Budget Hotels in Makati

I am a budget tripper, whatever they call it, so i wanted to help those who share my passion too!

I have selected few budget hotels one can stay in Makati. Cheap though still decent. Some I was able to try myself, but mostly I just heard feedback from friends. Hope this could be of help.

St. Giles Hotel - a newly opened Hotel in Makati Ave. with a sparkling facade. Nice and clean and located at the heart of Makati. The hotel is a 30 minute drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and close to some of Manila’s local tourist attractions. Currently they have Balikbayan package promo below:

Include:
- Return airport transfer (ex Ninoy Aquino International Apt) to hotel.
- Daily breakfast
- internet broadband access from privacy of your room
- Welcome RO bottled water
- 2 nights stay in hotel for 2 persons.
http://www.stgilesmanila.com

City Garden Hotel - a cozy hotel in Makati Ave. with rates starting from USD 67. It includes daily breakfast for two, free wifi anf unlimited city calls. The hotel provides you with luxury living in an elegant setting at an amazingly practical cost.
http://www.citygardenhotels.com/makati/index.php

Isabelle Royal - if you just wanted a place to sleep at night when you are busy scouring the city or if you want a comfortable place to stay for a week or more and you have a limited budget. The rooms have small kitchen with dinner table aside from the usual hotel amenities. Rates starts from Php 1500. It is just a few steps from the church, Avenue Mall at Makati Ave., SPA's, bars, Coffe shops and restaurants. Few minutes drive to Greenbelt, SM or Glorieta.
http://www.isabelleroyalemakati.com/room-rates/

Salcedo Suites Makati Hotel - just like Isabelle Royal when it comes to room amenities. The rate starts at USD 48.
http://www.salcedosuites-makati.com/promo.php

There are also budget yet decent Hotels near Makati like the following:

The Legend Villas - even great for a weekend family bonding. The hotel has a pool and with weekend activities for kids. Rate starts at PhP 2,970. The hotel is near Robinsons pioneer and near Boni Edsa.
http://www.legendvillas.com.ph/index.php

Go Hotel - a newly opened/renovated hotel along Edsa - Boni MRT station. A good place for an overnight stay or so. I heard the rate is really cheap, may be Php800 or less if you book few months before. Just check for their promo in the internet from time to time. Simple yet decent place to stay and located just beside Robinsons Pioner mall.
http://gohotels.ph/rooms/

New Horizon Hotel - a European inspired hotel with rates starting from USD65 inclusive of breakfast for two. Located along EDSA across Go Hotels. MRT- Boni station is just few steps away.
http://www.newhorizonhotel-manila.com/

Coco Beach - Puerto Galera Batangas

Every year at my company, we are required to take a 7 working days off from work. We call it Mandatory Time Away (MTA). We can't enter office premises, cant log on to intranet, cant access shared drives and systems. We can access only our emails offsite which I didnt practice in my 3yrs at DKS.


Its always been a pressure for me every time I need to take my MTA coz its so hard to get a nice schedule. This year, I spent few days for some personal errands, hair cut, facial, dental and went to Coco Beach at Puerto Galera!

I was hesistant at first when I heard the name of the resort because my friend once told me that the beach wasn't good because it's rocky and full of corals. But we still booked for it. We chose to go there on our own since the service would require us to get up very early in the morning. And so we took a bus from LRT Buendia going to Batangas Pier and rode on a big motorboat going to Sabang. From Sabang we took a small motorboat to Coco Beach.

When we arrived, we were offered Buco juice in a coconut shell & a garland made of small seashells which I took home for my daughter. We originally booked for 3 days, but we cant get enough of the place, so we extended for another day.

The resort has 1 big pool with restaurant at the middle and the native cottages are all over the place. Each cottage has veranda where you can relax while enjoying the cool sea breeze and of course the view of the beach. I soo love the feeling. They also have a revolving restaurant though we were not able to try it coz we are always late for lunch or dinner. Lol!


The resort has activities everyday and you can book yourself for all of them if you want. You can even borrow DVD dics from the reception area or watch movie at their mini theatre every night. You can also go diving,snorkling, pool/beach swimming during the day,or play basketball, table tennis, badminton, billiards etc. And during dinner time, they will serenade you with music.


I so love the place that I still dont want to go home. It is soo quiet and relaxing. I spent every afternoon at the "duyan" in front of the beach doing nothing. It is also my first time to swim at an 8ft pool, huh! coz before I am soo afraid even only in a 5ft pool. Maybe because I feel safe with my companions who are good swimmers.

I remember the first time I am trying to jump into the pool. I was hesitating when a 10 yr old dutch boy pushed me to the pool! I didnt drown myself though I gulped some water. His name is Victor. We spent the whole afternoon playing/tricking with him. And it was alot of fun! Before we left the pool, Victor invited me to play billiards with him after dinner. He thought I am just a 15 yrd old girl haha... we were laughing so hard!

