For office people like us who spend the whole week in the city, beating deadlines and dealing with the daily traffic jams, nothing is more comforting than spending a weekend in a place that guarantees relaxation and peace. Most of us seek refuge in the refreshing feel of the mountain, while others prefer the calmness of the sea.
Beaches are the common go-to place to unwind and chill because they are readily accessible. However, beach resorts tend to be crowded and busy on weekends. This gives way to the rise of mountain resorts.
So, we were very hyped up when we learned about Borderside Mountain Resort in Compostela, just five minutes away from our house. Tucked near the border of Compostela and Danao, this resort lies peacefully in Bugho, Bagalnga, a far-flung barangay of the former.
It isn’t as accessible as Gatubod Spring Resort in Basak, so only a few people know about this place. We never got the chance to visit it, not until last weekend. Ace and I went on a road trip with Elliot, and we decided to check it out. (Ways on how to get there is written below.)
As soon as we got off from the motorcycle, I instantly fell in love with the place. It was quiet, laid-back and refreshing. I like how it doesn’t feel like a commercial resort but a rest house. The entrance of the resort is canopied by the lush foliage of the bamboo and mango trees. Upon entering the premises, you have to climb the staircase going to the swimming pool. The pool is 4-6 feet deep. On its right side is the house which you can rent for Php2000/night, and on its left is their mini-forest.
Aside from the serenity of the place, one thing that stands out the most is the cleanliness of the resort. I wonder how I couldn’t see a single falling leaf even when the whole place is surrounded by plants and trees. I think the caretakers are very meticulous in cleaning and sweeping them. I also want to mention how friendly and accommodating they were.
RATES and OTHER INFORMATION:
HOW TO GET THERE:
From Compostela, Borderside Mountain Resort can be accessed through Canamucan and/or Buluang road. If you opt for Canamucan road, it is the corner going to Virginia and Gatubod Spring Resort. The road is established, but prepare for an uphill drive when you start to enter the corner street going to Barangay Bagalnga proper. If you choose Buluang road, it is the corner going to Q-Park and Paradise Hills Mountain Resort. Some parts of the street are a bit rough after you pass by Paradise Hills.
You can ride a motorcycle or habal-habal from Compostela Public Market to the resort. The fare is Php40-50 per person. Tell the driver that you are going to Borderside Mountain Resort in Bugho, Bagalnga.
Recommended driver: Alfie — 09108490689
Entrance Fees:
Php100/head — Adult
Php50/head – kids
Cottages: Php250
Tables: Php200
For overnight stay:(They have rooms under construction.)
House: Php2000
Own Tent: Php200
Resort tent: Php500
For more information, you may contact these numbers:
564-2161
423-4947
09088631029
09420915982
It’s a garden…it’s a farm… it’s a mountain resort.
Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.
The largest cross my eyes have seen. (Compostela, Cebu)
Two weeks ago, I had a wonderful opportunity to finally meet the TEAM BANG — one of the known hiking group in Cebu and of course, the team’s head, the famous BISAYA TRAVELER, sir Aldrich.
It started with a proposal that I opened to sir Aldrich last month to give the Northern Cebu its chance to be discovered. I told him to start with my town, Compostela. Most people know Compostela as home of big beach and spring resorts. But this town is more than that. There are more beautiful spots hiding in the outskirts of this sleeping municipality.
Demi at Bungtod Panangban.
We agreed to meet at my place. The team introduced themselves and I offered them cooked sab-a banana and cassava or kamoteng-kahoy which my family prepared for them.
Our adventure started with a short prayer led by the team’s famous “IDOL“. The plan was to climb Bungtod Panangban and traverse to Mulao River. But then they noticed the big cross from afar that can be seen from my house. Sir Aldrich suddenly became interested about it but tried to let it pass his mind.
Photo Credit: Sir Aldrich
The walk to Barangay Panangban was fairly easy because we just have to follow the barangay road. Until we arrived at an abandoned quarry spot which, when climbed at the top provides an overlooking glimpse of Mactan Island. Some of the gang did check it out but others stayed below.
