CLUB BALAI ISABEL: AN ECO-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE RESORT IN TALISAY OF BATANGAS IN THE PHILIPPINES

 

While at the poolside of Club Balai Isabel

This resort offers a serene escape on the shores of Taal Lake with varied accommodations (rooms, villas, apartments), multiple restaurants serving Filipino/Asian food, water sports (kayaking, paddleboards, Aqua Park), pools, a spa, and extensive grounds ideal for families, events, and nature lovers seeking relaxation and adventure. For more information, you can visit there website at www.balaiisabel.com.

The pool uses filtered lake water to promote sustainable practices

The spacious open field can also be used for outdoor activities for bigger groups like ours.  There was so much to do within the property.

A scenic lake-side to accommodate large groups of guests

Both sunset and sunrise are spectacular at Taal Lake, offering breathtaking views of the volcano island, but sunsets often get a slight edge for dramatic colors and the surreal feeling of watching life return to the lake's edges after eruptions, while sunrises provide a peaceful, golden start; ultimately, it depends on your preference for golden glow or fiery hues, with Tagaytay Ridge being a prime spot for both.

A closer view of the Taal Volcano

This resort is 78.5 kilometers away from Manila and can be reached by a private car for one hour and 40 minutes drive via R-3 Road or Radial Road 3 which is  a major arterial route in Metro Manila, Philippines, serving as a key connector from the city center (Manila) southwards through cities like Pasay, Makati, Paranaque, Taguig, and into Muntinlupa, largely utilizing the Osmena Highway and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). It's one of the ten radial roads designed to link different parts of the capital region.

Another captured view of the Taal Volcano

Its accommodations is a mix of standard rooms, spacious suites, and villas with kitchenettes for longer stays.

Capturing the best backdrop of the resort

The resort has several restaurants like Terraza Cafe (local food), Kumintang Republik (pizza/steak), and Hapag ng Karpentero (Filipino).

Strolling around the property

The resort's location is strategically good in capturing the view of the iconic Taal Volcano in all parts of the resort.  This part of the resort is always filled with guests all the time of the day.

A spacious events hall for corporate events

The venue is popular for weddings, photoshoots, and corporate events due to its size (12 hectares) and facilities.  SDO Mandaluyong management, teachers and staff have stayed here for 2 days as funded by the local government of Mandaluyong as a treat for teachers where Mr. and Miss SDO Mandaluyong was held.

The extended dining hall due of the venue's hall

It also offers activities like Aqua Park (inflatable playground), kayaking, banana boats, jetskis, sailing, tennis, and karaoke.

Our resort's accommodation

Club Balai Isabel or officially Capital O 154 Club Balai Isabel has a gym, featuring a 24-hour fitness center, allowing guests to work out at their convenience while enjoying their stay with views of Taal Lake.

Relaxing at my accommodation

It does not only have a huge swimming pool, but rather multiple swimming pools, chapel (popular for weddings), green spaces and shuttle service.

A picture frame at Club Balai Isabel

I was late for the breakfast

In this picture frame,  there is always a queue of guests who wanted to capture their own picture for a lifetime memorabilia.  Thus,  my colleague Allan de la Trinidad and I decided to have a picture here early in the morning.

Approaching the clubhouse's pool

 

Ready for a swim after our afternoon's activity

Enjoying a refreshing swim at the pool

Endless bonding with my colleagues at the pool

My colleague, Allan de la Trinidad

Rolling at the grass

The resort's chapel

Waiting for the magical sunset

The sun is still up

The pool by the night

Another shot at the pool by night

Recapturing the pool view before leaving

Going back to our accommodation late from night swimming

The property is highly secured for the guests where we can freely roam around late

How to go to Club Isabel by Public Transport

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Bus from Manila:

• Head to major bus terminals like DLTB (Buendia) or PITX.
• Look for buses going to Tagaytay or Nasugbu, asking specifically for those passing through Talisay.

2. Alight at Talisay Town Proper:

• Tell the conductor or driver you're going to Talisay, Batangas, specifically the area near the church.
• The bus will stop near the Talisay Church

3.  Tricycle to Club Balai Isabel:

• Find the tricycle terminal near the church.
• Take tricycle and tell the driver to take you to "Club Balai Isabel", located on the shores of Taal Lake.
• You might pay more if you want the tricycle exclusively for yourself (around P24), otherwise, you'll wait for other passengers.

THANKS FOR READING!

REVISITING BOHOL WITH MY TRIP SPONSOR

 

Bohol is one of my favorite destinations and in fact, this was the third time that I have been in this place.  This time though, I was sponsored of my best friend, Teresa Santiago, who just had her vacation coming from the USA where she already works.