In our entire vacation, all we did was swim, eat, watch dvd, "duyan", drink, snorkle and eat some more. And so after that, I gained 8 pounds! grrr I already look fat on my swimsuit on the 3rd day! But overall, we were so happy, well rested and satisfied. For sure I'd want to go back to that resort. =)

Bag of Beans - Tagaytay Philippines

My cousin has been telling me about this place long before. She would sometimes go to this place if she wants some time alone. At last, I was able to make it last March after our retreat. We went straight to Bag of Beans and spent the whole afternoon there. The place is like a small garden, simple, quiet and cool. Good thing we were able to get the nicest table with somewhat a sofa bed. There,we shared life's stories, took pictures and indulge ourselves with banana floats, house coffee, maincourse and bread. I'd love to go back to this place in case I need a day off from the busy life at the city. A coffee and a book would surely make my day! =)

Island Hopping in Zambales

The first time I saw the picture of my friend in Anawangin beach-Zambales a few years ago, I was mesmerized! The place was very serene and looks like a place in China/Japan that I've seen in some movies. At last I was able to experience it myself March this year.

We actually went to 3 different islands:

Capones - where we had trekking and reached the top of an old light house. The view was breath taking. But trekking was not really my thing. I had a heavy leg going back to the shore where we had our snacks.

Nagsasa - We stayed here overnight. If I was mesmirized with Anawangin, I fell inlove with Nagsasa that I want to go here whenever I want. Though going there wasn't easy. We traveled by land for at least 4hrs and an hour boat ride. The boat ride was a bit exciting for me though. The boat was small and would accommodate only 4 passengers including the boatman. The waves were so big! It feels like we are having some rides in an amusement park! But I feel safe with my life vest and I trust the boatman, unlike my cousin who is with me in the boat. She was so afraid and later on been silent while praying. Good thing though.=)

We had an overnight camping and tequila night at the shore under the moon while playing "who is guilty". I guess in the female group, I am the most guilty of all haha.. so I kinda get tipsy at the end of the game.
The following day, I was the last one to get up from the Tent. It was my first time to go camping, espcially by the beach. The experience was over nice! =) After breakfast, we went swimming ang took a lot of pictures. Then we headed to the next island.

Nagsasa was the best island of the three, by the way. It has pine trees grown in the sand and the place was so relaxing. The view was spectacular! I soooo love Nagsasa!!!


Anawangin - the place was below my expectations. It was jam packed by beach goers. But over all, the view was still nice. I love the lagoon though. There we had the conventional halo-halo. Then, we went home full of experiences and new friends.

Hong Kong & Macau Trip - June 25-28, 2010

Originally, I booked 10 persons for this trip, but only 5 of us were able to make it coz the rest wasn't able to prepare their passport. I dont know but we booked it since January, but still they didn't make it, sigh! Their tickets were forfeited.

It was my second trip to Hongkong. The last time was with my officemates back in Sept2008. I remember having leg cramps and muscle pain starting day 1 of our trip because of the long walks since we wanted to maximize our stay.So this time, I made sure to bring manzanilla (for the muscle & varicose veins pain haha). It helps alot that I didnt feel a bit pain the entire trip. I also brought some other medicines in case of emergency and my antihistamine. I don't travel without it coz i am very much sensitive to dust & pollens which is very irritating grrr. Wish I could get rid of it.

In this trip, we went to the following places:

Day#1

Ocean Park - we arrived in the Hostel around 11am. We rested, ate and took a bath. Then went to Ocean Park. My daughter had tamtrums that day and it was so disgusting. Maybe because she is so excited to visit Disneyland which we scheduled during day 1. But then it was raining that day so we had to change our schedule. We ride in the Ocean Park tower and some other rides. Of course we took some pictures. We were so tired and sleepy at the end of the day so we returned to our room. At around 9PM, me and Jona went to the night market where she had an unforgettable experience with a sales lady.

Day#2
Disneyland - It was raining again that day. We bought raincoats at the main entrance and we took pictures with the raincoats on. It was really a bad day to visit disneyland. The rides were not fully operating and outdoor rides are all wet.
As usual, I always loved the disney 3D show. Its alot different from the usual 3D shows in the cinemas coz aside from the eye glasses that you wear, your chair is also moving and you also get wet (not much though). It feels like you are really part of the show.

We also ride is the disney tram that goes around the entire park and had our most unforgettable experience in Hongkong. It was in the space mountain ride. It is an indoor ride and we didn't expect it to be an indoor roller coaster, LOL! At first, the feeling was so nice when we were slowly going up. I even said wooooowwww!!! when I saw the ceiling, it feels like you are in the outerspace. There are stars, planets and moon. But suddenly, the ride becomes faster ang going up and down. It was a roller coaster!!! We were tricked! We thought it was just a feel good indoor rride, but it wasn't! It was nightmare for us coz I really dont ride things like that. I was even more concerned about my mother and daughter who are in the front seat, while I was alone in the back seat. My friend and her cousin felt the same way. And we were laughing teary eyed after the ride, especially when we saw our pictures inside. We look very terrified haha!


