Due to the pandemic, I could only share with you throwback trips that my husband and I had done pre-pandemic period. I have to share with you this good and affordable place - Ibabaw Mountain Resort in Liloan Cebu, Philippines.
Notice that the resort might be slightly different today compared to when we visited it. It's been around three years so I hope you won't mind me still sharing this experience.
What prompt me to book an overnight stay was some social media hype on this new place. It's situated in the mountains so I believe it has good cold weather.
En route to Ibabaw Mountain Resort - Epic Fail!
It has been a mistake on my end because when we were on the way to the resort, we were on our motorcycle, our check-in time was at two in the afternoon thus, we traveled at noon, we hope that the resort would allow an early time in. We have estimated that we'd arrive there an hour earlier than the check-in time.
However, I didn't turn the Maps on before arriving at Liloan, I was thinking, I am quite familiar with the place but then, we missed the fork where we should turn left. When we passed by it and I just turned Google Maps on, we were given a route that was not convenient. In fact, it was a route in which we had to take a mountain, like literally. Good thing we were on a motorcycle. On our way there, we notice a car was behind us and they had done the same mistake, they were not able to reach the resort because a car can't take the route.
When we reached the resort, we found out that the right way was cemented and very convenient. Imagine the heat and sweat that we had to endure just to reach here. Anyway, it was my bad and I greatly apologize for that, my husband didn't want to ruin our stay so he accepted my apologies.
Ibabaw Mountain Resort Review
We were greeted by the friendly staff upon check-in. First and foremost, I appreciate their customer service for allowing us to move our reservation. There was a storm during our original reserved date and upon reaching out to them, they allowed me to rebook it instead.
The Room
Our room was behind their restaurant, it had sliding glass doors and it had a beautiful view of the sunrise. We truly enjoyed watching the sunrise from the horizon! The night before, we also enjoyed the moon as it rises, it was a full moon that time.
Since the resort was new, all the amenities were new too. The room was clean, the beds were made of bamboo, I thought I won't feel comfortable but the mattress was thick enough for a comfortable night's sleep.
There's a refrigerator too and a heater, free coffee, and tea and it's airconditioned! I like the combination of native and concrete design although I somehow thought the color needs to be changed that's a minimal thing. My favorite part of the room was the mini terrace which allowed us to watch the sunrise from there. They also placed chairs there. Also, there was a huge mirror opposite the bed! It felt weird seeing myself while sleeping but that's how they designed it.
Towels were provided, the comfort room was very clean too and toiletries were there as well. I have no serious issues with the room in fact!
The Ambiance
As this resort was located in the mountains, they got all sorts of plants and flowers! There were so many of them, I believe they hired a landscaper. Their plants were all huge and well grown. They look very pretty!
There were several lanais as well, native ones with a white long cloth to cover the space if necessary. These lanais can be used as cottages for those who have come for day use only.
There were around two functional houses that can accommodate groups, there was also another building that was still being constructed at that time. I believe that has finished and should be functional today.
I super adore the green bermudagrass that covers the pathways from the pool going to the different houses and lanais. I miss my childhood lawn where we would play in the grasses.
The pool was just small. I understand that the resort can only accommodate groups and they also accept day-use visitors so I was wondering why the pool was small.
We took a swim only the next day early morning when there were no other people around but us. It was relaxing to just swim in a pool all to yourself.
Restaurant
The resort has an in-house restaurant that allows food to be delivered to our room. We ordered the food, they prepare and get it in the dining area outside our room. We had a good time eating while watching the moon rise for our dinner.
Also, the serving was huge! We were not able to finish all the food that we had to keep in the refrigerator. We also asked the staff to heat it for us for breakfast and they agreed! We didn't spend too much on food, we are not very adventurous in terms of food though.
How Much Did We Spend?
Notice that when we visited the resort, it was still during their soft opening. They had some discounted offerings at that time.
Reservation downpayment - Php 700
Remaining balance - Php 800
Tinolang Manok - Php 185
Bam-I - Php 180
Rice Platter - Php 90
A reservation had to be made and a downpayment was needed. So a total of Php 1955 in all for an overnight stay, dinner, and breakfast. I guess the value was just acceptable.
I have heard that the resort has improved a lot today, if there's a chance of visiting the resort again, I'd surely go back.
