Palanas Farm and Resort is NOT the same resort with Palanas by the Sea. Although it is owned by the same family, it is situated kilometers away from each other. I did not expect to visit the Farm & Resort because in the first place, it was never part of our itinerary. It came to us a surprise, in fact.
Social media once again proved its influence to the people when Palanas by the Sea got so much attention on Facebook. I, too, was itching to visit the place. As we spoke to some locals, they thought we were talking about the 'old' Palanas Resort which is situated 10 kilometers away from the marketplace. On our way to Ablayan Peak and Dayhag Falls, the motorcycle driver we hired asked us to add Php 200 on top of the Php 500 he quoted for the back-and-forth trip so he can take us to Palanas. He was talking about Palanas Farm and Resort. This is how we knew the resort. I have read about it online but I didn't realize these two are different places.
We visited Palanas by the Sea first and found out it was fully booked for day use. Lucky enough, the owner (Hi, Doc Cookie) was very accommodating and proactive so she offered us a tour at the farm and resort. Sightseeing only costs Php 100.We were delighted to even get a free ride to the farm. Thank you Sir (Palanas driver) for letting us hitch and squeeze in the front seat. The usual fare for a motorcycle ride to and fro the resort is Php 300. We did a little walking though in going back to the town center as it was quite difficult to get a ride from the farm.
Palanas Farm and Resort is one enormous haven of surprises. The resort occupies a vast part of the mountain area and in every nook, there were great and unexpected stuff that awaits every visitor.
Here are the sweet surprises that made our Palanas Farm and Resort totally exciting.
1. Garden Entree
The resort is somewhat hidden among the lush foliage but when the gates opened it felt like you are being ushered to a secret garden with multicolored blossoms that contouring the inclined aisle.
2. Exclusive Feels
It was a weekend but there were no guests around except for us so we felt that the resort was exclusively reserved for our group. Although we didn't really use their facilities but we enjoyed the serene environment - something you can't totally have when in Palanas by the Sea. I loved that intimacy you share with nature. There's just nothing more relaxing than the naturally cool breeze brushing your skin, the untamed yet magical sound you hear from the singing birds, and the fresh organic scent of the woods.
3. Not one but TWO Swimming Pools
So we thought this is nothing but ordinary farm but much to our surprise,it has two wide pools with one pool having a navy-themed design.
4. Fishing is Allowed!
Yes, you can fish and have them cooked by their kitchen staff. I got thrilled to see 2 big fish ponds filled with freshwater fish (the tilapia) just beneath the surface of the water but the time I got near the pond, they were like bubbles that vanished in thin air. Woah!
5. Zoo with animals I haven't seen before
A large area of the resort that seemed an annex is reserved for varied kinds of animals. Although most of the animals I've seen there were belonging to the bird family, I was stunned to spot the kinds that I haven't seen in real life such as the magnificent peacock (just, wow), the ostrich, and the varieties of fowls having unbelievably unique colors (first time to see those!)
6. Chapel in the Woods
I was stunned to find a little chapel amid the zoo area. It's quiet and isolated. Mass is not held often here but the chapel is open for the guests to contemplate or pray. I just love the idea!
I was stunned to find a little chapel amid the zoo area. It's quiet and isolated. Mass is not held often here but the chapel is open for the guests to contemplate or pray. I just love the idea!
7. Getting there and going home
We were able to get a free ride in going to the resort. The staff of both resorts, Palanas by the Sea and Farm & Resort, were truly friendly and helpful. Going back to the town was a bit of a challenge because we had to wait for an hour or so to get a ride. A kind stranger told us to walk few meters down the hill and ask for the driver in the next neighborhood to transport us to the town proper. Their neighborhood, by the way, is almost a kilometer away (LOL!) so we know what they mean with "Du-ul ra" (It's just near) and for us it simply translates to, "We got a prep up for this!" The strolling was absolutely fun while we were passing by picturesque views.
Surprises come in the least unexpected places. I definitely would like to go back to Palanas Farm and Resort.
P.S. I didn't take a lot of photos because I was vlogging so I'll try my best to compile and edit those not-so-worthy-to-be-uploaded videos I took! Pardon me.
P.S. I didn't take a lot of photos because I was vlogging so I'll try my best to compile and edit those not-so-worthy-to-be-uploaded videos I took! Pardon me.
Price Tag
Entrance Day Use - Php 350 | Php 175 for kids
Sightseeing - Php 100
Rooms - Php 1, 500 - Php 7, 500 ( can accommodate 2 - 15 guests)
XOXO,
Travelsome Chic
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