Category Archives: ATV

Albay, Albay Gulf, Amphitheater, ATV, Bacacay, Bicol, Cagraray Island, Giant Clams, Intro Diving, Legazpi, MArine Sanctuary, Misibis Bay Resort, Segway, Snorkeling, Sula Channel

What To Do in Misibis Bay? (Part 3)

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If you find land and water sports extreme, don’t fret because Misibis Bay Resort and Casino has something for you to get you busy (or laid-back) throughout your stay. This is my third installment on the things that you can do while on a holiday at the country’s luxury island playground.

1. Lounge by the Pool

While there is a long queue for the Hobie Cat or it is too sunny yet to hop on a luge ride, you can just laze by any of the pool lounges at the resort. My favorite is the one  near the  restaurant (the infinity pool). You can just sunbathe here, read a book or enjoy refreshing cocktails by the pool bar.

The pool bar

There is also a pool near our villa with plush daybeds for your ultimate me-time. You can just enjoy below-zero beer here with some pica-pica. I remember I have photo of myself at this same spot when it was still being constructed. It was pouring back then, so we had to stop the ocular and used this structure as our “built in umbrella”.

The pool at the back of our villa

And there’s also a small pool near Sitio recreation center. Although this one is near the construction site of the proposed Sea View rooms which will house some of the delegates of an international conference in 2015.

The pool near Sitio
2. Billiards, Foosball, Darts and Beer
 At the Sitio recreation center, you can enjoy a round of billiards with your friends or families while having some booze by the bar. Or, if Foosball is your thing, grab a partner and enjoy it there, too! Darts? No problem. They have it! Even table tennis. 

3. Kids Can Play

There is also a playroom for your kiddos. Here, they can enjoy playing fun activities, educational toys, and even computer games.

4. Videoke Time

This is my favourite nook at Sitio. Here, you can sing your lungs out at a minimum consumable price that already includes drinks and pica pica. The videoke room is so huge that your group can even dance to the beat of 80’s music or play your own version of the X-Factor.

5. Beach Bumming

If you want to stay near the 1km private beach, there are beach beds and nipa huts there where you can just sunbathe. The sand might not  be as white as Boracay’s or Palawan’s, but one thing’s for sure, the views will keep you busy and you will forget you ever wanted a whiter one. The water is so clean, too! The breakwater helped a lot in controlling the waves. When I was in Misibis in 2008, it was only the left  side that has the small rocky breakwater. Now, the entire cove faces a long breakwater. So, please, please, try the stand up paddle surfing, here. There’re no waves!!!

By the beach

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Misibis Bay
Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay Province, Bicol Region, Philippines
T:(63 52) 487 1540 / C: (63917) 599 1590 F:(63 52) 487 1540
Manila Sales and Reservations Office
1108 Tektite West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange, Exchange Road,
Ortigas Center,1605 Pasig City, Phillippines
T: (63 2) 661 8888     F: (63 2) 470 3607     E: reservations@misibisbay.com 
Legazpi Office
Hotel Venezia
Renaissance Gardens, Washington Drive, 
Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines
T: (63 52) 481.0888
———————————————
Special thanks to Misibis Bay Resort and Casino’s 
General Manager, Mr. Ian Mayer Varona and 
Revenue Manager, Ms. Cherry Rodriguez
Albay, Albay Gulf, Amphitheater, ATV, Bacacay, Bicol, Cagraray Island, Giant Clams, Intro Diving, Legazpi, MArine Sanctuary, Misibis Bay Resort, Segway, Snorkeling, Sula Channel

What To Do in Misibis Bay? (Part 2)

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Our first and last day in Misibis Bay Resort and Casino was filled with exhilarating land actitivies. For our second day, we prepared ourselves to get wet and wild with the resort’s myriad water sports on offer. Again, many of these activities were our firsts.

