Yes I appreciate it’s only been 11 days since I landed back from Cuba (what a trip!!) but it’s the Easter holiday so it’s time to go away again. This time I’m off to Balayan Bay, Batangas in the Philippines. I have flight, drive and boat trip to get there - according to google maps it’s about an hour and a half drive (south) from Manila airport. The hotel informed me 2.5 hours so I’m really hoping it will be in between times!
As I took a sip of my aperol spritz I was thinking what a smooth sailing to the airport I had. No delays with the lift it work; straight through passport check, security and immigration. Within 35 minutes of leaving work I was walking into the lounge. Then came from the text message from Cathay Pacific advising my flight is delayed by 1.5 hours. Buggar. Definitely means I won’t get to the hotel tonight as I need to take a boat for a short ride post the long drive. Double buggar!
The additional hour and an half in the lounge goes quickly - helps when you have downloaded TV shows to watch.
I start to get cabin fever just after 5pm so decide to leave the lounge. My gate is literally below where I’m currently sitting so I don’t need to go far.
As soon as I get downstairs I notice this crazy long long line - yep that’s for my flight. No thank you!
The pilot announces at 5.52pm that we are delayed due to the bad weather in HK this afternoon and that it’s a one hour and thirty minute flight to Manila (why then does the Cathay itinerary say 2.5 hours??!). Let’s hope there are no further delays. I have a car and boat to catch once I land.
We pull back from the gate about 10 minutes after our updated departure time. Let’s hope we can make up some time.
What I can see of the sun set is beautiful. In between the thick dark clouds. I think this flight would have been one I would have liked to sit by the window.
Oceans 8 keeps me occupied for the flight.
When they deliver the snack I notice that ANZAC Day has come early.
We land into Manila airport at 8.08pm; 16 minutes later than anticipated (and basically an hour later than we should have landed).
Once we park up I’m up and out - walking as fast as my legs will allow. As we walk off the plane and onto the gangplank it’s like entering a sauna, aah heat!
With the APEC card my line has two people in front of me, result! With no bag to collect I’m straight outside. The fun begins with trying to get onto WiFi to inform my contact at the hotel I’m here. Are a few false starts the message is sent. Finally Mark, my driver, appears and asks if I’m Sarah Jordan. Yes. Great let’s go.
We depart the airport car park at 8.45pm - it’s more than packed!!!
We get to the port basically 2 hours post leaving Manila airport. I had chit chatted with Mark a bit along the way as well as getting a bit of shut eye. Exiting the car the warmth hits me, even though it’s 10.50pm. The boat guys are waiting for me.
The bright moon and stars guide me to the boat. I’m amazed at how clear the water is. Aah I’m on holiday! Cruising along the sea with the breeze and light sea spray is heaven.
The hotel is completely shut up when we arrive. One of the boat guys locates my room keys then carries my suitcase up the uneven stairs. Hearing the water lap onto the shore line is amazing.
From my small balcony I have a direct view onto the water. Bliss. Not sure I’ll be leaving!
For whatever reason I can’t get my a/c working - will definitely need to sort that out tomorrow. Mozzie plug is plugged in. Fan turned on.
I climb into bed 9 hours after I left work; definitely doesn’t feel that long. For now it’s sleep time. I’ll enjoy the view in the morning.
Good Friday (Friday 19 April) I wake at 8am. I’m in absolutely NO rush so enjoy waking up sitting on the balcony. This is the life.
I decide to go down to the reception area first. Putting on my sunglasses I notice the right side glass has shattered, so strange. Absolutely no idea how that could happen. I will continue to wear them this weekend that's for sure.
My “friend” Daisy is there to greet me. She advises we’ll go for a dive around 9am. Ummm that’s in 25 minutes. Ok maybe no, she needs to register me but first she takes me to breakfast. Here I was thinking I’ll have a nice chilled morning, hey ho. The kitchen staff ask if I’m Sarah, yes, then apologize no dinner last night. Ooh NO issues at all. I absolutely wasn’t expecting it.
