Another Slice of Heaven
The Antulang Beach Resort is a secluded resort perched on top of a cliff, giving guests a commanding view of the ocean. It is the only resort in Negros that has Pool Villas that are perfect for honeymooners. With its own pool and Jacuzzi, each villa guarantees unparalleled privacy on the island. It is a place where one can swim with abandon, with the spectators being only the sea, the sky and your companion.
Though Antulang is an ideal hideaway for romantic couples, I spent three unforgettable days here with my friends some years back. Surprised at first by the seclusion of the whole place, we found ourselves having the time of our lives with the exciting activities that were arranged for us. Each day was filled adventures that were carefully planned out, and everywhere we went, the personal butler provided by the resort came with us. It was a kind of service that, until this day, remains unmatched in all of my travels.
It was with great excitement that I stood again, after three years, at the Dumaguete City airport, waiting for my baggage to arrive and wondering if Antulang has changed over the few years since I have last been there.
We made our trip to the Antulang Beach Resort, passing through the city of Dumaguete and then turning on to winding roads which were now familiar to me. I again remembered the time I was here with my friends. The rough roads somewhat alarmed us because each turn leading to narrower roads became a sign that we were headed off to isolation and we had not a bit of idea about the things that were in store for us. Now, some of the roads have been paved but each turn still led to narrower paths… and this time, I welcomed the thought of remoteness and separation from the rest of the world. I was ready to return to my paradise.
As we were greeted with leis made of starflower and led to our Pool Villa, I remembered that we will be staying there for only two days and wished that we could stay longer. Everything was as I remembered it. The splendid view, the soothing sound of ocean waves, the much-yearned-for seclusion. I immediately took a shower in the stall that faces wide open sea -- this is one of those places where even the bathroom provides great tropical views.
Feeling refreshed and ready for our activities, I explored the resort to see the developments. There used to be only four Pool Villas, but with its popularity among Filipino and Korean honeymooners who always book everything solid, two new Pool Villas were added to give more people a chance to enjoy their special vacation in complete privacy. I also noticed that there are now two infinity pools and a new restaurant called Japi where big group gatherings and occasional cultural performances are held.
By the late afternoon, we prepared for our Sunset Cruise. Our butler joined us onboard the Annabelle Lee, the yacht named after the owner of the resort, Ms. Annabelle Lee-Adriano. The sun was still shining brightly when we left the resort. We passed by several fishermen hauling the day’s catch to their boats and explored Tambobo Bay where numerous yachts are docked. As we turned around from the bay, the sun was starting to set. Sunsets in Negros are nothing short of spectacular. The sky was painted with hues of red and orange with the sun going down on one side and the moon rising on the other as if slow dancing to create this wonderful scatter of light across the heavens. I felt almost one with the earth as I stood there in the middle of the sea, with the sun and moon sharing the sky.
That night, we shared an intimate dinner at the Pool Villa and enjoyed some good conversation as the full moon illuminated the sea. As much as we wanted to stay awake to savor every precious minute of our Antulang moments, we reluctantly went to bed and allowed the sounds of nature put us to sleep.
The next day, we left the resort and made our way back through the long winding road, occasionally catching glimpses of the clear blue waters and the islands scattered around it. And there, as I stared at the peaceful calm of the sea reflecting the dance of the sunshine, I became certain that Negros will be the next big tourism destination in the Philippines. This island, which has become so close to my heart, is sure to give other tourists what it has already given me… tranquility, harmony with nature, and a piece of paradise.
Travel Notes
How to get there
Domestic carriers have flights from Manila to Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental. For bookings and other inquiries, you may call Philippine Airlines at (63 2) 855 8888 or Air Philippines at (63 2) 857 5258.
The Antulang Beach Resort is located in Siaton, one hour away from the Dumaguete City airport.
Antulang Beach Resort
(63 35) 422 2600
www.antulang.com
For other information on Negros Oriental, you may contact Maritoni Mascardo of the Provincial Tourism Office at (63 35) 225 1825 / 422 0675 or visit the Negros Oriental tourism website at www.negor.gov.ph.
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