Filled-up e-health pass

4. Confirmed booking for at least five (5) days from a DOT-accredited accommodation

5. Travel Itinerary

6. Roundtrip Ticket

7. Travel Certification issued by the Mayor of the City/Municipality of destination (within the Province of Surigao del Norte) – if invited by a local resident of Surigao del Norte  

Meanwhile, these are additional requirements per municipality, on top of those listed above:


Municipality of Del Carmen

1. Medical Certificate stating that the traveler is clear of COVID-19 or other viral/infectious diseases


Municipality of General Luna

1. Travel Authority

2. Acceptance Letter from LGU of General Luna 


The Municipality of Pilar does not currently accept tourists. 

This is based on the information we have at the moment. Please continue checking with the local government unit for updates.

Travel Reminders & Tips

  • Before flying, please check all government regulations of your origin and destination, to ensure compliance to their requirements.
  • Guests without the required documents may be denied for boarding.
  • Passengers are required to download and register an account on Traze mobile app before going to any terminal airport in the Philippines. 
  • Wear face mask. Wearing of face mask and face shield is required at all times. You will not be allowed to enter the airport and will be denied boarding without a face mask and face shield. Please do not remove these at any point in time.
  • Check-in and bag drop counters will close 1 hour before the flight
  • Make sure to be at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight for additional pre-departure procedure. 

Expenses

1. Negative RT-PCR (swab) test – Php 3,300 – Php 5,000

2. e-health pass – free

3. Confirmed booking for at least five (5) days from a DOT-accredited accommodation – Php 500/ night – Php 50,000/ night

4. Roundtrip Ticket – Php 7,500 – Php 10,000

Are you planning to travel to Siargao? If you have any questions, you can leave them in the comments section below. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible! Safe travels!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Adipiscing elit curabitur condimentum mi id volutpat mattis, enim arcu tris tique accumsan
Facebook Twitter Vk Instagram