Hello, Hivers! Are you doing well? Are your days faring okay? Well, if you are like me, who want a quick relaxation even in the bustling city, here is a place you can escape to. This is also a budget-friendly escapade where students like me could enjoy and take time out of our stressful exams or hell week. And if you are looking for a place to visit in Cebu, Philippines, a stop here in your itinerary will be worth it.
How to go there?
As a student, the most effective way to go out and have fun, even on a tight budget, is through commuting. From my place, I rode a jeepney to Carbon Market in Cebu City, where I will be riding yet another jeepney to get me to my final destination. I rode a 01k beep (a small bus), paying 25 pesos of Philippine money, and I said to drop me off at Parkmall Mandaue. From there, I waited for my friend who would be joining me on this hiventure.
A tip:
To pay less in an adventure like this, you need to convince your friends to join you in splitting the bills. The more friends you convince, the less you will pay for the food, etc. Also, it's much more fun if you are with your friends and family.
My friend and I headed to Savemore to buy some snacks and dinner. We ensured that all our necessities were bought here rather than at the hotel because we were broke and might as well be resourceful. The hotel only prohibits their guest from bringing alcoholic beverages, so the rest can be brought in.
THE DESTINATION
A walking distance from Parkmall, you will arrive in Cebu Westown Lagoon. There is a receiving area placed near the cashier where you can put your belongings. While your friends wait for you in the receiving area, you line up (if there is a line) at the cashier to wait for your turn. You will be asked how many will be joining you and to pay for the entrance fee. I paid 300 pesos for the entrance fee and received a blue paper imprinting my identity to allow me entry into the place; later, you will also be showing this to the bar for a free drink. You will then show this to the employees guarding the main entrance to put a stamp on your hand as a symbol that you can now enjoy the hotel.
Upon entry, you will see the lagoon's signage and the kid's pool, where a playground is placed in the middle with sprouting water everywhere. Don't worry; the kid's pool is only 2ft deep. Next to the pool are the paid cottages, and on the other side is the bar. The bar is designed cozily, with high chairs right in front of the bar and with tables and chairs.
Right next to the bar is another pool, 4ft deep, where a platform is placed right in the middle of it. This is where the DJ could perform its magic, and people could party near it. Unfortunately, I was there on a rainy afternoon, and no performance was played, but still, I got to enjoy the pool with its picture-worthy scenery.
Tip:
For those who are not looking to spend money on the cottages, there is an area in the hotel where you can stay, with a table and chairs, all for free. We stayed there with my friend and placed our things and randomly talked about anything, catching up, etc.
We then went for a walk around the place, where next to the cottages, another few steps ahead, is yet another kid's pool. Stood in the pool was a massive castle designed like a ruin with fire-breathing dragons and cute lifelike Disney figures scattered around the castle. We took this opportunity to take pics, explore the place, climb some of the towers (since there are few of them), and just breathe in the scene.
It is such a place to behold; as a person who grew up in the province, there is so much delight in places like this, which I have never gotten the chance to experience before. It satisfies the inner child within me.
It was getting late, and we decided to change our clothes and try out the 4ft deep pool. Since it was a freezing day, the pool was very cold for our liking. Thankfully, the place also offers a heated jacuzzi positioned seclusively, so we got to enjoy it.
That is all for this blog. I hope you find it helpful and encourage you to try out the place. Anyway, have a blessed Christmas everyone🎄