Dona Choleng: A Resort Review
Before we went to Cagbalete, I have texted a number of resorts in the area and among those who responded, Dona Choleng offered us the cheapest room for two. The staff and the owner are also very prompt in responding to my queries especially when we were asking for directions when we arrived at Sabang Port. I didn't bother looking for other resorts since responsiveness to texts/calls was most important in case of emergencies, like little direction-blind me getting lost in the island. :-)
Room prices are reasonable despite Cagbalete's popularityCompared to other beach destinations, I would say Cagbalete is mid-priced. Not one of the cheapest definitely, since it has already gained significant popularity in the recent years. Based on Dona Choleng's website, their cheapest room called Bali Hut costs P2,000 and can accommodate up to 6 pax. However, we still had to pay the same price even if there's only two of us travelling. This is where it got expensive. During our visit, they offered us a Bali Hut for only P1,800 since it was probably off-season. The rooms are designed bahay kubo style with beds and double decks made of bamboo so it really has a very traditional Pinoy feel. The rooms do not have any airconditioning but since walls are made of light materials, it feels cool inside. The huts also have enough windows for ventilation. There are also ample electric sockets for your gadgets but note that electricity is only available between 6PM and 6AM. If you are staying in a Bali Hut, by the way, you won't have access to a private toilet and bath. Guests will have to use the common bathrooms around the resort. They have several but these are located towards the back of the resort. |
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Tips:
CLICK HERE TO GET DISCOUNTED RATES AT DONA CHOLENG CAMPING RESORT.
- If you are travelling on a lean season, try to negotiate room prices. If this is still beyond budget, you have the option to camp out for only P500 per night.
- If you would like to stay in the huts near the beach area, you will have to walk about a couple of meters to get to the toilet and bathrooms. There are other Bali Huts located near the amenities, so if you would like to stay a few meters closer to them, ask the staff about it.
- Better yet, if you would like to have your own toilet and bath, you have the option to choose Dona Choleng's more premium rooms like Casa Marisyl or Casa Maybel. You may also visit their website at www.donacholeng.com for more information.
CLICK HERE TO GET DISCOUNTED RATES AT DONA CHOLENG CAMPING RESORT.
Tents are big and comfortable
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Since we did not have enough budget to book the Bali Hut, we opted to camp out, which costed P500 per night plus P100 entrance fee. Since Bali Huts did not have a private toilet and bath, sleeping in a tent is basically the same minus the comfortable bed. They also provided us with a banig .
Compared to the tent we had in Padre Burgos, the tents in Dona Choleng are bigger and can accommodate 3-4 comfortably. Security-wise, since the tents didn't have locks, we just brought our valuables with us always. Everything else, we just left behind. The only downside is that the tent given to us already has holes, possibly due to wear and tear. I got a bit worried when it started to drizzle in the middle of our sleep. Tips:
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Amenity-wise, Dona Choleng is above basic
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Dona Choleng has ample toilet and bath so even if it gets crowded (we were there on a weekend), you won't have to wait in line. They have at least 6 common ones -- 2 near the restaurant and 4 near the reception area. The resort also offers other activities, as well, apart from swimming like kayaking and beach volleyball. They also have massage facilities by the beach. Showers are also available near the beach area if you would like a quick rinse.
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By the way, they also have a karaoke machine, which is a major plus point for me and for all divas (and mga feeling divas like moi) out there! Haha! :-) Note that electricity is only up by 6PM so this is the only time you can use the machine.
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Dona Choleng has resort-accredited tour guides
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If you are the kind of person who values security more than others, you would probably appreciate that Dona Choleng has their own accredited tour guides and boatmen. You will see them walking around the resort, talking to guests and helping Dona Choleng's staff in taking care of guests and cleaning up. The few ones I remember are Ate Flora (contact number below) and the adorable young Kenneth in his cute Aldub shirt :-) Kenneth is only in highschool but he probably knows a lot more about the Philippines than most of us do. Despite his limited access to the internet, he finds his way to read and research about a lot of things. Probably the most resourceful kid I've met in my life. I actually found another blog talking about him. You can read it up here --> Backpacking in Cagbalete. |
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Comfort rooms are clean and has a good supply of waterYes, clean and green. These common toilet and bath are newly painted and relatively newer than the others. In fact, I think some cubicles are still under construction when we were there last February 2016. Water is also very clean and supply is non-stop. Flow of water in tap is very strong. Although they don't have showerheads, the pails, tubs and the dippers are new and very clean. :-) |
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Food is affordable
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Food is surprisingly affordable in Dona Choleng. Might be a bit high for a provincial price but still cheaper for a resort price. They also have a good variety of sandwiches and rice meals, which are mostly seafood but they also have chicken and pork dishes. Sizzling plates are also available. :-) |
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The way to Dona Choleng can be confusing and muddy...And this is why you'll need a tour guide. You will pass by the public market, eskinitas (small lanes), residential areas and public schools. If you are not familiar with the area, you might get confused. Plus, the tour guides at the port can be quite insistent in helping you out. They won't charge you for anything but they will ask for a tip/donation. The paved roads do not reach the resort since according to the tour guides the lots we passed through are private properties and it was up to the owners (and the resorts) if they would like to have it developed. Another problem is if it rains, the road can get very muddy and water rises up to knee-deep during non-stop pours. During our visit, some parts were ankle-deep and this was still the residue from last week's rain. Water does not subside quickly. |
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The resort has its own shuttle service
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Since Dona Choleng has a shuttle service, we didn't have to walk back to the port. The only problem is since there was only 2 of us taking the trip back, we had to hire the shuttle for a special trip and pay P200. Since we didn't want to walk along the muddy terrain again, we took the shuttle.
If you are coming from the port, you only have to pay P15 per head. Not sure about the minimum number of pax so please ask the resort beforehand (contact number below). When I asked Dona Choleng about options going to the resort other than by foot, they only mentioned the private boats. They did not mention anything about the shuttle service possibly because there were not much guests when we arrived (we got there on a Friday). |
To get discounted rates at Dona Choleng Resort, click here.
OTHER DESTINATIONS IN QUEZON PROVINCE:
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WHERE TO STAY IN CAGBALETE
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key contacts
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If you have any comments or questions, feel free to post them here:
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