The Island Explorer

Anilao continues to amaze me with its charming resorts and beautiful sunsets. I couldn't get enough of it, so I make it a point to drive 2 hours to spend a night or two to escape the city. I never knew this dive destination would be my perfect hideaway. This time, I hied off to a new resort, escaped for a night of some peace and quiet. Friends, one of my new favorites, Aiyanar.  

I was all over Anilao last year. I fell in love with the place, that I even wanted to build a resort there. I was actually inspired by the many small resorts or houses for rent in the area. One of those inspiring family run resorts was Vista Aplaya. 

One of my favorite resorts this year is surprisingly just 2.5 hours drive from Manila. When I came to Anilao last year and rediscovered the famed diver's paradise, we drove past a resort with lots of cars parked on its street. I turned to look for the sign that Azure. It was also pleasant to see that Azure was by Vivire, a pioneer hotel in the Alabang business district.

It was a bright and breezy morning as the sun rose from behind the house, revealing the beauty of the sea and the surrounding islands. I got so excited, so I planned our short island exploring trip. We hired the boat that was parked beside the house for P2,500. The rate was quite steep, considering we only used the boat for 3 hours. 

For the Halloween long weekend, we decided to go to a beach town that I haven't visited in years, probably because I'm not a diver. Our trip to Anilao was one of the long drives that put a smile on my face. From Alabang, it only took us a total of 1.5 hours, all because of the Sto. Tomas expressway being connected to the Star Tollway. The next thing you'll know, you're in Batangas City, and just 30 minutes away from Mabini, where Anilao is.