wheretostay Archives - JOEL JAWS ANDRADA https://joelandrada.com/tag/wheretostay/ HERE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY... NAKS! Wed, 28 Oct 2020 08:09:35 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://joelandrada.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-Joel-Jaws-Andrada-32x32.jpg wheretostay Archives - JOEL JAWS ANDRADA https://joelandrada.com/tag/wheretostay/ 32 32 MY FAVORITE HOMESTAY IN SABTANG, BATANES https://joelandrada.com/travel/my-favorite-homestay-in-sabtang-batanes/ https://joelandrada.com/travel/my-favorite-homestay-in-sabtang-batanes/#respond Sun, 11 Nov 2018 13:28:24 +0000 http://joelandrada.com/?p=4890 Your trip to Batanes will not be complete without visiting Sabtang. Sabtang is an island...

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Your trip to Batanes will not be complete without visiting Sabtang. Sabtang is an island municipality located in the southern part of Batanes. From Basco, I had to ride a boat at the San Vicente Port and brave the open seas of the Luzon Strait to get to Sabtang Island.

Click here to see where I stayed in Basco, Batanes.

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Iconic Batanes Tricycle
Thanks to Safetravel Philippines for arranging my trip to Sabtang. I visited the amazing places of interest on the island on board this iconic Batanes tricycle.

Places of interest that I was able to visit on Sabtang Island in Batanes while on board the iconic Batanes Tricycle Tour included:

  • Savidug Barrio
  • Chavayan Barrio
  • Ahaw (Natural Stone Arch) / Morong Beach
  • Chamantad Tinan Viewpoint

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Catching my breath while climbing this Idjang (a triangular-shaped hilltop fortress made from limestone and wood) in Sabtang. There are a total of 4 Idjangs found throughout Batanes. The Ivatan's ancestors used to live in Idjangs some 4000 years ago. Watch the featured video about how I lost my drone in Batanes. Link available in my bio. Follow my page. Don't be a stranger. You might learn something new. #Batanes #Sabtang #travelbloggers #travelblogger #travelblog #travelph #travelphotography #travelphotos #pinoywanderer #wanderer #wanderlust #globetrotter #asianwanderlust #Philippines #digitalnomads #diginomads #pinasmuna #online #content #creator #island #itsmorefuninthephilippines

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Some visitors opt for just a day tour of Sabtang. According to locals, however, it is best to stay overnight so I could maximize my visit. That boat trip to the island, after all, was no joke. Hence, I booked an overnight stay at Neyala’s Homestay located at 071 P. Abarquez Street, Sinakan, Sabtang, Batanes.

From the Sabtang Port, I rode a tricycle arranged by Safetravel Philippines to bring me to Neyala’s Homestay.

Upon check-in, I met Tita Neyala, the matriarch of the Neyala Family. She then escorted me to the room on the second floor.

Neyala's Homestay, Sabtang, Batanes
Traditional Ivatan Clothing on display at the reception of Neyala’s Homestay in Sabtang, Batanes: the vakul is a traditional headdress worn by women farmers in the fields for protection against the sun and rain while Kanayi and talugong (vest and wide-brimmed farmer’s hat) are worn by men.

My room has a double deck and a queen size bed, good for a group of two or three. It has its own toilet and bath and air-conditioning.

Room rates are as follows:

  • Php 1500 per night for three
  • Php 1200 per night for two
  • Php 800 per night for one

For bookings, contact Safetravel Philippines here.

Neyala's Homestay in Sabtang, Batanes
Queen Size Bed. Neyala’s Homestay in Sabtang, Batanes.
Neyala's Homestay in Sabtang, Batanes
Toilet and Bath. Neyala’s Homestay in Sabtang, Batanes

There is a common area where I met fellow backpackers staying in Neyala’s Homestay who flew all the way from Visayas and Mindanao just to visit breathtaking Batanes.

Photo-op with Tita Neyala and fellow backpackers at the dining area of Neyala's Homestay in Sabtang, Batanes
Photo-op with Tita Neyala and fellow backpackers at the dining area of Neyala’s Homestay in Sabtang, Batanes.

Tita also served us Tubho Tea, a traditional tea of the Ivatans popularized in Sabtang. Tubho Tea is made of dried leaves of a fern that grows in moist rocky areas of Batanes forests and mountainsides.

To prepare, add 3 to 5 stalks of the dried tubho to a liter of water and bring to a boil. Continue boiling for about five minutes or until the water turns dark. Best served with lemon or calamansi.

A pack of Tubho Tea is Php 50. For orders, call or text +63-949-1372813 and look for Tita Neyala or her son Francis Neyala.

With Councilor JB Neyala on top of an Idjang in Sabtang, Batanes.
With Councilor JB Neyala (son of Tita Neyala of Neyala’s Homestay) on top of an Idjang in Sabtang, Batanes.

