The tenth of May, 2010 was the Presidential Elections in the Philippines. The day was declared a holiday which meant another long weekend for us noncitizens. I decided to go someplace near the metro where I can drive myself to get there and avoid the hassle of public transportation. It was election weekend after all, I did not know if I stand a chance at bus stations with people trying to go home to their respective hometowns to exercise their right to vote.
Like I always do before heading out for a trip, I scrounge the interwebs for good deals in good locations. I came across Les Caraibes Resort while Googling for batangas resorts kayak. I realised not all resorts have their own kayaks for rent hence the search phrase. A day in the beach is never complete without kayaking. Of all the establishments in the area, Les Caraibes was the only one that did not publish their rates. It only had a friendly writeup on you can contact them to work out how they can give you the best value for your money depending on the season. The other resorts started at 4500php that does not include the compulsory in-house meal package, which starts at 500 per head per night. I sent a text message to the mobile number listed on the website and within minutes, I got a call. The smallest room they have can fit eight people and cost 3500php. Just add 300php for your own bathroom with a hot shower and air conditioner. They have their own bar and restaurant that allows the flexibility of paying as you order, no set meals whatsoever. They have kayaks for rent at 200php per hour.
From Quezon City, I took C5 to get to South Luzon Expressway. I left home at nine in the morning, forty minutes later, I was at Exit 50, Batangas, Lucena, Legaspi, the second to the last exit of the expressway. I tried to take the Santa Rosa Exit on the way to a different resort in the same area before and ended up getting so lost and wasting an hour trying to get back on the right track to STAR Tollway. I thought there was a way to get there via the said exit but I was dead wrong. I have learned from that terrible ordeal and recognised the very comprehensive and detailed directions on the resort’s website. In two hours from home sweet home, I was in home away from home.
The huge room for eight was set up to accommodate me on solo flight. There was a queen-size bed to the right of the glass sliding doors, a night tiki night table, a wardrobe, a shower/toilet and a separate room for a sink for washing your face and brushing your teeth. It had a fiberglass roof and pebblewash floor which I found really cute. After dropping my stuff off, I headed for the bar. Cocktails range from 130 – 150php and are made with local spirits. Imported spirits go for 95php per shot. Local beer starts at 40php. I had a pina colada for 130php and proceeded to my usual drink: vodka and lemon soda. I have learned my lesson with cocktails and have gotten into the habit of ordering a shot of vodka and a can of soda separately. I do not like being under the sun during midday, the skin is the biggest organ of the human body, mess with it and you will be messed up for life. I waited it out at the bar. They also have picnic huts by the shore that are free for guests.
I decided to go for a swim around two in the afternoon. I could not wait any longer. The sand was so white and the water was so clear, it was simply enticing. The waves were pretty aggressive so I decided to go kayaking. I never learned how to swim with my head above the water despite being in the beach every weekend when I was a little girl until I was old enough to say I was no longer a little girl. Kayaking was the only way I can be as far out in the water as I want to be without drowning. I paddled into the horizon until the resort looked like a scale model. I paddled into the part of the beach that extended to the other resorts. It only made me realise I made the perfect choice with Les Caraibes. The waves were so intense, there were times I did not even have to paddle. God bless kayaks. The trickier part was trying to get back to shore. The waves threw the kayak over my head as I descended. I ended up sitting on an inflated rubber ring I got from one of the vendors right outside the gate of the resort for 100php. I sat on it and watched the sun set, behind the beautiful gray skies. I started to prune so I went for a shower before a meal at the restaurant.
I ordered the vegetarian pizza and the arrabiata pasta. I thought I died and went to heaven. The pizza, for 320php, averagely sized but was overflowing with big pieces of eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, capers and grated cheese. The pasta was just as yummy. I did not see a single Visa or Mastercard sign anywhere so I had to ask if they accept credit cards. With the good food and the good bar, I knew I was going to ring up a huge tab. As I guessed, they only accept cash. I did not remember any mention of it on the website but for a place so nice, I did not mind. The owner said their application for the POS is pending and they will have it in a couple of months if I decide to come back. The nearest atm was in San Juan which was a thirty-minute drive from the place. I took my keys and headed for the road at ten o’clock in the evening. There are two rural banks along the main road of the municipal hall and I suspected that they will not be able to cater to my card so I had to ask around for a major bank. Locals were helpful enough to point me to the right direction. With dough in hand, I swiftly drove back to the resort for more vodka now that I can pay for it.
When I got back to the bar, I learned that the entire place is open 24/7. You can have a drink, a dish, or go for a swim anytime you wish. After a couple of shots, I went for another swim. The water was so clear, it made me so glad I did not have to fly down farther down south of the country for such a beautiful beach. I am a huge fan of night swimming. They have lifeguards all day to watch over swimmers. I had enough alcohol in me to tolerate the cold water and I swam to my heart’s content. I did not care that I was starting to prune, the water was just too nice. I did not leave until I thought I had been in too long. As I headed back to my room, I realised it was one of the best nights of my life.