Photo credit: Idol Reymund
This abandoned quarry spot holds a special part of my heart because this was my playground when I was younger. (I’m going to write a separate post about it later.)
Photo Credit: Idol Reymund
From the quarry spot, once again, the sight of the cross met Sir Aldrich’s eyes as if tempting him to come closer. Until he relented to its teasing scene and asked us to consider checking it out. Everybody agreed to change the plan and traverse to that big cross after Bungtod Panangban, instead.
The cross from afar.
So, we continued our trek to the highest peak of Panangban. It was an hour ascent to the area. Until we came to a spot that shows a panoramic view of some mountain barangays of Compostela, the Mactan Island and some parts of Cebu City. We rested for a while and ate the snacks we brought.
I started to feel more comfortable with the team. They’re friendly and easy to get along with. They never made me feel out-of-place. That time, I knew I’d be tagging with them again some time.
After our break, we resumed our hike to the highest peak of the area. We had to climb through a steep slope under the scorching sun. But the heat never seemed to bother everyone especially because we had so much fun listening to a “puppy story” by one of the team’s member. I did not fully understand the whole story but The Bisaya Traveler mentioned a piece of it on his post, check it out here. 🙂
Photo Credit: Idol Wanderer
There was not much to see at the peak because it was covered with thick bush and vegetation. With clearing, I’m pretty sure this area would give a better view of the city.
We did not stay long there, because we already heard stomachs growling. We had to trail back because the other trail was fenced. We took our lunch in a bbq store beside a basketball court at the base of the mountain.
After filling our tummies, we resumed our hike to traverse to that intriguing cross. This time, we took the descending trail heading to the adjacent barangay, Barangay Basak. It sits next to Panangban and this was also the main quarry site.
We came across this abandoned bamboo hut which we supposed, the workers in the quarry used to live when it was still operating. We rested for a few minutes while they continued talking about the “puppies”. 😀
Photo Credit: Sir Aldrich
With energies regained, we continued our quest to discover that huge cross. None of us had been there, not even my uncle and cousin who were our guide on that day. I knew, the cross is perched in Tagaytay, a sitio of Barangay Bagalnga.
Photo Credit: Sir Aldrich
It was another uphill climb towards the cross. Our pace slowed a bit. Admittedly, I started panting and hearing my loud breath. I also noticed some of them catching their breath as well. Perhaps, we underestimated that ascend. That was weird.
After few short stops, we finally made it to the location of the cross. I was in AWE. Like, I literally said “AWE”. I’ve never seen a cross this BIG. (I hope you feel the caps.) I couldn’t stop looking at it and I was wondering why it was made, how it was made…
We all agreed that this is so far the largest cross we all have seen. Also the view from the cross was worth that breath-catching hike.
I don’t know the reason why this cross was made but there are different stories and rumors going around the area. Some of these stories are controversial. For that reason, I can’t share it here, it’d be better if you personally find it out from the locals in the area. 🙂
We took a rest under the shade of the cross. Yes, it did fit all of us. What is largest, right? Jovy, took a short nap while the rest are talking and munching some snacks. I had so much fun listening to them. I couldn’t help laughing at Sir Aldrich and Idol’s first-bump gesture almost every minute. I really enjoyed the TEAM’s company. I was amazed how open-minded and flexible they are. I’m very glad to have met them and even get to know some of the members. I also look forward to meet the rest of the team in the future. 🙂
It’s the friends we met along the way that help us appreciate the journey.
At first, I thought it would be just another weekend trek to quench my adventurous soul. I was happy with the sudden change of plan that led us to a whimsical discovery. But I was happier to have made NEW FRIENDS on that journey. Indeed, mountains don’t only give a wonderful feeling at the top, this time, it gave me new friends.
