Stonehouse Gardens Resort Naga City

Naga City - Sometimes we get caught up with too much stress that we end up staring blankly. But why stare on a wall or office corner if you can have the option of looking at  a view from Panicuason overlooking San Miguel Bay area. Barangay Panicuason is home to numerous resorts. To name a few, we have the famous Panicuason Hot Spring Resort, the good ol' Penafrancia Resort, a quick dip at Sulat Pool for those in tight budget or a hike to Malabsay Falls for the young and adventurous. 

Stonehouse Gardens Resort is a 5 hectares native rain forest located at Barangay Panicuason just a few meters before the gates of Mt. Isarog National Park. There's an effort to concertize the road going to Malabsay, but at the back of my mind, I just wished that it remains to be the rugged road that it was so that it's not that accessible to many especially to irresponsible tourists.

It's my first time at Stonehouse and it was around 2010 when this resort was at its prime. Imagine, it took me almost 7 years to come here even if I'm a Nagueno. Indeed, timing is something that we don't get even with careful planning and our trip was just a fruit of a conversation at our office's lounge area. Some of the amenities might need a little renovation but I could not complain as this resort has a charm and glamour that you cannot get from the other resorts in Panicuason. 

Here's how you get to this beautiful resort right at the foot of Mt. Isarog.

Jeepney ride. From downtown Naga, go to the Panicuason bound terminal near P. Caceres St./Padian Street just right beside Metrobank. Jeepneys will stop at the barangay proper of Panicuason. Either you make an arrangement with the driver to drop you off the at the Girl Scout area where the private cars are usually parked or you rent a habal-habal so that you'll get to Stonehouse Resort directly. TIP: Get the number of the habal habal driver to pick you up after your stay at the resort. 

Private vehicle. SUV types can easily maneuver the path going to Stonehouse and Malabsay. Drove the Pajero of my officemate during our trip and it can obviously surpass a rough terrain and muddy areas coupled with experienced driving. The last time I went to Malabsay Falls with my college friends, I drove an Avanza. Though my fellow bloggers got their Suzuki Swift up to Stonehouse one time, but if you ask me, I won't risk driving a sedan or any subcompact car to this area.

Reservation is important. I messaged Stonehouse Gardens Resort for a day tour one Saturday on their Facebook page. They responded within the day and gave their mobile number  (0908)4501932 or (0917)5289457 to keep in touch on the day of our booking. Reservation was made easy and fast. Day tour costs P500 per person, inclusive of the use of amenities, plus welcome drinks (so you have to inform them the time of your arrival), unlimited brewed coffee which I really loved.

This is my favorite part of the resort. The main area plus overlooking San Miguel Bay area.

Below is the beautiful gate, as if it's part of the one of the Houses of Game of Thrones.  

The door bell is literally like a church bell. 

The main building with the accommodation. Overnight fee with the accommodation costs P3500 good for two with breakfast included.

Classy indoors. Loved every detail of this place. Even the shadows makes it lovelier.

Now let's go to the pool and lounge area. 

The welcome drinks.

The kitchen and bar area. I bet this whole place will be even charming at night.

The view from the billiard table. Every angle and corner of this place is refreshing to the eyes. 

Played pool too aside from the swimming pool haha. Brings back my high school memories. 

They also have a videoke machine that you can freely use. Just take turns just in case there are other guests.

Now let's go to the pool area. Of no doubt, the infinity pool of Stonehouse is the only infinity pool in the city that will give justice to its kind. An infinity pool is often designed such that the edge appears to merge with a larger body of water such as a larger body of water and the sky. The location of the resort sufficiently provides that requirement, San Miguel Bay and the sky with the perimeters of Mt. Isarog.

Probably this is the most photographed area of Stonehouse. No actioncam? No problem! Back when waterproof cameras are still expensive, Stonehouse has already given you the opportunity to have an underwater photo. 

 

Food. If you don't want to bring any meals for lunch. You can pre-order and talk about your food during your reservation. As for us during our trip, we packed our lunch together with a few drinks and snacks in between. You can order meals for P250 per person like this one below. 

Banana not included hehe. But I guess when there are harvest from their farm, fruits are also available.

Some tourists may actually choose the beach or any natural free flowing water for excursions. Stonehouse Gardens will not pass in that criteria but this resort is more than just an infinity pool. If aesthetics and design would be considered, for me the structure of this resort does not totally disturb the natural habitat of the place. Though yes, there's a built structure but the whole landscape is still natural. Panicuason Hot Spring resort might offer the "hot spring" per se which is their prime service, the whole place looks barren and too concrete. But again this is just my personal opinion and I also love the hot spring too, every outing really depends on what you would like to experience. 

I can actually gaze on the view that Stonehouse is offering even for a whole day without dipping in the pool. Here's a bonus, if you chance upon the resort being you as the only guest? Then you are in for a wonderful treat! It's quiet, serene and you'll be able to relax mentally, physically and psychologically. The experience will actually let you feel that the place is private and exclusively for you with the superb comfort. When looking down upon Naga and San Miguel area it's as if it's a temporary escape from the noise and pollution of the city, include toxic people too haha. And this we need once in a while. The next time I visit, I hope it would be an overnight stay, I bet the whole resort will glisten like a star. Hoping that it will not take me another 7 years. Oh so lovely!

Just one last tip, wait for the sunset. It's all worth it. 

All photos does not have any filter. What you see is what you get. 

Stonehouse Gardens Resort
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/pg/StonehouseGardensResort/
For day tours, overnight and private parties: (0908)4501932 or (0917)5289457

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A Trek to Malabsay Falls

Naga City -Malabsay Falls has been ranked No. 2 among the 11 Things to do in Naga City in Trip Advisor. Who would not be thankful to have a falls in a city? Though Malabasay is situated at the foot of Mt. Isarog, this falls has been very generous enough for us to enjoy Mother Earth's beauty reachable in just 30 to 40 minutes from downtown Naga. Other resorts in Panicuason like Sulat Pool, Panicuason Hot Spring Resort and Stonehouse Gardens Resort are very accessible and mostly visited in this Barangay. 

I have visited Malabsay Falls last year and it's just sad to see the bad side of tourism, well in this case, in our very own falls in the city. Plastic bottles, wrappers and the like are seen near the falls and it's a sad sight.

I know this happens anywhere and it's because of irresponsible tourists who after they enjoyed the place and just because they paid that it seemed like they're off the hook in keeping the surroundings clean as they go.

We often see this saying "Leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time" in many tourists destinations. As tourists, do we really follow that saying by heart? As part of NcD's advocacy, no matter how tedious it is to remind everyone, I would like to use my online presence to again remind my fellow Naguenos and Bicolanos to live up to this saying not only here in Naga but wherever we travel. The gesture of leaving tourist spots clean is not really for other tourists, but for us the locals because we are the direct stakeholders. If we practice it here in Naga, it would not be difficult for us to practice it anywhere we go. This is a good habit that each and everyone of us should imbibe in our own systems.

Leave no trail of trash in Mt. Isarog, do not carve the trees nor draw graffiti on any infrastructure or stones, so that the future generation can still experience the grandeur of the place. And oh please, go immortalize "Juan ❤ Juana" somewhere else. Don't carve your names on the trees, you don't own any of them. Don't scratch rocks and stones with your names on it just because you reached that destination. Don't be selfish. Be a better partner to your special someone.

While most of you might be familiar with the route going to Malabasay Falls, this is for those who still don't know how to get there.

1. Jeepney ride. From downtown Naga, go to the Panicuason bound terminal near P. Caceres St./Padian Street just right beside Metrobank. Get off at the Girl Scout of the Philippines property in Panicuason.
2. From their, walk straight going to Mt. Isarog National Park's entrance.
3. Habal-habal going to the park's entrance. You also have an option to ride on a "habal-habal" from GSP.  TIP: Get the number of the habal habal driver to pick you up.
4. Pay entrance fee Php 10. (not sure of the rate now). Last year we were required to deposit an environmental fee of P100 (refundable after the visit to the Falls) to make sure that we leave no trash in the area. If you did not carry any trash after your visit you will not be able to refund the money. Quite ridiculous. If only people are mindful and disciplined enough there's not need for this deposit fee.

If worse comes to worse and more tourist arrivals, can the city government hire someone to keep the area clean? As in a permanent one especially during summer? Probably they have one or two but why would we still see trails of trash around?

Just recently, the City Government of Naga has continued to cement a portion of the road going to the gate of Mt. Isarog National Park, not sure though if it's already complete. Although it will be for the convenience of the tourists, this will mean more people, meaning more disturbance to the place and possibly more irresponsible tourists. I just hope the city government is prepared for that and maintain the natural beauty of Mt. Isarog.

This is the drop off point of the jeepney, Girl Scout of the Philippines lot.

To the left is Sulat Pool  also known as GSP and to the right is the road to Mt. Isarog National Park gate. 

Cars which can't travel further to the gate of Mt. Isarog National Park's entrance will have to park their car inside the GSP property. 

Signages have been updated by the Naga City Arts, Culture and Tourism Office. 

For emergencies you can call (054) 472300

This is the gate going to Stonehouse Gardens Resort

From the gate of the national park, you'll have to trek for around 10-15 minutes to reach Malabsay Falls. It's an easy trek so to speak. Going to Nabuntulan Falls has a more difficult trek. Apologies, I haven't been there yet.

We were given a little orientation before we started the trek, manong on duty reminded us that we should not leave any trash anywhere. 

Easy steps

Closer look of Malabsay Falls

Overlooking the Heart of Bicol. 

So there, enjoy the beauty of Mt. Isarog and please please please let's do our share in maintaining the beauty of our tourist spots here in Naga.

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Guide to Sulat Pool (Girl Scout), Panicuason

Naga City - We are very blessed enough with natural resources within our reach and Mt. Isarog is just one of them. One of the favorite destinations of local and even foreign tourist is uptown Naga with Barangays Carolina and Panicuason. These two barangays are home to resorts and adventure-filled areas for everyone considered as Naga's East Highland Tourism. Common to this uptown suburbs of Naga is a hike to Mt. Isarog and now even cycling enthusiasts conquer these trails not so common to many. 

For tourists who are not into churches and other religious activities, then this is for you. The Panicuason Hot Spring Resort is home to hot and cold spring water pool now even with additional facilities such as zip line and rappelling.Entrance to this resort is a bit higher compared to other resorts mainly because of its improved facilities.

If you're looking for a freshwater pool within Naga City at a very affordable rate, then "Sulat Pool" in Panicuason is an option. Though I still have to confirm this, locals call it "Girl Scout" before and according to my friends, the area was formerly a property of Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

How to get to Sulat Pool in Brgy. Panicuason then?

1. Ride a jeepney bound for Barangay Panicuason, the terminal is beside MetroBank, Caceres Street (Formerly Padian St.). Fare is ~Ph25.00.
2. From Penafrancia Avenue where the Our Lady of Penafrancia Shrine stands, you'll pass by Barangays San Felipe, Pacol and Carolina.



Road condition? Very very well paved, it's a road less traveled by. At the end on the service road in Panicuason, you will reach Girl Scouts of the Philippines' Camp Maria Aurora.

On the left side is the way going to Sulat Pool, on the right is towards Stonehouse Gardens Resort and Mt. Isarog National Park, where a kilometer walk and  a lil trek will bring you Malabsay and Nabuntulan Falls.

Enough parking space inside Camp Maria Aurora

Okay, don't expect too much from this resort. Every service fee is tantamount to a kind of service that we can get from a place. Bawal maarte, you need to be a "girl scout" and "boy scout" in this place. If you just want to dip in the icy cold spring water from Mt. Isarog, then Sulat Pool is for you. 

A year ago, the rates were:

Entrance: Adult P60, Children P35, Cottages P150

From the gate, is a few meters walk downhill to Sulat Pool

There are two huge pools, this is one (photo below). The other one which is deeper is just beside this pool towards the end and a few steps down. There's also one mini-pool for kids. They also have slides with cottages on the right side.

Inset photo: You can use that area to refrigerate your drinks, just make sure you wrap it in a plastic and perhaps put a name on it especially if there are so many people. You don't want to get them switched right?

 A bamboo bridge separates some of the cottages. In between is the flowing water downstream from the richness of Mt. Isarog. 

Just a note, during my visit last May of 2014, there were no decent shower/dressing rooms. It's a typical "kubo-like" dressing room like the ones in beaches back in the old days. There were two comfort rooms, not that presentable too. But because of the cheap entrance fee and the same icy cold spring water that one can enjoy, many local tourist still flock this place. I hope the management have improved those basic facilities this year though.

Sulat Pool is an alternative and inexpensive way to cool down this summer. So if you are someone who can go with the flow and be a cowboy and girl anytime of the day, then come visit Sulat Pool in Barangay Panicuason.

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