Burdeos, Polilio Island - Day 2

Day 2:  Tricycle travel to Burdeos Town. Island hopping.

We took a 30-min tricycle from Isla Polillo Beach Resort back to the Polillo town proper. From the town, we hired 2 tricycle that will bring us to Burdeos town.  Burdeos is another town that is part of the Polilio Island. The travel time was estimated to be 2 hours.  

We met Neil Conchada but known as "Bronco" by the people around the town. Tel no. (63-907) 438.94.06 He gave us a lot of information on Polilio Island.  We actually hired one of his tricycle to bring us to Burdeos.  Each tricycle Php800.00 maximum load of 4 persons.  Though we prefer to rent a jeep which is Php1,500.  Though later we learned that it should only be Php500-Php600 per tricycle rental.

We stayed in KUYA BONNS lodging. Wherein its being run by "Tita Edita" (63-912-611-3739).  She is the only lodging for rent in Burdeos Town. I can't believe our lodging was only Php100.00/head. Though don't expect anything. The lodge is very basic. Bed, pillow, blanket, thin mattress, wooden bed,  mosquito net. There is 1 comfort room shared by everyone lodging in the area.  ofcourse, no hot water nor running showers.

Tita Edita's bakery. Located next street. Php10.00 per pack

After bringing down our stuffs, lunch at Tita Edita's lodge, we took the tricycle to the Burdeos Port, which is 10 mins away from the lodge. Tricycle is Php8.00/head or Php40.00/tricycle for a special trip.

Now... the island adventure starts, we headed to Anilon Island. Anilon Island is comparable to Boracay's sand. Its still virgin and undeveloped. Only a handful of residents are living there.  

We only got to visit Anilon island as we started out after lunch. We fell in love with Anilon Island and spent the entire afternoon there.

Since its Black Saturday, we were able to observe the procession. Though we missed that morning procession, Wherein locals practice the traditional passion of Christ. Locals would  volunteer go through the act of letting their backs be whipped.

After dinner, we had our courtesy visit with the Mayor Gil Establesida. Wherein his house is right beside our lodging. The Mayor wants to preserve their their town and islands as much as possible. They don't want to be like Boracay, wherein it became too commercialized.

 

Things I learned about Burdeous Town

• Burdeos is one of the 3 municipalities in the island of Polilio.
• "Burdeos" was derived from the French priest who was assigned in the church during the 1940s/50s. They found the church has a bell with 'Bordeaux" text.
• Population is around 23,000. 
• Since population is small, they are related or at least connected to each other
• Mode of living is fishing, rice farming and copra buyer
• There is a "Barangay Farm Association" with 32 members who are promoting organic rice farming. No fertilizer. They have around 50 kinds of seeds. You can buy Php120/kilo of red or brown rice. They also produce the black rice (anti-cancer)
• There are at a lot of virgin white-sand islands, sand bars which are considered as undiscovered getaways. 
• There is also a "Maputing Bato" cave in Brgy Aluyon. Which is 2-hour trek from the Burdeous town

• Minasawa Island "bird sanctuary" is near Panukulan Island. Another jump off can be from Agta island. For those who wants to see birds, its best to go super early in the morning.

fishing

organic farming

copra

there is no market, they sell by going from house-to-house

The carabao. The animal who plays an important role for the farmers

at the end of the day, they put the rice grains on sacks. If its not yet dried, they lay it out again the next day.

HOW TO GET TO AND FROM BURDEOS

• Jeepney ride from Polillo port to Burdeos town - Php140.00/head. Jeepney departs at 10:00 am

• Jeepney ride from Burdeos town to Polillo town or Polillo port - Php140.00/head. Jeepney departs at 1:00 am.

• Rent a jeepney from Burdeos to pick you up in  Polillo town and bring you to Burdeos town. Contact Mang Enong Hernandez (63-907) 341.9844. Jeepney fee is Php1,500.00

• Rent a tricycle from Polillo town. Contact Neil "Bronco" Conchada "Bronco" (63-907) 438.94.06. Tricycle fee is Php800.00. Try to haggle it down to Php500.00-Php600.00

• If island-hopping is the itinerary, its best that you go directly to Burdeos Town.  From Real, Quezon port, ride the boat heading to "Barangay Anawan". The fare is also around Php150.00.  From Brgy Anawan, take a 30 minutes jeepney ride to Burdeos town. Jeepney fare is Php120.00.  Just ask around the schedules of departure. You can contact Tita Edita (Bonn's lodging) for guidance.