Enjoying a farm life with our host Nitz Dinorog

After our tour,  we stayed in the farm in Barangay Bagtic in Catigbian, Bohol, with our host for 2 days and that made our vacation more meaningful and refreshing.  The morning mist and dews from the leaves of the ornamental plants and trees around made it so cool far away from the hustle bustle of city life.

Day 1: From the airport to Tagbilaran City

While at the boarding gate at NAIA Terminal III

While on board the flight with Teresa Santiago

Aerial view of Metro Manila from our Cebu Pacific flight bound for Bohol

Fortunate to have been seated at the window side

We left Manila at around 4:30 P.M. and arrived at Tagbilaran Airport at around 5:30 P.M. and we were picked up by our host in Tagbilaran City.  We stayed there for overnight.

A hosted sumptuous dinner for us

The place where we stayed was the sister of Nitz Dinorog.  Her sister and husband are businessmen and they hosted us for our overnight stay in  Barangay Taloto of Tagbilaran City.

Day 2 - Day Tour

While at the Loboc Bridge

The boat terminal for the Loboc River cruise

St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church, Loboc, Bohol

St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church, known as Loboc Church, is under the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura in Loboc, Bohol.   This parish was established in 1602, and the present coral stone church was completed in 1734.  Because of its strategic location, it became the center of the Jesuit mission in the Bohol area.  In 1768, upon the expulsion of the Jesuits, the town was transferred to the Augustinian Recollects.

The church interior

Next stop: Busai Dream Falls

Busai Dream Falls is a stunning natural attraction also located in Bohol offering visitors a serene experience surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters.  However, when we visited it, it ust rained heavily the other day, that's why the water turned to chocolate brown.

Next stop: Bilar Man-made forest

The Bilar Man-made Forest is a two-kilometer stretch of thousands of mahogany trees along Loay Interior Road between the municipalities of Loboc and Bilar.

Next stop:  Bohollywood:  Mirror of the World and Botanical Garden

Bohollywood is consist of six sections with miniatures of famous global tourists destinations like the: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Merlion of Singapore, USA's Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, Eiffel Tower of Paris, Greece Acropolis,  Japanese Garden and Pagoda, Cambodia's Angkor Wat, Indonesia's Gate of Heaven and many more.

Tagbilaran Church

Tagbilaran Church and its vicinity

Tagbilaran Church:  St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine

Getting inside the church for a short prayer

The altar of St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine

Tagbilaran Church was founded by the Jesuit Missionaries in 1595 and was turned over to the Recollects in 1768.  The original church built by the Jesuits on this spot was burned on December 23, 1798 and was reconstructed and enlarged by Fr. Valero de San Pascual within the period of 1839 to 1855.

While at the town plaza

Part of the Bohol Capitol

The busy streets in the church vicinity

Day 3 - Panglao Island Tour

Early drive from Tagbilaran to Panglao Island

McDonalds Breakfast

Random beach resort inspection

No beach sand to enjoy with

Deciding on which beach resort to stay just for a day

Finally decided to stay at Dumaluan Beach Resort

Panglao Island  is a part of Bohol province, renowned as a tropical destination famous for its powdery white sand beaches like Dumaluan Beach Resort.  This island serves as a gateway to Bohol's natural wonders such as tarsiers and Chocolate Hills, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation for tourists.

Our host and guide, Nitz Dinorog

Our Panglao Island day tour was so short and it would have been better if we stayed here for overnight.  We did not booked for a Panglao accommodation because we were after the island hopping.  Our original plan was to have an island hopping but there was no boat available due to turbulent waters.  The itinerary that we had were:  (1) early morning dolphin watching; (2) Balicasag Island for its famous marine sanctuary, excellent snorkeling with turtles and fish, and vibrant coral reefs; and (3) Virgin Island which is a beautiful, crescent-shaped white sandbar that appears at low tide.  The weather that day was unfavorable and all boat operators were not allowed to cater for boat tours that day.

As per advice of the boat operators, even for the next two days, the weather will not be good for island hopping and so we decided to just finish the day in Panglao island and early in the morning, we had a drive to Barangay Bagtic in Catigbian in the place of Nitz Dinorog.

The Blood Compact Sitei (Sandugo Shrine)

Before going back to Tagbilaran, we dropped by at the Blood Compact Site.  This commemorates the historic 1565 blood pact between Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, symbolizing the first treaty of friendship in the Philippines, featuring a famous bronze sculpture by Napoleon Abueva depicting the ritual, offering a brief, meaningful historical stop for tourists often combined with countryside tours.

Day 4 and 5 - Farm Life in Brgy. Bagtic, Catigbian

While at Brgy. Bagtic in the municipality of Catigbian

Walking at the rice paddies

Such a chilly morning

The lush backyard

Happy to be in the farm

Our host, Nitz Dinorog

Healthy Breakfast

Fresh fried fish for breakfast

Feeding the chickens

Cooking at the dirty kitchen

Harvesting vegetables at the farm

Harvesting corn for snacks

My host is so amazed that I like a farm life

Trying to ride at the carabao but to no avail

Playing and teasing the carabao

Cleaning the pig's pen

Assisting in feeding the pigs

Day 6 - Flight back to Manila

While at the boarding gate waiting for our departure to Manila

Spacious and very clean airport of Tagbilaran Airport

Arriving NAIA Terminal at 9:40 P.M.

