#SheTravels To A Philippine Province – Ruth Greening

Philippines for peace and tranquillity

If it wasn’t for the Covid pandemic in Australia in 2020 I most likely would not have included the Philippines in my travel plans. 

But here I am travelling to the Philippines each year since the pandemic, as my son and his family are based there. He has purchased a property of eight recently renovated apartments called Magnetic Apartment, which he now leases. 

When there is an apartment available I jump on a plane and spend a few weeks there catching up. I am almost like a local and I have since discovered it is one of the best places to relax and write.  From where I sit at my desk each morning I can see and hear the waves splash onshore. The volcanic sand may not be white but it is a great mineral scrub when I sit on the watery shoreline.  

Packing is simple,

I need to be able to manage the weight of my suitcase on my own.  Which means I have downsized to a medium suitcase. The packed weight is normally around 18 kilos and to be organised I  always use packing cubes. The double zippers reduce the size and saves on space. I have a larger cube for beach dresses, another for at least three swimsuits (while one is drying off you need another for your next swim) and two sarongs. A cube for light linen pants and a couple of light tops, then a smaller size for underclothes. I wear smart casual jogger jeans on the plane with a light zipper top. Comfortable sandals, thongs and walking shoes are a must. Plus of course, sun hat, toiletries and any medication you may require. Check with your doctor if any vaccinations are needed. I always take Malaria tablets.

Travelling from Brisbane 

I find it easy to use my Flight Centre agent as she always gets the best deals for flights and accommodation.  I normally fly Philippine Airlines to Manila, but there are other options. 

In my seventies as a retired self-funded sole traveller, gone are the days of luxurious business seats. So I try to do things as comfortably as possible in economy with a window seat. Then I only have one person next to me using the window area for head space. 

My son’s apartments are located in San Miguel in the coastal Municipality of Bacong, in the province of Negros Oriental (one of 82 provinces), Negros Island, Philippines. 

It is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes flight south from Manila to Dumaguete airport. Then a half-hour taxi ride for 800 pesos ($22AUD) or a 45-minute trike ride for half the price. There are ferry options.

I stay overnight to freshen up in Manila at the Savoy Hotel before my connecting flight. It is a short taxi ride from the airport, more expensive in peak hour traffic. Safe for a female on her own. 

The final leg of my journey to reach my peaceful seaside hideaway is a 500-metre ride down a narrow bumpy side street that runs perpendicular to the main highway. Greeted by coconut palms leaning over the calming blue waters it is the perfect introduction to tranquility.   

All the apartments overlook the sea, and it only takes 40 steps from my apartment door to dip my body in the beckoning salt water. My son has attached a freshwater shower to a coconut palm on the beachfront, next to their little private beach cottage. 

Sliding windows open wide and allow the refreshing sea breeze to enter the rooms. All apartments have a view of the ocean waves as they gently crawl to shore. The scent of coconuts sweetens my soul or is it from the abundance of ripening papaya ready for picking at the back of the property?   

Modern conveniences, easy lifestyle 

The perfect place for those seeking solace and isolation with tranquil views. It is an inexpensive way to travel and live. The WiF is fabulous and my son is an IT Technician which sure comes in handy. 

Tiled throughout, each unit has a slightly different layout, all spacious, clean and comfortable. 

Included are a dining setting, new full-sized fridges, electrical cooking facilities (some with a full oven) cutlery and dishes, a pedestal fan, air conditioning, instantaneous hot water, double bed with quality mattresses, roll-out convertible couch beds in the lounge and separate bathroom facilities. 

All apartments have a Smart TV and you can access most of your streaming platforms. There are moments when the local electricity supply is interrupted but normally not for long.

No one drinks the local water but the owners have dispensers to hold 15 L water bottles.  Water bottles are delivered regularly and available to purchase for a few pesos. I also boil my water and keep a full jug in the fridge. 

Most units hold longer-term tenants, and some work remotely from their units, having the best of both worlds. 

Magnetic Apartment has basic modern facilities and fresh running water. They all have separate private balconies with outdoor settings and a sea view so close you hear the waves.  Air BnB short-term tenancy is also available. 

Local facilities

Bikes are parked in a covered shed to the side of the apartments. They can also be hired (check travel insurance). Otherwise, only a short walk up to the main road to flag down a motorized trike or jeepney.  It pays to have local pesos on hand. Management can also book a taxi. The bigger shopping centre Robinson’s is about 15-20 minutes away. 

Only a few metres walk from the apartments is a great restaurant, they make the best pizzas. Further along the beach there is a tiny grocery store and at weekends local thatched roof bars are open.  

Massages, pedicures and manicures can be organised at the apartments on request. The onsite managers will assist you with any needs. They may even organise a local BBQ under the solar-lit cottage where tenants may bring their favourite dish to share. 

An inexpensive escape

Holidaying in the Philippine provinces is fabulous for those wishing to escape from the complexities of life and are on a tight budget. English is spoken everywhere albeit a little hard to understand at times. English is the primary medium of instruction in education.  

Travelling solo is easy, safe and inexpensive for retirees. I quickly discovered that this simple slower lifestyle is the one that soothes me the most and for once, I get to truly relax.  

Most apartments are leased long-term with two or three kept for the short stays. Bookings are mainly through booking.com, agoda.com and Air BnB or you may contact them directly with any query.

*Magnetic apartments previously named Sunrise Beach Apartments.