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Cheap Accommodation in Batanes – DDD Habitat Lodging House Blog Review

Posted on November 3, 2018by One Armed Wanderer

DDD Habitat Lodging House Batanes opened its doors in 2009 and is one among the few affordable accommodations in the heart of Basco, Batanes. This lodging house has a total of 7 rooms named after the islands of Batanes. Located along Lopez St. in Brgy. Kayvaluganan, DDD Habitat Batanes is just walking distance from Batanes’ center of trade where local shops, eateries and restaurants are located. It is also a 5 minute ride from Basco airport.

We booked 2 accommodations for our 4 days and 3 nights stay in Batanes. We wanted to try a mid range Batanes accommodation so we booked at Amboy Hometel Batanes for our first night. Since it’s a bit expensive for us, we also booked DDD Habitat Batanes for our succeeding nights in Batanes.

Small and Simple Lodging House

I should say that I did not expect anything from DDD Habitat Batanes as we only paid 2,556 Php (51 USD) for two nights stay. That is very cheap compared to the 2,880.54 Php (58 USD) we paid for an overnight stay in Amboy Hometel Batanes.

Tip: The room rates mentioned above are discounted rates. I’m giving you huge discounts if you book your DDD Habitat Batanes room HERE.

The entire building of DDD Habitat Lodging House is small and simple. The simple set up of DDD Habitat is a reflection of the simple life of Ivatans. Just like any other lodging or transient houses I’ve been to, DDD Habitat Batanes has a homey atmosphere. There is also a common area for dining and kitchen that guests can use.

Room Upgrade

We checked-in at DDD Habitat Lodging House late afternoon after our South Batan tour. The discounted room for 2 PAX we booked at DDD Habitat is no longer available when we checked-in. We were surprised that we were given the larger and more expensive room instead! Thanks to DDD Habitat for the free upgrade!

We originally booked a Ditaram room which is good for 2 PAX but we were given Itbayat room which is good for 6 PAX!

The air-conditioned room is very clean and spacious. There are two double beds which are surprisingly comfortable for a budget accommodation. A side table with a mini lamp separates the two beds. There is also a small LCD TV with decent local channels. Basic toiletries are provided such as shampoo, soap and towels. As for the toilet and bath, there is a hot and cold shower. The toilet also comes with a bidet. What we loved the most is the strong water pressure.

Being in the heart of Basco, there is cellular signal in DDD Habitat. However, cellular data is intermittent. Note though that I’m a Smart telecom subscriber.

Highly Recommended Accommodation in Batanes

If you are visiting the breathtaking Batanes and on a tight budget, I would highly recommend DDD Habitat Lodging House. Its strategically located and is near to the airport and various restaurants. The rooms are very clean and of course are priced for budget travelers and backpackers!

DDD Habitat Lodging House Batanes Rooms Rates

Siayan Room – 1,400 Php (2 PAX), 1,600 Php (3 PAX), 1,800 (4 PAX)
Batan Room – 1,400 Php (2 PAX), 1,600 Php (3 PAX), 1,800 (4 PAX)

DDD Habitat Lodging House Batanes

Contact Number: 0932 165 9176
Discounted Room rates HERE.

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Accommodation near Enchanted River Surigao – Marky’s Hostel

Posted on September 25, 2017November 14, 2018by One Armed Wanderer

Enchanted River, Hinautuan, Surigao del Sur

Being one among the long list of beautiful places in the Philippines, Enchanted River in Hinatuan Surigao del Sur is truly a promising tourist attraction and travel destination in the country.

Due to the local government’s efforts in protecting and preserving Enchanted River, there are no accommodations within the river’s vicinity. However, there is a number of accommodations, lodges and inns in Hinatuan proper. One of which is the highly recommended by backpackers and travel bloggers – Marky’s Hostel.

Note: Hinatuan is a small laid-back town in Surigao del Sur. So don’t expect hotels or high-end resorts in the area.

Marky’s Hostel is just few minutes away from Hinatuan terminal. This Hinatuan accommodation is perfect for budget travelers and backpackers for their very affordable and cheap rates.

Marky’s Hostel Room Rates

400 fan room good for 2
1500 aircon room good for 6

Marky's Hostel in Hinatuan — Marky’s Hostel in Hinatuan

The hip and cool facade of Marky’s Hostel makes it stand out among other accommodations in Hinatuan. From outside, it appears to be very clean and well maintained.

Warm Welcome

When I arrived at Marky’s Hostel, the owner immediately welcomed me with a smile. He shared some tips and information about Enchanted River and other Surigao del Sur tourist attractions such as Tinuy-an Falls and Licbuacan cold springs.

We further exchanged stories. I mentioned that I’m a travel blogger and also came to know about Marky’s Hostel thru Ms. Gael’s blog pinaysolobackpacker.com. It was nice that he knows about the internet specifically blogs. Since I’m traveling alone, he was so kind to give me a discounted rate of 200 Pesos instead of 400 Pesos for a fan room.

Very Clean and Well-Maintained

True enough, once you get inside, Marky’s Hostel is very clean and well maintained. There is a common area with dining table where guests can eat or simply hang-out. There are 2 separate toilet and bath, for men and for women. I learned from Sir Anselmo that Marky’s Hostel was originally planned to be a house for rent but was turned into a Hostel when tourists started pouring in because of Enchanted River. This is the reason why they were unable to place toilet and bath in each room.