Tips and How to get there:
Ride a north-bound bus or jeepney to Compostela and drop off at Compostela Public Market. (Fare: Php25 from Sm/Php18 from Mandaue)
If you plan to take our route, start your trek from Dikyop. Hail a motorcycle to take you there. (If you only want the see the cross, just tell the driver to take you to Tagaytay, Bagalnga.) (Fare: Php20 to Dikyop)
Hire a guide. You can contact me. Send me a message or connect with me through my Facebook Page. (Ace and Demi Travel Stories / Demi Compra)
You can also traverse to Mulao River from Bungtod Panangban.
In a tropical country like ours, cold spring resorts are really helpful to escape the heat. No wonder why mountain resorts are thriving nowadays. One is Gatubod Spring Resort in Compostela, Cebu.
Gatubod Spring Resort is located in Barangay Basak, Compostela, Cebu. It’s actually just one kilometer away from our house. This resort is owned by the famous Quiño clan in the town who also happens to own Green Lagoon Park.
The Resort:
The resort has three pools. The first pool is what welcomes you upon entering. It has a depth of 7ft. The second pool is the kids’ pool which also serves as the launching pool for the slides. The third one is the widest and has a depth of 2ft to 6ft. It also has a mini waterfall for those who wanted a water-massage.
The resort has two long slides that guests could enjoy. As of this writing, they have the longest slide in the northern Cebu. During our last visit, only one slide is operational due to some accidents and complains about the steepness and shape of the slide.
There are cottages for rent and tables for rent but no rooms for overnight stays.
No corkage. Grilling station is also available.
They have a wide car park across the resort.
REVIEW:
Gatubod Spring Resort like Green Lagoon Park is also a family-oriented resort. However, it could be crowded during weekends and holidays. My advice is to book in advance or go early.
They don’t have rooms or at least lockers to leave your important belongings. Therefore, you have to take turns in swimming so someone could look after your things.
The resort doesn’t have a restaurant so better bring your own food. Good thing because there is no corkage fee. 😀
The staffs are friendly and approachable.
How To Get There:
*From Sm/Mandaue, just ride a jeepney or bus going to Compostela or Danao. Ask the driver to drop you off in Compostela Public Market or in Guimbal, corner going to Virginia Foods Inc.. There are motorcycles for hire (habal-habal) and will take you to the resort. The travel from the market is 15-20 minutes.
More Information:
*Entrance Fee — Php30 (Kids) / Php60 (Adult)
*Cottages: Ranges from Php250 – Php500
*No corkage
I hope you find this review helpful. 🙂 Should you find any mistakes or changes, feel free to contact us or drop us a comment below. We’d appreciate it.
‘Til next time!
Keep safe!
Love, Ace and Demi
P.S Another post about our Gatubod Spring Resort adventure also appears on Side by Side blog.
Days are getting hotter, air is getting warmer, everybody’s ready for summer!!!
Everybody is already hyped up for summer. Have you booked your summer getaway, yet?
Green Lagoon Park, Compostela, Cebu
For people living solo, for those who prefer traveling or spending their summer 2017 alone, it’s not hard to find a perfect place to go. However, for those who wanted to spend it with their family, finding a “family-friendly” resort is not that easy, especially if you have many kids with you. Two important things you need to consider are the rates and the distance of the place. And a place that spells “inexpensive fun”.
Worry no more!!!
Here’s Green Lagoon Park, conveniently located in Canamucan, Compostela, Cebu. (The resort has always been the venue for Ipanema’s Summer SunScream for four consecutive years now.) This resort is big and spacious which makes it ideal for family gatherings and reunions. You can let the kids enjoy swimming in the pool while adults enjoy other ammenities that the resort offers.
Another good thing for this resort, is that they have no corkage fee for food and they have grilling stations that guests can use. In case you don’t bring food with you, they have a restaurant and some concessionaires inside the facility.
Green Lagoon Park’s huge swimming pool only has a depth of four feet. Not for adults who wanted to do their diving thingy but it’s perfect for the kids. The pool also has two slides which I’m sure every kid and kid-at-heart wants.
My sister-in-law and me, kids at heart, yeah!!