1. Hobie Cat Sailing

Best time to go: Early morning or in the afternoon when the wind is not at its worst. During lunch time, the wind tends to be calm so it is impossible to sail by this time

Added Value: You will be able to have a view of the beach from afar. This is the best alternative to jetskiing if you find the latter expensive

It was our first time to sail on a hobie cat and the experience was worth a try. At first we thought it was a relaxed activity, but then when the wind started blowing hard, I almost thought we were going to capsize. The guide said that sometimes, when the wind is really strong and they couldn’t control it, the hobie cat turns upside down. So, when the rain started to pour and the wind blew harder, our guide decided to go back to the shore. But it was a fun experience, nonetheless.

Before braving the wind

 2. Kayaking

Best time to go: Anytime of the day

Added value: For those who want a non-extraneous activity, kayaking is the best option. Paddle through the calm waters of Misibis Bay and enjoy the views of Sorsogon.

While waiting for our turn on the hobie cat, we decided to go kayaking first. It was a good warm up as it is a good exercise for the arms and the upper body. So, if you are engaging in other water sports, try to find time to go kayaking first.

Paddle time

 3. Stand Up and Sit Down Paddle Surfing

Best time to go: Anytime of the day

Added value: At Misibis, the water is calm and steady always because it has the breakwater. So it isn’t difficult to balance yourself on the board. 

When we were in Sumilon two years ago, hubby tried stand up paddle surfing. The waves back then were a bit strong, so it was hard to balance and I did not dare try it. When I saw the calm waters of Misibis Bay, I said this time I can do this! So I asked the guide to teach me how to stand up on the board and the next thing I knew was I was already paddling far from the shore, at around 10 feet! Yey! Achievement!

Stand Up Paddle Surfing

 And when I realized I was already paddling too far, I paddled back to the shore and sat down at the board. It was fun paddling while sitting too!!!

Sit Down Paddle Surfing

4. Wind Surfing

Best time to go: In the afternoon when the wind blows perfectly
Added value: The guide is part of the Philippine Team for wind surfing and had won awards in different competitions. Need I say more?

Okay, you guessed it right. I did not dare try wind surfing. I am not really into balancing, much more into balancing while trying to figure out the direction of the wind. So hubby tried it and he was so lucky to have a guide who is part of the Philippine team. Hands up to the guide… he really knows his craft! But hubby tried it and fell three times. That’s it. More practice needed!

Curious what wind surfing is? According to Wikipedia:

Windsurfing is a surface water sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing. It consists of a board usually 2 to 3 metres long, with a volume of about 60 to 250 liters, powered by wind on a sail. The rig is connected to the board by a free-rotating universal joint and consists of a mast, 2-sided boom and sail. The sail area generally ranges from 2.5 m2 to 12 m2 depending on the conditions, the skill of the sailor and the type of windsurfing being undertaken.

Wind surfing

 5. Jet Ski

Best time to go: anytime of the day
Added value: It’s fun to cruise the waters as if you are just driving a motorcycle

It was also our first time to cruise on a jet ski, so we were both excited and thrilled. We went outside the breakwater, circle around in front of the site where sea view rooms are being built and back again. It was fun and easy to maneuver that even some of the elderly guests at the resort went on a jet ski to explore the calm seas!

First time to jet ski
6. Snorkeling
Best time to go: Mornings at around 9:00 am up to lunch time when it is still low tide. Water can get hazy during high tide

Added value: You don’t have to ride a boat and challenge yourself going down and up the boat to go to the marine sanctuary. A golf cart will bring you at the marina and a sturdy ladder serves as your gateway to the surreal underwater scene in Misibis.
En route the marina

The turtle rock near the marina

On this side of the marina was where the TV5 series “Misibis Bay” was filmed by my TV production and scriptwriting professor, Ms. Faye Martel.

A private cove at the marina

The old dock

 The marine sanctuary has three divisions: 10 ft, 15 ft and 20 ft. The deepest has the giant clams garden while the other two is home to a variety of species like batfish, lapu-lapu and a lot more! There were so many!

