Traveler's Couch

Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort: A New Face of Cebu, Philippines' Island Getaway Experience

2013-04-08T20:32:00.000+08:00

In every traveler’s heart, there’s always that urge to explore something new out of his/her passion of traveling. So, if you’re making Cebu, Philippines as one of your island destinations this year (or in the near future), this post is for you.

THE RESORT AND LOCATION

Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort is a newly opened hotel and resort in Metro Cebu. After their soft opening last March 6^th, 2013, the resort starts to accommodate a number of guests, either day usage or with overnight stay. It is situated in Wahing Street, Barangay Alegria, Cordova, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines. You may refer to below maps as a guide in getting there. If you're departing from Marina Mall Mactan (nearby Mactan Cebu International Airport), it's like 15-25minutes drive (depends on the flow of traffic).

Map of Mactan Island, Cebu showing Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort

(Click the map to enlarge)

Map of Cordova in Mactan Island, Cebu showing Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort

(Click the map to enlarge)

To get there via public transportation, you may take any multicab/jeep with 'Cordova' sign board and drop by Cordova crossing (as shown on below map) and get a ride via tricycle (inform the driver ahead that you're heading to Sand Bar Resort in Alegria, Cordova which is just few blocks away from the Barangay Alegria Gymnasium or Alegria Elementary School). With this, it will take around 30minutes ride (jeep then tricycle) if you're departing from Marina Mall or nearby Mactan Cebu International Airport (depends on the flow of traffic).

Map from Cordova Crossing to Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort

(Click the map to enlarge)

THE FACILITIES, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES OFFERED

Part of choosing a best escapade is the facilities and services that suits your needs and convenience. Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort has below facilities:

*58 well-designed guest room with Hotel Safe Deposit Box

*Adult/Kiddie Swimming Pool

*Pool House (Good for Day users, also those who opt for an overnight stay)

*Conference Facilities (good for business meetings & events)

*Gaming/Entertainment Center (Board Games & Video Games via Xbox 360)

*Modern Filipino Restaurant with Bar

*Parking Facilities

*Non-smoking Rooms

*2 Elevators

The resort also offers these services: 24-hour Front desk assistance, Late Check-in/Check-out, Airport Transfer, Car/Rental Service, Banquet/Catering Service and Foreign Currency Exchange. For the activities, it can cater for an Island Hopping, Board/Video Games (Xbox 360), Water Inflatables, Volleyball, Snorkeling, Karaoke Rooms and ATV.

THE RATES & INCLUSIONS

1) Getaway Day Use Package - there are two (2) options which you or your group would want to consider in terms of budget or convenience.

Option A) Php 499 nett per person (Adult rate, 13 yrs old and up),

Php 375.00 nett per person (kids 5-12 yrs. old only)

Inclusions:

*Welcome Drinks

*Set lunch

*Waived entrance fee to the resort

*Use of swimming pool from 8:00am to 5:00pm

*Use of public shower area and changing rooms

Option B) Php 250 nett per person (Adult rate, 13 yrs. old and up)

Inclusions:

*Waived entrance fee to the resort

*Use of swimming pool from 8:00am to 5:00pm

*Use of public shower area and changing rooms

*Children 12 yrs. old and below can avail half of the price. Children 4 yrs. old and below accompanied by at least one paying adult is free of charge (maximum of 2 children).

NOTE: Please be advised that the food and beverage items bought from outside sources MAY NOT be brought and consumed in the resort. The rates are subject to change without prior notice and cannot be combined with any other promotions or offers.

If you're asked by the resort staff as to where did you know/hear about the resort, please indicate Traveler's Couch Blog.

2) Hotel Room Accommodation - good for overnight stay. Below are the introductory rates, valid for either single or double occupancy.

Deluxe Room - Php 2,999.00 nett

Suite Room - Php 3,499.00 nett

Extra person/bed - Php 950.00 nett

Inclusions:

*Welcome Drinks

*Use of Swimming Pool

*Breakfast good for two persons

*Complimentary bottled water daily

*Free WiFi access

*No additional charge for children 12 yrs. old and below sharing a room with parents.