I enjoyed my stay in Sabtang. Thanks to the warm hospitality of the Neyala Family! I will be back and hope to see you again. Dios Mamajes. Signing out for now. Peace!

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]]> https://joelandrada.com/travel/my-favorite-homestay-in-sabtang-batanes/feed/ 0 MY FAVORITE BED AND BREAKFAST IN BATANES https://joelandrada.com/travel/my-favorite-bed-and-breakfast-in-in-batanes/ https://joelandrada.com/travel/my-favorite-bed-and-breakfast-in-in-batanes/#comments Thu, 25 Oct 2018 12:27:50 +0000 http://joelandrada.com/?p=4637 Batanes is an island group province located at the northernmost tip of the Philippines. Undeniably,...

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Batanes is an island group province located at the northernmost tip of the Philippines. Undeniably, Batanes is one of the most sought after places to visit in the Philippines because of its mystifying beauty. In fact, Batanes is the only province in the country that is protected in its entirety, both landscapes and seascapes and was listed in the Tentative List of the Philippines for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

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Batanes is the country’s smallest province in terms of population and land area and is composed of only ten islands. The three largest of which are the only ones inhabited. These are Batan, Itbayat and Sabtang. I was able to visit two, Batan and Sabtang.

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What made my stay in Batanes memorable, more than the picturesque sights, was really the warm welcome that I got from the Ivatans or locals whom I met. Not unknown to many of my friends and followers, I lost my drone on day one to the mighty winds of Batanes during the first and the last time I visited. Because I lost my main video equipment, I was not able to produce a travel video which was the primary reason of my trip. Watch the vlog here.

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The entry point of Batanes by air is Basco, the capital of Batanes. Basco is located in the island of Batan.

Basco, Batanes Welcome Arch
Me at the Basco, Batanes Welcome Arch

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Upon arrival, I met Tita Elda, her son Mitchel Lechuga and family of Safetravel Philippines at the airport and brought me to a quaint bed and breakfast inn in Basco, the Katuvang B&B.

Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
Katuvang B&B is a quaint bed and breakfast inn in Basco, Batanes.

Owned and managed by couple Mike and Edna Acebes, Katuvang B&B offers exquisite accommodation with casual elegance. The couple are pretty much hands on in making sure everything is in place and each guest is taken good care of.

Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes is family-owned. It used to be the ancestral home of Ms. Edna Acebes family.

I woke up in the morning of my first night with Tito Mike tending the front yard and Tita Edna asking me if she should prepare my breakfast already.

Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
Katuvang B&B owners are hands-on in making sure that every guest is taken good care of.

Katuvang B&B is also located near the town center or Basco’s Historic Plaza. On my first morning in Batanes, I went jogging. It felt as if I was in a small town abroad where the only and most convenient means of getting from point A to point B was by walking.

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Jogging muna (naks)

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Below are Katuvang B&B’s room rates:

  • Room with breakfast for 2 persons- Php 2,500 per night
  • Room with breakfast for 3 persons- Php 3,250 per night

Katuvang B&B rooms are comfortably spacious and properly air-conditioned with the option to use the ceiling fan. I loved their linens. The bed also felt luxurious. The room came with complimentary toiletries, extra beddings and breakfast for two. They have rooms ideal for friends and families.

Katuvang B&B Gate
Katuvang B&B Gate
Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
Katuvang B&B foyer
Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
Katuvang B&B Dining Hall
Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
I enjoyed my stay in Katuvang B&B. I felt a warm welcome comparable to family. Thanks to Tito Mike and Tita Edna Acebes
Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
Katubang B&B. My room during my stay in Basco , Batanes.
Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
Katuvang B&B offers luxurious accommodation comparable to that of a five star hotel in the city, I must say.
Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
I especially loved the bed. It felt luxuriously comfortable. I cannot wait to be back!
Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
Katuvang B&B Toilet is so clean and well-kept. They also use top of the line toiletries.
Katuvang B&B in Basco, Batanes
Katuvang B&B owners maintained the Ivatan heritage in the feel and look of the inn.

I enjoyed my stay overall in Batanes. Batanes will always occupy a special place in my heart. To all my friends in Batanes who treated me like family… Dios Mamajes and see you again very soon.

For bookings and inquiries, visit Katuvang B&B’s Facebook Page here or contact Safetravel Philippines here.

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]]> https://joelandrada.com/travel/my-favorite-bed-and-breakfast-in-in-batanes/feed/ 2 SELAH GARDEN HOTEL | ONE OF MY BEST CHOICES FOR STAYCATION IN METRO MANILA https://joelandrada.com/travel/selah-garden-hotel-one-of-my-best-choices-for-staycation-in-metro-manila/ https://joelandrada.com/travel/selah-garden-hotel-one-of-my-best-choices-for-staycation-in-metro-manila/#respond Sat, 20 Oct 2018 07:02:49 +0000 http://joelandrada.com/?p=4826 If you just can’t wait to have that elusive vacation but do not have the...