Coffee is needed this morning. The fan was so noisy last night I feel like I haven’t slept much at all.
The family I met at breakfast (Charlotte and Nick, and Charlotte’s son Leo) are getting their gear when I arrive.
I get kitted out with my gear; it’s like a sauna under the plastic roof. Makes putting on my wet suit interesting!
The sea has become a lot choppier as the morning has gone on. Let’s hope it’s ok where we are to dove.
As soon as I jump into the water I notice I can’t really see outside my mask. This is going to be interesting. Within seconds the current has dragged me away.
Going down is absolutely fine with my left ear - result! The problem was I couldn’t really see much out my mask......Thankfully it did kind of clear as we went on.
At times it was like we were in an aquarium - amazing!! But I definitely need to sort out my mask!! Right next dive purchase 100% needs to be a mask.
Back at the hotel all the gear goes into the water troughs then it’s relax time.
Sitting here watching two people go through their rescue course I’m more than comfortable with stopping at my advanced open water!!!
Lunch is tasty with quite a few options.
We had said 2.30pm (for our next dive) to our dive master earlier; I could totally stay where I am in a low chair overlooking the water. I’d read on tripadvisor there are lots of little nocks for people to relax around the hotel, they certainly weren’t lying.
3 others join us for our second dive. Prior to getting on the boat I add shampoo to my mask - I need it to be working better.
I have problems with my left ear going down. This has happened recently where the second dive is the one where it plays up. Thankfully in the end it equalized.
On return to the hotel we have to dismantle our gear and wash it. Honestly with the cost of the diving I would expect this. They definitely have a captive audience here!
The rest of the day is spent chilling in the salt water pool and on a lounge chair. Leo is the drinks boy for us - heaven.
We have a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Amazing way to end the day
Showering is better than expected - yes there is poor pressure but at least it’s not a drop of water.
As I walk outside the cool breeze hits me. Its cooler outside than it is inside. I have purposely worn long trousers so that I don’t get attacked by mozzies.
I decide to fill up my water bottle and take it back to the room before I eat.
It’s so lovely just sitting here relaxing. The staff are finding it a tad odd I’m not eating. In good time, in good time.
Charlotte, Nick and Leo join me which is nice.
We had talked earlier about plaguing Monopoly - Leo goes to get it set up. After a few minutes we realize he’s playing with another child that’s here with their family. We three adults then play Yahtzee. So much fun!
When I had the a/c on earlier it did next to nothing so I decide to sleep with my doors open and the fan on. It’s interesting getting sorted with no lights on (I don’t want to attract the mozzies!
Saturday 20 April I eventually wake just before 7am. It has been a bit of a broken sleep night.
I enjoy just lying here staring out at the pancake flat sea.
From my balcony I spy a couple of people already out snorkelling - I’m very happy with where I am right now!
Coffee is enjoyed overlooking the sea.
I decide to order French toast (after I’ve eaten some scrambled eggs). One bite confirms I’ve done the right thing. YUM! Takes me back a year or thirty plus.
I had told Troy (my dive master) yesterday that I would likely dive at 9am; after confirming that with him now I go and quickly change.
There were 3 of us and Troy – the others have been here a few times so instead of a shore dive we get onto the boat for a short ride.
Another great dive!
Back at the hotel I clean my gear then chat to Charlotte and Nick.
Before I know it we are off again - dive 2 for today. It’s definitely a lot more choppier that it was when we went out for dive one.
Thankfully my left ear wasn’t too bad, a bit of trouble to start with but nothing like I had at yesterday’s second dive.
Another amazing dive! This one I went to 24.8 meters. When we surfaced the boat was nowhere to be seen. After a few minutes wait it arrives.
Back at the hotel it’s cleaning the gear and gearing up for my dive this afternoon. I decided it’s expensive but I’m here to do it so might as well pack it in today. Tomorrow I might just chill.....but let’s see!
