Paradise that is Amanpulo

It was a regular working day. A fax came in. It was handed to me and it says that our supplier is giving us two seats to AMANfreakingPULO. When I read the news, I couldn't believe my eyes. I was dumbfounded and, of course, was in seventh heaven, but I acted cool and nonchalant. ;p

I heard about Amanpulo a number of times already. In most stories that I heard, this luxury resort has captivated big Hollywood stars like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, and the list goes on. They say that it is the ultimate paradise in the Philippines that the rich, the famous, and dollar-earning foreigners (LOL) visit. The price tag attached to Amanpulo stories? Whooping half a million. #circa2008 Myth or not, exaggerated or not, all I know is that Amanpulo is super-exclusive and quite expensive of an island to stay on. It never crossed my mind that I will ever go to Amanpulo, NOT EVEN IN MY DREAMS.

The best part, whenever I get overwhelming perks like this, is always the part where I get a word from God. It is sheer joy to see a verse come to life − to savor it and bask on it for the rest of your life. When I went to Amanpulo, it was Ephesians 3:20 at work. Amanpulo and our whole experience in this paradise was DIVINE!! It was over the top! I coincidentally even spent my 24th birthday in this paradise.♥ ♥ ♥ Just reminiscing about it gives me shivers and I thank God with tears in my heart every single time I am reminded of this (even now as I write this post, huhu). God is always extra good and extra, extra generous. :') *smitten to the hilt*

Amanpulo is absolutely picturesque. It felt as though we had the whole island to ourselves that we were able to take postcard perfect photos sans annoying passers-by. Let me first share our Amanpulo photos and tell stories about them at the end of this post 'coz photo sharing need not be interrupted. ;'p

Amanpulo has its own airport lounge. We were served refreshments and snacks while waiting. We flew from Manila to Amanpulo Pamalican Island (approximately an hour) via chartered plane −a 19-seater Dornier plane. *insert my nagmamaganda, nagmamayaman face here, lols* 

I knew my brother and I will be having one ~spoiled vacation~ when I saw golf carts and waving (yes, waving) chauffeurs lined up −waiting for our arrival− as we land. We walked down the red carpet and they gave each of us a garland. Our guest assistant, who surprisingly knew our names already, gave us a tour around the island and handed to us our keys.
We stayed in a charming and generously spaced treetop casita. A personal letter, welcome drinks, and fruits awaited us. The room had an iPod dock, espresso coffee machine with various coffee shots, TV, DVD player, a mini ref, an outdoor deck, and wi-fi connection *hihi*. The bathroom was huge. There was a bathtub, shower room, and toilet room. My brother and I had separate cabinets, drawers, toiletries, and even had our separate washbasins. They clean our room 2-3x a day. It's totally insane that we always go back to a squeaky-clean room!
We drove our own buggy (golf cart) to get around the big island. We were astounded to find new mineral water bottles and fresh towels every time we go back to our buggy. How do they manage to sneak those in?!! They would even reverse our carts when we parked facing a wall or bush. #NinjaMoves
We went to the gym everyday where the glass windows are floor-to-ceiling high, so you can just imagine how serene our view was while we worked out. (naks, work out! lol)
We also availed our complimentary steam bath daily.
The steam room was amazing!!! It was so big that there was a cold pool in the room and had an outdoor deck. Best part? We had it to ourselves to enjoy.
We went inside Aman Spa to check the price list. *haha* A regular manicure costs 2,200 pesos. A regular pedicure costs 4,000 pesos. A 60-minute signature massage costs 5,500 pesos. A 60-minute facial? 6,500 pesos. A 60-minute hair spa? 3,000 pesos. #kthanksbye
The service and all the amenities were impeccable. There's ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to complain about. You get what you pay for. I'm just not sure if I'll still say this if we paid for everything! ;'p
Some of the activities that we tried were stargazing, snorkeling and fish-feeding, and pawikan chasing. The boat has a top deck and has an amazing view of the island.
There are other complimentary activities which we haven't tried such as stretch and relax class, pilates, tennis, and marine sport activities such as windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking. We also were not able to request for bikes. :( Biking around would have been a good exercise.
They also have this Filipino merienda set up at the Club House during afternoons, but we always miss it since it just goes for an hour or less.
After every adventure-filled day, they would surprise us with jar of munchies such as pastillas de leche, fruits, nuts, and other Filipino delicacies placed on our beds. Ben would devour them quickly. *haha* There are other more sweet surprises during our entire stay. Everything was too detailed and personalized. We had complimentary straw hats and a native bayong bag which I used in the island.
The in-flight guide had Philippine and Manila history. The casitas are actually modelled after the Philippine bahay kubo dwellings. Everything about the island is very Filipino which is awesome knowing that many foreigners go to this island.
Amanpulo presented our history and culture with head held high. #ProudFilipino
If there's anything they must improve on, it's their food. There was nothing to go gaga for. A tapa meal costs 600-800 pesos, but I've tasted better tapas. I enjoyed our first dinner and our last lunch. Generally though, I think the food was average, far from excellent.
Now to the beach... the beach was HEAVENLY!!! It was a looooong stretch of white sand beach and has turquoise aquamarine calm waters. It was breathlessly beautiful.♥ ♥ ♥
I would admit, though, that I find Coron's marine life more beautiful, diverse, and you wouldn't even have to spend 5% or even less of what you will in Amanpulo. Even other dealers that have gone to to El Nido (I haven't yet!! boo!), said that the food and the diversity it offers make it better.
But I guess Amanpulo is more than just going to the best beach. It's about the peace, privacy, and luxurious amenities and service. After all, it's not everyday (or not even once a decade!) that you get to experience and enjoy such luxury. As well, not everyone, not even 95% of the Philippine population is given the chance and the luxury to grace this nagmamagandang island in the Philippines. haha!
These are the things that I remember and will forever treasure in my heart. Amanpulo sure do stands to its name. Aman in Sanskrit means peace and pulo in Tagalog means island. It was definitely a peaceful island. :)