Since, it was too difficult for a grab to book, we opted to take the Runway Manila overpass to take a taxi cab while at the side of the Newport City.

THANKS FOR READING AND WATCHING!

BUSAI DREAM FALLS AND BILAR MAN-MADE FOREST

 

Busay Dream Falls

Tess Corpuz at Busai Dream Falls

Busai Dream Falls is a stunning natural attraction lcoated in Loboc, Bohol, offering visitors a serene experience surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters.   However, when we visited it, it just rained heavily the other day.   Thus the water flowing in the river is color brown.

While at Busai Dream Falls

The water falls viewdeck along the river

How to reach Busai by public transportation

To reach Busai Dream Falls using public transportation, start at the Tagbilaran City Bus Terminal.  Board a bus headed to Loboc, these buses run frequently throughout the day.   The journey should take approximately 30 minutes.  Once you arrive in Loboc, you can either take a tricycle or walk towards the falls.  If walking, follow the main road along the Loboc River until you see signs for Busai Dream Falls.  If you prefer a tricycle, negotiate the fare before getting in to avoid misunderstandings.   The driver will drop you off at the entrance to the falls.

Bilar Man-made Forest

Man-made mahogany trees

The Bilar Man-Made Forest is one of the most unique attractions in Bohol Island where it stretches for about two kilometers along the highway between Loboc and Bilar towns.  It is made up of thousands of mahogany trees planted decades ago as of a reforestration program located along Loay Interior Road of Bilar municipality in Bohol.

Standing cautiously along this man-made forest

Tess and I were so cautious while taking pictures and videos here since there were a lot of vehicles which do not drive slowly when they pass thru this road, usually big trucks and buses. 

She was ready to run since there was a rushing truck

ENJOYING THE WHITE SAND OF PANGLAO IN BOHOL

This trip was sponsored by my friend, Teresa Corpuz, who just came from the USA to have her annual home visitation as she is already working there as a teacher.  This is just a part of our 3-day Bohol trip and Bohollywood

The powdery white sand of the Panglao Island

We actually rented a cottage for this purpose at Dumaluan Beach Resort.  It is located on the southern coast of Panglao Island of Bohol, Philippines, known for its long stretch of soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and quieter atmosphere offering a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe.  It is almost near Bohol Beach Club and is easily accessible from Tagbilaran City and the Panglao Airport.

The Dumaluan Beach Resort

While at Dumaluan Beach Resort

This is outside Dumaluan Beach Resort

A beach pavilion of one of the resorts

Not a part of the Dumaluan Beach Resort

Teresa Corpuz with some Boholano friends (extreme right)

Our host, Nitz Dinorog (in blue) joined us in the Panglao beach hopping.  We did not only stay at Dumaluan Beach Resort, but we strolled along the long stretch of white sand beach of Panglao.

The windy beach coast

The beach facilities

BOHOLLYWOOD: SIKATUNA'S MIRROR OF THE WORLD AND BOTANICAL GARDEN IN BOHOL

 

The miniature replicas of famous global landmarks at Bohollywood

Bohollywood, is officially known as Sikatuna's Mirror of the World and Botanical Garden located in Brgy. Libjo, Sikatuna, Bohol, Philippines, offering miniature replicas of famous global landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Merlion of Singapore, USA Liberty Statue and a few others. This serves as a popular cultural and leisure spot for tourists exploring Bohol's countryside.

Capturing almost every corner of the Bohollywood

This trip has been fully sponsored by my friend, Teresa Corpuz, who just came from the USA for her home visit vacation.  She has been working there already as a teacher.

The picturesque and expansive Bohollywood

GIRASOLES FARM: CANDELARIA'S EMERGING TOURIST DESTINATION

 

The farm's restaurant at the background

Girasoles Farm is located in Barangay Masin Sur of the municipality of Candelaria in Quezon Province with a distance of 107 kilometers from Manila for 2.5 hours drive.   Candelaria celebrates Candle Festival every year.

The background is the rear part of the farm's restaurant

This is actually a side trip along with Marinduque beach trip and the Catanauan GAD Training with John Lester Belardo and Kristine Capistrano as our trip service providers.

The Sunflower Farm at Girasoles

The name "Girasole" means "sunflowers" in English, because it is a sunflower farm that is planted with thousands of sunflowers blooming all year round.

The farm's function hall

Our group having sumptuous dinner at the farm's restaurant

Everybody was busy eating while I was recording

The farm by night