Check In Time: 14:00 (2:00PM)

Check Out Time: 12:00 (12:00 noon)

NOTE: Please be advised that the rates are subject to change without prior notice and cannot be combined with any other promotions or offers. For overnight stay, reservations must be guaranteed by a credit card or receipt of advance payment and room preference is subject to availability.

If you're asked by the resort staff as to where did you know/hear about the resort, please indicate Traveler's Couch Blog.

PHOTOS/IMAGES

You may refer to below photos and images taken last April 6th-7th, 2013 to have an overview of the Resort. You may also visit my Facebook Photo Album as well for more photos or images of Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort. (Note: Please click below photos to enlarge)

Photo of the Set lunch as part of the inclusions of the Php 499 Getaway Day use Package. (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

The view of the pool at the 2nd floor of the hotel. (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

The Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

Friends enjoying their afternoon swimming at Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

Beautiful sunset view in Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Hotel (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

The Deluxe Room of Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort - Hotel Lobby (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Entrance (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

You may visit my Facebook Photo Album as well for more photos or images of Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort.

RESORT CONTACT DETAILS

You may contact Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort through below details:

Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort

Wahing St., Alegria, Cordova

Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines

Telephone No.: (63 32) 238 4217
Mobile No.: +639173090236 (Globe),
+639334394797 (Sun),
+639285591487 (Smart)

Email Address: info@sandbarcebu.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/CebuSandBarResort
Twitter: @Sandbarresort

Official Website: www.sandbar.com

If you're asked by the resort staff as to where did you know/hear about the resort, please indicate Traveler's Couch Blog.

Below is a promotional video which gives you a preview of Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort, brought to you by Traveler's Couch.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Feel free to post your inquiries, suggestions or comments below. :)

New York City: A Big Visit to "The Big Apple" (Highlights of New York, USA)

2013-04-05T01:03:00.000+08:00

"In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made, oh... There's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York..." - just few of the lines of Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" ft. Alicia Keys which gave me some chill while exploring one of the world's top cities: New York City (NYC)!

I will be sharing on this post the major highlights of the most populous city of USA with photos :

1) The New York Times - this is the very first building structure that welcomes you when you enter the city through bus via Port Authority Bus Terminal.

2) Time Square - the iconic attraction of NYC, where all kinds of races are on the busy streets to feel the ambience of this popular spot of the city along with large, colorful billboards (trip won't be complete without walking through point to point of the place). This is also where the New York Police Department (NYPD) is situated.

3) Central Park - this 778 acres of city-owned land is the most visited urban park in the United States. One day won't be enough to roam around this point of NYC.

4) 9/11 Memorial - known as the "World Trade Center" Memorial, the place commemorates the September 11 attacks of 2001 which killed approximately 3,000 people. Situated in Lower Manhattan, New York, the One World Trade Center (1 WTC, previously called as Freedom Tower) is now the main building of the World Trade Center complex.

5) Wall Street - considered as the financial district, named after and centered on the eight-block-long street running from Broadway to South Street on the East River, situated in Lower Manhattan, New York City.

6) Grand Central - (Grand Central Terminal) the commuter rail terminal station in 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

7) The Empire State Building Observation Deck - one of the worlds famous skylines, the Empire State Building View Deck will give you a better view of New York City, especially breathtaking city lights view at night.

Thanks for visiting my blog

Comments are highly appreciated. :)

A Visit to Harvard University - Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

2013-03-21T02:34:00.004+08:00

Considered as the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States of America, I never missed to include Harvard University in my 'must visit' list during my US Trip last 2012 (Fall season). A university established last 1636 and named after its first benefactor John Harvard (you can check a photo of his statue below), the place itself is no doubt one of the best of its kind. From ancient-inspired buildings to modern facilities, the institution marked a legacy to be one of the world's most famous and top university.

Here are my shots taken during this visit.

