WE LOVE SUMMER!!! wooohooo.... (Olaf lang ang peg? he he) but yes, that's how we felt about our recent trip down south at Aquaria Beach Resort at Playa Calatagan, Batangas. It is officially our first travel getaway for this year and we had an amazing time at the resort.Since summer is just around the corner (though no official declaration has been made yet) allow me to share with you the reasons why this place is worth your time, effort and visit.
My Little knowledge about AQUARIA
Aquaria is actually a private property but had opened its door to the public in 2013. I think it is one good marketing strategy since Nautilus Condominum buildings will soon to rise at the beach side. Allowing more people to know and experience the resort while its hot is something that attracts potential buyers. We were so glad that we came to see and experience what this place vows to offer - OCEAN, SAND & FAMILY. How I planned for this trip? find out here and continue reading.
Booking a reservation at Aquaria is easy. You can pay at the Resort reception area as walk in guest or via Metrodeal (if they have a promo).
Being a frugal traveler that I am (ha ha) I opted to buy admission tickets online via Metrodeal, one afternoon while I was browsing through the net. Since this trip was long overdue, I didn't have any hesitation to buy right away.
The promotional rates that I caught were as follows:
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| Tickets bought from Metrodeal - Blue Sticker Tickets bought directly at the Reception - Yellow Sticker |
The promotional rates that I caught were as follows:
- Adults: 375.00 Php / If you buy directly at the resort: 400.00 Php
- Children: 199.00 Php / 200 Php
But as of last night I saw their NEW RATES posted on their Facebook Wall. The rates are as follows:
WEEKDAY RATES:
Adult: 500.00
Child: 250.00
WEEKEND RATES:
Adult:700.00
Child:350.00
PEAK SEASON has just begun.....
Admission tickets payment includes a complimentary use of swimming pool and beach and use of showers and change rooms.
Learn from my mistake though...
I was supposed to have a savings of at least fifty one peso but I made a mistake by not printing and double checking the voucher they sent to me upon confirmation so I left with only two vouchers with me when we arrived at the resort. With no wifi and low (mobile) signal at the area I opted to pay for another regular admission fee instead of going back to the town to find a computer rental and print the voucher and that is what... 30 minutes ride and another 30 minutes ride back to the resort. AH a big Oh No..
Lesson learned:
- make sure to check the numbers of voucher being sent from your Metrodeal Account
after the final purchased has been made - ALWAYS.
- Take time to read what's on the confirmation letter and check if the codes are same as with
what you have receive from Metrodeal.
- for any discrepancies or further inquiries call Aquaria office via landline to help you out.
Better make sure every details are correct including your names.
- Also I strongly suggest that you call their office number prior to your day of visit and ask if the resort is open and/or operational on the day of your preferred day tour.
- Also I strongly suggest that you call their office number prior to your day of visit and ask if the resort is open and/or operational on the day of your preferred day tour.
Aquaria has a very strict resort policies.
Reminders!
- never go there or at any beach for that matter, before, during and aftermath of typhoon or storm. Allow to give at least a week or two for the nature to breath again (people to clean the place) so it will provide you a picturesque scenery.
- Expect a crowd during long weekends and holidays. Summer is for everyone so it is up to you if you want to be a part of a huge crowd. I talked to one of Aquaria staff and they mentioned that the resort can get really crowded during summer, but of course something that they can handle gracefully.
HOW TO GET THERE (THE MAP)
Aquaria Beach Resort is about 2.5 to 3 Hours ride away from Manila but if you are looking for some good beach getaways Aquaria deserves your visit.
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| As emailed to us by Aquaria |
If you didn't own one, better to rent a car/driver service especially if you are coming in a group especially if you will be bringing your kids or older person with you. I will tell you now, I won't recommend you to commute going to this place unless of course you wish to to get a little bit more adventurous.
If you will to push through with commuting let me help you still, if you happen to know a terminal of bus, shuttle or public van going Calatagan near your place, better. Then hop on a tricycle coming from the town of Calatagan going to Aquaria but make sure to ask the tricycle driver contact number and request for their service to pick you up in the afternoon an hour earlier before the last trip of the shuttle or buses from the terminal.
CAPTURING THE BEAUTY OF AQUARIA
A guard on his post, the colorful flags around and this sign will welcome you upon entering the vicinity.
We were so excited we didn't have time to pause for a picture ha ha ha... that's me ironing out things at the reception area. We got our wristband tickets and receipts and then the staff directed us the way to the BATH HOUSE.
