I've seen a lot of posts about this western-style resort in Cebu - The Ranch Resort in Toledo City. It's something new for me and my beach-crazy friends. We initially planned hitting the beach down south but the long hours of travel might make it impossible for us to go. Toledo is just two-hour drive from Cebu City. We didn't have our own ride so we had to take the bus ride at South Bus Terminal. Fare is at Php80 and Php100 for V-hire (from Citilink Terminal). Expect a swift ride through blind alleys. When we reached Toledo we simply reminded the driver that we're heading to The Ranch and they drop us off at a downtown-like street near Gaisano Toledo. From there you need to take a 'red-tricycle' ride.
Outside the resort was a typical facade of a ranch. I read about negative comments about their staff prior to going there but we experienced a complete opposite of the threads I've been reading online. The receptionists were quite accommodating and the restaurant attendants were very warm. We even asked them to take a series of photos.
When we entered the pool area, our impression was as overwhelming as the place. The land area was really vast and pools were everywhere, literally. There were large umbrellas and tables which can be used free. There were more decent cottages for day-use which ranges from Php300 - Php600.
We had to take a look at the free tents and tables before we would have decided to get a cottage. The tents were occupied so we stayed at a cottage. Surprisingly, there were no staff or attendants around. We ended up transferring from one cottage to another to enjoy each of the pools. There were life guards but they cared less so we were CAREFREE!!! :P
The Restaurant
We went home without paying a cent for the cottages we occupied. LOL. It was on a Wednesday anyway so the resort wasn't too busy. According to some, weekends wouldn't be an ideal time to be there because of the influx of customers. Well. . .
We inquired about the other amenities they have and I was kinda excited. It was my first time to ride a horse. :) We had to wait for the rain to stop so we got the chance to feed the racehorses. Two rounds of horseback riding was not so satisfying. It was calm and I almost dozed off from boredom. hehe. :)
They also had a farm and a mini zoo where horses and lizards... wait LIZARDS? I was curious to try their farm until the receptionist mentioned about lizards in the zoo. A tour in the farm for 30 minutes to check out lizards(maybe she was talking about the cool ones). We didn't mind trying. They had zipline but you have to walk before you get there. We had enough of walking so we chose to enjoy the pool. :)
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| feeding the blonde Marimar while waiting for the rain to stop |
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| this little grassland is where you'll have the horseback riding. challenging huh? |
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| Duck pond. Really gross! |
In a nutshell:
1. The place is ideal for relaxation but not on weekends please :)
2. The facilities were quite good. Some of the toilets were not functional.
3. They have cottages and rooms for overnight stay. Function halls are also available for reservations.
4. The food is fine. The service is great. The prices are reasonable.
5. They have 6 pools and sun bathing chairs are situated in the poolside.
6. Their duck pond is gross.
7. They have horseback riding, bee farm/zoo tour, and zipline. They limit the time to enjoy some of their services like farm tour and horseback riding which actually caused dissatisfaction.
8. No strict swimming attire.
9. Food/drinks are NOT allowed inside but they don't do bag inspections anyway, so.. well. hahaha
Expenses:
1. Transpo - Php 80 (one-way-bus)
Php100 (one-way-van)
2. Entrance - Php 100
3. Horseback Riding - Php 100
4. Bee Farm/ Mini Zoo Tour
Food - Check out the menu :)
Till our next laag!
Till our next laag!
XOXO,
Travelsome Chic
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