The Bunk: Kota Beach Resort

The resort was nice, average rates—we went there as a group and they gave us a discount, which was great. Since we were basically kids who just wanted to go around, we settled for their cheapest accommodation, which allowed 3 people in one room for only Php800 (about US$16) per night per room. Although in truth, we really drooled over the nice huts which had all the amenities and was right by the beach. Anyway, we went there to swim, not to sleep in a nice hut :-) The caretakers of the place were great people—really nice customer service. They cooked meals for us, we only had to buy the what we wanted from a nearby market, and they’d do the rest (for a really fair fee). I especially enjoyed lounging near the beach, with a bag of chips and my pen&pad. I was also really delighted when the caretaker agreed to get me some young coconuts, yummy!

Ogtong Cave and Underground Pool

A resort was developed around the Ogtong Cave area. This is a natural underground cave that encloses a pool of brackish water. Natives of the place said that originally, the entrance was narrow but they built an entrance—a flight of concrete steps that give the cave the appearance of being man-made. It’s a wonderful place nontheless, and the buoyancy you will experience in brackish water is not like anything I’ve ever experienced! Aside from this underground pool, the resort has a swimming pool and is itself located by a beautiful beach. So, everyone in the gang just had to pick their choice of water: seawater, “freshwater”, or pool water! Oh, and their fresh mango juice was suuuper!

Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island

This little town has everything you’ll need for a simple and basic existence. Well, actually, they have shops that sell cellphone cards, too, so that’s a little over simple and basic.. :-) Anyway, overall, the town made it very tempting for us to call in sick and stay for a couple weeks more!

Back to Hagnaya

The boat was horrible, the “tourist” accomodation was supposed to be airconditioned but we felt like bread in an oven when we got in. Good thing the company was great, and the whole experience on the island was revitalizing. All that made us oblivious to the shabbiness of the boat.