Note: This is a part of my May 2 - 8, 2015 Samar-Leyte-Biliran-Mactan-Cebu Trip which includes: Capul Island, San Antonio Island, Dalutan Island, Sambawan Island, The Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Shrine, Ciriaco Hotel, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Other Calbayog tours, San Juanico Bridge, MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Limasawa Island
Our tour started when we lift the bus we boarded on Day 1 from Pasay City at 12:35 Noon the following day in Victoria of Northern Samar which was already the second day. Prior to this, we were at Matnog Port Terminal, Sorsogon Province at 4:40 A.M. that day but we waited for the Ferry Boat where it left at 9:23 A.M.from Matnog and reached Allen, Northern Samar at 10:50 A.M. Our bus drove us for another 10 minutes for 9.2 Kilometers going to Victoria town. We lifted just from the highway before the long bridge and took a motorcab for P10 each heading to the sea port terminal. From there, we took our lunch from a nearby carenderia where our food for a group of 10 only costs P495 with viand ranging its cost from P25 to P30 and rice is only P10 per order. Softdrinks costs P10 each. Victoria has a few grocery stores where we can buy our trip necessities and have water refill.
After lunch, we negotiated with a boat operator for an overnight trip which should cover the islands of Capul, San Vicente for Pink Beach and San Antonio for only P5,000. The two boatmen where we transacted were nice and honest for they gave us the prevailing rate for the island hopping we desired.
We left Victoria at 1:05 P.M. heading for Capul Island and so what was left with us was such a meager time to still include Pink Beach in our itinerary as originally planned. We arrived in Capul at 2:20 P.M. and we stayed there until 5:05 P.M. It was my second time already to visit Capul as per this blog post. From Capul, we headed back again and arrived in San Antonio at 7:43 P.M.
We landed in San Antonio greeted by its well-lighted terminal at 7:43 P.M. for 2 hours and 8 minutes boat ride from Capul Island. We had no reservation for accommodation but our boatman in the name of Loloy Dela Serna brought us there. The Pink Beach of San Vicente Island is much farther from Capul where our boatmen told us that there is nothing there in the island except for open cottages.
To get the best of San Antonio, our group decided to stay for an overnight accommodation in the Haven of Fun Beach Resort. San Antonio is a 5th class municipality in Dalupiri Island with an area of 27 square kilometers (10.42 square miles) consisting of 10 barangays, namely: Burabod, Dalupirit, Manraya, Pilar, Rizal, San Nicolas, Vinisitahan, Ward I (Poblacion), Ward II (Poblacion) and Ward III (Poblacion).
Much to our amazement, the island was really a paradise where it really validates how the travel bloggers described the island. As we were approaching it, we can see the extremely clean, calm and clear sea bed as the aquamarine waters vary from hues of cyan, turquoise and electric blue. The waters give you that irresistible invitation to plunge on it.
As we reached the terminal, we paid P10 for an environment/entrance fee per head. We were issued with tickets equivalent from what we have paid. Pedicab drivers were quick to accommodate us going to the Haven of Fun Beach Resort where we paid P10 each but according to our boatmen we should have paid only P5 per head.
We checked in at the resort and were surprised to see their modern and well-equipped accommodation which was complete concrete and fully furnished with comfortable double-deck beds with fragrant beddings, two pillows each and blanket. The 13-pax dormitory type accommodation was given to us where I only paid a total of P2,200 for an overnight. This accommodation is provided with a heavy duty fan which is just enough for guests to sleep comfortably. Clean towels were provided to us when we requested but the attending staff said that only the airconditioned rooms are provided with bath towels. I can’t believe it would be that cheap with such a cozy and comfortable room we had.
The owners in the names of Engr. Danilo O. Mahinay and Mrs. Julieta C. Mahinay, as well as its staff were quite accommodating providing us with a personalized service cautious that we might be offended or experience an inconvenience. Any meal, however, should be ordered one hour before because, there a lot of guests that stay in the resort. Guests are given the choice to order for their meals wherein dinner and lunch costs starting from P125 per meal and breakfast at P85. Not bad at all, since the combo meal of P125 is consist of a main dish (either meat or fish), side dish (vegetable) and one rice. They do not serve drinking water and so you have to buy their bottled water which starts at P30 per 500 ml bottled water. If you want to save, you can buy drinking water from Victoria where there are few grocery stores there. If you opt to have a more delectable meal, you may ask for their menu from the attending menu but those would cost higher.
Bringing liquors and other forms of beverages will have a corresponding corkage fee. Requesting for hot water cost P10 per glass. Plastic glasses (styrofor) costs P2 each. Aside from our accommodation, we have the comfort of having an open cottage where we can dine along the beach.
