Canoe Beach Resort

Canoe Beach Resort --- the first "real" resort I've been to in Pundakit, San Antonio, Zambales. That was last April 30 to May 1. It also marked the first time that I swam in a swimming pool in Pundaquit.

Except for the grumpy lady who you have to deal with for reservation, checking in and payment, the resort offers good amenities at very reasonable prices. Just don't get the non-aircon rooms (particularly the beachfront ones, for I have not tried the poolside rooms) as they are overpriced for their real value.

Compare a P2,200 aircon room with a P1,500 non-aircon - P700 premium for a sweet slumber in a cool room with a bathroom versus a fan only room in a hot summer night where you share a bathroom with the rest of the resort customers (who are not checked in the aircon rooms). That's P700, which four of you can share.

Overnight room rates include the use of the pool, barbeque grills, and other stuff I have no care for. However, according to their brochure, the use of electricity for additional appliances (i.e. those you brought with you, which are not the property of the resort) should be reported and paid accordingly. Indeed, in our room, there exists only one outlet used for the electric fan placed high up in the wall. Though I bet you can easily do something about it.

The verdict: highly recommended (again, try to keep your cool when dealing with that grumpy lady...). Oh, because of that grumpy lady, I downgrade my verdict to slightly highly recommendable resort. ;)

For day trips, entrance fee is P60 per person, another P60 for overnight rates (staying beyond 6:00 PM), additional P85 for the use of the pool, while cottages' rental rates range from P500 to P1,500. Additional P800 to P2,000 for overnight stay.

Canoe Beach Resort
Website: www.canoebeachresort.vze.com