Monday, November 9, 2015

Staycation at Balay Indang (Indang, Cavite)

After some alone time with my husband, it’s time to celebrate my special day with my family. I rarely celebrate my birthday even when I was a kid. No big parties, cakes or balloons. It’s not because my parents don’t love me, but it’s because they are average earners who would rather spend their hard earned money for my education. My mom would just cook my favorite ulam and buy my favorite kakanin then we’ll have lunch or dinner at home. It's a simple celebration and I never ask them for more because I understand that we have to save for other important things. Fast forward to 2015, I’ve realized that our family never had bonding moments outside our home. We only celebrate special occasions at home and my parents have never experienced traveling for relaxation. They both hate long travel hours and I don’t want to spend too much time on the road either that’s why I looked for some place within Cavite where we could still relax and have quality time together. So, I decided to bring them to Balay Indang. At first, I was hesitant that my father wouldn’t like the place because there’s no television there. They both love watching Yaya Dub so the thought of not being able to watch Eat Bulaga might not be appealing to them. Of course, I didn’t tell that part to them when I initially invited them for a vacation. I only told them about it when it was already a few days before our check-in schedule. Hehehehe There’s one problem though, we don’t have a car and Balay Indang is somewhere out of route of PUVs. Argh!!! Good thing my mom suggested to rent the jeep we used on my wedding. This is it! Nothing could stop us from enjoying an overnight stay far from the hustle and bustle of Dasmariñas, hehehe.

Staycation destination: checked. Transpo: checked. Food: checked, checked, CHECKED! Let’s go!! 

Balay Indang is just a few minutes’ drive from its sister B&B, Wilson’s Place in Tagaytay. Just like Yoki’s Farm, these are owned and operated by the same management. Balay Indang, formerly known as Red Ginger Farm, is not just an ordinary bed & breakfast, it is also a retreat house for those who would like to make some self-reflection. This place has a serene surrounding, very peaceful, no distractions such as TV, DVD, WiFi, and the best part is, they serve full board meals on your entire stay. I’m talking about not just breakfast, but also morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. You’ll never get hungry while you are there because meal time is scheduled almost every two hours. But wait there’s more. You think their serving is small? Well, do not feel sad because they will replenish it until you give up. Yes, it’s a sit-down buffet all day for only Php2,700 per head and that includes overnight accommodation plus access to their swimming pool. Worth it, right? So, what are you waiting for? (love me like you do. La-La-Love me like you do..) Go ahead and plan your next staycation at Balay Indang for a different experience. You do not have to worry about anything because once you confirmed your reservation all that is left to do is wait for that day to come and just simply relax. No need to worry where to eat, they got that covered. Just bring the entire family and enjoy! Or if you are not up for an overnight stay, you may also try their day trip packages.



Intricate details on their light switches
Modish wall décor















We were billeted at Numbers near the main dining area. It was just me, my husband and my parents but the room assigned to us is good for 5 pax. There’s 1 double size bed and 3 single beds, and each bed has regular pillow and very comfortable and warm blanket. Our room has a veranda with small coffee table for two. It’s a good place to watch the sunset or just relax while having a good talk with your loved ones. The bathroom has the basic necessities such as hot and cold shower (water pressure is okay), lavatory, toilet bowl and bidet (two thumbs up for bidet). They did provide us with one small bottle of body wash that smells like eucalyptus and 2 bottles of shampoo. I was already expecting this from what I read online before going here so we brought our own toiletries, no biggie. There’s also a cabinet inside the room, hangers, clothes rack, and 5 bath towels. There’s no safety box so if you are a bit distrustful it’s better not to bring too much valuables.  The room lock is the basic doorknob and security door bolt. I didn’t expect them to have same security lock like in other hotels since this place is more laid back and very probinsya style.
Adornments at the hallway.

Foyer (outside our rom)

Plush four poster bed.

Bathroom (with hot and cold shower)


Door leading to the restroom



Vintage floor lamp (I like this for our apartment, hehe)
The pavilion near the pool area is perfect for an afternoon siesta, picture taking, reading magazines or a good book. It was drizzling when we went there that makes the pool a bit cold but we still had a good swim that afternoon. I just wish they assign one person to keep the cleanliness of the pool. Since it’s an outdoor pool and surrounded with dry leaves, the water gets easily grimy.


Let me share some photos of what we have feasted during our stay at Balay Indang.
Breakfast
Lunch

Dinner

Miryendas
Read more about our hefty, scrumptious, and lip-smacking meals on my next blog.

Overnight Rates 
Couples Rate Php3,400/head (with 3 meals and 2 snacks)
Group Rate (min of 3 pax) Php 2,700/head (with 3 meals and 2 snacks)
Kids Rate Php 2,200/child (from 6 to 11 years old) 

Day Trip Rates 
Lunch Only
Couples Rate Php750/head
Group Rate (min of 3 pax) Php650/head
Kids Rate Php450/head

Dinner Only
Couples Rate Php850/head
Group Rate (min of 3 pax) Php750/head
Kids Rate Php500/head 

Additional Fees:
Php100 for use of swimming pool

Just a few reminders:

1.       Bring proper swimming attire – t-shirt and short pants are not allowed

2.       Since the place is surrounded by trees, grasses, and lots of plants, it is natural to have mosquitos and other kinds of plant insects so make sure to have an insect repellent ready.

3.       They only serve coffee and hot choco in the morning. If you like drinking coffee or tea in the afternoon or after every meal it’s better to bring instant coffee/tea. They have hot and cold water dispenser in every cabin and you can borrow cup from them.

4.       You may bring your laptop, tablets, and other electronic gadgets but don’t expect to get good internet signal. I brought my laptop to watch movies since there’s nothing much you can do at night in Balay Indang. Lights off is at 11pm and mosquitos are more aggressive as the sun goes down.
Papsie and hubby very serious while watching Edge of Tomorrow. :) :)


Here’s the map going to Balay Indang (photo credit to the owner)
  
Balay Indang
88 Mahabang Kahoy Cerca, Indang, Cavite
For reservations call 0917-8374261 / 0917-8665825 / (046) 775-6886

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