Day 2 expenses- Php1,083.00: Breakfast at Isla Polillo Resort Php135/head + Tricycle from Resort to town Php50/head (Php250.00 for 4 pax) + tricycle to Burdeos town Php400.00/head (Php800/trike) + Banca ride Php250/head (Php1,000 for half day) + tricycle to lodging Php8/head (Php40/trike) + lodging Php100.00/head + Php120/head lunch and dinner at Bonns lodge + bread snacks Php20

Date of trip: April 21 to April 24, 2011

You can view the rest of the photos on in my picasaweb album.

Polilio Island, Quezon - Day 1

This 2011 Holy Week, I had no plans of going for a holiday. Apparently Monday came and my friends' informed me that I am welcome to join them in their trip to Polilio Island, Quezon.  I said where is that? She just said we will have a 3-hour drive then 3-hour boat ride. Whoa, that's quite a long travel then it must be something to discover. Go! Am in!  

POLILIO ISLAND is group of islands, comprised of twenty-seven islands and islets belonging to five municipalities, namely: Polillo, Burdeos and Panukulan, which occupy the mainland, and the two island municipalities of Patnanungan and Jomalig.  

One should not be confused between "Polilio" and "Polillo". Polillo is one of the municipalities in the Polilio, while the Polilio is the name of the whole island itself.  reference www.polilioisland.com

Day 1: 3-hour road travel from Manila to Real, Quezon. 3-hour boat ride from Real, Quezon to Polilio Island.

How to get to Polilio Island:
At 7:00 am I met them at the Petron, C5. From Petron C5, we traveled by car and took the route of Taguig C6 to Taytay, Rizal.  C6 is the new highway around Laguna de Bay.  After 20 minutes, we reached Taytay, Rizal. To pick up another friend. *there are road signs going to Taytay, less chances of getting lost.  From Taytay, Rizal (Manila East Road). We traveled passing National Road, Binangonan Rizal then Cardona, Rizal then Morong, Rizal then Pililia, Rizal then Angono, Rizal then Mabitac, Laguna then Famy, Laguna, then Siniloan, Laguna and then Real, Quezon.  Headed directly to the Port. Parked our car at the "Flying V" gasoline station (fee of Php200.00)

We bought our terminal fee Php10.00 each at the "PASSENGER TERMINAL" lounge. Then waited for the boat going to Polillo port, in Polilio island. 

Since we have to kill time, we had our lunch at the nearest carinderia.

Ginataang Tambakol (tuna) Php35.00

Finally after waiting for 4 hours.... 2:00 pm, we boarded the boat. Boat fee is at Php150.00/head (This is unusual, its mainly because at lot of locals are going home for the holy week)

They have boats that leaves as early as 5:00 am then at 10:00 am. They said they have a total of 6 boats.  We reached Polillo port, Polilio Island at 4:50 pm (3 hours).

We had advance reservations at the Isla Polillo Beach Resort www.islapolilloresort.com -- this is the only resort my friend found on the internet. The resort is another 30-minutes tricycle ride (est 7 kms) from the Port/Town proper. Tricycle fee is Php250/trike or Php50/head. 

Good thing I was able to take photos as the sun sets down.

Isla Polillo Beach Resort
Brgy Bocao, Polillo, Polilio Island, Quezon
Contact numbers: (63-2) 920.29.03, (63-928) 382.78.33
Tita Pine (63-918.252.79.74  (the manager/care taker of the resort)

Email: nerazauladds@yahoo.com
www.islapolilloresort.com

Non air-conditioned Room. Php1,500 for 4 pax

Air-Conditioned Rooms. Php2,500 for 4 pax

Isla Polillo Beach Resort is recommendable for tavelers who wants to laze around and relax. Just to stay in the resort most of the time. The resort is complete with its amenities: beach, swimming pool, basketball court, ping pong table, karaoke, etc.  But for travelers who aims to travel around the islands, its best that you get a lodging at the town proper or directly head to where your destination is.

A photo with Tita Pines

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Since we were able to talk to the locals and walk around, we discovered there are other lodgings in Polillo town proper.

• Sea Horse Hotel - Tel No. (63-42) 634.28.59; (63-999) 406.64.17 - Baby.  This is 5 mins walking distance to the Port area. 

Room rates: Php1,200 single, Php2,400 double. Their beds are queen size beds.  

They are not strict on the number of occupants in the room.  But asking for extra bed is Php200.00 each

• Casa Escarlata Hotel - Tel No. (63-42) 314.82.08. Email: casaescarlata1@gmail.com. This is also located in the town proper. I wasn't able to see where exactly is this located. JP Rizal Street, Poblacion, Polillo, Quezon.

