Samantha Nature Farm Morong Bataan: Refreshing Accomodation with Natural Spring Water Pool and Jacuzzi

Looking back, there were many blessing that I have failed to appreciate and have taken for grandted in my life.  One of those are our regular out-of-town wellness retreats such as this wonderful staycation in Samantha Nature Farm in Morong Bataan. 

In my previous work, whenever we feel overwhelmed physically, emotionally or mentally, my officemates would organize a wellness retreat to restore us back to full health. 

With full support of our superiors, we would find a potential place to rent and vote over which one to select.

Although we've seen photos of Samantha Nature Farm during our screening process, we were still awed upon arrival.

It was a whopping 5-hectares of land that was filled with greeneries.  

It even had a bird house.  

Natural Spring Water Pool 

Because my workmates are very considerate with my prevailing health condition (with sudden outburst of eczema), they always suggest places with beaches and natural springs so I can recuperate my skin condition.

My skin can't stand the harshness of chlorine so I really appreciate that Samantha Nature Farm offers a well-maintained natural spring water pool.

Natural Spring Water Jacuzzi

It also has a Natural Spring Water Jacuzzi which is even lit at night.

Aside from having a spacious dining area and kitchen near the pool, 

it can also accomodate up to 14 guests with its 4 bedrooms and 4 bath rooms.  I stayed in this room for 4 with 2 bunker beds.  The other rooms have queen-sized beds.

It has a spacious indoor and outdoor area.  During the day, we had cooked some barbecued meals by the grassy area by the pool.  By night time, we continued to devour our cooked food, cold drinks as we sang our hearts out.  We are so happy that they had a videooke machine available for rent.  

At the back, you can soak in the natural spring.  

I enjoyed a peaceful moment here, listening to the gentle flow of spring water and taking in the refreshing air. 

There's also a fish pond for those who are fond of fishing. 

Overall, we had a memorable time at Samantha Nature Farm in Morong Bataan.  The staffs are also courteous and happy to be of service.  You can conveniently book via airbnb here.

Samantha Nature Farm in Morong Bataan
Hotel Address	Gov. J.J. Linao National Road, Sitio Palayan Bayan, Brgy. Nagbalayong Morong, Bataan,  Philippines
Contact	maila@starlasercorp.com	Reservation Required	Yes
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	N/A
Room Types	Room Amenities		Price
4 Bed Rooms	• Good for 14 persons • Multiple Queen Beds • Multiple Bunker Beds • Hot/cold water shower • 24 hrs. cable TV / In-house movie channels • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi • Ref. • Barbecue grill • Kitche with cookwares • Toiletries (without towel)		15,000 php
General Amenities	•Natural Spring Water Pool  •Natural Spring Water Jacuzzi	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Samantha Nature Farm in Morong Bataan Map
Location	★★★
Room Comfort	★★★
Cleanliness	★★★
Service	★★★★
Price	★★★★★

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Sunset Bay Beach Resort: Featuring Elyu's Beautiful Sunset (San Fernando La Union Philippines)

It has been awhile since we wrote about La Union.  La Union has evolved so much and is now coined as "Elyu" by millenials.  But, there are some places that remain the same just like Sunset Bay Resort. 

Sunset Bay Resort has been awarded as Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice from 2015 to 2019.  Upon our arrival, we could already see why.  It is located just a few kilometers away from Thunderbird's Resort Poro Point.  

The resort was well-maintained with lush greens mixed with indigenous artifacts. 



There were potteries everywhere.

There were many spots to sit and relax. 

Each room also has its own patio area.

At night, the entire place is even more enchanting with all the yellow lights. 

Deluxe Room

We availed of the Deluxe Room.  This room can cater from two to four persons (with added cost).  Our stay included free WiFi access but is exclusive of breakfast.

Although the furniture and interior of the rooms looked dated, it didn't have a negative effect on the overall room comfort because the room was tidy.

It offered the basic amenities like a wall mirror, electric kettle, desk, cabinet and...

air-conditioning.  The air-conditioning required room keys for activation which was a brilliant way to conserve electricity.

The bathroom was also clean.  The shower is also equipped with heater. 


Beach

The sand isn't the best there is but the beach front was clean.  During our visit, it was not crowded too. 

You could simply spend your time sitting under the shaded trees, enjoying the sound of the waves and the soft caress of the sea breeze. 

We weren't fortunate enough to witness the full sunset.  But, the purple hue caused by the scattering phenomenon in the atmosphere was still evident. 

It left us quite a romanticized scene of our beach experience.

There were many photo and video enthusiasts who caught such a scenic moment as well. 

But, don't be intimidated by their camera setup because the place is so well-lit, we ourserlves just you our pocketable point-and-shoot camera.

The place was really photogenic. 

At night, you can chill by the bar, restaurant or enjoy a night swim at its infinity pool.

Overall, we Travel Tripsters, were surprisingly pleased with our stay at Sunset Bay Beach Resort. 

