Unexpected weekend getaway at Misibis Bay with best travel buds (thanks for the company, even with such short notice). This is such a welcome break after all the cluttered thoughts. Misibis Bay is a luxury playground, tucked away on one side of Cagraray island.
Day 0
I had reservations on planning a trip to this side of the country in June, the height of typhoon season in the Philippines. Wanderlust has kicked in and it was irresistible to pass the chance of going some place on a long weekend. Bicol is frequently hit by typhoon since it is sitting next to the Pacific Ocean. True to my fears, typhoon Egay came to haunt us. Egay was scheduled to hit Virac, Catanduanes (a nearby island) the day we are scheduled to arrive in Bicol. I was glued to typhoon2000.com. Luck was on our side, it was moving faster than forecast and hit Bicol the day before we were scheduled to arrive.
Day 1
GETTING THERE:
By four in the morning, we had to take a quick shower in time for our six thirty morning flight. We flew from Manila to Legaspi via Philippine Airlines. It was drizzling a little bit, just like an ordinary rainy day and then the sun was shinning. Halfway through the flight, the pilot announced that the visibility in Legaspi airport is unsafe for landing. The pilot in his most reassuring voice said that there is enough fuel for us to go back to Manila if it doesn't improve. We had to look into each others eyes and said our prayers in silence... Lord, please keep us safe and let us enjoy the weekend not in the city but in the island. "Seek and you shall receive", the pilot suddenly announced to prepare for landing. The sun was shining upon decent! While on taxing, the rain suddenly poured. whew! Thank you Lord, for answering our prayers.
Airport transfers is included in the package, the staff from Misibis bay came to meet us with golf umbrellas. They have seen us from above, our plane was flying in circles and exclaimed, our pilot was really good; since some flights were cancelled.
The rain hasn't stopped pouring, so we decided to skip the complimentary city tour. It would have included a visit to Lignon Hills, Cagsawa Ruins and shopping for some Pili Nuts. Instead, we requested to drop by a church, on the way to Cagraray Island. From Legaspi City, Cagraray Island is an hour ride away by land on a long uphill winding road, until you reach Sula Port, where the van is taken into a roll on roll off (RORO) vessel. The waters of Sula Channel is calm since it is located on a cove. It only takes ten minutes to cross the island on that RORO. If you bring your own vehicle, you'll be charged P1,500 per way for RORO. A bridge is under construction to connect both islands.
ARRIVING IN MISIBIS BAY:
We arrived in Misibis Bay in the morning, while check-in time is at 2pm. Since they are fully booked the previous day, our rooms aren't ready yet. In the morning, we were escorted to the Sitio (activity center), and they prepared the suggested itinerary.
Day 1 to 3 THINGS TO DO:
http://bitten-by-travelbug.blogspot.com/2011/06/luxury-island-playground-things-to-do.html
MY REVIEWS:
The activities (5 star):
Hurray for fun loving people, we definitely enjoyed the activities included in the package. I most especially liked the ATV ride, the hobie cat and jet ski.
The beach (4 star):
Misibis Bay is indeed a luxury island playground. Seas can be rough, which is perfect to do all the above activities, if you're not up to this, you're better off some other place. It's not Boracay fine white sands, the caramel colored sand are good enough for barefoot while the staff make an effort to rake the loose corals to the side. There are three different swimming pools and a playroom for the kids to enjoy.
The food and service (3.5 star):
Inspite of claiming as a luxury hotel, service falls short below five star hotel standards, however, the design of the beachfront villa makes up for whatever is lacking. Buffet service was part of our package, set up indoors or sometimes outdoors, with some good live music at night. There's a good selection of food, but the variety may not be much after staying for 3 days. Nevertheless, there are some good stuff like the ahi tuna, cereal prawn, angus beef, free flowing gourmet coffee for breakfast and the halo-halo was definitely refreshing.
