Misibis Bay in a Day

Misibis Bay had been on my travel check list for a few years now. When we got the chance to visit Albay, we made sure to set aside one day to check out this luxurious island playground!

We booked a day tour with Highway8 Travel and Tours, cost was around P4,000 per person. (Rate may vary depending on season.) Kind of a steep price for a day trip. But compared to its overnight rate, day trip was the sound option. Package included buffet lunch, use of amenities and some non-motorized water sports.



Misibis, we're coming!

The small but elegant Hotel Venecia serves as meetup point for Misibis guests. Since we booked the trip through an agency, they arranged the hotel pickup (8 a.m.) and drove us to this hotel. From there, we transferred to the Misibis Bay shuttle.

It was a good 50 minutes drive to Misibis Bay. But we were entertained by the picturesque road and a real live rainbow! How lucky can one get?

where's my pot of gold?

When we finally arrived, we were surprised by a couple of dancers in colorful costumes grooving to some ethnic beats. What a cute way to greet visitors! After registration, we started our Misibis tour!



Groovin' greeting

Since we were on a lazy mode, we decided to warm up by picture taking and lounging at the pool area and wait for lunch.

Lunch was served at 12 noon, and we were surely the first ones to arrive. The buffet lunch was exceptional! Dishes were not too many but the food was good!
 

I need to give a special mention to their seafood cooked in  banana blossom and spicy coconut sauce. (I still drool whenever I think of this dish!)

First round of many

Seafood pasta



Take your pick

Pretty and yummy

 

Well-fed and satisfied, we called up the golf car to drive us around the island. We visited the Cagraray Eco-Energy Park where the Stella Maris Chapel is located.

Welcome to Eco Energy Park!

The hilltop chapel overlooks the sea and its glass panels give a grand view of the Mayon Volcano. I love the minimalist design so much that I mentally added this chapel to my future “wedding church list” (yeah dream on!)
 

Sunlit chapel

Stella Maris Chapel

If you crave some action, the park offers a mini zipline. It's not placed very high so those scared of heights can still enjoy a ride. ATV rides also available (but we did not get this since we already included this in our Albay city tour. Click here.)

For photo enthusiasts, there is an amphitheater that will serve as the perfect backdrop for your next instagram photo.  

Find your perfect spot and snap away!

Back to the resort, we explored the beach area and tried doing the stand up paddle. Hobbie Cat sailing was fun as our boat met the waves head on! Kayaking and wind surfing also available for free.

Sky, Sand and Sea



Hobbie Cat Sailing

Trying this thing called Stand Up Paddle

There are other water sports such as diving, banana boat, jet ski and sunset cruise, but these are not part of the day trip package and will incur additional charges. Day trip ends at 5pm.
 

The ratings:

Affordability: ***   
P4,000 for a day trip is quite a steep price for many.  
 

Luxury Level ****
All amenities are of good quality and in top condition as of writing. Buffet lunch though limited in choice, is superb. Restaurant is clean and well maintained.
 

Service ****
Resort personnel are all smiles and friendly. Clearly, staff have been well trained in customer service.
 

Activites ****
Water sports are available but most will incur extra charges. There is a recreation room with billiards, table tennis and foosball. Kids at heart will love the playroom complete with Playstation, Wii and X-box.

 

Amenities *****
Shower rooms are big and have lockers rooms. There is a gym for those who cannot miss a workout. Playroom and game room well equipped to house indoor activities, in case the weather is not cooperative.

 

 

Peach House's Verdict:

If you got a few thousand pesos to spare, or would like to "boast" of a recent  luxurious vacation, then this place is for you. I got a glimpse of the pool side rooms, they ARE very nice and luxe, but I recommend getting the day trip instead of an overnight stay. (Unless of course, you got more moolahs, just ignore me, please.) Water activities available but with charges. If you're not a water sports lover, indoor games will keep you entertained. Misibis Bay is also the perfect venue for those who plan to have a destination wedding. Think of a romantic beach wedding reception!

How was your Misibis trip? :)

Monkeys and Batu Caves (Kuala Lumpur Trip Day 3)

Anyone saw the hilarious episode of Asia's Next Top Model where monkeys were trying to steal fruits from the contestants during their shoot at the Batu Caves?

Well, this was the first scene we saw upon stepping out of the Batu Caves Station. So be warned, they roam around freely, but they seem friendly enough though.

 



This is a hold up, buddy! Give me your food!





I rule this place!

 

If you have an extra half day at Kuala Lumpur, a visit to Batu Caves is suggested. It is a break from the skyscrapers and malls of the city. Take time to enjoy nature

 

  



A small but lovely lake.

 

 

Since we arrived nearly noontime, the sun was too unforgiving. My elder companions were complaining (a bit too loudly) of the heat but were suddenly like kids again when they saw some pigeon feeding opportunity. As it turned out, yours truly was the one having ice cream and hiding in the shades while the “elders” were out under the sun roasting their hair and backs just to feed those feathery friends.

 

 

 

 

The highlight of the trip would be climbing up the 272 steps into the cave. It is not a difficult climb but elders who tire easily could just skip this activity.

 



Ready for some knee action?

 



Cave entrance

 

Up there, there are some Hindu deity statues and symbols. I am not familiar with Hinduism but I felt a sense of serenity upon entering the cave. (Just ignore the monkeys to achieve this state!)

 

 



Serenity... but more monkeys inside. Be warned!

 



Colorful Deities

 

I just wonder why there were no free guides inside. It would have been so much better if some signs or maybe a person could share some short stories of Hinduism to make Batu Caves more memorable to visitors.

 

 

After the semi tiring climb, do try the Indian restaurants around. Ordering might be a problem if you're not familiar with Indian cuisine, but that is exactly the fun part! So relax and enjoy! :)

 

Directions to Batu Caves:

1. Ride the MRT to KL Sentral Station

2. Transfer to Sentral KTM Komuter Line
3. Get your tickets for Batu Caves.




Look for KTM Komuter Line

 

 



Waiting for the train.

4. Enjoy the countryside scenery.