•  House for Rent at Mabini Street - Tel No. (63-948) 224.5343, (63-910) 321.4304 Nonong.  The house has 3 bedrooms, 3 CRs, rent is inclusive of breakfast

Day 1 expenses - Php805.00/head:   car gas (sponsored), Php70.00 lunch + Php10.00 terminal fee + Php150.00 boat fare + Tricycle Php50/head (Php300/tricycle) + Php150.00 dinner + Php375/head non-aircon lodging (Php1,500/room, max of 4 pax) 

Budget Accommodation around Makati City

I always here people asking where is the CHEAPEST / ECONOMICAL lodging that you can find around Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. This is to help adventurers / backpackers. I myself when I travel, I also look for the most economical lodging I can find.  Since I am just in transit and practically out the whole day, one just needs the most basic bed & bath with the least possible cost.

Please don't quote me on the lodgings listed below. I am not recommending all the lodgings below. These are basically the cheap lodgings that I read over the internet or personally seen and passed by.

So, for those who experienced any of the lodgings below, feel free to post your comments.

â  YMCA HOSTEL (MAKATI)

http://www.ymcaofmakati.com/hostel.html

#7 Sacred Heart Street San Antonio Village Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel No.: (632) 899-6379, (632) 403-6492

*photo from YMCA website

Telefax: (632) 899-6097

Email: info@ymcaofmakati.com

Room Rates: 

Dormitory       : Php400

Single Room without TV: Php 800

Single Room    : Php900

Twin Room     : Php1,100

Deluxe Room   : Php1,450 

*photo from YMCA website

Triple Room    : Php1,650

Suite Room     : Php1,650 

Additional Person Php300

Amenities:

·      Air-conditioned rooms

·      With private toilet and bath

·      Cable T.V.

YMCA Hostel (Makati) is usually fully-booked. It is advised that you book at least 1 week in advance. This lodging is beside a Roman Catholic Church. A ride away to reach the Ayala Malls (Glorietta /Greenbelt). This area is less busy compared to the Makati Avenue district.

â  PENSIONNE VIRGINIA

http://www.geocities.ws/pensionne_virginia/
#816 Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), San Lorenzo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila Philippines

Tel No: (632) 844-4626, 844-5228, 843-2546, 893-3230

photo from www.tomrich.sakura.ne.jp

Fax No: (632) 893-2243

E-mail: pensionnevirginia@yahoo.com

Room Rates: Deluxe and Suite

Single   : Php1,150 / Php1,500

Double  : Php1,700 / Php2,050

Extra person : Php550

Amenities:

·      Air-conditioned rooms

·      With private toilet and bath

·      Suite rooms have T.V.

·      WIFI available at the lobby

Pesionne Virginia is walking distance to the Ayala Malls (Glorietta and Greenbelt)

â  DURBAN STREET INN

http:www.durbaninn.com

#4875 Durban Street corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines Call

Tel No.: (632)897-1866 to 68, (63921) 255-2072

Email: Info@durbaninn.com, hoteldurban@yahoo.com

Room Rates:

Outside Bathroom: Php1,100

Own Bathroom: Php1,300 / Php1,500 / Php1,700

Amenities:

·      Air-conditioned rooms

·      With private toilet and bath. Towels. Toiletries. Hot and cold shower

·      Cable TV

·      Refrigerator

·      Telephone (free local calls)

·      WIFI internet access

Durban Street Inn is a modern filipino style of lodging. I was actually impressed. Though their website needs a major overhaul. I actually recommend this lodging. It’s walking distance to the main Makati Avenue, near to A.Venue suites where the restaurants and bars are located.

â  MAKATI APARTELLE

http://www.makatiapartelle.com

#4411 Montojo Street, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. (Near Chino Roces Ave. and Kalayaan Avenue. Near Shopwise Makati and the Philippine Daily Inquirer Building)

Tel No. : (632) 8974219, (632) 8965879, (63) 9189267852

Email: makatiapartelle@gmail.com; makatiapartelle@yahoo.com

Room Rates:

Single or Double: Php985

Amenities: 

·      Air-conditioned rooms

·      With private toilet and bath. Toiletries. Hot and cold shower

·      21″ cable TV

·      Refrigerator

·      Living and dining room sets

·      Electric fans

·      Electric kettle, kitchen utensils and chinaware

·      Telephone that provides free calls within Metro Manila

·      Electronic security vault/safe

·      WIFI connection (free in all rooms and at all floor lobbies)

Additional Amenities that is available upon request:

·      One-burner electric stove:  Php100/day

·      Extra bed with pillows/linens:  Php200/day

·      Extra person rate: Php 400/pax/day in excess of 2 pax

Makati Apartelle seems to have the most value-for-money. They are located a bit far from the popular malls. Surroundings is mostly offices and residential. They don’t accept credit cards.

