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| Club Balai Isabel + Aqua Park | Our First Christmas Together! |
Happy 2019! It still hasn't sunk into me that 2018 is already behind us. (In fact, my mind is still in 2018. LOL.) This Christmas, we opted to just stay at home (and get lots of sleep), which made me remember what a fun Christmas we had in 2017! That year, we decided to spend our first Christmas together as a married couple somewhere we can relax, have fun and enjoy each other's company. We chose to stay at Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas. It's a few hours away from Metro Manila, but the travel time is definitely worth it.
We arrived in Talisay at about 1 pm, so we decided to have lunch first somewhere. We had a simple lunch with an overlooking view of the Taal Volcano at Rockfort Lake Resort.
Club Balai Isabel Photos & Videos:
The weather that day was nice—not too hot, not too breezy either. So while on our way to the Club Balai Isabel's lobby to check-in, I can't help but notice the lush greenery surrounding us. (By the way, did you know that Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Boy Sotto had their wedding here???)
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| Club Balai Isabel map |
After we checked in, we made sure to pay for the buffet dinner since it will be our Noche Buena.
Then off we went to our room. While walking, we got a glimpse of the Taal Volcano. So near yet so far! LOL.
After unpacking and cooling off for a bit, we decided to walk and check out what Club Balai Isabel has to offer. But first, look at the view from our room:
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| An obstructed view of the Aqua Park |
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| There was a roving band playing Christmas songs! |
In Photos: Club Balai Isabel Aqua Park
2017 was the year of inflatable water parks in the Philippines, and Club Balai Isabel's Aqua Park was the nearest from Metro Manila. What's more, you get to have Taal Volcano in the background! It's actually one of the reasons why we decided to stay here for Christmas—so we can try it ourselves and see what the hype was all about.
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| BEFORE: Still setting up |
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| AFTER: Aqua Park is ready! |
Club Balai Isabel Aqua Park | Rates and Review
Curious and wanting to have fun, the husband and I got ourselves ready to try Club Balai Isabel's Aqua Park—sunblock, swimsuit, and left our belongings in our room, bringing only the key. But during payment, we were asked to leave all pieces of jewelry we were wearing, as well as the key, because it may get damaged or worse, lost in the waters.
There are actually a lot of fun activities you can do at Lake Taal apart from Aqua Park. There's a banana boat, jet ski, speed boat, and kayak you can rent. You can also try the fly fish, or go trekking at Taal. But for us, we only wanted to try the aqua park.
The Aqua Park looks so easy and all-fun, like what we initially thought, but no. When we actually got there, walking was difficult because it was so slippery, and a bit shaky. There was a kuya who assisted both of us all throughout. We also had a life vest because the water below us runs deep. I'm actually scared of open waters, but thought to myself, "f it, I gotta try this, it looks so fun!"
Walking and trying it all out, I felt like I was working out! Five minutes in, and I almost felt like giving up. I haven't exercised and my body was not fit for these things. Thank God we didn't bring a GoPro with us (we really wanted to enjoy the experience) otherwise I would've looked so clumsy, and everything would be such a blur. Literally. I've never felt so old and fat. Haha. I was so slow, and a scaredy cat. At one point, I was so tired, we ended up skipping some of the features (?) and sitting down for a good couple of minutes.
The last thing we did was the slide na because we were both tired. Especially me. Super thankful to the kuya who assisted us because he kept on cheering me on. Also, he really helped me get through the whole experience even though I was really struggling. Haha. Every time I fell, and screamed because I was afraid and thinking that I couldn't make it, kahit na natatawa si kuya sakin, pinipigil niya para di ako ma-offend. Thank you kuya. Hahaha.
Our last was the slide. It was quite high, so I was so scared, especially since the water was so deep below, I was just so afraid to do it, even though my husband was beside me. Isa-isa lang daw dapat yung mag-sslide, but I insisted na dalawa kami kasi natatakot talaga ako. Tapos magka-hawak pa kami ng kamay. Medyo tumagal kami dun kasi di ko kaya mag-slide, nakakahiya. But we had to do it because we're holding up the line. And we did it. Thank God di kami nagka-untugan, which muntik na, by the way. After that, ayoko na. Gusto ko na umuwi. LOL.
I didn't put it into further detail because of sobrang nakakahiya at nahihiya talaga ako sa sarili ko. LOL. Long story short: this thing isn't easy!!! After that, our entire body was shaking and aching, we needed a massage.
More photos:
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More Club Balai Isabel Amenities
So once we're well-rested, we decided to check out the other amenities within Club Balai Isabel. There's a pool for those who don't like to be in open waters. This one's from 4 ft to 7 ft.
Just beside the Aqua Park, you can swim or ride a banana boat, kayak, speedboat or jet ski.
They also have a cafe near the pool called Kape Kumintang, which serves finger foods and beverages.
There are also function areas and more rooms around the pool.
Celebrating Christmas | Noche Buena at Club Balai Isabel
Before we went to the buffet dinner at Terraza, we exchanged gifts first and then took the obligatory Christmas-ish photos by the lobby. Pagbigyan niyo na, unang Pasko namin together eh. Hehe.
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| Noche Buena Buffet Dinner menu |
The buffet dinner was superb. We had steak, and all the food taste sooooo good!
We stayed there until 10 pm. The bands and performers were nice, except for the last one though. (sorry, not sorry) We went back to our room, watched TV and called our families to greet them. Since we're so tired that day, we slept after.
The next morning, we woke up late because we slept so good. The room was nice and the bed was really comfy. It was time to go home yet we don't feel like going home too soon. And we're still so tired. LOL.
Overall, the experience was great and it was all worth it. Our first Christmas together as a married couple, first Christmas away from my family, and my first (and definitely the last LOL) time to experience an aqua park.
On a budget? Check out the 5 affordable places you can go to in Tagaytay if you are on a budget!
On a budget? Check out the 5 affordable places you can go to in Tagaytay if you are on a budget!
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