Alta Vista de Boracay

Right after the 2Go Travel ship docked at Caticlan port, we immediately proceeded to our resort. For the 1st time out of my 4 trips to Boracay, this is the first time I will be staying away from the White Beach. Yes, away from where the action is (and away from the crowd). Well, I just wanted to experience a different Boracay this time around. 

Alta Vista de Boracay

We arrived in the resort way ahead of the standard check in time but the employees were kind enough to accommodate us immediately. Aside from us, we found groups of Korean who were also processing their check in. This seemed good. Good tourism = more jobs.

spacious lobby of Alta Vista

welcome refreshments

While waiting for our reservation to be validated, we roamed around the beautiful pool area. The infinity pool is really gorgeous. The view is stunning and relaxing. I'm not a fan of pools, but this one's really tempting.

the gorgeous infinity pool

elevated pool

Not more than 5 minutes after, we were informed that our room is ready. How nice! It's just around 8am and we can already check in. By the way, I read in TripAdvisor that you can request for rooms which are nearest the lobby, so I did. Tamad akong maglakad. =)

I was surprised to see a lot of rooms in this resort. There are actually around 500 rooms. Wow, andami. No wonder, Koreans prefer to stay here because Alta Vista can accommodate all of them! Haha

500 hotel rooms in Alta Vista, probably this is Boracay's largest resort

Each building is named after the highest peaks of the world. Though the resort has lots of room, the whole area is extremely quiet and peaceful. The staff never failed to greet the guests each time they passed by.

Hymettus, just a few walk away from the lobby

The staff assisted us to our room on the 2nd floor. The room is very spacious. It can actually accommodate 4 people comfortably. This deluxe room has its own veranda with a wonderful view.

deluxe room at Alta Vista

spacious and pleasant looking

1 day bed and 2 king sized beds

ultra soft and comfy king sized beds and lots pillows

writing desk / mini-office area

with tv, fridge, microwave oven, and complete dining utensils

clean and spacious bathroom

with toiletries and fresh towels

bathroom with tub

And of course, have I told you that our room has a beautiful view in the veranda?

our room has its own veranda

side view from the veranda

viewing deck at Alta Vista

Our room already gave us a relaxing weekend getaway. But of course, the pool also delighted us big time.

There are 2 pools in Alta Vista- the ever gorgeous infinity pool and the jacuzzi area. Though the resort has lots of guests, I never felt that the resort is crowded. The pool area had very few guests in it.

Alta Vista pools

not crowded at all

jacuzzi

infinity pool

lakas maka-Marina Bay Sands

So far this the most beautiful resort I've stayed in Boracay. =)

The only downside of Alta Vista is that the resort doesn't have direct access to the beach. Great news is that Alta Vista offers free shuttle trips to D'Mall and their own private beach in Puka.

Puka Beach

This is our first time in Puka Beach. From the main White Beach, this is accessible by riding a tricycle, for around P150. Alta Vista guests can request to transport here, for free! Lovely!

i still ♥ boracay

he ♥ boracay too

The sand may not be very fine but I really appreciated that Puka beach didn't have seaweeds on the shore. There were not so many people too compared to the White Beach. Na-shock ako sa dami ng tao sa White Beach. Im not used to see a crowded beach.

lovely Puka Beach

we highly recommend Puka Beach for a more peaceful Boracay experience

For the shuttle trips to and from D'Mall and Puka Beach and everything else, our stay in Alta Vista was more than a delight. It's sulit!

also see: 

Boracay in Just 1 Day

My P5,000 Boracay Trip

Alta Vista de Boracay

http://www.altavistadeboracay.com.ph/

Yapak, Boracay Island, Philippines  

Alta Vista Room Rates: Deluxe Room P4,499  |  Loft  P5,499

For reservations (Manila line): +632-403-2672

2Go - Travel by Sea to Boracay

Having lived in the crowded mainland of Manila, I never really had the chance to travel by sea. Well of course, riding those improvised boat whenever it floods is an exception. ^_^

I've been wanting to travel by sea but the airlines offer competitive rates that made the airfare and seafare almost the same. Not to mention the long journey time on the ship that could bore me. Gladly I heard about 2Go Superferry's fleet. The ads showcased how fun it is to travel by sea and instantly I knew I had to experience that. It's finally my chance to ride a big ship.

2Go Travel - Batangas to Boracay

The Route: 2Go offers several trips from Manila. The destination I chose is Boracay. It's been 3 years since I last saw the paradise island. Anyway, travel time from Batangas to Boracay is 10 hours. Sounds uncool because of the long journey ride, but what the heck, this 2Go ship looks fabulous compared to the old and boring RoRo ships.