â  ROBELLE HOUSE

http://www.robellehouse.net

 #4402 Valdez Street, Makati Avenue, Makati City.

Tel No.:(632) 899-8209, (632) 899-8061, (63928) 524-8342

Photo from www.robellehouse.net

Fax No.: (632) 899-8064

Email: robelle.house@yahoo.com

Room Rates:  Single / Double

Value rooms (bathroom sharing): Php895 / Php1,110

Standard rooms: P1,335 / Double:  P1,560

Semi Suite: Php1,625

Suite Room (3 persons): Php1,850

Extra Bed: Php250

Extra Person: Php250

Extra Hour: Php100

Children under 10 stay for free with adults

Amenities:

·      Air-conditioned rooms

·      With private toilet and bath. Towels. Hot and cold shower

·      Cable TV

·      Lounge chairs and table

·      Thermos for hot or cold water

·      Free WIFI Internet service at the Bar and Lounge areas.

·      WIFI internet access in the front desk and poolside

·      Swimming pool: 6 am to 10 pm

Robelle House’s location is in the side streets of the Makati Avenue district. I was able to see whats inside. It’s an old quaint house converted to lodging. It gives you the Filipino-Spanish surroundings. There is another lodging next street, Full Moon House.

â  OUR MELTING POT

http://www.ourmeltingpot.hostel.com/

http://ourmeltingpotbackpackers.blogspot.com

Unit 18-N and O, A.Venue Suites, #7829 Makati Avenue cor. General Luna St., Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel No.: (632) 659-5443, (63932) 950-0255, (63917) 832-8539

Email: ourmeltingpotbackpackers@gmail.com

Room rates:

7-bed mixed dorm Rate: Php800

2 persons room: Php1,500

Amenities:

·      Air-conditioned common room

·      Free internet access

·      Inclusive of breakfast and welcome drink

·      Guest kitchen

·      Swimming Pool

*photo from Lonely Planet

·      Cable TV

·      Pool Table

·      Security Lockers

·      Refrigerator

·      Ceiling Fan

·      Iron/Ironing Board

This is targeting the backpackers. Since it’s a room with double-deck beds. You can check their website on how the room looks like.

*photo from Lonely Planet

â  CLIPPER HOTEL

http://www.theclipperhotel.com

#5766 Ebro Street, P. Burgos, Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel No.: (632) 890-8577, (632) 756-0939

Room rates:

Sleeping Cabin (good for 1 person): Php1,100

Standard Superior (single) Php1,690

Additional person: Php500

Amenities:

·      Air-conditioned rooms

·      Cable TV

·      WIFI connection

·      100% cotton duvets

Clipper Hotel is walking distance to Rockwell Mall, Makati City

â  SIMCAS APARTELLE AND TOURIST INN

#5048 P. Burgos Street, Brgy. Poblacion Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel No. (632) 890.4040, (632) 895-8075

Fax No. (632) 897-3197

Email: simcas.apartelle@yahoo.com

Room rates:

Small        Php1,200

Big studio Php1,500

Bedroom with living room  Php1,800

Amenities:

·      Air-conditioned rooms

·      With private toilet and bath. Towels.

·      Cable TV

·      Refrigerator

·      WIFI access (all floor lobbies/rooms)

Additional Amenities that is available upon request with extra charge:

·      One-burner electric stove

·      Extra bed with pillows/linens

â  HOTEL INWANGSAW

http://www.hotelinwangsan.com

#8299 Anza Street, Bel-Air corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel No.: (632) 899-9548, (632) 895-3688, (63918) 949-8284

Email: na2000eyo@hanmail.net or 951950@hanmail.net

Room Rates: Inclusive of breakfast

2 pax Room: Php1,500  / Php1,700 

3 pax Room: Php2,000

4 pax Room: Php3,000

     Amenities:

·      Air-conditioned rooms 

·      With private toilet and bath  (includes toiletries)

·      Refrigerator

·      Cable T.V.

Hotel Inwangsaw is located at the start of Makati Avenue, near Jupiter Street.  This seems to be a convenient area within Makati Avenue.

*Just a warning. Makati Avenue is surrounded by Night Bars. Be careful where you go and who you talk to.

* this map may be useful to know where the lodgings are located http://tomrich.sakura.ne.jp/makatimapdata/