Hubby and I enjoying feeding the fishes

Corals at 10 feet

A small giant clam at 10 feet

 Jomel, our tour guide during the city and Segway tours was also our snorkeling guide. All around! He was so patient to show us where the nice fishes are and he even got these two starfish for photo op.

Meet Jomel, our guide

7. Introductory Diving

Best time to go: Mornings when the water is still calm
Added value: You will be able to see the giant clams up close!

When the guest services officer said we can try intro diving, we were more than happy to oblige. It was our first time to do this so we were so excited. So the divemaster was already waiting for us at the marina when we arrived. he gave us a short briefing on hand signals, breathing and other basic info on intro diving. Hubby was the first to try it and he said its kinda harder than what we initially thought of. While he was doing his thing, I said I’d snorkel first. So, when it was my time to try diving, I was kinda tired already from swimming with the underwater creatures. It turned out that I couldn’t breathe properly through the mouthpiece. After several trials, I surrendered. Perhaps, I am not ready yet. But hopefully, next time, I’ll be able to conquer my fear and do this eventually! I’d really like to try going down the water!!!

The cove where the TV5 series “Misibis Bay” was filmed
Up next: More activities that you can do within Misibis Bay.
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Misibis Bay
Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay Province, Bicol Region, Philippines
T:(63 52) 487 1540 / C: (63917) 599 1590 F:(63 52) 487 1540
Manila Sales and Reservations Office
1108 Tektite West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange, Exchange Road,
Ortigas Center,1605 Pasig City, Phillippines
T: (63 2) 661 8888     F: (63 2) 470 3607     E: reservations@misibisbay.com 
Legazpi Office
Hotel Venezia
Renaissance Gardens, Washington Drive, 
Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines
T: (63 52) 481.0888
———————————————
Special thanks to Misibis Bay Resort and Casino’s 
General Manager, Mr. Ian Mayer Varona and 
Revenue Manager, Ms. Cherry Rodriguez
Albay, Albay Gulf, Amphitheater, ATV, Bacacay, Bicol, Cagraray Eco Enegry Park, Cagraray Island, High Ropes, Legazpi, Luge, Misibis Bay Resort, Segway, Sula Channel, Zip Line

What To Do in Misibis Bay? (Part 1)

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Once a sleepy island, Cagraray is now home to a luxury island playground, the Misibis Bay Resort and Casino. The resort is perched at the southern tip  of Cagraray Island in the town of Bacacay in Albay, about an hour away from Legazpi City. My first chance to see this island destination was in 2008 when it was still under construction. I must admit that I underestimated this resort back then. In my mind I thought, what other activities could they offer in this lone resort? And isn’t it too expensive? For the price, some would have thought of going to El Nido or Batanes instead.

Then, when I got the chance to visit the resort again this year, I was amazed at how the resort had bloomed into a world-class destination. The facilities are of international standards, the staff are well-trained and are always courteous. There is a long roster of activities that guests can enjoy. Indeed, it has given justice to its tagline “Your Luxury Island Playground.” 

Upon arrival, a guest services officer gave us a suggested itinerary which we gladly followed throughout our stay. Let me share with you the myriad of things you can do in Misibis. Believe me, majority of these activities we did for the first time.

1. Segway Tour

Best time to go: Mornings or afternoons when the heat of the sun is not at its peak (unless you don’t   mind getting tanned head on). Do this on your first day.

Added value: You’ll be able to circle the entire resort and know the key places like the restaurant, swimming pools, recreation center, water sports hub, etc. while enjoying the ride. This will save you some “legwork” during your stay as you will know your way around already. Btw, the resort does not provide a resort map.

Okay, I don’t know how to ride the bicycle…nor do I know how to even stand on roller blades. Anything that requires balancing, count me out. So, imagine my apprehension when I learned that I would be standing on a two-wheeled thing and roam around the resort. But Jomel, our patient and ever motivating guide, said there would be no need to balance, and it’s easier than a bicycle, and that even Kris Aquino was able to do it.. There, he got me there. We geared up and listened to his short orientation before we finally stepped on our Segway –  a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered electric vehicle invented by Dean Kamen.

