So it's the new year, and after all those holiday festivities one of the many things most people look forward to is, Summer! As early as now, I'm sure most people are already getting ready for it, while others may already have everything planned out. And, what better way to celebrate summer than by soaking up the sun, with tan lines and sand in between our toes, cool dip at the sea and just lounge along the beach! Philippines is blessed with beautiful beaches and living in a tropical country, we can actually enjoy it all year round, not just during summer. That's just exactly what we did last December 10, 2016 as Jaear and I joined our fellow bloggers, tour Aquaria Water Park in Calatagan Batangas.
It was around 5 in the morning of December 10, 2016 when Jaear and I left our place and head on to Makati where we met our fellow bloggers. Then we all left Makati around 7 in the morning and after about 3 hours drive via a private vehicle, we've arrived at our destination. And as a prelude to an exciting tropical escapade, a huge "Aquaria" signage greeted us upon our arrival.
Located within the Playa Calatagan Residences in Calatagan, Batangas, Aquaria Water Park is managed by Fuego Hotels and Properties and was developed by Landco Pacific Corporation. It boasts of 525-meter of fine beach and a water park especially designed for families, friends, beach-lovin’ travelers and for just about anyone who wants to have both adventure and relaxation.
Note that Aquaria Water Park offers day tour only as of the moment, which means there's no overnight stay. But according to the management a condotel will rise soon on 2018. Nonetheless, Aquaria Water Park offers a pleasant and exciting experience especially if you are looking for a tropical destination to satisfy your vitamin sea cravings, which of course, isn't that far away from the Metro.
Tip: You can bring your own tent and go camping, with a minimal fee of Php 100 only.
Note: Swimming in the pool or beach areas are prohibited after 6:00 pm during overnight camping.
Here's a short video of our Aquaria Water Park Experience:
Here's a short video of our Aquaria Water Park Experience:
Now let me visually tour you, as I share with you our experience, and give you a glimpse of what to expect and things to do when in Aquaria Water Park. Read on.
Aquaria has a spacious and open-air Welcome Center, here, we were warmly welcomed by the staffs with a refreshing complementary drink. Since it was December when we visited, the centerpiece at the Welcome Center was an improvised Christmas Tree. There's also a small boutique available here where you can buy swimming gears, bath towel etc. After freshening up, we had a quick tour around the place to familiarize ourselves with it.
Kiddie Pool
Resort Pool
3-Storey Giant Slide
Cabanas
Right after the Welcome Center, the Kiddie Pool is the first pool you'll see. It's a 3-feet swimming area which is designed for the kids to play around and have fun in the water safely. It also features, splash pads, water guns and animal rockers for kids to enjoy.
Note: Lifeguard could be sighted around the area but it's always best to watch over your kids to ensure their safety.
Resort Pool
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| View from all the way up the 3-storey giant slide. |
Aquaria Water Park has several pool areas where one can park themselves and swim to his heart’s content. They have Cove Pools, Sunken Pool Bar and the Landing Pool of the three-story giant slide. More pool options to choose from and most importantly it can accommodate more guests at once. It was December when we visited and there were groups of people who were celebrating their Company Christmas outing there but the pool didn't seem to be crowded at all.
Along the poolside are yellow lounge chairs under a yellow umbrella. As you can see at the photo above, there are also poolside Cabanas.
3-Storey Giant Slide
Aquaria's main attraction is the 3-Storey Giant Slide with a 6-feet deep landing pool. Don't know how to swim? Not a problem, because to be able to slide, inflatable floaters are required. Don't dare miss this, because I assure you that it's so much fun!
This is the inflatable floater used for the slide which can accommodate up to 2 people. The catch is you have to carry this floater all the way up to the top.
The kid in us can't contain our happiness, we got to slide several times. We definitely loved it!
Tip: Proper swimming attire such as bathing suits for women, rash guards, board shorts or trunks for men, is strictly observed.
For a dose of comfort and convenience and a quick break from the water, Aquaria offers open-air Beach and Pool Cabanas.
- Cove Pool Cabanas (may accommodate 8-10 pax)
- Rental fee: P1,700
- Resort Pool Cabanas (may accommodate 12-15 pax)
- Rental fee: P2,000
- Beach Front Cabanas (may accommodate 6-8 pax)
- Rental fee: P1,200
Note: Rental fee is inclusive of tables and chairs already and is a first come first serve basis so make sure to arrive at the resort early.
The Beach
If you are looking for a white sand beach, this is not it, but Aquaria boasts of 525-meter of fine beach which allows you to enjoy all the beach activities just the same.
A walk along the beach with your loved ones, building sand castles, photo shoots or just lounging around, you name it. You can do it all here. As for me, I took this opportunity to have my own kind of photo shoot, thanks to my ever reliable personal photographer slash husband. Lol!
30 minutes boat ride away from Aquaria is a Sandbar which is another attraction recently discovered. Luckily it was low tide when we went there so we were able to enjoy the view and sea creatures such as the starfish. Most probably all you can do here is just sight seeing or if you want a moment of peace as the place is very serene.
More photos at the Sandbar
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| What's a beach trip without a jump shot? lol (Photo credits to Sir Ted Claudio) |
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| Sorry I just have to post this because I look tall in this photo. Haha! |
Note. Boat rental to the sandbar costs Php3000 and each boat can accommodate up to 15 people.
Water Activities
Aside from beach bumming, experience outdoor fun by trying out Aquaria's various water activities with your friends and loved ones. You can enjoy beach sports such as beach volleyball and beach soccer.
Jaear and I together with our fellow bloggers Lloyd and Me-an of Yogo and Cream tried the banana boat. It was our first time and it sure was a thrilling experience. Can't wait to get to try this again. Haha.
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| We were able to take selfie before the ride went fast and crazy. |
The Banan Boat Ride costs Php 1,500 for 15 minutes and can accommodate a maximum of 5 people.
Here are the other water activities you can try:
- Jet ski: Php 3,500 for 1 hour and Php 2,000 for 30 minutes
- Pedal Boat: Php 1,000 for 1 hour
- Kayak: Php 400 for 1 hour
We only got to try the Banana Boat, though we already tried Kayaking before. On our next visit I would love to try the other activities as well.
Dining at The Sands
Aquaria's in house restaurant is called The Sands, where they offer local specialties and seafood dishes, and not to mention it's overlooking the beach. Cool aye!
AM Snack
During our visit, the management made sure that our tummies were full. Upon our arrival, right after the familiarization tour, we were served with our AM Snack which consists of; lasagna, buttered bread sticks and a refreshing glass of iced tea.
Lunch
When we got back from the Sandbar, our lunch buffet was already waiting for us. We were served with an array of sumptuous food, from appetizer, main dish and desserts. There were 4 choices of viands and rice. There's also a DIY Salad and fruits section. Bread and different type of cheeses and a pasta section. But what I enjoyed the most was the shrimp skewer, I swear it was so yummy!
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Shrimp and Chicken Skewers and Pork Chop
Our plate for lunch paired with refreshing blue lemonade
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Before heading back to Manila, they served us our PM snack which was Carbonara, chicken lollipops and black gulaman for our drinks. Burp!
The Sands also offer Family Style- The Bilao Feast and The Bilao Overload, for groups of people
Bilao Feast- Php 1,100 and good for 5 people.
- Rellenong Pusit
- Choice of
- Liempo
- Lechon Kawali
- Chicken Pork Adobo
- Daing na Bangus
- Fried Tilapia
Bilao Overload- Php 2,500 and good for up to 10 people.
- Liempo and Lechon Kawali
- Tilapia and Daing na Bangus
- Rellenong Pusit and Hilabos na Hipon
- Fried Chicken
Each Family Style meal is served with rice, salted egg, egg plant, tomato, onion, bagoong alamang (shrimp paste) and a pitcher of iced tea.
Though I didn't get to taste all the foods served to us during lunch, I really got nothing bad to say with the food they served. Some were a hit to us while some are just okay.
Corkage Fee
Dining at The Sands is not a requirement, but sure is an experience that will save you from the hassle of preparing and bringing your food. But if you opt to bring your own food there is a corkage fee of Php 100 per head only.
Bath House
Adjacent to the Kiddie Pool is the Bath House which is so nice and well maintained. The shower room is separate from the comfort room, there's also a vanity area equipped with sink and mirror. Staffs are also on standby ready to assist you and mops off drips of water on the floor. I wasn't able to take photos inside since there were other people with us, but I swear it's so clean and huge!
Locker Room
If you brought a long valuable things that you don't want to leave at the cabana, you can opt to rent one of the lockers at the locker room for only Php 150 for the whole day. Each lockers has a built in lock already. Note that you have to present at least 1 valid ID to avail this.
Massage by the Beach
After an action packed day, what better way to end the day than by getting a nice body massage by the beach. This is by request and it costs Php 500 for full body massage.
Sunset
Sunset at the beach is always a beautiful sight. As the sun sets, it's time for us to say goodbye to this tropical haven.
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| Jump shot before heading to Manila |
It's time to plan your day tour!
Resort Schedule:
Aquaria Water Park is open daily, (except Tuesdays during lean season) from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entrance Fee
PEAK SEASON (January - June):
- Weekdays (with free use of swimming facilities)
- P600/ADULT
- P300/CHILD
- Weekends, Holidays & Long Weekends (with free use of swimming facilities)
- P800/ADULT
- P400/CHILD
LEAN SEASON (July - December):
- Weekdays (with free use of swimming facilities)
- P400/ADULT
- P200/CHILD
- Weekends, Holidays & Long Weekends (with free use of swimming facilities)
- P600/ADULT
- P300/CHILD
Child Policy:
- Child rate will apply to 4ft and below
- For 1 year old and below, free of charge.
How to get to Aquaria Water Park
- Via Private vehicle:
- Coming from Metro Manila, travel through the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and take either the Southwoods Exit or the Sta. Rosa Exit.
- Head straight going Tagaytay Rotunda and drive along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway.
- At Palico intersection, turn left to Balayan-Calatagan passing by Lago De Oro and the Calatagan Municipal Hall
- A little after the Municipal Hall, turn left to M. Apacible.
- Via Public Transportation:
- From MRT Taft Station. Board the BSC Bus with the sign board Tagaytay- Lian. Ask to be dropped off in front of 7-Eleven in Lian. Bus fare is Php 152.
- Ride an ordinary bus going to Calatagan Public Market. Travel time is 30-45 minutes. Bus fare is Php 30.
- Lastly, ride a tricycle going to the resort. Travel time is 15-20 minutes. Tricycle fare is between Php 150-200.
Conclusion:
Aquaria Water Park lived up to our expectations. Our one day visit was surely worthwhile, it was an exciting and relaxing experience for us. Indeed we need not to go far to experience a tropical haven because Aquaria is just 3 hours drive away from the Metro. It's an ideal destination for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city living.
I actually find the price of the water activities a bit pricey, but if you have the extra money and would like to experience it for the first time, I suggest you go for it. Nothing beats experience, besides you can always earn your money back. But then again, if budget doesn't permit, there are a lot of things to do and enjoy there like the pools and the 3-storey giant slide. It's also the time to reconnect with nature and just enjoy the serene and picturesque ambiance.
I look forward to visiting this place again soon, hopefully with our family and friends especially our kids, I'm sure they'll love it there. I also can't wait for the rise of the condotel, it will surely be another reason to love Aquaria Water Park as it can then cater to those who wants to stay longer.
Make sure to include Aquaria Water Park to your must visit resort!
For inquiries and reservations:
Phone:
(632) 553-8888
Fax
(632) 750-1894
Email:
reservations.aquaria@fuegohotels.com
Makati Office:
15F 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines
Resort Address:
Barangay Sta. Ana, Calatagan, Batangas
Office Hours:
8:00am to 6pm , Mondays to Fridays (Except Holidays)
Phone:
(632) 553-8888
Fax
(632) 750-1894
Email:
reservations.aquaria@fuegohotels.com
Makati Office:
15F 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines
Resort Address:
Barangay Sta. Ana, Calatagan, Batangas
Office Hours:
8:00am to 6pm , Mondays to Fridays (Except Holidays)
For more details and updates:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aquariawaterpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aquariaph
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquariawaterpark/
website: http://aquaria.com.ph/discover.php
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