What I love most in disneyland is the fireworks display in the disney castle. It was so magical and enchanting. My friend confessed she had teary eyes while watching the fireworks and listening to the music- a Whole New World. If you get here, make sure to experience this. The feeling was really wonderful.

Day#3
Macau - we only had a 2 hour or more tour here since all we know is that the last trip going back to Hongkong is at 5PM. We have trouble finding a ride going to Macau proper from the Pier station. There were only free shuttle to the Hotels. We went to Senado Square & St. Paul Ruins, the only place we visited in Macau as we dont have enough time. There I bought some beef jerky mixed nuts and the famous egg tart. I soo love their food that I want to go back to that place. We felt sad that we were not able to go to the Grand Venetian Hotel and experience the Skywalk at Macau Tower. This makes us plan for another trip in Macau.
After we got back from Macau, we went to the Factory outlets mall (forgot name of the mall) coz I've been planning to buy a Nike shoes and a branded bag. But I was not able to buy any of those, my shoe size is not available for one thing, etc. Instead, we went to grocery and bought some food, my favorite Andes Mint chocolate, Pistacio nuts, grapes and big long-stemmed strawberries. I sooo love them that I want to go back to Hongkong hehe.

By the way, that was my mother's birthday. My plan of buying her a cake did not push through as we were on the go the whole day. We ended our day at the baywalk to take some pictures.

Merlion of Singapore

Your visit in Singapore will not be complete if you will not take pictures of their famous Merlion either in Esplanade or in Sentosa.
I immediately fell inlove with the place the first time I went there. I love their cluster of malls along Orchard Road and the busy yet safe environment there. Transpo is really convenient and everything is organized. You can even have a view of the whole city while riding their MRT, in less than a day. And have a romantic view of the place at night in Singapore flyer. It is a bit costly and lasts for only 30 minutes, but the experience is wonderful. You will see the city sparkling at night.

For those who are planning to visit Singapore, i suggest you visit the following:
* Malls along Orchard Road - Paragon, Orchard Plaza,OG, Robinsons, Isetann to name a few.Lucky Plaza is famous for pinoys there hehe i got curious too, how it look like so we included it in our list.
* Esplanade - fountain of wealth,theatre and Merlion. Best to take pictures at night.
* Vivo City - A huge mall. From here, there is a cable car going to Sentosa.

* Cable car - Have a romantic dinner and propose at the cable car at night. The setting is really cute.
* Sentosa - enjoy the beach, dolphin show, log ride, ocean park and a lot more.
* Singapore Flyer - approx SGD30 per person for 30min
* Chinese Garden - one day tour here is not enough
* China town
* Sim Lim - a mall where you can buy gadgets or electronics at affordable prices
* Little India - for Gold shopping
* Taka Jewellry - for diamonds. I suggest you buy engagement ring and wedding rings with diamonds in Singapore. Its cheaper and lots of choices. Will give info about diamonds and stores in a separate post.
* Night at Safari
* Singapore Zoo
* Boat Quay - to have a dinner and a drink by the bay at night
* Clarke Quay - dine and drink at high end bars by the bay at night

Soon Singapore will open its huge Casino.

Rosegold Beach Resort

Every year in NYK, we always have a company outing. In my 4yrs stay in that company, it was my first time to go with them at Rosegold beach resort, Calatagan Batangas last summer 2007.
The resort is just a 4 hours drive from manila using a private car. Its not advisable to go there when you plan to commute since the resort is located in a secluded place. But the long trip is really worthwhile when you see those floating cottages in the resort. It is really a romantic gate-away for couples who want to spend a relaxing weekend together after a busy week at the city. We even saw couples having a tan in the beach side.
It has a slightly white sand and a really nice shoreline to play some sports. There we had badminton, tag of war and obstacle course with my officemates. But of course you play some other sports/games you can think of like beach volleyball, patintero, flying saucer, etc.

Sad to say, the water in the beach is low even for sereval meters away. We just merge into the water and took pictures of ourselves. And to complete our swimming, we enjoyed the pool near the restaurant area together with the kids. The resort has 2 pools, one for adults and one for the kids just parallel to each other. So the adults can just look after their kids from their pool. But they are strict as to swim-wear, so you have to bring your favorite 2pc or trunks! But if you are a little shy, you can top it with a plain white t-shirt and shorts with garter, etc (as long as there's no button).

