Phaidon Beach Resort: Exclusivity and Unlimited Beach Bumming Experience

Phaidon Beach Resort - beach front area

Part of our Antique-Boracay tour is a beach bumming session at Phaidon Beach Resort. After falling in love with Malumpati Spring, we were in awe upon seeing the bright and exclusive beachfront area of Phaidon Beach Resort. When we arrived, we paid an entrance fee of PHP 60 per person, and this includes the rental for the cottage. 


The owner said that Phaidon Beach Resort is the other side of Boracay. I surely agree with her because we had the beach all to ourselves --- no stressful crowd, no boats on the shore and no noisy parties. The peaceful, serene water was just awaiting visitors to plunge in. Of course, the sand is more beautiful in Boracay, but sand at Phaidon Beach Resort is still comparable to it. The water was so clear as if calling you to swim the moment you arrive. As soon as we enter the resort, we dropped off our things at the cottage and immediately ran off to swim in the enticing beach. 

clear, calm water but beware of sea urchins

Due to our excitement that we were the only ones on the beach, we didn't notice sea urchins lurking in the water. We found one and another and another....they were all just right in front of Phaidon Beach Resort. So, we walked a bit to a vacant property which was said to be owned by Loren Legarda. We also had fun joking around and sharing laughter while doing "photo shoot" sessions. 

Here's a list of what I love about Phaidon Beach Resort:

1. It was not crowded.
2. The place was squeaky clean.
3. It was cozy.
4. We ordered instant coffee priced at PHP 35 per cup, which is reasonable enough (for me).
5. We had the opportunity to take a peek in one of their rooms, and it was nice with a welcoming atmosphere and very clean. 

What I think needs improvement would be:

1. The sea urchins are everywhere. This is due to the fishermen who are on the other side of the property, and they unintentionally bring in the sea urchins as they catch fishes.
2. The lounge area at the beachfront area can be used but charged with a rental fee. I didn't ask for the price anymore. It was just disappointing because if you were a guest for a more extended stay, you'd have to rent the lounge area. That's a bit disappointing.
3. They didn't want us to enter the comfort room after swimming on the beach. It was indirectly implied because the staff kept on pointing out that there was a hose for washing our feet instead of going inside the comfort room.
4. The location of the resort is quite far from the city proper. So, if you want to go someplace, you'll have to rent out their van or have a tricycle rented out for touring around Pandan. 

cottage 1

cottage 2

cottage in front of the resort

veranda

restaurant

lounge area (for rent)

Overall, I find Phaidon Beach Resort a very private and close to a perfect beach bumming escape away from the noisy crowd of Boracay. Another twist in your Visayas region tour. I'd give it a rating of 3.5 out of 5. :)

fishermen in the nearby property

fresh catch

pulling the net

children collecting shells for their dinner

beautiful sunset at Phaidon Beach Resort

Antique-Boracay Escapade

Finally, I can update my blog after an unforgettable backpacker's trip with my office friends. Last April 18 to 21, we experienced our much-awaited trip to Boracay. Initially, we were only aiming to set foot at Boracay but, one of our colleagues volunteered to tour us around her hometown since she will be going on vacation on the same dates. So, our Boracay escapade was upgraded into Antique-Boracay route. Here are the details of our tour. . .


Day 00 - April 18 (Friday)

At 5pm right on the dot, we all stepped out of our offices and headed to Batangas port to make it on time for the 9pm departure. However, due to the large volume of 2go passengers, our ETD was delayed, and we were able to leave the port at around past 10pm (I cannot remember exactly). It was my second time to ride 2go, but I was shocked that couples, families, group of students and all sorts of people filled up the waiting area at Batangas port. The good thing about sailing during summer is that the sea was calmer as compared to sailing to Boracay way back November 2012. Our tickets were priced at PHP 2000, round trip Batangas-Caticlan-Batangas with tourist accommodation plus one (1) complimentary meal. Linens and beddings at the vessel were also free provided that you have a valid ID. Otherwise, you'll have to deposit PHP 100. 


Day 01 - April 19 (Friday)

Between 7am to 8am, we finally arrived at Caticlan port. We were supposed to take the CERES Bus Liner going to Pandan, Antique but we opted to rent out a van since we were a group of 10. So, the van rental from Caticlan port to Pandan Antique cost us Php 100 per person. Unfortunately, the van didn't have a functional aircon so, we got a bit frustrated because the temperature this summer season seems to be the hottest, ever! But, the lovely view, serene surroundings and fresh air compensated for our disappointment. After 30-45 minutes, we finally arrived at Ms. Marnie's (our host) place in Pandan, Antique. 

After eating breakfast, we geared up for our first stop which is the Malumpati Spring (check out another blog entry here). Known for its very cool flowing waters, Malumpati Spring can be considered a haven for tourists who are looking for a different Visayan escapade. We rented out a cottage which was less than a Php 100 and paid for the entrance fee which was Php 10 per person. After the sumptuous lunch prepared by Ms. Marnie's caretakers, everybody dipped into the cold refreshing water of Malumpati Spring Resort. We were able to try out the balsa for Php 50 per hour rental fee. According to Ms. Marnie, the Malumpati Spring has been featured in several local travel shows. We were lucky to have witnessed its beauty before everybody else flocks there once the place becomes very popular and commercialized. 

Next stop is at Phaidon Beach Resort. It took us about 30 minutes of travel time from Malumpati Spring to the beach resort. Since we only visited the resort for swimming at the beach and cottage rental, we paid Php 60 per person for the entrance fee. They say that it was the other side of Boracay because the place is quite exclusive and no stressful crowd. We had a beautiful beach all to ourselves. 


Day 02 - April 20 (Saturday)

We got up early in the morning to finally visit the ever famous tourist attraction, Boracay. Ms. Marnie referred us to her friend who had two available rooms in his house that can accommodate all ten of us. It was not a beach front property, but it was nearby the church and plaza and 2-minute walking distance to the beach at Station 1. It cost us Php 4000 for the two rooms, overnight stay. Very cheap, but it was literally a room --- with beds that can fit in 5 people for each room, air-condition and that's it. 

It was my 3rd time to visit Boracay, but I consider every experience unique because it was with different groups/friends. So, we took the usual routine of lounging on the beach, visited D' Talipapa for cheap souvenir finds, seafood shopping and "paluto." Food was more affordable this way than eat at fancy restaurants by the beach, considering that we have a limited budget. So meal allotment per person did not exceed Php 300 (paluto plus the seafood that we bought).

At night, we witnessed a beach party courtesy of the Nestea Beach Volley Tournament. People flocked in the area near Station 1 but, after some time we finally doze off in our little room to recharge for our 6am departure at Caticlan port.


Day 03 - April 21 (Sunday)

Our ETD from Caticlan port was 6am but, again it was delayed, and we left between 9am to 10am. We arrived at Batangas port around 8pm and off we went to our respective homes. 

More details of our Antique and Boracay escapade in additional blog entries....