The South's Coastal Area
It was my friend Debbie's Birthday so we kind of planned to celebrate it on the beach with our other friend Jenah and Oddie (Debbie's boyfriend) since we are so stressed out with our daily lives , closest beaches from us are at Anilao Batangas since we are from Dasmariñas, Cavite. Anilao is a Barangay of the Municipality of Mabini, Batangas which is a very well known spot for Divers and snorkelers. The waters of Anilao is very rich with coral reefs and large scale diversity of marine life.
Due to unexplainable reasons most of the well known- resorts and hotels at Anilao were fully booked we are almost close to giving up until one of Debbie's office mate recommended Dive Solana. So hastily we called the resort and checked if they still have vacant rooms, luckily they have a lot and on the spot we booked a room for an overnight stay.
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| Dive Solana's Sun Bathing Area
Solana translates as '' A Place in the Sun" surely you will be welcomed by the Suns Rays, Sound of the Waves and the warmth of the ocean sea breeze. Located at the hilly side Peninsula of Anilao Batangas . Solana Resort provides Accommodation, snorkeling and Scuba diving activities and relaxations.
They have a total of Sixteen Cottages (apologize I was so psyched that time to play in the water that I forgot to take photos of their rooms and cottages), each are air-conditioned and has their private showers, toilets and amenities, also have their own sea view balconies where you can enjoy your morning coffee, a good read or chit chat with friends and talk about how beautiful the place is just to enjoy your time.
 
Step by Step Directions to Solana Resort ( details from Dive Solana Homepage)
1. Take the South Super Highway (also known as SLEX or South Luzon Expressway).
2. Pay SLEX toll P167.00 at the Calamba exit. 3. Continue along SLEX which will lead to the new STAR TOLLWAY (approx 6km/4mi). 4. You will pay two toll fees, the first is P22.00 then a second one for P60.00 at the end of STAR TOLLWAY. (Star tollway is 40kms/24mi from start to end of toll) 5. The road will split into three in 200meters/.1mi. Take the one straight ahead that leads to the Batangas pier. 6. You will see a Toyota car dealership on the left. 7. Keep going straight until you see the flyover. Go under the flyover and turn right at the intersection. 8. Keep going straight on this road for about 4.5km/2.7mi until you see Jollibee (fast food restaurant). Turn right. 9. Follow the road until it curves to the left. 10. Keep going, you will see Metrobank on the left, then Petron gas station on the right. 11. Shortly after Petron gas station, you will cross a short bridge. 12. Right after crossing the bridge, turn left towards the shipyards. You will pass AG&P and Keppel Shipyards. 13. In about 8.8km/5.4mi, you will reach the circular Mabini shrine, turn right. 14. Stay on this road which heads out to the Anilao pier. 15. Turn left before the pier, you will start seeing resort signs along the way. 16. Continue on this road which will take you to the Anilao resorts. Solana is approximately 10 kms/6.21 mile from this point. 17. Solana is on your right. note: before proceeding to the Resort make sure that you have all the things you need like Cash because the resort doesn't have Automated Machines most of the banks are at the town proper which is really far from the resort (it would take about 20minutes ride by a tricycle)
For Room Rates of the Resort you could visit their site
They also have a lounge area which is also facing the sea ,where you can borrow magazines and books at the front desk to read
   
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bougainvillea tree's are scattered everywhere at the resort
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| My Photography Buddy |
Day 1: We arrived at Solana around 2pm we were so hungry so we immediately checked in, put our staffs in our room relaxed our tired body from that commuting and went to the dining area to grab a late lunch ( their foods are pretty decent which makes you feel at home). Then we took a 30 minute break in our room before heading out to the beach and just played at the shores of Solana in the afternoon until the sunsets.
note: most of Anilao shores is not a white sand beach it's full of stones and Coral Reefs so you have to be careful and have your feet protected the stones are quite sharp. Trust me I got lots of souvenir in my whole body.
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| (L-R) Jenah, Debbie (Birthday Gurl, Oddie (Guy behind Debbie also labeled as her BF), and there's me (w/ my bedhead) |
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| Loving all that Bamboo shoots, it gives of a very tropical ambiance (our balcony for the day) |
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| She asked me to take her photo with the flowers (she has a very deep connection with bougainvillea) |
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| Do I smell a Pre-nuptial shoot coming? Watch out!! |
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| Golden hour of the day |
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| Enchanting Sunset view by the shore of Dive Solana |
Last Day:
Not far from the Shores of Dive Solana, you will be able to see an islet which as per the Resort staffs is called "Sombrero Island'' which the shape of the island is clearly looks like a Hat from afar. So we got really curious and wanted to explore the Island. You can ask assistance from the Resort front desk staff to arrange with the local a medium size boat for you and your friends. It would mostly cost about Php2,000.00 which you can also haggle the price if you are a good speaker. It took about 35minutes boat ride from Dive Solana to Sombrero Island.
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| Look at those waves |
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| On our way to Sombrero Island
Sombrero is just a very small island and what's good about it is there's not much people visiting the Island. Guests are only allowed to stay at the Island for a maximum of 5hours. You will surely enjoy your stay in the Island there's white sands everywhere and crystal clear water. Do not forget to put sunscreen or bring your umbrella there's not much shade in the vicinity except for the very small Nipa hut. You can also have your lunch here or bring some snacks just make sure to remember to CLAYGO we have to protect our very few remaining treasures.
Some of the photos I took in the Island
       
Overall this was a very short trip but really worth it. I have surely experienced tranquility and it feels like my Humanity is being restored. Rating this place a 5star will surely comeback with family again have a good time.
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