WHEN: April 27-29, 2013

WHERE: Amanpulo Pamalican Island (an island in Palawan, Philippines)

Amanpulo website: http://www.amanresorts.com/amanpulo/home.aspx

*Almost all photos are mine. Except for the four photos I nabbed from Imman. :)

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LAKBAY NORTE: Paraiso ni Anton, Agua Grande, Patapat Viaduct, Kabigan Falls, Saud Beach

We went to Ilocos last last weekend. In four days time, we were able to set foot on most places we planned on visiting. I spent almost a day on the road. 7 hours from Pampanga to Candon where I met my friend and her friends. 4 hours from Candon to Laoag where we called it a night (lodging fail, though! Dang those stubborn bed bugs!). Lastly, 2 hours from Laoag to Burgos where we stayed for three days and two nights. Staying at Burgos was strategically planned since our most sought-after spots are situated there.

Parents slightly did repugn on this trip since we already went there. I told them that I badly want to see Kapurpurawan, Kaangrian (which we weren't able to), Tanap Avis (fail!! will talk about this more in a separate entry), and to visit sand dunes and try sand boarding (wasn't able to, as well) this time. But hey, as if they had a choice not to permit me. Haha! It was in 2004 when we conquered Ilocos for crying out loud.

It was early Saturday when we started nailing the itinerary. Locals who accompanied us suggested that we go start from the farthest point to nearest point. It was not the initial plan. We were disappointed by the mishmash, but everything turned out way way better. Thanks to them, we saved a lot of time, money, and effort. So, off we went to the farthest point of Pagudpud via 2 tricycles.

Java Hotel.
They say this hotel gets featured often.

We stopped by at Paraiso ni Anton (Paradise of Anton) first which is about 2 hour ride from Burgos. I thought that we're heading to a beach. I was surprised to see that this paradise they call is just a mini waterfalls which is said to gush out miraculous water. It was the farthest, but was the most boring of all. We just had our picture taken here. There were numerous tourists and even bus load of people getting water from it or simply just speculating as well. 

  But then, LOL.

They say that you have to get water from the top most source.

Next, we had a short stop over at Agua Grande Picnic Park. The water converges from the mountain to the sea. We decided to get our feet soaked only since the water smelled fishy. They charge 20 pesos entrance fee which we did not pay. We just stayed there for few minutes, noh. ;p

Then, we stopped by Patapat Viaduct. This bridge was built to minimize mishaps brought about by landslides that had happened in the past. It is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines. The body of water beside it is the Pasaleng Bay. We actually saw a mini passage to the bay but we skipped the few walks. We still had a lot to surmount!

 What's good about this trip is that I met new friends!! 

I was willing to go with a friend and a bunch of strangers. ANSAYA! We got along instantaneously!

We hit Blue Lagoon / Maira-ira waves and went to Bantay Abot Cave after. I will just make a separate entry about these two.

Sixth stop in our 1st day involved plunging in ice cold water!! This was the highlight of the trip. It's actually my first time to really enjoy bathing in waterfalls 'coz usually I feel dirty after the experience. But dipping in the ice cold water of Kabigan Falls freshened us all up and our skin were even glowing after. The silver ring of my friend even got sparkly polished.♥

It's a 1.5 KM trek from the gate / main road which is approximately 30-45 minute walk. Tourists are obliged to hire a tour guide who will lead them to the falls. We paid 200 pesos for the guide. They ask 20 pesos per head upon entrance, but since we were with locals bargaining for us they just asked 50 pesos entrance and preservation fee. We were 12 in the group. ;-p

We passed by streams, farm fields, and so on before we got soaked in Kabigan ~awesome~ falls! The walk was definitely worth it!

Hello! :')

Finally!!!

Really cold!!! Water seems murky.
Thumbs up and a heart!! :)♥

After!

Experience at Kabigan falls was breathtaking and refreshing!!♥

Second to the last itinerary for day 1 was Saud Beach. It was already late afternoon when we arrived there and we still are heading to Bangui Windmills. So, we didn't donned our swimming attires anymore.

My memory of Pagudpud beach was that its sea water is cold. I enjoyed my dip in 2004. I tried the water again, but it didn't feel the same. 

 Hodgepodge of usual bracelets. Bought a swarovskiesque 'Chinese' charmed bracelet! Went to Saud to buy one, eh. LOLJK. It only costs 80 pesos here. Not bad.

Fishing community

Lastly, we went to Bangui Windmills which I'll blog separately. This post seems long already. ;)
 

Related Posts on my Great Northern Luzon Adventure:

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Cape Bojeador and Tanap Avis

Bangui Windmills

Blue Lagoon and Bantay Abot Cave

 

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