Dive 3 for today is in the house reef – a shore dive.
It takes what seems like forever to be able to brush my hair after the shower. I really need to something with it tomorrow if I go diving.
I join the owners (who are also dive instructions / masters) for a drink while watching the sunset. Amazing.
I decide to go and sit somewhere else for a bit to see the last of the red sky. The stars are already out - brilliant!
Post dinner I return to my balcony and watch a Grey's Anatomy episode.
It’s been a hard day :), when my battery dies I decide its bed time. From my bed I’m able to see a few stars in full beam, amazing! It’s a doors open and fan on night again.
Easter Sunday (21 April) I woke at 3am but managed to go back to sleep for a bit, waking again at 7.30am to the sound of a boat motor. The sea is like a pancake again.
I’m enjoying a slow start to the day. Over coffee and fresh pineapple I chat to Arnold (one of the owners) and Wolf (who I dived with yesterday). He encourages me to join them on their shore dive this morning. Done!
The Philippines don’t have a public holiday tomorrow (they had Thursday and Friday off) so I’m thinking it’s going to be super quiet tonight and tomorrow morning.
Wolf, Irish and I do a shore dive in the house reef.
Once back on land I decide I’ll do another dive in about an hour - going to try to maximize my time here as much as I can.
I have a new dive master (Elmer) for this dive - it’s just him and I. Even I manage to point things out to him :)
When I return from the second dive Troy informs me I’m the only guest and have the resort to myself. Seems a little odd given there are still at least 5-6 staff around.
As I sit here while the kitchen staff cook my lunch I’m swaying a bit. Definitely glad I took the sea sickness pill this morning.
Lunch is delicious! They bring out a fish dish and rice and I think this is awesome. They then proceed to bring out 3 other dishes. Ok, it’s just me.
I have a bit of time chilling on a pool chair before I need to get ready for the third and final dive.
Getting in is a tad interesting as the swell has definitely increased!
Another great dive! Loved watched the large bat fish swim around in a circle a few times when Elmer (my DM) got nice and close to take photos.
My diving for this trip is now done :(.
After Elmer and I had washed all our gear and I’ve written in my dive book he shares some of the photos he took with me. So cool!!
On the way back up to my room I stop by the kitchen / restaurant to get some more water. The lovely kitchen ladies give me some fried banana which they have just cooked. YUM! And a lovely treat after a dive.
It’s so strange being the only guest!!
Washing my hair is an interesting and slow process! I really need to work out how I can keep it from getting so matted next time I dive!
I pick up a beer as I pass by the kitchen / restaurant.
Sitting here watching the sunset with a light breeze is an amazing end to another great day.
As I walk down the pier to get a clear view of the sunset the crabs quickly scurry away. Trust me I’m not coming in to get you!
Like last night once the sun has gone down I go upstairs. The stars slowly come out as the sky turns from day into night. This really is the life!
Dinner is ready when I go down to the restaurant. Another big feast, for at least 2 people.
As soon as I’m finished the kitchen ladies clean up then leave for home. It’s now just 4 of us - 3 staff and me. Such a strange feeling!!!
Staring up at the stars entertains me for ages. Like the other three nights they are super bright.
I decide to head to my balcony after a few minutes, seems odd sitting in such a big space for one person.
The only noise I have is the sound of the waves - heaven on earth!! I don’t have a good view of the stars from my balcony so after a while I head back down a level to stare again. WOW!
Monday 22 April I finally wake a little after 6am. It had been a short disruptive night. Every noise I heard I woke / jumped. Staring out to the flat ocean is calming and a great way to start the day! I have basically 6 hours to I have to start the trek home again. It feels like I’ve been here much longer than 3 days (today is day 4).
I’d noticed other guests snorkelling each morning so decide I’m going to do the same this morning.
It’s a tad cool when I first put my feet in. No wet suit today to protect me. Once I’m in though it’s aok.
I nearly scream with delight when I see a turtle (feeding) - so exciting!!! I could honestly watch these amazing creatures all day long.
After a while the plankton’s “stings” get to me.
Post washing all my gear I make myself a coffee and sit by the water’s edge. Honestly this is the life! The only noises I hear are the water lapping, the birds chirping and the occasional boat motor. Bliss.
Breakfast is prepared for me, although there is enough fruit for at least 2 people.
Even though the waves have increased I decide to go out snorkelling one more time. So many different types of puffer fish!
I spent my last hour on a pool chair overlooking the sea. Brilliant!
I take one last look of the sea before going upstairs to shower and finish packing. It’s been an amazing three and a half days (which feels like it’s been much longer).
On check-out Daisy goes through the bill with me line by line. She changes the room type from A/C to fan when I advise I didn’t use it at all. It was actually nice sleeping with a fan and the doors wide open. Now that I’ve done it I would absolutely do it again.
I’m not ready to leave!
Daisy, the two kitchen staff, the twin girls (of the chef), Elmer’s nephew, Elmer and I all get on the boat back to the car park. I get soaked on my right back and my legs - at least my hair is drying! I may need to shower again at the airport.
Troy meets us as we get off the boat and signs my dive book.
We pull out of the car park at 12.11pm, like Thursday night I elect to sit in the front seat.
As we drive through the narrow streets my driver (Mark’s father) advises there was a fiesta yesterday which is why there are streamers above us.
Along the drive I see lots of “slow down, Church Zone” and “School zone, slow down” signs. In some places they seem to have more than one of each.
It’s takes us an hour to get to the highway - good going me thinks!
Two hours and 5 minutes after departing I’m dropped off at the terminal. Definitely been super lucky with the car rides! Some of the guests I got chatting too at the hotel had said it had taken them 3 and 4 hours from Manila. No thank you!!
I soooo desperately need to shower and get out of these clothes! I’m a salted human. Very unpleasant.
The lines to get into the terminal are crazy! I’m just hoping I’m in the right line :)
Thankfully the line moves at a decent pace and before you know it I’m checking in. Having an APEC card I'm straight through immigration (I let an air hostess in before time) and into the line for security. TMI - I’m in desperate need for the bathroom.....the security line moves quickly even though there are only two channels open.
Straight to the lounge I head. Bathroom then shower are in order.
Hmmm no shower - lady at the front desk what were you thinking saying yes to a shower. Buggar. It’s a Maori shower then.
I find myself at the bar - glass of bubbles and sparkling water ordered. Now onto the food. Dumplings thanks.
A family near me comes in and has pasta delivered to them. Umm yes please. I go and place an order. And for a serving of banoffee pie. YUM!!
I’m very relaxed sitting here watching grey’s anatomy and drinking cosmos (I’ve moved on). Yes I’m super lucky with the life I have! But I do pay for it in other ways.
Before what seems like too long it’s time to board. My four days in the Philippines has definitely felt like a lot longer. I will be returning!
We push back from the gate at 5.49pm - nine minutes later than the scheduled departure. The pilot informs us it’s a 1.40 minute flight to HK. Again why does the itinerary advise it’s close to 2.5 hours??!
My Easter trip away has been amazing; 4 days has definitely felt like a lot longer (which is always good). 18 days (10 May) to my next trip (Osaka, Japan).........life is for living!!
My final Philippines (on this trip) sunset is great. The photos won’t really do its justice.
We finally, and I mean finally!, take off at 6.30pm - 41 minutes after we pulled back from the gate. I never knew this airport was so busy! Let’s get up up and away.
As the air hostess comes to collect my food bag and plastic bottle everything gets put in the same rubbish bag. Seriously Cathay Pacific - in this day and age you should be recycling. Even the purser doesn’t get it. Major fail!
Thanks for another great weekend Philippines - I'll be back!
