Mariveles, Bataan

Bataan is known for being one of the historical destination in the Philippines as the starting point of the Death March started in the towns of Mariveles and Bagac but little did we know that the beauty of nature in Bataan also lies here in Mariveles.

CLAUBEL BEACH RESORT - 'HAWLA BEACH'

Hawla Beach, now known as Claubel Beach Resort, is a beach nearby Panoypoy Cove in Porto, Mariveles. Going there from the town proper of Mariveles isn't hard as there were many jeepneys available that were just passing by; the walking distance from the Porto Circle Jeepney Terminal from the entrance of Claubel Beach Resort is only 3-5 minutes away. 

Once you get off the Porto Circle, you can just ask the locals where the Hawla Beach is located and they'll tell you the directions. It isn't that far, as I've said, and there's a sign of "Hawla Beach" hanged on one of the house's gates that you'll be passing by as you walk along.

You won't see the beach right away from the resort's registration area as you have to trek all the way down to get to the shore. The path is adult-friendly because the path is already cemented and is formed as stairs; it also have railing on the side for you to grip onto but you still have to be careful as the steps are really steep. There is a small stream and 'falls' that you'll pass through but you can hop on to their own made rocks in the middle of the stream. Don't expect though, you can't take a bath in the stream. 

There are cottages available but you can also choose not to rent; the shower rooms are free to use by anybody who are staying in the resort and you could just leave your things on the side of the cliff but still make sure to keep an eye on your valuables.

For those who are interested to have their families (with kids) stay on this resort but too worried that their children might not really enjoy the beach, they also have kiddie pool just beside the cottages so you can still watch them as you relax on your cottage.

It was a tiring day that I just want to lay on my bed to rest when I get home- but then as soon as I stepped on the floor of our house, my family rushed me to pack my things for a trip to Kwebang Lampas. I thought I already decided that I wouldn't go with them because of my school schedule but I realized that it was summer and they were going to the beach! Who would miss out that chance?! Plus, I haven't been there before so I immediately went to my room and packed for our 3 days and 2 nights trip.

We left home at 11pm and arrived at our family friend's house in Quezon at 3 in the morning. We stayed there for a while to prepare our things for our Kwebang Lampas trip and to rest as well. We left an hour after and arrived at Pagbilao, Quezon 7 in the morning. The path consisted of a length of well-cemented road to rocky and undeveloped path.

There were a lot of people when we arrived in the registration stop of Kwebang Lampas. You may either choose to ride a boat to cross the lake or hike around the mountain (which is for a few minutes) so you can get to the nearest shore and then you may opt to ride a boat going to Puting Buhangin or hike for less than 10 minutes. We didn't know about hiking around the mountain so we rented a boat across the lake.



It was a 10 minute-ride going to Puting Buhangin Beach and as we nearly approach the shore, number of tents are already pitched on the white sand beach came to our sight. It was the hottest season and we clearly understood that there are lots of people that wants to take a dip to a refreshing beach but we didn't expect it to be this bustling. Nevertheless, the different colors of the tent made the beach vibrant along with its white sand and green trees.

The cave, known as Kwebang Lampas, is on the right side of the beach. You can go there by swimming or taking the challenge to walk on a path of big rocks. Be careful as it is slippery asthe waves crashes on it but don't worry, there is a pole on the side to hold on to

There were no electricity in the area and only have a few numbers of cottages; although they have stores that you can ask them to charge your phone, still make sure you have your phones and powerbanks full for the trip. Also, buy some meat or fish for your meal beforehand or during your way to the beach as there were no restaurants or local stores that have some food that could fulfill your tummy. There is a grill available for you to use and for free.

It's better to visit this place during off-peak season because the place with grass is only a few square meters big and it could get really crowded unless you want to put your tent on the hot sand.There are also a few numbers of cubicles to take a bath or to just use a toilet and you don't want to wait in a long queue of people waiting to get their turn to use it.

• There is a payment for tent pitching that costs P200
• A gallon of water for taking a bath costs P50. There were no faucets in the area.
• Bring an insect repellent lotion if you're staying there overnight
• Bring enough water as there is no freshwater for you to drink.

I decided to go to Tagaytay City for my first solo trip because (1)you don't need a big amount of money - it isn't that far from Parañaque City where I live, (2)the transportation isn't too hassle, and (3) there are already a lot of blogs about touring Tagaytay City making it easier for those who wants to tour Tagaytay for the first time.
Tagaytay City is located in the province of Cavite. It is known as the Baguio of the south for its mild climate. It sits on a ridge above Taal lake.

1. From Pasay, ride a bus bound to Nasugbu, Batangas.
2. Drop off at Magallanes intersection or Olivarez.