If you were to use a locker, you need to show the receipt of payment for your rental (as provided in the reception area) and leave at least one valid id before they can issue the key. In case you forgot to bring a bath towel, the resort provides a towel at a cost.
All prep up with our sunscreen protection! Things locked up on the huge locker that was assigned to us and off we go...
Where do we go next?.....
We are ready to explore what Aquaria has to offer...
Our first stop - THE KIDDIE POOL
On our way, we see this standing post near the pool area. At first, I thought it was just a carved stone display, when it is actually a POOL SHOWER. (Pardon my ignorance ha ha, first time ko).
Next leading to the gates are the pool cabanas
CAPTURING THE BEAUTY OF AQUARIA
A guard on his post, the colorful flags around and this sign will welcome you upon entering the vicinity.
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| McKenzie says HI! from Aquaria |
We were so excited we didn't have time to pause for a picture ha ha ha... that's me ironing out things at the reception area. We got our wristband tickets and receipts and then the staff directed us the way to the BATH HOUSE.
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| This is where the locker, wash, bath and shower room is located. |
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| Waiting for our man (daddy) to change for his swimming attire. Separate bath house for Men and Women |
- Make sure to bring the right swimming attire. Aquaria management implements a very strict policies inside the resort.
Where do we go next?.....
We are ready to explore what Aquaria has to offer...
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| This signage helps a lot |
Our first stop - THE KIDDIE POOL
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| Her smile says it all. She couldn't hide her excitement! Yah hoooo... |
On our way, we see this standing post near the pool area. At first, I thought it was just a carved stone display, when it is actually a POOL SHOWER. (Pardon my ignorance ha ha, first time ko).
Next leading to the gates are the pool cabanas
Which you can rent from 1000.00 up to 1500.00 peso each (prices may vary), You can choose to have a medium size or a larger cabanas depending on the size of your group. It has a locker too just below that concrete bench.
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| Pool Cabanas - lovely... |
| It has this soft large pillow or more of like a couch where you can relax your back. More of like a lounge in an island. I just so love those palm trees from this view. |
There were bridges on the pool for an added touch, it made look the waters are free flowing (tricky, see it for yourself). Going forward leading you to the beach is this intricately designed long stretched river pools. They look ultimately gorgeous! isn't it?
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| picturesque pool design |
Then of course you can never shrug off the idea of taking a picture of the whole stretch from top view by taking the stairs towards the giant slides and fountain.
Now time to take a deep and try the waters hehehehe... it is cold... grrrrrrhhh... but it was tolerable :)
The power of three!
We tried every pool (adults and kids pool) that we can as possible and we really had a great time enjoying the coolness of the surrounding (the pool, the vibe and the air ha ha ha).
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| Our little princess enjoying her moment at the lounger |
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| End of pool area.. now time to meet Nature :) |
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| A soccer area behind that fences |
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| The rich color of plants at Aquaria |
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| Ang "bonggang" bonggangvilla (as I call it) |
THE BEACH
We didn't swum at the beach, mostly because it was low tide during the day. The mighty wave of the ocean appeared to us during sunset when we were about to leave so suit ourselves walking and exploring the creamy sand and sea shells around the shore.
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| Sun Kissed....and we love it. |
The cream sand of Playa with scattered sea shells and mini creatures made our walking by the beach moment more fun especially to our little one.
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| Shells and the clear waters |
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| What we saw on the other side, I'm not sure if it is STILTS but it looks exactly like it. |
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| The Restaurant |
THE RESTAURANT
You can order food from them, in case you do not have the capacity to prepare your meals at home (I brought our picnic basket for this trip). If you will be bringing foods inside Aquaria, you have to pay for Corkage fee: 100 Php for Adults and 50 Php for kids. There are available tables and chairs to rent so we chose those instead of cabanas. Rate is 200 Php for one table with 4 chairs. Mind you, the beach area is the designated place for the guest to eat their meals. The beach cabanas as you can see in the picture can also be rented at the same price as the one near the pool.
We spent the whole day coming back in forth the beach and pools. Going around the area until we reached the farthest end. We didn't notice the time and wish we can stay longer but of course we cannot, since the resort is open for day tour only. This was the view we've seen in the last few minutes of our time at Aquaria. We were so blessed to have witnessed the glorious sunset in this paradise and the experience becomes more memorable because I have my husband and my daughter beside me on that Magic Moment. #ToGodbetheGlory
AQUARIA BEACH RESORT
AND BEACH SIDE CONDOMINIUM
Address: Barangay Sta. Ana,
Playa, Calatagan Batangas
Contact No: 553 8888 local 32.
Playa, Calatagan Batangas
Contact No: 553 8888 local 32.