2Go Tickets: Free! Thank you teh Nicole, a former employee of 2Go/Negros Navigation para sa pagtupad ng pangarap kong makasakay ng barko. *teary-eyed*. Anyway, you can book your 2Go tickets on their website or at any 2Go shops.

wee, 2Go gift certificates!

Last March 8, Friday - my housemate and I both filed half days leaves in the office for this 2Go night trip to Boracay. Since the ship is scheduled to leave at 8pm, we agreed to left Manila before the dreaded Friday rush hour takes place. We left C5-Taguig at 5pm and we reached Batangas Port just 1.5 hours after. Honestly, we could have left later but we're worried about the parking area. Gladly, we found out that Park 'N Sail in Batangas Port has a number of parking slots.

parking at Batangas Port

Hey look, we got a 2Go priority parking slot!

bye Leila, see you in 2 days!

parking fee for 2 nights - P322 (ang mahal! hehe)

We left the car and proceeded to the terminal. Since it's both our first time to ride a ship, we just watched the other passengers on what to do and where to go next. Hehe I always love the feeling of being a newbie! Anyway, the boarding process is smooth and easy.

2Go Boarding Gate

While Remay and I were having a chat, a lady looked at my toes and suggested a pedicure for me. Ang harsh! haha

ang harsh mo teh ^_^

As early as 7:30pm, the employees opened the gate and announced that they were ready to accept guests. Im not sure why everyone immediately lined up. Relaks guys, may seat/bed number naman ang tickets so why rush?

We were delighted as we board the 2Go Superferry ship. Actually the ship is not new, but it is repainted and maintained. The staff are the best. They are very well trained, very courteous, and very
accommodating. Para silang flight attendants which wear smiles all throughout.

the lobby of 2Go ship

magenta is the color!

everyone's enjoying the ride

infernes, the ships looks very photogenic!

The crew assisted us to our accommodation. This pathway leads to the Tourist, Cabin, and State rooms.

Cabin and State rooms

Okay, newbies talaga kami. Our accommodation type is Tourist. We didn't know that we could stay anywhere we want. Kaya pala nag-uunahan sila. Toinks. Nonetheless, there were not so many passengers that night. We didn't have a hard time looking for a spot to settle.

Tourist Accommodation

with aircon and tv

Tourist is an aircon type accommodation. There is a bed and a pillow but there are no linen and pillow case. You still have to rent them for a minimal price. Since the area is spacious, this is just perfect for families and big groups. Shared bathrooms are located on the rear end. Infernes, the bathrooms are clean, but not really maintained. It gets dirty after a few hours. Hehe

perstaymers sa barko!

We checked the upper deck and found the Super Value type of accommodation. Most foreigners prefer to stay here because the air comes from the ocean breeze. I think this is already comfortable enough, specially the air is refreshing at night.

Super Value

non-aircon / upper deck

Meals are usually included but for more options, there is a canteen on the upper deck which serves good yet affordable meals.

Horizon Cafe

a meal costs P115, already includes drinks

Since we were dying to experience the Cabin accommodation, we registered ourselves in the front desk and made a reservation of ever we can avail of an upgrade. The upgrade rate from Tourist to Cabin costs P250. The upgrade rate from Tourist to State Room is P800. Well, a cabin will do for us. Luckily, our names are paged right after the ship started to sail.

welcome to our Cabin Room

room for 4, with sockets, tv, private bathroom

This is fabulous! For just P250 each, we had our own space and own bathroom! Unlike the Tourist, our beds have comfy linens, fleece blankets, pillowcases, and our own window separator for privacy. Lovely!

finally, pwede na magcharge! hihi

clean bathroom with mirror

with hot and cold shower

I really recommend this Cabin accommodation. Honestly, we didn't realize we already arrived in Boracay because we had a very good sleep. Sadly on our way home, we did't get lucky enough to avail of an upgrade. Nakakastress ang magbyahe sa umaga na maingay lahat ng tao.

2Go Review: For me, this is a must try. I loved how smooth the trip was. Walang hilo at all. The staff are the most friendly and most helpful. This is a good alternative way to travel, specially when you avail 2Go promo fares. Very good option for barkadas and company outing!

now it's more fun to travel by sea

where 2Go next? ^_^

2Go website: http://travel.2go.com.ph

Schedule: departs Batangas at 9:00 pm; arrives in Boracay at 7:00 am

departs Boracay  at 8:00 am; arrives in Batangas at 7:00 pm

2Go ticket prices: Tourist P900. Super Value P800