We had come to know Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center in Tanay, Rizal while watching GMA-7′s morning show Unang Hirit. What caught our fancy was the big Infinity Pool and its thrilling outdoor activities. For our twentieth anniversary, my hubby surprised me with a weekend getaway in this famous resort. Together with our kids and my mother, we will drive from Manila a two-hour trip in getting to the province of Rizal.

Bakasyunan or “vacation place” nestled on top of the hills in a 15-hectare forest facing the picturesque Sierra Madre and Laguna de Bay. Having a cool climate, nature ambiance, and windy morning, this is a perfect place for a family outing, barkada getaway, and venue for a team-building activity.

My hubby wanted to make the most of our getaway so before we proceed to the resort, he brought us to Bulawan Floating Restaurant in Pillilia for a unique dining experience (our lunch) then we visited the Windfarm thereafter. We arrived at Bakasyunan Resort past four in the afternoon.

Prior to our stay, my hubby paid half for the Private Overnight room promo package (Php5,900-promo rate) which is good for 5 persons and with the inclusion of dinner, breakfast, and lunch. But when we arrived at the reception area we were told we were not booked for the said room. We showed them the deposit slip and they apologized for the miscommunication.

Since the Private Overnight rooms were all occupied, we were offered the Poolside Overnight room which was a little higher (Php6,500). We dismissed the initial dismay and paid the remaining balance. We were given the baller as our ticket and were accompanied by a room attendant in getting to our room.

We went down the cliff-side through the flight of steps carrying all our stuff. We passed by a serene and clean community with rows of beautiful rooms that offer a modern feel. Few more steps downhill and there’s the Garden Pool. We took the steps slowly in getting to our room because my mother being a senior citizen had difficulty in going down.

Our Room

The room was small but clean and had a homey feel.  It had two double-sized beds with a small table in between, LED TV, mini-ref and a cabinet. Toilet and bath is basic in design but clean. To our delight, there was an open veranda with a wrought iron table and chairs overlooking the garden area. Perfect spot to sip coffee, for a happy conversation and the best is for relaxation while communing with nature.

But there was no extra mattress as stated in the promo package. There were towels and bathroom tissue but no toiletry. So my hubby and I went back to the reception area and informed them of the situation. Right away, the mattress was sent to the room and we were given two small soaps.

It was tiring going up and down. Anyways, we have to move on and enjoy the day.

We went back to our room and rested for several minutes. Later we dashed into the water and swam to the Infinity Pool, the main attraction of the resort. It was a well-maintained pool with three sections: the ten-foot, the kiddie pool, and the regular pool.

Before it gets dark, we went to the restaurant and ordered our desired menu to be served by 8:00 pm, and set off to the Garden Pool. We immersed our bodies into the Adult pool and Shen, our little girl into the kiddie pool. Since there were only a few people now, we enjoyed every minute of our swim.

Dinner Time

We were glad because dinner was served on time. The meal was prepared exclusively in one table. We chose Family Meal 3 which includes Pork Sinigang, Lumpia, plain rice, and ice tea.

Since it was an open restaurant, it was so relaxing to eat while the cool and gentle wind freely flowed inside. The food was just fine and the service was fast.

We strolled near the Infinity Pool after our dinner. It felt so good walking around as we embraced the nighttime solitude. My mother chose to sit on a bench and watched a movie on the large LED screen while we went back to the restaurant and played billiard.

Later we went back to our room. Everyone wearily went off for a much-needed sleep. 

Good Morning Tanay

We woke up early to catch the sunrise. It was a sight to behold to see a stunning photo of the rays of the sun spilling on the giant chessboard. Quite wonderful right? I just so love it. It was so beautiful and rejuvenating.

We toured the other rooms and cottages then we explored the whole activity area.

Breakfast

We ordered our breakfast ahead of time to skip long waiting. We chose a table near the railing for a better view of the resort’s verdant landscape. Breakfast was the traditional Filipino tapsi meal with coffee for the elders and hot choco for Shen.

The serving of rice was so big. Pao could not afford to finish his second round. Every one of us had big tummies when we left the restaurant. 

We set off to the Garden Pool and immersed our bodies into the water.

By 11:00 am we checked out.

Lunch

We chose Family Meal 5 for our lunch, this includes Pakbet, Roasted Chicken, plain rice, and ice tea. We ate by 12:00 high noon. Pakbet was just okay. The roasted Chicken was so big, it had thick breading.

Bye-bye now

Our stay in the resort was far better if we arrive just in time for check-in. Anyway, the next time we will get back, we will make it early to enjoy more the water fun and we will try their outdoor activities like our favorite zipline, rappelling, and wall climbing.

Every one of us had fun. We sure love to go back in the future.

Notes:

1. Be sure to check your reservation prior to your stay.
2. If you are on a package tour with an inclusion of 3 meals (dinner, breakfast, and lunch) order early so your food will be served on time.
3. Bring mosquito repellent.
4. Toiletry available is small soap only. Bring shampoo and toothpaste.
5. Major credit cards are accepted.
6. No wi-fi facility.

CONTACT INFO:

Tanay Branch

Address: Sitio Balimbing, Brgy. Plaza Aldea, Tanay, Rizal
Telephone Numbers.: (02) 881-4515/(02) 440-8802/(02) 706-4509/(02) 668-8986
Mobile Numbers: 0917-5755120/0917-5755109/099-89942514
Email: www.bakasyunanresorttanay.com

See the direction here:

Zambales Branch

Address: Sitio Lawak, Brgy. Amungan, Iba, Zambales
Mobile Numbers: 0917-5755158/0917-5853293/0998-9942512
Email: www.bakasyunanresort.com

See the direction here:

In getting there through public transportation:

Ride a van in Starmall EDSA in Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong (Php70.00), and alight at Tanay market. Ride a jeep going to Sampaloc and tell the driver to drop you at the resort (Php15.00) or a tricycle (Php150.00-special trip).

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