Buffet service was worth it but ala carte menu is also available:
BREAKFAST SPECIALS:
P250 Fresh Juice, Milk or Chocolate
P225 Frozen Iced Tea
P250 American Breakfast
P435 Continental Breakfast
APPETIZER:
P462 Gambas
P462 Kilawing (raw) Tangigue
P286 Spring Rolls
SOUP:
P242 Soup of the Day
P405 Chicken Soup
SALAD:
P490 Salade Mylene
P528 Grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad
KIDS CORNER:
P275 Fries
P275 Chicken Nuggets
P363 Spaghetti with Meat Balls
P682 Angus Rib Eye Steak (120g)
SANDWICHES:
P435 BLT
P682 Smoked Salmon
P462 Ham and Cheese
P561 US Beef Patty (180g) with Smoked Bacon
P1210 US Beef Patty (400g) with Egg, Ham, Veggies, and sidedish
FROM THE GRILL:
Seafood:
P935 Grilled Prawns
P961 Grilled Tangigue
P935 Seafood Platter
P737 Grilled Salmon
P1485 Grilled Seabass
Meat:
P495 Salt and Pepper Pork Belly
P1210 Lamb Chops
P1650 Angus Beef Rib Eye (300g)
P2640 Angus Beef Rib Eye (500g)
DESSERT:
P308 Molten Lava
P275 Leche Flan, Buko Pie, Creme Brulee
P286 Cake (mousse, truffle)
P275 Cheese cake
DRINKS:
P330 wine/glass (1650 to 3025/bottle)
P286 Sula Cocktails (martini, sangria, margarita, mojito, blue, daiquiri)
P385 Signature Cocktails (tequila)
P330 Mocktails
The rooms (5 star):
Poolside Villas (cost based on twin sharing)
Junior Suite Deluxe (7 rooms) - P20,888/person
Premier Villa (3 rooms) - P23,888/person
One Bedroom Deluxe (7 rooms) - P26,888/person
One Bedroom Premier (5 rooms) - P28,888/person (with outdoor jacuzzi)
Beachfront Villas (cost based on twin sharing)
Junior Suite Premiere (2 rooms) - P26,388/person (where we stayed)
One Bedroom Luxury (2 rooms) - P30,388/person
Luxury Villa (3 rooms) - P34,388/person
The rooms are average sized, with living rooms as an annex, convertible into another room with two beds.
The beds (even the extra beds) and linens are five star quality, they were too comfortable, that we overslept.
The room comes with complimentary Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries, unlimited bottled drinking water (ask for it), free wifi, 2 led tv, ipad dock.
We were upgraded to beachfront villa, with glass windows from floor to ceiling, I can tuck in bed all day while gazing at the waves with its sounds playing on my mind, it's a privilege to lay in bed and enjoy such view.
Thanks to BDO Titanium Card we got a better deal and a free upgrade from the Poolside Villa to Beachfront Villa - Junior Suite Premiere for P17,990/person. All inclusive of airport transfers, 3D/2N full board and lodging, unlimited use of non motorized activities and 15-minute jet ski, 30-minute ATV and sunset cruise.
Thank you Lord, for blessing us with a beautiful beach weather.
Post trip accounting:
P1,500 air ticket from Cebu to Manila by Philippine Airlines
P400 Cebu and Manila airport terminal fee
P1,500 air ticket from Manila to Legaspi via Philippine Airlines
P3,000 air ticket from Legaspi to Cebu via Cebu Pacific
P30 Legaspi airport terminal fee
P17,990 Misibis Bay full board package
Day 0
I had reservations on planning a trip to this side of the country in June, the height of typhoon season in the Philippines. Wanderlust has kicked in and it was irresistible to pass the chance of going some place on a long weekend. Bicol is frequently hit by typhoon since it is sitting next to the Pacific Ocean. True to my fears, typhoon Egay came to haunt us. Egay was scheduled to hit Virac, Catanduanes (a nearby island) the day we are scheduled to arrive in Bicol. I was glued to typhoon2000.com. Luck was on our side, it was moving faster than forecast and hit Bicol the day before we were scheduled to arrive.
Day 1
GETTING THERE:
By four in the morning, we had to take a quick shower in time for our six thirty morning flight. We flew from Manila to Legaspi via Philippine Airlines. It was drizzling a little bit, just like an ordinary rainy day and then the sun was shinning. Halfway through the flight, the pilot announced that the visibility in Legaspi airport is unsafe for landing. The pilot in his most reassuring voice said that there is enough fuel for us to go back to Manila if it doesn't improve. We had to look into each others eyes and said our prayers in silence... Lord, please keep us safe and let us enjoy the weekend not in the city but in the island. "Seek and you shall receive", the pilot suddenly announced to prepare for landing. The sun was shining upon decent! While on taxing, the rain suddenly poured. whew! Thank you Lord, for answering our prayers.
Airport transfers is included in the package, the staff from Misibis bay came to meet us with golf umbrellas. They have seen us from above, our plane was flying in circles and exclaimed, our pilot was really good; since some flights were cancelled.
The rain hasn't stopped pouring, so we decided to skip the complimentary city tour. It would have included a visit to Lignon Hills, Cagsawa Ruins and shopping for some Pili Nuts. Instead, we requested to drop by a church, on the way to Cagraray Island. From Legaspi City, Cagraray Island is an hour ride away by land on a long uphill winding road, until you reach Sula Port, where the van is taken into a roll on roll off (RORO) vessel. The waters of Sula Channel is calm since it is located on a cove. It only takes ten minutes to cross the island on that RORO. If you bring your own vehicle, you'll be charged P1,500 per way for RORO. A bridge is under construction to connect both islands.