I was too nervous at first, but when I got the hang of it, I actually enjoyed the tour. Jomel knew where to stop for nice photo ops, and he would drag my Segway each time we go up high curves. Kudos!

We went around the resort taking photos in between. Jomel brought us to Zac Efron’s beachfront villa as well as had a glimpse of the water sports center by the beach. We also went around the new phase of the resort where Garden View rooms are located. It was like a small subdivision with chic rooms and a promising landscape. Finally, we went to the marina where snorkeling and introductory diving are done. It was our last stop before going back to the Sitio – the resort’s recreation center.

Around the Garden View phase

2. Zip Line and High Ropes

Best time to go: Afternoons are better so that you can enjoy the sunset by the Amphitheater before going back to the resort. The Cagraray Eco Energy Park is open in the morning from 8:00 to 10:30 am, and in the afternoon at 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

Added Value: Enjoy the views of the Sula Channel from the top!

The entrance to the Eco Energy Park

The Cagraray Eco Energy Park is a a project of the Eco-Trail Foundation Society, Inc. in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its divisions: Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and Philippine Forest Corporation (PFC), and field offices: Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO); and the Municipal Government of Bacacay, Albay. The park is just a few meters away from Misibis Bay Resort and Casino. Locals and walk-in tourists can also go here for a minimal entrance fee of Php 25, plus applicable fees on the different attractions like the zip line, luge, high ropes, swimming pool, etc.

The basic zip line (200 meters) and the high ropes course are within the same area. There is an advance zip line area which runs at 400 meters but we were not able to check that out. I was almost convinced that I’d try the basic zip line when I saw the stairs at the high ropes (see below). My fear of heights won me over, so it was only hubby who were able to try the basic zip line. What a pity!

High Ropes Course

According to our guide, the controversial Maja Salvador, Gerald Anderson and friends had included this high ropes course as one of their activities during their team building at Misibis Bay. It looks easy, but I am 100% sure I wouldn’t finish the course so I passed on this.

Meanwhile, hubby was gearing up and getting ready for his first zip line experience. He said it was scary at first but since it wasn’t too long and too high, it wasn’t that difficult at all. Promise, I’ll do this next time I go back to Misibis!

Zip Line Launch Site

3. Luge

Best time to go: Afternoon or as long as it is not raining
Added value: Be one of the first to experience an exhilarating ride at Asia’s longest luge track

The end of the basic zip line is where the starting point of the luge ride is. Luge is the newest addition to the eco parks roster of activities. It is the longest luge track in Asia, beating Sentosa’s 688-meter dragon trail at 700 meters!

It was a fast and furious experience for us. Again, it was our first time to ride the luge as we did not try this in Singapore when we went there. It was super fun to glide on the curves of the hills!

Down the hill on a luge ride

Faster this time

4. Swimming at the Eco Energy Park

Best time to go: Morning ’til before sunset!

For those who wants to have a dip after the adrenaline-packed activities at the Eco Energy Park, you can do so at the swimming pool just a few steps away from the luge landing point. The pool is also open to the locals and walk-in guests, so for those who are trying to find an alternative to Misibis Bay Resort and Casino, you can go camping at the eco park, have a dip in the pool and engage in fun activities available. Although, the Misibis experience is something you should really splurge on, believe me. It’s worth the hefty price.

The pool at the Cagraray Eco Energy Park

The hanging bridge that leads to the pool at the eco park

5. ATV to the hilltop

Best time to go: Sunrise. Be ready to wake up at 4:00 am for your 5:00 am ATV tour. Worth it, promise!