Marky’s Hostel Fan Room

fan room at Marky's Hostel — **fan room at Marky’s Hostel**

I have to admit that I did not really expect anything since the room is cheaply priced. Surprisingly, the room is very clean and well maintained. The matress and pillows were comfortable. The room is well ventilated and I never had a hard time sleeping given that I had a fan room.

Highly Recommended Accommodation Near Enchanted River

I enjoyed my stay in Marky’s Hostel. The owners, tatay Anselmo and nanay Lumen were very welcoming and accommodating. They were more like a family to their guests. They ensure that you enjoy your stay in Hinatuan and are always willing and available to chat and share stories with you.

The hostel is also strategically located as it is few minute tricycle, pedicab or habal-habal away from Hinatuan bus terminal. There are also nearby cheap food places (cartenderia) such as Leng-Leng and Drawde’s Tudlo Hakop.

Note: Since Marky’s Hostel and other Hinatuan accommodations, lodges and inns are situated in Hinatuan proper, travel time from Marky’s Hostel to Enchanted River is approximately 30 minutes by habal-habal. For my complete Enchanted River Itinerary, visit link below.

How to get to Enchanted River from Manila + Itinerary, Budget and Travel Trips

Marky’s Hostel

Adress: Poblacion Hinatuan, Maharlika, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
Contact Numbers: 0915 2009017 / 0905 3879319

This blog post is part of my Surigao del Sur and Camiguin trip last September 2017.

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5 reasons to stay in Gold Sky Seaview in Siquijor Island

Posted on March 25, 2017March 26, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

When Jen and I embarked in Siquijor port, there were tourism accredited tricycle drivers offering cheap Siquijor island tour (Related: Cheapest Siquijor tour package). After touring the island, our tricycle driver/tour guide was kind enough to help and show our options for our accommodation during our stay in Siquijor. We visited a number resorts and accommodations and decided that Gold Sky Sea View Guest House is fairly priced for a beach front accommodation.

Gold Sky Seaview Guest House

1. Good location

Gold Sky Sea View Guest House is located in San Juan municipality. Compared to other municipalities, San Juan is the nearest to Siquijor Port. Gold Sky Seaview is also few meters away from popular restaurants in Siquijor – Baha Bar & Restaurant and Marco Polo Pizza & Pasta. It is also literally few steps away from Czar’s Place – a popular drink and party destination of locals and tourists in the island.

2. Beach front cottages

There are many resorts and accommodations in Siquijor Island. If you have budget, you may want to stay in White Villas or Coco Grove Beach resort. On the other hand, for budget travelers and backpackers, there are cheap accommodations. Tori’s Paradise has a 300 Php a night rate in a mixed dormitory. Das Tratum Guesthouse also has a 250 Php a night rate.

Sadly, only the pricey resorts like Coco Grove offer beach front accommodations. Rooms in cheaper accommodations don’t usually have beach front views. Gold Sky Seaview Guest House may not be as grand and high-end as the pricey resorts but all of its three cottages are beach front. So, if you love swimming, you need not to visit other areas in Siquijor as you get to enjoy the beach right outside your cottage.

3. Privacy

If you are the type who loves peaceful and quiet surroundings, you will definitely love Gold Skyview Guest House. The resort has only three cottages. Each of which has toilet & bath and refrigerator.

The cottage is spacious and very clean. Extra beds are also readily available if needed. There is no hot & cold shower, however, toiletries such as bath towels, soap, shampoo and toilet paper are provided. You also get free wifi!

Since there are only three cottages, you get to enjoy your privacy during your stay in Gold Sky Seaview. We learned from the caretaker that the two cottages were occupied for an extended time at a lower rate. Unlike in other resorts, it’s peaceful, quiet and you get your own privacy.

There is also a common area where guests can cook. There is also a cabana right in front of the beach where you can simply relax and enjoy some drinks or a book.

4. Cheaply priced

With its strategic location, beach front cottages, peaceful and quiet surroundings, I should say that for only 1,500 Pesos ($30) is practically cheap. There is indeed cheaper accommodations in Siquijor but you won’t get beach front, spacious and air-conditioned room.

Gold Seaview Guest House’s rate for non-conditioned cottage is 1,000 Pesos ($20).

5. Friendly and helpful staff

A post shared by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on Jan 1, 2017 at 12:34am PST

Me in Gold Skyview Guest House

Throughout our stay, we felt very special with Rose, the resort’s caretaker. She was very welcoming, accommodating and helpful. Rose gave us tips on where to eat in the area and even assisted us on our fastcraft ticket purchase to Dumaguete City. She was very friendly and shared tons of stories about her life in the island.

Overall, Jen and I super enjoyed our stay in Gold Sky Seaview Guest House. We were very lucky that our tour guide showed us the resort. It was perfect for us. I personally love the quiet and peaceful surroundings. Being in a good location, we also get to dine in Siquijor’s sought after restaurants and experienced the island’s night life.

Gold Sky Seaview Guest House
Contact Number: 09169236243
E-Mail: [email protected]

You may check other Siquijor resorts and accommodations HERE.

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