DE LEON'S DEN: A Private Resort In Between Lingayen and Labrador, Pangasinan

    

    Yes! We were planning to have a family swimming experience because it's already rainy season and yet we were not able to enjoy splashing on the water because of conflict schedules and other unfortunate circumstances until we discovered the hidden beauty of this private resort named DE LEON'S DEN. Honestly, we were looking for budget-friendly resorts so we are not expecting that much. When we found out that there is this resort that offers really affordable price for the entrance and other related fees, I was just imagining of a pool owned by a family and that they open it for public with just minimal fees. Well, expectation vs reality. It exceeded our expectations. You know, way positive that at the end of this article, you could say that "Ah! It's worth the visit!"

     So here are the things I have known from this private resort:

1. 50 Php Entrance Fee - Yes, you read it right! For as low as 50 Pesos, you could already enjoy swimming in their pool until 10 PM, open everyday. For now, they only have 1 pool and the other one is in the making. I am not sure if the fee will be raised if the other pool could already be used. Well, the good thing is for now, it is as low as that.

2. Table Rental Fees and More about its Accommodation

-50 Php/ per small table good for 3 pax. This is really near the pool so anytime,  when you just feel like you want to rest or eat, in seconds, you could already do that.

-150 Php/ cottage. I cant help but to feel surprised when I asked how much is the rental fee for the cottage. Compared to the other resorts, this price is way cheaper and yet it exceeds my expectation for a cottage, compared to the pricing of other resorts. 

      When they have already answered my questions regarding the rental fee for the cottage because we just availed the tables (we got 2 just for the food and other things), I got even more curious of the colorful buildings. I thought there are people who are residentially occupying those for they look like real homes where families live in. It is nice that when I asked, they said that they are rooms to be occupied for those who want to stay longer in the resort. Rates are:

1200 Php - for 3 pax (air-conditioned)

1500 Php - for 4-5 pax (air-conditioned)

2500 Php - for 6-10 pax (air-conditioned)

     I did not stop asking because I saw one which is bigger than the others. It gives an atmosphere of living in a province because of its materials. The person who really knows the place told me that it could be used for team building. It could cater a maximum of 30 persons. My heart stopped for a while because I was really looking for those kinds of accommodation. It's just that for now, it's not air-conditioned. It will really give you an ambience of staying in a province. Hehe! I cant exactly remember the rate but I am certain that it's really budget-friendly because I remember that at that moment knowing that it will not cost that much, I already started thinking of my friends, former classmates, batchmates, churchmates and the others. I am going to recommend the place. Maybe that's why I forgot the rate. Haha! I have thought of a lot of people to say these things. Hehe!

       Another thing is the Iska hall. Thanks to Sir for letting me see it. He really opened it just for me to have a glimpse of it. It's air-conditioned. And as I saw the place, it's good for special events, e.g. reception and the like. For as low as 5,000 Php, you could already use this room for 6 hours. Sir said that it could cater 80-100 persons.

         

       Across this hall, there is this part that also functions as a place for events. It's open, not air-conditioned and the rate is 3500 Php for 6 hours too. I wasn't able to ask how many people it could cater but from my point of view, it could accommodate 30-60 persons.

Note: Restobar is just to be put up but there is a store available near the Front Desk.

There is also a parking lot so no need to worry for your cars.

Trivia: The private resort was just put up a year ago so it's just about to rise but thanks to God for blessing the hearts of the owners, for already opening it to the public. I think the theme of this private resort is letting you appreciate the ambiance of staying in a province because there are already alike resorts so why not try a different one? I cant wait to come back here and see the difference. Wew!

How to Reach De Leon's Den:

Note: This is for those who have their car or tricycle.

-From Lingayen, Pangasinan, head national highway that passes through Brgy. Domalandan. Before Guesang Bridge, there is a crossing, go to the right.  Go straight then you will see  a road sign going to Estanza. That's to the left. Just few more meters and you could already see the entrance.

       I say that it is between Labrador because there is another way of reaching it if you will be from the Municipality of Labrador. 

- From Labrador, Pangasinan, you need to look for the Municipal Hall of Labrador. Behind it, you could see a way going to Sabangan Bridge. Go straight and after few minutes, viola! De Leon's Den! As for me, I prefer having this path because you could see sceneric views from nature, thus, instagrammable photos.

 

       Thanks for your time reading this writing. I hope that you will stay updated with our next travel. God bless us all! ;)

CABALITIAN ISLAND, a must visit paradise in Sual, Pangasinan

A SWEET ESCAPE

April 3, 2015. THE PREPARATION - Aside from confirming for the attendance of who will join (since it was a mini reunion of my batchmates and I, as the organizer), going to the market for food and packing up for clothes to be worn (because it's summer and no one wants to be left behind), I made it sure that all things are set forth before the day itself by reassuring that we would have boats to be used and boatmen to drive us to the place since we will be coming from Tobuan, Labrador, Pangasinan (our meeting place). To travel by boat is the fastest way to reach the place. I anticipated for more than ten friends of mine who will join so I reserved for three boats as the maximum capacity of one boat is five people. I was also able to deal with a person whom I know and had a discount. At a normal price, it's 700Php + per boat for a back and forth trip but as I said, I got less so it turned out to be 500Php. It was a fine day then and seemed like the day just jived us at that moment in time. I had a peaceful mind by then. Nevertheless, you can also reach the place by land transportation. It's a different route for you will go to Sual, Pangasinan itself by bus or jeep and then tricycle to the island. 