Added value: Have coffee while watching the sunrise at the hilltop

The reception area at dawn

We woke up at around 4:30 am, got ready, called the guest service officer and waited at the Spice Market restaurant for our ATV guide. It was pouring a bit so we had to wait a little for the rain to subside.We were so game to get wet and wild anyway, so we said we don’t mind the rain. The guide was happy to oblige.

The poolside at 4:30 am

We went out of the resort to get our buggies, and while waiting for our guest service officer, our guide taught us how to operate the ATV. It was hubby who’d drive the ATV since it was our first time to do this and I didn’t want to mess up the tour just because I don’t know how to drive or am too scared to pass by the rocky hills. Okay, I was just getting paranoid.

Trying the small buggy

We listened to the briefing and practiced driving at the Garden View area before we finally said we’re ready. The guide said our trail is about 6 kilometers, passing through concrete, rocky and muddy terrains. Well, that’s what ATV’s are for, right? =)

Our scenic ride started just when the skies began to lighten. It was a breezy day and felt like we were hacienderos roaming around our hacienda.

Our guest service officer infront of us, while our guide was on our tail carefully monitoring us

See where we came from?

Then, there was the rocky terrain that tested hubby’s patience! Since it rained the night before, the road was slippery and we were advised to slow down a bit. It was one hell of a nerve-wracking super fun ride!!!

Rocky road ahead

And just before we reached the hilltop, we passed by a steep, muddy and wet cliff! I was so happy I wasn’t driving the ATV alone, hehe!

We reached the hilltop just in time for sunrise. The views from the hilltop is priceless!

Our guide prepared our coffee and bread while we were taking photos. He said guests can actually have breakfast here on a clear day (for a fee, of course!) I could just imagine how romantic would that be — sunrise breakfast with a view of the Albay Gulf and the nearby islands. I highly recommend the sunrise ATV tour as it will let guests appreciate not only the resort but the natural wonders around it.

With buggies by the sunrise
On a clear day, too, the Mayon volcano is visible from the other side of the hilltop view deck. Oh well, Mayon was so shy to show up. 

The other side of the hilltop

A breakfast place like no other

After enjoying the view and having coffee at the view deck. we asked our guide if we could visit the Stella Maris chapel and the amphitheater since we were not able to see these after our zip line and luge tour because it rained big time.

Stella Maris Chapel
The Stella Maris chapel was created mainly because there have been a lot of weddings being hosted at Misibis Bay. The chapel is lined with windows and walls that provide a nice view of the Cagraray land- and seascape. 

Inside the chapel

Our next stop was another view deck that commands a fantastic view of islands and islets dotting the Albay Gulf. It has the feel of a view deck in Tagaytay.

The nearby islands and islets

Our last stop was the amphitheater, a signature photo op background for those who have been to Misibis Bay. The guide said this was where Amazing Race had a pit stop, as well as where a few famous socialites had their private parties. The view was awe-inspiring at daylight but could turn more romantic at sunset. So, after your zip line and luge ride in the afternoon, make sure to pass by the amphitheater to watch how the dark skies add a dramatic feel to this picturesque site.

The Amphitheater

The amphitheater is backdropped by a small fishing village, thus colorful boats are visible especially at day time.

The fishing village

These are just half of the things that you can enjoy in Misibis. Up next, I’ll share our water sports experience.
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Misibis Bay
Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay Province, Bicol Region, Philippines
T:(63 52) 487 1540 / C: (63917) 599 1590 F:(63 52) 487 1540
Manila Sales and Reservations Office
1108 Tektite West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange, Exchange Road,
Ortigas Center,1605 Pasig City, Phillippines
T: (63 2) 661 8888     F: (63 2) 470 3607     E: reservations@misibisbay.com 
Legazpi Office
Hotel Venezia
Renaissance Gardens, Washington Drive, 
Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines
T: (63 52) 481.0888
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Special thanks to Misibis Bay Resort and Casino’s 
General Manager, Mr. Ian Mayer Varona and 
Revenue Manager, Ms. Cherry Rodriguez