Our accommodation of 13-pax capacity has only one comfort/bath room. Outside, were two units where we were allowed to use. The information desk/check-in desk is strategically located in the entrance of the resort where you can also give your meal orders and request for anything you need.
Beach swim was the best activity for the guests. The water was not that salty and the fine sand was foot-friendly next to Boracay’s. There is also one raft provided in case guests would wanted to go farther from the beach line. A night swimming is not a problem at all for the water is warm. Guests young and old enjoyed a swim for water is so clear even at night that you will see the sole of your feet. At that time when we were there, it was full moon and so the moon was so huge above us and it invited us to stay longer for a night swimming.
The following day was another irresistible moment where before and after our breakfast, we were at the beach. Sunrise was such an amazing scenery at the beach.
In addition, there is a network signal in the island. In fact, I can call or text my friends inside our room and upload pictures in my Facebook account.
The following day, we left the island paying an Exit Fee of P2 per head at 7:43 A.M. heading to Victoria where we arrived there at 8:08 A.M. which means that our boat travel is only 25 minutes where our chartered van awaited us there for another location trip.
HOW TO GET THERE:
By Air
Manila to Catarman Nothern Samar
Frequency of Trips: Tuesday-Thursday-Sunday
Airline Company: Asian Spirit
Manila to Calbayog, Western Samar
Frequency of Trips: Monday-Wednesday-Friday
Airline Company: Asian Spirit
By Sea
Cebu City to Calbayog City (Manginoo Port)
Trips Frequency: Monday-Wednesday-Friday
Shipping Line: FJP
By Land
Manila to Calbayog City but lift in Victoria
Trips Frequency: Daily
Bus Company: Philtranco, Eagle Star, Ultra Bus, Silverstar, CUL, etc.< br>
From the Point of Arrival
Take a tricycle or pedicab from Victoria Highway going to its Port Terminal
The Port Terminal has a police post to assist the guests.
From the Port take a boat heading to the island
BOATMAN/OPERATOR
Loloy Dela Serna/Nanding Cabacang CP No. 09261949931
HAVEN OF FUN ACCOMMODATION RATES
Beachfront cottages are designed with balcony for the guest to enjoy the panoramic view of the mainland as well as its natural surroundings.
Room rates:
Standard room (equipped w/ airconditioning & cable TV)
**inclusive: Breakfast for 2 persons at P1,400 a day
P150 per day for an extra person
Superior room ( equipped w/ air-conditioning cable TV)
**inclusive: Breakfast for 2 persons
P1,700.00/day
P150.00/day extra person’s rate
Deluxe room (equipped w/ air-conditioning, cable TV & kitchen utensil)
P2,000.00/day
P150.00/day extra person’s rate
Non-aircon cottage ( w/ electric fan & cable TV )
P1,000.00/day
Php 100.00/day extra person’s rate
Nipa hut ( w/ electric fan)
P700.00/day
P100.00/day extra person’s rate
Dormitory for 13 pax ( w/ electric fan)
P2,300.00/day
Rates are good for 2 adults only.
Maximum of 4-5 persons in one cottage/room.
Children below 9 yrs. old are half of charge.
***50% deposit is needed to confirm the booking.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
• Island hopping to the neighboring islands of San Anotonio, N. Samar:
1. Century old Church & Lighthouse in Capul
2. San Vicente & Tarnate
3. Rock Formation in Biri
• Available for Rent:
1. Pedal Boat
2. Motorcycle to go around the island
3. Snorkels & Goggles
• Massage therapists for hire
• Manicurist is also available upon request
• Offers laundry services
• Mini convenience store sells: grocery items,toilettries and other personal needs please check at the resort's mini convenience store.
• Small banca & bamboo rafts can be used for free.
OTHER AMENITIES AND FACILITIES OF THE RESORT
• Restaurant – offers traditional Filipino foods.
• Videoke bar
• Function room – 100 setter ideal for conference/seminar and other family and corporate events.
• Beach volleyball court
• Bamboo raft & bangka (for free)
• Pedal boat and kayak (upcoming development)
• Motorcycle rentals to go around the island.
• Motorboat rentals for island hopping.
For safety: 24 hour security. 100% emergency power supply. Independent and unlimited water supply. Hospital & police are just nearby the place.
For reservations, contact the following numbers:
• 0915-6975624
• 0917-3031656
• 0917-7906594
Email Address: hofbeach@yahoo.com
The links below are other accommodations you will find in San Antonio.
1. Crystal Sand Beach Resort
2. Seashore Spring Beach Resort