After a tiring day, we had our candlelit dinner in front of the beach.. It must be so romantic for couples! =) We indulged ourselves to a variety of food from grilled fish, meat and seafoods, and vegetables to a sumptouos desserts.
After that, the boys had their bonding while drinking red wine, while the girls just had their "pulutan" at the veranda of the cottages. Some of us went to the restaurant which is open for 24hrs for videoke.
The nice experience I had with NYK is that in every occasion or outing, you can always tag along your love ones like wife/husband, kids, boyfriend/girlfriend, siblings, parents and even your drivers and yaya's hehe.. but of course you have to pay for their share. The company only pays for the employee. Unluckily, that year I dont have a boyfriend! (even til now =) ). While all most of them have their special someone,huh!

What I like most with Rosegold beach resort are their cottages in floating drama, plus the view from the veranda of a really nice and serene, calm beach.

8 Waves Waterfun!

The resort is just an hour drive from Manila using private car. Its located at San Rafael Bulacan. I've been here twice coz the first time we went here we had limited time. So far, this resort has the most number of pools of all the resorts I've been to. This is most popular for their pool with eight artifical waves, probably were they got its name. They have 3 kiddie pools, a lap pool, 8waves pool and 3 more.
We stayed overnight at the hotel until the following morning,the first time we went here. But you cant also have night swimming and just stay at the cottages near the pools and drink and party all night. The rate is lower for night swimming compared to day time.

Boracay!!!

Who says going to Boracay is too expensive? Nowadays, its no longer true. There are already cheap travel packages available. You just have to wait for Cebu Pacific promo where you can avail of its roundtrip ticket for around P2500-P3000. Then stay in a simple hotel room which starts at P800 per room per night.

When we went there last summer, we stayed at La Carmela de Boracay and the rate is about P4200 per day I think, including breakfast. Its a beachfront hotel with a pool.
Unluckily, when we got there, a typhoon came and disturbed the really great water and sand of Boracay. I brought several pairs of swimwears. I was so excited to wear them but I only used 3 sets of them because we can't go out due to the typhoon. We stayed at the hotel most of the time.
But on our last day, we were able to go around the place and took pictures.
We hope to come back here next time and we hope that everything would be just a perfect vacation!
By the way, if you want to buy this bottle with Boracay, it costs at about P1200.
And their simple paintings range from 350- 2500 depending upon the size.

Grande Island at Subic

Of all the resorts I've been to, its Grande Island that I liked best. Because of their hotel rooms in front of the beach,its just like my dream home come true. Each morning we wake up, we could easily see the view of the beach right from our bed visible through the glass wall. Wow!! The view is sooo relaxing. The place is so serene. I really love it! The sand is just ok,not too white and not too brown. Of course nothing compares to boracay yet.


At night there is a live band playing where you can go party with your friends or family. You can even sing along with them. The resto is just in front of the pool.
One morning we had trekking... we go around the island for less than an our with a tour guide and we've seen some old canyons during the world war II.
After going here, I recommended the place to my NYK pals and they had thier company outing here last summer 2008.

Hongkong Disneyland!!

When the immigration officer asked me why I wanna visit Hongkong, I wasn't prepared...the only thing I remember was that, I will visit Disneyland! And that was what I told him, then my passport was stamped ok for 3days, whew!
We went straight to the place where we stayed since we arrived there around 10:30PM.The following day we went to Giant Buddah, disneyland and night market. Then to Ocean park and the Peak on our second day. We were so tired walking all day until midnight. What I love most is our trip to Ocean Park, but I regret not riding the hot air baloon! If only I am with my bf, we will surely have fun riding the hot air baloon.

In our stay there, I noticed the following:
1. Bus has a second floor at ang bagal! Para kayong nagtotour.
2. Bus has luggage area where you can place your bags or things, monitored by a small TV upstairs.
3. No traffic and you can hardly see private cars. Their primary transpo is MTR (MRT in our case), taxi and bus.
4. Above the drivers' head, you can see a note: "Talking to the Driver in not Probited". Penalty of HKD 5000. (I think)
5. No eating or drinking inside the Bus and MTR. With penalty of HKD 5000 or 10,000.
6. The place was too humid.
7. You can see tall buildings all over the place. Mostly old buildings.
8. Streets are clean.
9. MTR has a glass wall.
10.They have Octopus card you can use in MTR, bus and even at some stores and restaurants. Its just like a prepaid card.
11.Airport is too huge. You might get lost if you don't know the right way.
12.There is free public phone inside the airport but only for local calls.
13.There are lots of Indians and Nigers there, but Pinoys outnumbered them.
14.Frenchfries replace rice in fastfoods like Mcdonalds and KFC since no rice is being sold.
15.In KFC,people use plastic gloves in eating rather than spoon and fork.
16.KFC has buttered corn in stick as side dish.
17.Lots of factory outlets of branded items.
18.Layers and layers and layers of flyovers.
19.The national shoes of Hongkong is Nike!! Young and old uses Nike!