If you don’t feel like swimming in pool, you can go enjoy the beach, instead. It’s not as beautiful as the beaches in the northern and southern part of the province. The sand is not powdery white, it’s a bit rocky.
Green Lagoon Park’s beach front.
Your kids would still enjoy playing on the sand, though. Just please look after them. There are life guards in the area but there’s no harm if we take caution, too.
The beach front.
They also have several rooms for those who wish to stay overnight. These rooms are all air-conditioned and are fully equipped with cable tv, mini fridge, and a cabinet. Each room has a king-sized bed with a private bathroom complete with toiletries. (Rate listed below.)
Green Lagoon Park’s room accommodation.
The resort also has big nipa hut cottages. You can bring your portable music speakers with you because each cottage has its own electrical outlet. (Rate listed below.)
Nipa hut cottages.
Green Lagoon Park is also a perfect venue for team building. They have a wide area for team-building activities. Other activities in the resort includes volleyball, zipline, jet-ski, banana boat and many more.
The resort’s playground.
How to get there:
Green Lagoon Park is only 27 kilometers away from the city. You can take a jeepney bound for Compostela or Danao in SM City, Cebu or even in Mandaue. (Fare 18-25 pesos.) Ask the driver to drop you off in Green Lagoon Resort. This is just along the main road.
Rates:
Entrance Fees — Php10 (child) / Php20 (adult)
Cottages — Php500
Rooms — Php1000
No corkage for food except for beverages.
For more information, questions or bookings, you can contact the resort through:
We hope you found this post helpful. If you find any error or changes with the rates, leave us some words in the comment box below. We’d love to hear from you.
The river once told me: There is no hurry. We shall get there someday.
Mulao River
Slithering through the valleys of Liloan and Compostela is this splendid river that serves as the boundary of the two adjacent municipalities. It is called the Mulao River.
After our pre-valentine climb to Lanigid Hill last Saturday, we decided to have a quick visit to the said river. But what supposed to to be a quick one became a few hours of astonishment and exciting adventure.
The gang.
Halfway through our struggle going down the never ending steep slope, we finally heard the gushing water and we felt relieved to know that we’re near.
We were welcomed by the enthralling beauty of this body of water.
The stupendous rocks that were artistically formed eons of year ago are just magnificent. I can’t keep myself from saying “wow” even though we’re forewarned not to make big noises while in there. The locals believed that some nature god or unknown spirits are living in the river, and they hate to be disturbed. I don’t know if you believe in it, too but I grew up in the countryside and have always believed in superstitions and myths.
There’s just something in the river that we can’t explain. As if the nature really showered all it’s care on this place. Imagine the enormous rocks of various shapes and forms. Made us wonder how they formed all these years.
Our main goal was to see the “Stone Ark”, yet the way to it is not easy. We had to climb the large boulders and jump from one rock to another. We mastered our art of balancing just to get through the cliff-like path. One mistake and you’ll get yourself hurt.
The Stone Ark.
Finally, we reached our goal. This colossal rock, it’s not really surprising because all of the rocks in the area are this huge, but if you look at it, it indeed looks like a ship drydocked in an unreliable base. I say “unreliable” because the stone ark is REALLY big. (See the capslock there? LOL) And the base is too small for it. But lo and behold, this ark has been here thousands of years ago but not even the strongest flood shook and moved it.
Now don’t you call it amazing?
Just near the stone ark, we noticed the rocks looked different from the ones we saw. Here, the rocks resembled the waves in the ocean. The locals said that there are some nights they hear the ship moving as if it’s sailing, and they hear the waves that of the ocean. Could it be? (Now that depends on your belief.)
What more can we say? Mulao River is indeed enchanting. Along with the enigmatic beauty and mysterious stories of this river, it’s all worth the visit. And I really appreciate the locals for keeping this place a clean haven. I’m pretty sure the spirits and nature god are happy thus providing them a good harvest from the river.
Over to you. Have you visited this place? Or a place like this? Have you heard stories such as this? Share it to us.
Ace and Demi Travel Stories 