A 42-hectare paradise where nature meets leisure tucked in the middle of the sea, Welcome to Grande Island Resort.
It was 5:45 am, thou tired from the night shift work, I didn’t hesitated to endure the estimated 2 ½ hour drive from Quezon City to Subic free port. We arrive at Grande Island Terminal at the waterfront Road on the dot. Along with other passengers, a ferry was waiting for us on the bay that will bring us to the island. (How to commute from Quezon City to Grande Island Resort)
Ferry Schedule:
Day Tour (Monday to Sunday)
Going to Grande Island – 9:30am | Going back to Terminal – Php 5:30pm
Overnight
Going to Grande Island – 1:00pm | Going back to Terminal – Php 12:00nn
Nognog Travel Tip: Always be at the terminal 30 minutes before the ferry schedule.
That island at my back is where we are headed.
Grande Island Resort is a recreational resort facility located 110 kilometer northwest of Manila, and south of Zambales Province. Grande Island Resort is a haven where nature and leisure meet as it complements the scenic natural landscape.
There was a feeling of excitement as we came nearer and nearer to the island. I’ve heard that aside from the water adventure, we can also learn a lot about the history and the island’s participation as a defense area of the Philippines in the 16th century, will give the story about that later in the blog.
On our arrival, we were brought at the front desk where a welcome drink is served to each guests. After checking-in, we headed straight to our rooms.
Chalet Rooms
Spacious modern style chalet are the type of rooms you will see at Grande Island. This is perfect with the provincial feel of the place. With big glass windows and veranda areas with tables and chairs and a view of the luscious greens. I just love how each chalet houses are arrange, we felt like we are neighbors in a village where we can chat early in the morning while sipping coffee and enjoying the view.
Each high ceiling chalet rooms has 2 generous queen sized beds (with extra bed located at one corner), Split type air-conditioning, Electronic key card control system, Hot and cold shower, Hair Dryer, Colored TV with cables, Refrigerator, coffee and tea making facilities, Executive Writing desk and Toiletries.
After an hour of rest, they headed to eat lunch while I stay in bed to recuperate.
Helmet Diving, Kayaking, Jetski and a lot more
The fun started when we headed back at the beachfront to try some of the facilities being offered at the island resort. I am excited to meet the fishes under the ocean via Helmet Diving. Lets save the best for last, for now lets start with the Kayak.
Kayak
Could be the easiest to do but very tiring. Paddling manually at the ocean is difficult especially with the water current at this side of the beach. For every 30 minutes of Kayak will cost Php 150.00.
Banana Boat
A fun activity to do with friends is to try banana boating. Banana boat ride here at Grande Island cost Php 230 each with a minimum of 5 persons each round. I was still dizzy at the moment so I opt to try this one. But I guess falling at a banana boat is definitely more fun!
Jet Ski
It’s my first time to ride a Jet Ski and it is super fun! I really enjoyed riding it and I felt like an action star in a James bond film, traversing the ocean, battling the sea.
Operation is super easy; a newbie like me can already drive it. Though the price could give you a little hesitation, but once you already riding it, you will definitely say to yourself that it is all worth it. I would love to do this again if given an opportunity.
- Parungay (600cc) 1 hr – php 3,300.00 | 30mins – Php 2,000.00
- Lunday (700cc) 1 hr – Php 3,300.00 | 30mins – Php 2,000.00
- Malasugi (1200cc) 1hr – Php 4,000 | 30mins – Php 2,500.00
Helmet Diving
Saw and heard about helmet diving a lot of times before but I do felt some hesitation to try it. First, because I’m not good swimmer, Second, I felt that it’s a bit expensive and third maybe I’m just afraid of the whole concept. But seeing life forms under the ocean is something not to be missed. And it is truly a different world under.
Grande Island Resort took the opportunity of showing to their clients the beauty not just above but also under the sea. Thus, Helmet Diving is one of the activities that are truly recommended when you visit this wonderful island.
Even still dizzy from the trip, I took the chance to try this activity. We were transported from the shore to the stationary boat a few kilometers away. It is where the facilities used for the Helmet Diving is located. Under it is a new world ready to unravel.
A short orientation was held and because we cannot communicate through speaking under the sea, a hand signs where given. Basic hand gesture communications includes up, down, okay, problem and our most favorites, take picture, which is a peace sign, and take video, which is a wave sign.
The helmet use in Grande Island is made from (I think) porcelain glass which is 35 kilo in weight, it actually looks like an inverted toilet bowl (no kidding hahaha!). It got a handle at front and a tube connected to the oxygen tank.
It was amazing how this was invented, because of the pressure, your head wouldn’t get wet even if you are under the sea. We stayed under for about 20 minutes and took our chances to explore it. We did fish feeding as well. A 20-30 minutes helmet diving will cost Php 1,000.00.
Heres a video of our amazing underwater adventure. (more photos here)
Aside from the water activities there are still lots of things you can do in this island. Click this link for the next part of the blog.
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