April 4, 2015. THE REUNION. My friends and I met at nearly ten o'clock in the morning but if you don't want to have skin damage when exposed under the sun, you might want to go leave your meeting place earlier than that. Some boats don't have their shades so lucky you are if you were able to ride with such.  Several feelings oozed in the air. Some were excited yet a little bit scared for they said that it was their first time to ride such. Believe me, if you don't have the courage enough, you wouldn't like to ride too because you might have the first impression that the boats are physically vulnerable yet don't be in doubt because they are materially strong. Hence, I made them feel comfortable when I said that I've been riding such since I was a kid and look where I am now - still alive and kicking! Besides, I just want to give them unforgettable experiences! 

Indeed, if it's really your first time, I can give you some simple tips on how to ride the boat the easiest way. I guess you need them because the boatmen are not going to put their boat on the beach. They stay at the shallowest part of the water requiring you to approach them thus, being wet. Well, here they are:

1. Take off your slippers and carry them while walking towards the boat.

Note: Rubber shoes are not advisable. *You will go to an island and not wander in a mall.

2. Upon riding the boat, you will surely come from one side and what you need is another person on the other side for balance allowing the stability of the position of the boat. Hold the hardest thing you can ever hold and climb up as fast as you cannot enabling the other person to find it hard keeping the state of equilibrium for a long period of time. You might call on another person to assist you.

Note 1: This is very applicable for females.

Note 2: The boat still wiggles.

3. JUST BRING YOUR NECESSITIES. Enjoying the company of your friends is the best activity to do for events like this. I suggest you not to bring laptops or any electronic gadgets except camera, of course, for taking of pictures. A camera that is waterproof is much recommended. Moreover, it's better to keep everything

CAUTION: You will be partially wet as you travel because the seawater will come splashing unto your face. It's not an exaggeration for it's inevitable that you'll move against the current.

NOTE: The seawater's current varies.

Now, let's talk about the boat trip. For the reason that I have experienced it for several times, I can share it to you as detailed as I can. Well, it's not that far different from traveling by any land transportations.  You might just become dizzy because of the slight ups and downs while you go against the direction of the waves. Another thing is the feeling of uncertainty because you can't see what is under the water. If you have grown up watching horror movies related to water, you will likely feel hysterical because you are there in the middle of the sea and you got nowhere aside from the boat. Hence, I advise you to stay calm and enjoy the thrill. I tell you, you'll feel the accomplishment afterwards.

THE WONDERFUL PLACE. When our boat landed safely near the beach, I immediately looked for a cottage for rent. I found one that is just exactly right in front where our boats stay. The rent costs 500Php but since it is not peak season, I was able to have a small chat to the lady-in charge and got the price of 400Php. It was able to cater us all for its maximum capacity is 15 people.

Suddenly, I realized that it's not that good to prepare that much when it comes to food. It would be better if you are going to cook in the place, especially when they are to be grilled. Just so you have so much to do aside from swimming. Fun activities can be so interesting. Just make it sure that you have the materials needed.

Certainly, I know that the most awaited part here is the beach. As for that, walking barely by feet would give you an enchanting experience for the sand is soft and soothing for the skin. Do it at a time when you can feel enough amount of thermal heat from the ground because surely, it brings advantages: "Our muscles perform more mechanical work when running or walking on sand than on a hard surface," said study co-author Dr. Thierry M. Lejeune, M.D. (www.medicaldaily.com) Another is sand therapy that gives goodness especially for working men. If you have kids, let them play. Click the link to know why should allow them: http://www.ebay.com/gds/8-Reasons-Why-Playing-in-the-Sand-Is-Good-for-Kids-/10000000177634049/g.html . The island is clean. I believe that the people there are taking good care of its resources. In fact, they are friendly too. You can even borrow utensils from them. Be sure to return them.

Wait! There' another special thing about the place. Aside from the white sand beach, people visit the cave. I remember when I was little that my uncle used to carry me to reach it because of the violent waves (it was high tide at that time). You are fortunate if it is calm. Well, it's just small but if you appreciate God' creation, you'll find it magnificent. Besides, there are rock formations alongside your way. Be astonished with how waves form them. They are all part of the beauty of nature.

For other special accommodation, there are inns who offer overnight stay provided with all the possible essentials you might need.

Well, a lot more about the place awaits you. If you want relaxation, I guess a hidden paradise like this is perfect! I hope you enjoy a digital trip reading my experience. Feel free to share yours by posting comments below. You can also checkhttps://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6930349266061771503#overview/src=dashboardfor other related articles of mine. Until next time! ^,^

For more details, you can send a message through my contact number, 09306273663.