Sinagtala Farm and Retreat Resort

Sinagtala Infinity Pool

My husband and I had a nice Sunday at Sinagtala Farm and Retreat Resort. Thanks to Groupon PH! I availed of the Groupon deal way back in June 2012 for a one-night stay good for 2 people at Sinagtala Farm and Retreat Resort. I got interested with it since it was a 50% off deal, from 2000php to 1000php. Also, I haven’t been to Bataan so it was a good reason to finally visit the historical province which is just 2-3 hour drive from Manila.

We were able to finally set the final date of using our Groupon coupon to Nov. 17-18. Ms. Francy Pascual of Sinagtala was accommodating enough to answer our concerns via email. The major concern was how to commute to Sinagtala. My husband and I first planned to take a boat from Manila to Orion, Bataan. But upon researching, we’ve learned that ferry travels from Manila to Bataan has been cancelled for now. (Don’t really know the reason why.) We were saddened since it was the quickest way to reach the province. Ms. Pascual told us to just ride a bus from Cubao going to Balanga or Mariveles and tell the driver to drop us off at the Orani Crossing. There, tricycles could take us to Sinagtala.

But my husband and I are just born adventurers so we decided to check out tourist areas near Orani and Balanga first before heading to Sinagtala in the afternoon. Anyway, we were back to Orani town by 5pm, and hailed a tricycle to bring us to Sinagtala. The driver told us that the special trip would cost us 150php or we could wait for 2 other passengers and pay only 40php each. We decided not to wait and took the special trip. After about 2 kilometers, we reach the Orani Crossing. This is where the Manila-Bataan buses would pass by. A sign is posted that Sinagtala is 8 kilometers away. Wow! We didn’t think it was that far. We passed by Brgy. Pag-asa first before reaching Brgy. Tala. We reached Sinagtala Farm and Retreat Resort by night fall. The place was really far from the highway, situated on the slopes of Mount Natib. Based on the number of vehicles present, the resort had a good number of guests that weekend despite its distance from Manila. The lights of Bataan towns and Balanga City are visible from the resort. But we were too tired from the day’s adventure that we turned ourselves in early and decided to explore the place the next day.

Early Morning in Sinagtala

We woke up early at 6AM the next morning. The place was still quite, it seemed that some guests were still enjoying their sleep on such a peaceful place. The fog was still visible outside but my husband and I decided to brave the cold and take a walk around the place. The place is incredible. Everywhere is green with a touch of colors from different flowers planted around the area. There were also parts which were planted with different kinds of fruits. A few animals roamed in certain areas.

Cottage Could Hold A Group of 10-15 for Family Bonding / Seminar

We reached the small chapel near the entrance with a reception hall (almost at the end of its construction) behind it. It would be nice to have an intimate wedding there. A few meters away, two buildings were under construction. We were told that one was for a restaurant and the other for a spa. Yes, when we went there, Sinagtala has no restaurant but the resort does serve breakfast for their overnight guests. Guests staying longer, however, could make use of the resort's cooking facilities for lunch and dinner. The resort could serve lunch and dinner for special guests upon request. For our case, we have brought ourselves food for dinner the night before.

Hall good for wedding receptions or conferences
(under construction as of Nov. 2012)

Sinagtala Chapel

Cooking Area for Day Trippers

Continuing with our walk, we saw a few private houses located inside the resort. We were told that they are privately owned by some people from the Sinagtala Corporation, mostly relatives of Ms. Pascual. (Sort of a family corporation, I guess.) These private houses are also for rent for big groups wanting to spend their time at the resort like family or barkada reunion.

UPDATE:

Recently, I found out one of these private houses (own by Ms. Tonjee) is listed on Airbnb. Location is just next to the Sinagtala Farm and Retreat Resort. Guests in this house could use the pool of the resort for a 200 pesos fee. To know more about the rental details, click HERE.

As we came back, other guests were already outside enjoying the morning sun as well. We then noticed that a good number of the guests were foreigners. They must have enjoyed the serenity of the place. We had breakfast by 7:30AM just outside our room. Other accommodations have their dining area on a terrace on the second floor or on the roof top.

Accommodations for Overnight Guests

We stayed on the first floor of this building.

The room assigned to us was the cheapest they have. However, it was big enough to accommodate 4-5 people. Those who availed the Groupon deal were given this room, I think. The original cost is 2000php for two persons, and 900php for every additional person. I was happy with the room's coziness and the fact that it has a hot and cold shower. We asked for their price lists but they were out of brochures. Anyway, an assistant of Ms. Pascual told us that the next cheaper room costs 3500php. They also have family rooms that could accommodate 5-6 people. I totally forgot the price, but should you guys are interested, email Ms. Pascual at francypascual@yahoo.com 

Enjoying the pool early in the morning when day trippers haven't arrived yet.

Enjoying the serenity of the place.

Sinagtala Farm and Retreat Resort really gave a nice ending to one of our memorable weekends. We will definitely come back  especially when other facilities are already available like the restaurant. Sinagtala is surely a nice retreat place away from the bustling city.