ARRIVING IN MISIBIS BAY:
We arrived in Misibis Bay in the morning, while check-in time is at 2pm. Since they are fully booked the previous day, our rooms aren't ready yet. In the morning, we were escorted to the Sitio (activity center), and they prepared the suggested itinerary.
Day 1 to 3 THINGS TO DO:
http://bitten-by-travelbug.blogspot.com/2011/06/luxury-island-playground-things-to-do.html
MY REVIEWS:
The activities (5 star):
Hurray for fun loving people, we definitely enjoyed the activities included in the package. I most especially liked the ATV ride, the hobie cat and jet ski.
The beach (4 star):
The food and service (3.5 star):
Inspite of claiming as a luxury hotel, service falls short below five star hotel standards, however, the design of the beachfront villa makes up for whatever is lacking. Buffet service was part of our package, set up indoors or sometimes outdoors, with some good live music at night. There's a good selection of food, but the variety may not be much after staying for 3 days. Nevertheless, there are some good stuff like the ahi tuna, cereal prawn, angus beef, free flowing gourmet coffee for breakfast and the halo-halo was definitely refreshing.
 |
| garden set up |
BREAKFAST SPECIALS:
P250 Fresh Juice, Milk or Chocolate
P225 Frozen Iced Tea
P250 American Breakfast
P435 Continental Breakfast
APPETIZER:
P462 Gambas
P462 Kilawing (raw) Tangigue
P286 Spring Rolls
SOUP:
P242 Soup of the Day
P405 Chicken Soup
SALAD:
P490 Salade Mylene
P528 Grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad
KIDS CORNER:
P275 Fries
P275 Chicken Nuggets
P363 Spaghetti with Meat Balls
P682 Angus Rib Eye Steak (120g)
SANDWICHES:
P435 BLT
P682 Smoked Salmon
P462 Ham and Cheese
P561 US Beef Patty (180g) with Smoked Bacon
P1210 US Beef Patty (400g) with Egg, Ham, Veggies, and sidedish
FROM THE GRILL:
Seafood:
P935 Grilled Prawns
P961 Grilled Tangigue
P935 Seafood Platter
P737 Grilled Salmon
P1485 Grilled Seabass
Meat:
P495 Salt and Pepper Pork Belly
P1210 Lamb Chops
P1650 Angus Beef Rib Eye (300g)
P2640 Angus Beef Rib Eye (500g)
DESSERT:
P308 Molten Lava
P275 Leche Flan, Buko Pie, Creme Brulee
P286 Cake (mousse, truffle)
P275 Cheese cake
DRINKS:
P330 wine/glass (1650 to 3025/bottle)
P286 Sula Cocktails (martini, sangria, margarita, mojito, blue, daiquiri)
P385 Signature Cocktails (tequila)
P330 Mocktails
The rooms (5 star):
Poolside Villas (cost based on twin sharing)
Junior Suite Deluxe (7 rooms) - P20,888/person
Premier Villa (3 rooms) - P23,888/person
One Bedroom Deluxe (7 rooms) - P26,888/person
One Bedroom Premier (5 rooms) - P28,888/person (with outdoor jacuzzi)
 |
| poolside villas |
Beachfront Villas (cost based on twin sharing)
Junior Suite Premiere (2 rooms) - P26,388/person (where we stayed)
One Bedroom Luxury (2 rooms) - P30,388/person
Luxury Villa (3 rooms) - P34,388/person
The rooms are average sized, with living rooms as an annex, convertible into another room with two beds.
The beds (even the extra beds) and linens are five star quality, they were too comfortable, that we overslept.
The room comes with complimentary Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries, unlimited bottled drinking water (ask for it), free wifi, 2 led tv, ipad dock.
We were upgraded to beachfront villa, with glass windows from floor to ceiling, I can tuck in bed all day while gazing at the waves with its sounds playing on my mind, it's a privilege to lay in bed and enjoy such view.
Thanks to BDO Titanium Card we got a better deal and a free upgrade from the Poolside Villa to Beachfront Villa - Junior Suite Premiere for P17,990/person. All inclusive of airport transfers, 3D/2N full board and lodging, unlimited use of non motorized activities and 15-minute jet ski, 30-minute ATV and sunset cruise.
Thank you Lord, for blessing us with a beautiful beach weather.
Post trip accounting:
P1,500 air ticket from Cebu to Manila by Philippine Airlines
P400 Cebu and Manila airport terminal fee
P1,500 air ticket from Manila to Legaspi via Philippine Airlines
P3,000 air ticket from Legaspi to Cebu via Cebu Pacific
P30 Legaspi airport terminal fee
P17,990 Misibis Bay full board package
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