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If you just can’t wait to have that elusive vacation but do not have the time and budget to go out of town whether alone or with family and friends, then the Selah Garden Hotel in Pasay City could be your best option.

The Selah Garden Hotel, Pasay City
The Selah Garden Hotel, Pasay City

My brother was here two weeks ago on a short nine-day vacation. He is a flight attendant based in the United Arab Emirates. We wanted to maximize his short stay with fun and excitement without having to leave Metro Manila. So the day he arrived, I packed my bags of clothes and shooting equipment and we booked a Grab Car and headed to the Selah Garden Hotel.

I love the Selah Garden Hotel
The Selah Garden Hotel in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

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The Selah Garden Hotel is a boutique hotel near the Makati Business District and various historical landmarks such as Intramuros and Luneta Park. Likewise, the Selah Garden Hotel is accessible to the airport and the Mall of Asia (one of the biggest shopping malls in Asia).

The Selah Garden Hotel
The Selah Garden Hotel is an 83-room boutique hotel located near the Makati Central Business District and historical landmarks such as Intramuros and Luneta in Manila.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed at the lobby by the receptionists with refreshing welcome drinks. Check in time is 2 PM and check out is 12 noon. We stayed in a Flagship Double Room.

The Selah Garden Hotel Infinity Pool
The Selah Garden Hotel Infinity Pool

The Selah Garden Hotel has 83 rooms of varying types that can fit different guest preferences. Below are Selah Garden Hotel’s type of accommodations and corresponding published rates:

  • Flagship Room at Php 3,200 per night for two with breakfast and Php 3,800 per night for three with breakfast
  • Cozy Room at Php 3,800 per night for two with breakfast
  • Fantastic Loft at Php 5,100 per night for four to five occupants with breakfast
  • Fantabulous Loft at Php 6,700 per night for seven occupants with breakfast
  • Fabulous Suite at Php 5,900 per night for five to six occupants
  • Stellar Suite at Php 13,000 per night for ten occupants
  • Bunk Room at Php 800 per occupant per night, good for four, six or eight occupants
  • Clique Room at Php 800 per occupant per night, good for ten occupants
The Selah Garden Hotel Room
The Selah Garden Hotel has 83 rooms of varying types that can fit different guest preferences

Amenities include:

  • Air-conditioned rooms
  • Complimentary wi-fi access
  • Welcome drinks
  • Safety deposit box
  • 24-hour room service
  • TV with cable channels
  • Daily complimentary bottled water per person
  • Hot and cold shower with toiletries set
  • 24-hour elevator service
  • Refrigerator
  • Laundry service upon request

Hotel features include:

  • Function rooms
  • Table Restaurant
  • Spa by Selah
  • Infinity pool
  • Scuba diving course
  • Team-building facilities with high rope activities

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It was a tiring but fruitful day one at the Selah Garden Hotel. My brother and I tried out Selah Garden Hotel’s high-rope activities such as wall climbing, zip line, control descent, Burma Bridge, multivines, Jacob’s Ladder and broken bridge with the other bloggers. We also joined the team building activity arranged by the hotel staff.

The Selah Garden Hotel Zipline
The Selah Garden Hotel offers extreme activities to spice up one’s stay in the urban oasis.

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It was a hot and humid day and the infinity pool was just too tempting. I, however, conserved all the energy I had left and postponed swimming the next day. It was, anyway, going to be a long and fun Karaoke night with the gang as we celebrated our fellow blogger and friend’s birthday at the TLC Room of the Selah Garden Hotel.

The Selah Garden Hotel TLC Function Room
The gang at the spacious and super comfy TLC Function Room of the Selah Garden Hotel to celebrate Lee’s birthday.

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After eating a sumptuous dinner, chugging on some drinks, singing our hearts out and basically had one of the most fun get-together’s we have ever had, we called it a night.

The next day, my brother woke up early and decided to have an early swim. I, on the other hand, slept in and woke up much later.

I had breakfast with some of the not so early birds. After breakfast, I went for a quick swim and met new friends. I also took some aerial shots. I did not fly my drone too high because I am not so at ease flying my drone in the city.

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Overall, my brother and I had a grand time in The Selah Garden Hotel, a quick getaway found right smack in the middle of the city.

For more information, visit The Selah Garden Hotel’s website here.

For booking and inquiries, please contact:

  • Mobile: +63917-9582760, +63925-5111131, +63998-8810864
  • Landline: +632-5111331 or +632-8997080

You may also book via their Facebook Page here.

Signing out for now. Remember to never stop exploring the world one story at a time. Peace!

On the way to Masasa Beach, Tingloy Batangas.
On the way to Masasa Beach, Tingloy Batangas.

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