Harvard University Shuttle

Harvard University - Graduate School of Design

Statue of John Harvard, first benefactor of Harvard University

Me at Harvard University

Late afternoon in Harvard University

Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, Harvard University

Harvard Book Store (established 1932)

Harvard University at Night

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Comments are highly appreciated. :)

NBA Live Experience: Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks - Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA

2013-03-17T20:41:00.003+08:00

When visiting USA, never miss to watch at least one game of this pre-eminent men's basketball association in North America (according to wikipedia), the National Basketball Association a.k.a NBA. Yes, this was actually part of my plans during my US trip.

The Event: It's 'Chicago Bulls versus New York Knicks' game. It was a game or venue-dependent situation on my case since I had limited days left prior getting back to the Philippines. (Boston game was also an option for me but the schedule was a bit risky at my end that time)

The Venue: Fortunately, it's held at the world's most famous arena, the Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York City, USA. Oh well, I was amazed with the interior which was so perfect for taking photos or shots using a wide angle lens (I used a tokina 11-16mm f2.8 lens that time).

The Rate: Oh well, a bit pricey since I bought it (online, 1-day delivery) 3 days prior the event which budget-wise shouldn't be (I see tickets are cheaper when bought weeks or even month earlier, that's common nowadays).

The Highlights: Half-time breaks were great: the proposal, the kissing and the "OMG-im-on-screen" faces :)

Over-all Experience: Majority of my blog readers would really ask "How's the experience watching NBA Game Live in the arena?", I always give an honest answer: "One of the best in my US trip...". Everything was worth the price: the game, the excitement, the venue, the people (amazing energy of Knicks fans even though they lost the game, fortunate enough to have a fun-to-be-with seatmates) and all. You take the game differently when compared to a televised viewing.

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Boracay, Philippines named as One of World's Top 25 Beaches for 2013 by Trip Advisor (Travelers' Choice 2013)

2013-02-22T03:07:00.000+08:00

A well deserved spot was given to the beautiful island paradise of Boracay in Malay, Aklan, Philippines as being one of the Top 25 Beaches for 2013 for this year's Travelers' Choice by Trip Advisor. Ranking 24th over-all worldwide, White Beach of Boracay was the only beach destination included in the list from Asia making it the #1 must-visit on the said region. As quoted by most travelers: "A stunningly beautiful white powder sand beach. Crystal clear, warm water that you can laze in for days on end."

Here's the complete list of Trip Advisor - Travelers' Choice 2013

Top 25 Beaches of the World - 2013

1) Rabbit Beach - Lampedusa, Italy

2) Grace Bay - Providenciales

3) Whitehaven Beach - Airlie Beach, Australia

4) Baia do Sancho - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

5) Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco) - Culebra, Puerto Rico

6) Playa de las Catedrales - Ribadeo, Spain

7) Lopes Mendes Beach - Ilha Grande, Brazil

8) Horseshoe Bay Beach - Southampton Parish, Bermuda

9) Eagle Beach - Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba

10) Rhossili Bay - Swansea, United Kingdom

11) Playa Paraiso Beach - Cayo Largo, Cuba

12) Playa de ses Illetes - Formentera, Spain

13) Chesterman Beach - Tofino, British Columbia

14) Playa del Norte - Isla Mujeres, Mexico

15) Ka'anapali Beach - Lahaina, Hawaii

16) Siesta Key Public Beach - Sarasota, Florida

17) Anse Lazio - Praslin Island, Seychelles

18) Gulf Islands National Seashore - Pensacola, Florida

19) Turquoise Bay Exmouth - Exmouth, Australia

20) Fort De Soto Park - Tierra Verde, Florida

21) Akumal Beach - Akumal, Mexico

22) The Baths - Virgin Gorda

23) Seven Mile Beach - George Town, Grand Cayman

24) White Beach - Boracay, Philippines

25) Woolacombe Beach - Woolacombe, United Kingdom

Below are my shots of Boracay Island during my previous visits last 2012 & 2011.

(Click photo to enlarge)

Tropical weather in white Beach in Boracay Island, Philippines

Tourists relaxing in White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

Clear, Whitesand beach of Boracay Island, Philippines

Late afternoon at White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

Helmet Diving in Boracay Island, Philippines

Relaxing tourist at White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

Sunset view in White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

Another sunset view in White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

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#KeepTraveling #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines