Talima Beach Villas and Dive Resort - Olanggo Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

You know you are in the Philippines when you just can't get enough of beach life and when you have the luxury of time to relish summer fever. From the wide-stretched white sand beaches to sky-scraping adventure-filled terrain, just name it and you'll never run out of options. Any islands in the country can surely offer a wonderful tropical experience from the biggest archipelago down to its islets. Philippines indeed is the perfect one-stop vacation destination for tourists. 

First stop - Olanggo Island Group! It's a 20-minute boat ride from mainland Lapu-Lapu. There are two options in getting to Olango Island. First, you can leave port at Movenpick, Punta Engano (used to be Hilton wharf, a name which locals are more familiar with) where ferry services start as early as 5 AM. Another option is at Angasil Port, Brgy. Mactan. Hilton wharf is preferable though because it has a more decent terminal and it is more systematic. Fare is at PhP 14 (one-way). A cargo vessel also sets sail for really huge shipment. All ferries disembark at Sta. Rosa Port in Olango.  From there you can simply ask tricycle drivers to get you to your destination. The usual fare is Php 25 - Php 50 depending on the distance. 

Olango has satellite islets where exceptional panoramic coasts can be found. There are special boat trips from mainland Lapu-Lapu to any of the islets such as Caohagan, Pangan-an, Camungi, Sulpa, Nalusuan, and Gilutungan (Hilutungan). Most of the time passengers can bargain with the transportation cost. A special trip usually costs Php 300 - Php 400.

Sta. Rosa Port

On weekends, there are pump boats  docked around the port area where boatmen wait for local tourists or any groups who wish to go on island hopping. Even without reservations, tourists can just go directly to the port and negotiate.It saves time and keeps you away from that island hopping transportation reservation blues. 

Now, let's talk about Olango Island. While this island is known as a bird sanctuary, there are only few resorts in Olango and most of them are basically man-made like the swimming pools.  One of which is  Talima Beach Villas and Dive Resort. From Sta. Rosa Port you simply need to take a tricycle ride which costs around Php 25.

The resort reflects the simplicity of the people's lifestyle in the island. It does not have extravagant  architectural designs or overwhelming deluxe accommodation but its purlieu provides an instantaneous calming effect as you set foot on its sandbar.

Along the shore is  an array of open huts with soft sheer curtains and pillows which make the ambiance more laid back. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing massage on one of these huts.

heading to the wine bar

The wine bar

The restaurant

Chilling out

waiting for a massage treat

Walk-ins are welcome to enjoy the amenities of the resort for Php 250 (inclusive of corkage so you can bring your own food). Aside from a refreshing bathe in their 7-feet pool, part of what you enjoy as guest is the snorkeling activity which can be done in the fish sanctuary just meters away from the resort. You can request for a guide to navigate a coracle-like vessel to bring you to the sanctuary. Guide's service fee is at Php 300.  Equipment (i.e., snorkel, life vest / PFDs) can also be rented for Php 100 - Php 150.

The coracle that will bring you to the fish sanctuary but this is useless during low tide.

The vast shore of Olango Island.. This is how it looks like in the afternoon. You can actually walk from Talima Resort to the fish sanctuary but you have to bring your gears for snorkeling.

 Adventure-lovers might also be interested to know that the resort has its diving center with all diving facilities you need to explore the breathtaking marine life underwater.

Rooms or villas perfect for a  big family vacation  are also available. The largest accommodation they could offer is the Two-Bedroom Villa facing the pool area with its own living room, kitchen, walk-in closets, and separate toilets and bathroom. Room rates start ar Php 2,000 - Php 6,000 with Php500 for every additional pax per night. Tourists should take note that they do not have credit card machines (so please bring cash).

The resort has its own wine bar and a restaurant where fresh sea foods are served upon request. Hammocks and beach recliners are all over the place should you wish to loosen up and just be taken away by the soothing sound of the rushing currents to the shore. Or you can watch the beautiful golden sunset over its cliff deck fronting the horizons. Alternatively, you and your friends can also have your own billiards tournament or a film viewing in their multi-purpose lounge.






Rates:

• Two-Bedroom Villa (good for 4 pax plus max. 2 extra persons) PhP 6,200
• Sinamay Room (good for 2 pax)  PhP 3,000
• Banig Room (good for 2 pax) PhP 2,800
• Pool Side Family Room (good for 4 pax)PhP 2,950
• Pool Side Room (good for 2 pax)  PhP 2,400
• Economy Room  (good for 2 pax) PhP 1.950,00
• Seaside Bamboo Room  (good for 2 pax plus max. 2 extra persons)  PhP 1.950,00
• Seaside Barkada Room (Non-aircon) (good for 4 pax plus max. 2 extra persons) PhP 2.000,00

feat. Aldrin Floyd