We availed the Las Casas staycation for 4 around Php7,200.00 in Click2Travel (just click the click2travel for the link of their facebook page). This is not a sponsored blog but I would really like to recommend Click2Travel for their hospitality and very understanding because we asked a lot about the schedule and all.
How did we get there via commute?
- We opted to ride the 4:00am trip (to avoid the traffic) via Genesis bus (Cubao terminal) to Balanga Bus station for Php200/head.
- Upon arrival in Balanga bus station, there was a jeepney with "Bagac" signage and we had a company going to Las Casas too! So the driver asked us if we want to drop us off directly inside Las Casas for Php80/head and we go for it! If you happened to encounter that experience you should grab it because from the Filipino-Japanese Friendship tower to Las Casas is quite far but there is a tricycle station nearby and you can ride the tricycle too going inside Las Casas.
For more info about this you may check the Las Casas website >>>HERE<<<
So let's start?
We arrived earlier than the check in time (2:00pm) and we were greeted by the friendliest staff I have ever met in my entire life. She gave us a map (which you can see below) and explained to us everything, like where can we buy snack/s, souvenirs,where are the restaurants located, where should we go to register for the night and day tour, what time and where would be the shows located.
Activity
|
Time
|
Rate/s
|
Day tour
|
8:30am-11:30am, 1:30pm- 5:30pm
|
Free
|
Casa Unisan, Cucina ni Nanay Maria (Filipino Restaurant)
|
11:00am-10:00pm
|
|
Hotel De Oriente Museum
|
150.00
|
|
Night tour with balsa
|
6:00pm-8:00pm
|
|
Pool/Batis
|
6:00am-10:00pm
|
Free (included in accommodation)
|
Cultural show
|
6:00pm
|
Free
|
Casa BIÑAN, La Bella Teodora (Italian Restaurant)
|
11:00am-2:00pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm
|
|
Sanctuario de San Jose (Chapel)
|
Sunday only
10:30am
|
|
Café Marivent (Western/American restaurant)
|
11:00am-2:00pm,
6:00pm-10:00pm
|
|
Beach
|
6:00am-6:00pm
|
Fee (included in accommodation)
|
Café del Rio (Spanish restaurant)
|
4:00pm-12:00mn
|
|
Carabao parade race
|
4:00pm
|
Free
|
After the explanation we leave our bags to Casa New Manila which is the main reception area, then we explore Casa New Manila.
Maybe you are wondering how are you going to explore Las Casas the fact that the place is so huge, we thought it will be tiring to go back and forth. Well, they have jeepneys roaming around and it is all for free and included in their services.
We went to Paseo de Escolta to buy morning snacks and look for souvenirs.
Paseo de Escolta in the morning
Paseo de Escolta in the evening
One of the souvenir shiop
We went straight to Casa Biñan for day tour registration. Please remember that there are rules during the tour.
View from Casa Lubao
Left: outside of Casa Lubao; Right: inside Casa Lubao
We did not go inside Hotel de Oriente because the museum has an additional fee but if you are staying overnight the breakfast is being held in Hotel de Oriente.
By the way, Las Casas has a Tram and you can ride it for free but we did not have the chance to try it.
Casa Quiapo is also known as the Bellas Artes Project Foundation.
Casa Luna
The guide showed us inside Casa Luna there are old things and photographs.
Casa Unisan is the Filipino Restaurant called Cucina ni Nanay Maria. We thought that the food are a little pricey but when the food was served it turns out that it is all for sharing! We ordered Beef Sinigang, the beef was so tender and it melts in our mouth!! We found out that the beef they used for their sinigang is an Angus beef!!! Totally worth it. AND the Bagnet was so good and crunchy! It was so good that the moment the food came to our table we dig in right away. So, my apologies no photo of the food.
Right: Inside the restaurant
After our lunch we head back to Casa New Manila (the main reception area) to check in and get our bags.
Our room is in Paseo de Escolta, we were upgraded to a room with a loft!! Watch the video how awesome and huge our room was.
Of course, after dropping our bags and exploring the room we opted to rest for a while because it was too hot outside. And we... oh... what I mean is.. I, I took the advantage of the rest time and made it pictorial time!
After the pictorial (lol!) and a little rest I change outfit and we explore more of Las Casas.
After exploring we were so hungry we then proceed to Cafe del Rio (the Spanish restaurant), the view was so amazing and the food was good too!!!
We ordered Nachos and fries for our snack
After a very tiring walk and picture taking we decided to try the La Bella Teodora (Italian Restaurant). We ordered pizza and pasta. And the best part is they have a live band!
After dinner we went back to the room took a shower and doze off...
The next day... we had our breakfast buffet in Hotel de Oriente then we explore some more.
We did not ride the Balsa we just ask the Bangkero if we can sit and take pictures and he agreed. YEY!
Then we proceed to Casa New Manila to check out. It was the saddest time but we need to leave Las Casas. My friends and I agreed that we will come back because we haven't tried the following:
- Swim in the Batis (swimming pool)
- Swim in the beach
- Watch the carabao race
- Tried the American restaurant
- Ride the Balsa for night tour
- Ride the tram
I encourage you my readers that you should go to Las Casas and have a wonderful vacation with your love ones, family or friends. Every peso is worth it!
