Hey everyone! Today, I will be sharing with you our family adventure this past weekend. My family and I decided to stay for four days at Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas to unwind and have a change of scenery. There is nothing much to do in Talisay besides renting a boat going to Taal and/or stay in one of the beautiful resorts like Club Balai Isabel.
The resort is quite big as it has incredible facilities and offers a lot of activities that will definitely keep you busy for days! They have their very own Inflatable Aqua Park, three swimming pools, bike rentals (for as low as PHP 150.00/hour!), basketball/volleyball/tennis courts, and more. You can also rent a jetski, a pedal boat or a kayak, if you wish. Other than the activities I've listed above, they also have a beautiful church as well as restaurants, a bar, gift shops and a mini organic market (across Terraza Cafe). If you want to see the Taal volcano up close, they also offer a boat ride inclusive of drinks (water), a guide and a round trip boat ride for the price of PHP 2,750.00 for 6 pax.
My family and I chose to stay at one of their suites with an attic since we are a big family and we need plenty of room for the kids. They also have standard rooms as well as other villas and cottages to choose from that can accommodate up to 12 pax. A standard room costs around PHP 5,544.00 Nett/night while a suite costs PHP 7,000.00 Nett/night. (*all prices are subjected to change without prior notice*)
How to get there?
Getting to the resort is very simple and if you're lucky, it'll only take about an hour and a half from Manila to Balai. There are only two ways to get to the resort, either you take the steep journey from Tagaytay or straight ahead via SLEX. You can check out the resort's vicinity map below their contact page for the exact location and for more directions. If you are going there during the rainy season, I highly suggest that you take the SLEX-STAR Toll Route even if Waze suggests otherwise.
When is the best time to go there?
The best time to go to Club Balai is probably during an off season. It's less cramped in the swimming pools and less noise as well, allowing you to fully relax and maximize your stay. In my opinion, a long weekend on October-November would be a great time to go there. Although rain is more prominent during those months, I think you'll enjoy it more. But if you're the type of person who enjoys clear skies and warmer months, you might want to consider going here during the summer. Just make sure to book early because they're quite popular during peak season!
What to bring?
1. Insect repellant (don't forget this! Unless you want to go home with a ton of mosquito bites!).
2. Sunblock.
3. Swimsuit (rain or shine, you're going to want to swim especially with the great view!)
4. Trekking gear (only if you're going to Taal).
5. Lots and lots of snacks.
6. Easy-to-cook foods (some rooms have a full-functioning kitchen which lets you cook. If you're planning to bring a grill, make sure to ask permission from the management first because there are areas where it's prohibited to use one).
7. Books/laptop (preferably with movies so you can watch some movies if you decide to stay in).
8. Portable wi-fi (not sure how good the connection is for other areas but in the suite we rented, internet's pretty slow. Make sure to bring your own or rent one!).
What to do (besides being in the water all day)?
Having amost four days to scout the entire compound, there are some areas that have really stood out to me as the perfect getaway in a getaway. In order to find them, you'll need a map (which will be given to you at the concierge) or you can check out the resort's interactive map. I've also listed a few simple activities and food/drinks you'd might want to try as well.
1. Watch the sunrise near the pavillion.
This was the first thing I did when I woke up the next morning. It's quite a routine for me whenever we travel to wake up early at least once and catch the sunrise. Walk along Kumintang Boardwalk where you'll see a rocky path with a sign that says "Pantalan". Although there's an alternative route going there, this is an "adventurous" way I prefer myself. Just at the edge of Lakefront Village is a stunning pavillion where you can catch the sunrise or maybe do some morning stretching.
2. Watch the sunset and feed the fish near Terraza Cafe (or swim).
One nice activity on a lazy afternoon with the kids is feeding the fish. Either at the mini garden across Lakefront Village or by the lake, the kids will surely love it! My cousins and I liked feeding the fish by the lake because we get to see the sunset and the colorful boats as well. It's also a great time to take a swim by the pool at Terraza Cafe.
3. Read a book in Tagong Gubat.
This is best thing to do during a rainy day. Pat on some insect repellant, bring a piece or two of bread for the fish, bring your phone/iPod and your headset (optional); and of course, your book of choice. Finding Tagong Gubat can be tricky because you won't see any sign that leads you to it but once you find it, it's a secret haven indeed. It's pretty quiet in there so you don't have to worry about anyone bothering you (unless there's an event because it has a pretty wide space for one). Either listen to the rain touch the ground violently while getting fully engrossed with a book or listen to music, your choice! Just do it. It will definitely ease your mind from all the stress.
4. Order a Mint Lemonade after a soak in the pool.
I've tasted a few varieties of their milkshakes and smoothies but the Mint Lemonade at Kumintang Bar is just a great drink after a soak in the pool, especially in the hot afternoon. Order one to-go or sit down and watch everyone having a great time at Balai.
5. Rent a pedicab/bike.
If you're with family or friends, this is one activity you shouldn't miss. Feel the cool breeze against your skin as you go around the resort; fill the air with laughter as you take turns and attempt to go uphill; and just admire the foliage and the great view. End your trip by watching the sunset from the pavillion and play hide and seek with the kids.
That's all for now, folks! Be sure to check out Club Balai Isabel's official website for more info!
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