Is there a more joyous moment than hitting the beach you're sure will set the tail end of summer really exciting? It's painful to accept this, but the summer months are coming to an end. Good thing I was able to make the most out of what's left by going to Real, Quezon with my officemates. The place is just 3-4 hours drive from Manila.
For our first stop, we went to one of the go-to places in Real, Quezon- Real Surf. Are you a Globe subscriber? Can't you survive without internet? If both answers are "YES," I won't recommend this place for you.
Entrance fee: Php 300/pax
Surfing here costs Php 500 per hour and the waves aren't that high enough. In Baler and La Union, they only charge Php 350.
The place is very hip! There are hammocks, colorful bean bags and the decors are aaahhhh-mazing! The wall murals are injecting summer energy to the cozy environment.
Here are their rates:
I tried their "English Breakfast" which for me wasn't really an English breakfast. It's bacon, eggs, sausage, fried potatoes and toasted bread. I'd call it "American breakfast" rather than English breakfast because the latter is usually served with tea, scones, bagel, beans and sausage. The foods are also overpriced; ranging from Php. 200-300 per meal.
We stayed at Club Manila East Pacific after Real Surf. The room costs Php 4,000 per night with 8 beds, 2 bathrooms and is also fully airconditioned.
Another place worth visiting in Quezon Province is the Bagumbong Falls in Tanauan. Before you reach the falls, you have to ride a rubber raft which makes the journey more exciting.
Safety helmets and lifejackets were provided.
Water tubing + environmental fee: Php 320
For a fitting end to the water tubing experience, was another sport of cliff jumping. Feeling nervous, I climbed the cliff and looked down at the flowing river with kuya saying "Bumwelo ka bago ka tumalon, Ma'am. Baka tumama ka sa bato." And in one swift act of bravado, I took a free fall from the cliff without any support and plunged through the cold river water, feeling so accomplished.
I'd be lying if I said our time here was deep or meaningful- it was nothing but eye candy. The roads on the way are yet to be finished so it's quite rough and bumpy.
But if your goal is to isolate yourself from the demands of life, this place is definitely for you. No signal. No internet. And most importantly, no distraction. Only the relaxing nature and yourself.
