Saturday, October 15, 2016

25 - The "Bay" of Tranquility: Misibis

Looking for a serene, quiet place where you can bask under the sun, enjoy great food and doze off your birthday weekend at? This lovely paradise located in Albay, Bicol is the perfect place to be!

It was one April night when I was looking at Cebu Pacific's seat sale when Lea and I impulsively decided to book for Legazpi on her birthday weekend. We got our seats for around 2k each, roundtrip and with baggage allowance. While I was very excited about the city tour (Mayon, sili ice cream, foodtrip) Lea was persistent that we go to Misibis Bay instead. I didn't even have the slightest idea about Misibis Bay at all so I looked it up on the internet and man, the place screams luxury. It is a 5-star, private island resort that boasts world class facilities and offers exhilarating activities. We ended up booking a room through buying vouchers at Deal Grocer (which by the way, offers "slightly" cheaper deals). We got ours at P10k for two nights. (Before you squeal "mahaaaal!", continue reading on as to why I still think it was all worth it).

So this is how it went, when we arrived in Legazpi, we availed a city tour with the only Kuya (Kuya Dhoy) that has a booth at the airport offering vans and tours - I still have his contact number in case you're interested! Our first stop was the Cagsawa Church Ruins. The Mayon was a sight to behold! (despite it being covered with clouds most of the time). There were "photographers" there who would offer you their service. They will use your camera and instruct you on how to pose so the photos will look like these:







pursuing serious bff goals here
Our next stop was the pasalubong center where we bought bottled/preserved bicol express, chili paste, pili nuts etc. The products were a lot cheaper as compared to the limited array being sold at the airport.

Next is Daraga Church where Lea paid her respects and prayers since it's her 25th birthday the following day! The Mayon is breath-takingly beautiful from where we stood.







And the most essential part of the trip ---- foodie!!! Hello Bicol delicacies! <3 We had our lunch at Balay Cena Una:

We thought the resto was closed because the door's not open. But that's just how it really is.


Bicol Express!!!

Medyo dramatic pose
Really loved the food, and the interiors!

We also stopped by the 1st Colonial Grill to try the sili and pili ice cream! Yummm! <3


We skipped the part of the tour where we're supposed to go to this famous mall in Bicol whose name I've already forgotten. Really should've written this blog the soonest we got home! Anyway, we're now off to the paradise that is Misibis, which is an hour away from the city!

Tip: if you do not have cash then go withdraw from the atm before going to the resort. Also, buy chips/noodles whatever. Misibis is kinda secluded -- thus the peace.

What greeted us was the warm smiles from the staff, free drinks & a free picture - which we got when we checked out!


Can you believe that we dozed off after this? Haha! We were supposed to tour the resort grounds but we ended up sleeping until dinnertime. What we had for dinner was this Adobo sa Suka which I really loved, and their original style breaded chicken. The servings were actually good for 3-4pax. 







Misibis at night

Then morning came

This is how our second day went, first - we admired the beauty that is Misibis (please see photo above).


then we had our breakfast buffet which costs P750 per head. That's some serious bacon lovin' <3

Bae-con you my bae

 Then we changed into our swimming attire and basked under the sun:


This view. A good book. Iced-cold beer. And your best girl.
Gotta love the bean bags

Next, we availed of the water sports activities. There's a lot to choose from --- snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, scuba diving! I opted for scuba diving which is around P1,900 for a 15-minute dive.

giant clam

holding Patrick while looking for Nemo... and Dory!

Things I've learned so far:

1) One is not allowed to dive if she has a flight during the next 12-24 hours.
2) It's mind over matter. The sea is a scary, beautiful place that holds many wonders. 
3) Adventure doesn't need to be expensive BUT there are experiences that would require you to shell out some $$$. So save save save and go on an adventure - even once in your life!
4) Happiness doubles when shared! Travel with your bff!



We had pizza for merienda at the hotel's resto, then went out for the eco-park tour for P150 each. Too bad the park activities were already closed since it's late in the PM so we only had our photo ops:

All the world's a stage

Next, we had our birthday buffet dinner back at the hotel! Lea ate a kilo (or two) of crabs! Lol 


The staff sang her a happy birthday and gave her a cake. Thank you Misibis for a wonderful surprise!


The next day, we had our breakfast and left for the airport. Overall, it was a fun and relaxing experience! We were never guilty about dozing off (and eating) most of the time. I know a lot of you would comment that it was an expensive trip (and I have to agree with you guys) but having experienced it all, I'd say it was all worth it. I haven't found a place that balances perfectly between calm and adventure. Leaving the following day, I can only wish that we could stay even for just one more day!

Here's the website fyr:
http://www.misibisbay.com/

A run-down of our expenses:

Airfare - est. P4k (for 2 pax with 15kg allowance from Legazpi to MNL)
City Tour - P2,500
Balay Cena Una lunch - est. P1,500 (includes 4 dishes and three rice -- Kuya ate with us)
Hotel accommodation - P10k for 2 nights (exc. of breakfast and airport transfer)
Breakfast Buffet at Misibis Bay - P750 per head
Dinner Buffet at Misibis Bay - P850 per head
Airport Transfer c/o Misibis Bay - P600 per head