Hooyah!!!
Since 2010, my mind has been boggling about Ternate, Cavite where the famous Pico de Loro establised itself to reward mountaineers who are new to the sport. Within the vicinity of Ternate, most people who come to climb the said mountain don't know much of other pocket wonders they may see within the area. One of which I am about to share is the dubbed Boracay de Cavite. Much known as the Marine Base Resort I have come to know after climbing Pico de Loro after Typhoon Ondoy.
From Manila, the resort is around 75 kilometers away from the busy city. It takes 2-3 hours bus ride from Lawton, Manila but I managed to bike it all the way under 6 hours. This is something that I prefer, bike touring.
I left Manila at around 2pm and arrived there about seven at night. I packed the usual stuff I bring every bike tour; three sets of clothes, one swimming trunks, and a pair of flip flops because I am going beaching and bumming around. This trip also gave me the oppurtunity to ride alone, solo for the whole 150 kilometer round trip.
I set up my prefered stay, under the shelter of a cottage, with a good amount of meal I ordered to be cooked at nearby convenience store. Yes, there is a one stop mini shop inside.
In the morning... Well, at around 3 am in the morning, I was dozing inside my duyan or hammock in three star camping luxury but woke up because the vocal cords of training marines were singing military cadence.
Hooyah! Hooyah! Mama, Mama, can't you see?
I can't even squeeze myself in a moment to take some photos because the training soldiers were actually in the beach. Something that is very forbidden to do.
But still, I managed to take some few photos that I could be happy to keep.
Shooting Star?
As soon as the sun rose, gradually I was able to see what's around me and I realized that the resort isn't really feeling special like those in Calaguas or El Nido. It does, however, serve as a true pocket wonder to those who wants relax after a day climb from Pico de Loro. Families living nearby Cavite area also love the idea of hitting the beach for summer, and this is too okay for the itinerary.
Entrance costs 100 pesos during the day. Overnight stay will set you back 200 pesos. There's a dry kitchen for cooking sinugba or barbecue and a videoke machine for that long joyful night. What about cottages? Ah, yes! It ranges from 250php to 350php depending on the size. Still try to haggle! =)
If someone wishes to enjoy the night at Ternate, you can easily check into their rooms which costs 750 pesos/night. It's no air-conditioned room though, but spending the night there can be cool and breezy so no fuss and complaints.
The morning was serene. Waves meet the ground calmly but somewhat kissing.
On Left: I noticed that Gibson boots or combat boots are a normal sight here and there. I wonder why these training marines need to dip into the water every now and then during my stay... Probably to vent off a weary body and to cool oneself.
Here's a video of the bike tour.
How to get here?
From Lawton, Manila. Take a bus going to Ternate, Cavite for 80-100php. Drop off at the intersection near Munisipyo de Bahra. Take the tricycle there and tell the driver that you will be going to the Marine Base Resort. This costs 300php per trip.
Tips:
1) There are no fish for sale in the area. You can go marketing in the town proper before hand for a sumptous grilled meal.
2) You can bring tents, just tell the assigned staff where to erect your portable house.
3) Bring anti-mosquito lotions.