Sunset Bay Beach Resort
Hotel Address	Airport Rd, San Fernando, La Union, Philippines
Contact	(6372) 607-5907	Reservation Required	Yes
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	Bus then Tricycle
Room Types	Room Amenities		Price
Upper Deck Superior	• Good For 2 Persons • 1 Queen-size bed • Hot/cold water / shower • 24 hrs. cable TV / In-house movie channels • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi • Patio area		4,250 php
Upper Deck Suite	• Good For 4 Persons • 1 Masters Bedroom with Queen-size bed •  2 Single Bedrooms with Single bed •  Hot/cold water / shower • 24 hrs. cable TV / In-house movie channels • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi • Patio area		5,050 php
Poolside Suite	• Good For 4 Persons • 1 Masters Bedroom with King-size bed •  2 Single Bedrooms with Single bed •  Hot/cold water / shower • 24 hrs. cable TV / In-house movie channels • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi • Patio area		4,850 php
Deluxe	• Good For 2-4 Persons • 1 Matrimonial bed [add-ons: single bed (500 php) and pull-out bed (600 php)] • Hot/cold water / shower • 24 hrs. cable TV / In-house movie channels • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi • Patio area		2,700 php
General Amenities	•Infinity Pool •Beach Front	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Sunset Bay Beach Resort
Location	★★★★
Room Comfort	★★★
Cleanliness	★★★★
Service	★★★★
Price	★★★★

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Bus Stop Dive Resort: 10 Reasons Why It Is the Best Choice For Diving in Batangas

Whether it's for the budget or homey hospitality, I am always in search for new places to stay that isn't too hyped.  A few weeks ago, I discovered Bus Stop Dive Resort in Anilao/Bauan Batangas.

As implied by the name, it is among the many dive resosts in Batangas.  So why here?  Let me give you 10 reasons why it is one of the best if not the best choice in Batangas.

10 Reasons Why Its the Best Choice for Diving in Batangas

10. Short Drive and Short Boat Ride

Driving to the Bus Stop Dive Resort Boat Station is only around an hour and a half drive from Metro Manila.  There is adequate parking slots to leave your car there well-guarded during your entire stay.

There boat ride is only 10 to 15 minutes long.  The waves are usually calm so you can still ride a boat even after sunset.

9. Affordable and Clean Accommodation

The accommodation is clean and very affordable.  An overnight stay stats at 500 php per head.

There are many types of rooms to choose from.  You have a terrace with sea view.  And, the bathroom is equipped with shower.

8. Freshly Cooked Homey Food

As you can see they have a clean kitchen that's open for everyone to walk into and inspect anytime.

The food is freshly cooked with fresh local ingredients bought from the town market.

Sotanghon na Mackarel, Adobong Manok, Lumpiang Ubod and Rice

Most of us are too busy to enjoy home-cooked meals.  And, some of the foreign guests are unfamiliar with our favorite home-cooked dishes.

Thus, for breakfast, lunch or dinner... Bus Stop serves dishes that will surely warm up your hearts and stomach with homey cooked dishes.

I really enjoyed these simple dishes.  It is indeed one of the plus factors of my relaxing stay at Bus Stop.

7. Calming View and Music of the Sea

There is nothing more refreshing and relaxing than looking at the clear blue sea and listening to the sounds of the waves.

I find it relieving to pace my breath with the sound of the waves.

6. Beautiful Seascapes

The sea isn't just a plain open sea.

There are many rocks and floras that create a beautiful seascape perfect for photography.

Just look at how emotional my shots are.

You can get different outputs depending on the time and mood of the day.

5. Great Nap Place

When was the last time you have a nap outside the four corners of your room?  I bet that is nothing compared to this right?

Feel the fresh sea breeze brush across you cheeks and the rest of your skin as you take your nap.

4. Get to Watch a Scenic Sunset

One of the best reasons to stay for the night is to be able to sit by the shore, maybe grab some beer and just appreciate the orange hues spreading across the greyish skies.

This is one of my favorite shots.

3. Instagram Worthy Photos

You can find a lot of Instagram worthy photos in this place.  The possibilities is limitless depending on your creativity.

2. Pet-Friendly

If you're looking for pet-friendly locations, this is one of them.

1. Direct Diving Spot

They have a direct diving spot just ashore.  Just in front of the place is already a marine sanctuary formerly known as Bus Stop.  Unlike in Anilao where you will spend on renting a boat out on top of their high and commercialized accommodation rates, here you can just rent some gears and hire a dive master and you're all set to go.  Even if you're not a diver, you can just do snorkeling ad on a fair da ysee lots of fishes in the calm and crystal clear water.

Check out my first dive and trek experience at Bus Stop Dive Resort on my next post.

Bus Stop Dive Resort
Hotel Address	Bauan San Pablo Batangas Philippines
Contact	(632) 435-3545	Reservation Required	No (Encouraged)
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	Bus + Tricycle
Room Types	Room Amenities		Price
Varies	• Twin or Single Bed		500 php/head
General Amenities	Cottage huts	Parking	No
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Bus Stop Dive Resort
Location	★★★★
Room Comfort	★★★
Cleanliness	★★
Service	★★★
Price	★★★★

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