Albay dancing on Mayon. Even though I would be traveling without my constant, I pushed my trip to Misibis Bay through. But what struck me harder was the difficulty in catching a 4AM flight. So instead of waking up on a mornight, I checked in to the airport before midnight. I got lucky in finding a spot to sleep and more importantly in waking up before the boarding time.

The prize of the taking the first flight to Legazpi is hovering above the Quitinday Green Hills in Albay as the sunlight envelopes such land formations. The majestic Mayon covered with lenticular clouds appeared seconds after. Imagine this view outside your window pane sipping coffee. It’s definitely priceless. I was so pumped up for this trip.

 

Connected

When I started backpacking 5 years ago, I included Misibis Bay in my trip to Legazpi. However, I wasn’t able to pull this thing off due to the time constraints of catching barge that travels from Albay mainland to Cagraray. There were fewer flights offered then to and from Manila.

Fast forward to present time, Cagraray Island is connected to the mainland with this aesthetically pleasing red bridge. An hour land travel is now possible. This can be arranged with the resort with pickup point at Hotel St. Ellis in Embarcadero. No other public transport can go directly to the island.

 

Warm Reception

The receiving area is literally and figuratively warm. I was fascinated how the natural light passes through the glass windows of the reception building. In millennial terms, it was lit. The well-lighted ambiance is paired with the warm welcome of the staff. At one point during my stay, some members of the welcoming committee wear festival warrior costumes ala Dinagyang to entertain the incoming visitors.

 

All Albayanos

All employees of Misibis Bay are Albayanos. The good online reviews about the hospitality of the staff are true. I guess this kind of employment produces favorable results because the hired staff are more than just employees of the resort. They also take pride in representing their home province.

 

Adrenaline-filled Activities

You’re paying for the exclusivity and serenity of the place. If you need a quiet place to relax, to unwind, and to forget the worries from the city, the 5-hectare Misibis Bay facing the Pacific is a good idea. However, for a person like me who feels uneasy in an alone time, the adrenaline-filled activities can keep one busy, distracted, and most importantly, supplied with fun.

I enjoyed scuba diving, hobie cat sailing, jet ski ride, and paddle boarding. They are just few of the many motorized and non-motorized activities you can avail in the resort.

 

Land Tour

One of the reasons that I wanted to see Cagraray Island is the minimal but functional Amphitheatre offering the scenic view of Albay Gulf. Its picturesque design is a factor why most of soon-to-be-wed couples choose this location for their prenuptial shoots. To make it more extra, the candle-lit Amphitheatre can be done for couples. Meanwhile, I am imagining the place wherein music festivals happening here attended by participants enjoying both sounds and surroundings.

I was included in a group of visitors who wish to maximize the stay in Misibis Bay too. We were all game to try all the amenities in the resort. The zipline was an appetizer treat even though everyone flew in pair except me. What I enjoyed most that day was the luge ride which is reminiscent of the Singapore luge. I felt the Misibis track is better and more exciting because we were sandwiched by thicker greens. The leaves naturally scattered in the track adds more thrill to the Mario Kart atmosphere of the luge. However, the carts were transferred ground up manually unlike in Singapore wherein taking other ride is instant because the carts are carried by machines.

 

ATV Ride

As early as 5 in the morning, the same group where I was enlisted before, went to the nearby hilltop by ATV. The road is rough and requires more skill than that of the ATV going to Helipad in Mayon. The best part of the morning activity is watching the sun rise while taking the breakfast prepared by the staff.

 

Island Cruise

Misibis Bay is also offering a cruise via speedboat. The stops are underwhelming. However, it is only through this ride where you can fully enjoy the magnificent view of Mayon Volcano while the speedboat is resting in the middle of the bay. Mayon Volcano is out of sight from the resort cove so this is the only chance to view the perfect cone.

 

Food

Full board meals are catered at its only restaurant called Spice Market. My favorite breakfast item is this so-called espada fish categorized somewhere between dilis and daing. The memorable food are the grilled meat and seafood variety. They’re delectable with its natural flavor. When there are few checked-in guests remaining, they serve plated but generous food instead of buffet. Of course, one won’t miss the cuisine fused with Bicol spices.

 

Amenities

The room is actually luxurious and stylish but at the same time it made me sad because I don’t have someone to share these amenities with especially the bathtub. You can identify easily a visitor from Misibis Bay in the airport by the bayong taken from the room. Fast internet access is available inside the room, the reception area, Spice Market, and Beach Club.

The spa is also available upon request. I was able to secure a slot for a full body massage. Oh boy, that was calming. Make sure to reserve the service because they’re fully-booked during weekends.

If not only due to the imminent rain, I would experience the private candle-lit dinner set-up along the one-kilometer stretch of beach.

 

Your Tropical Island Getaway

Misibis Bay is running for almost a decade now. Misibis Bay is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and I can attest it with the first-rate experience. Celebrities such as Zac Efron, Manny Pacquiao, Drew Arellano and Kris Aquino had their holidays in the resort. The latter two stars feature the resort on their respective travel shows.

 

Sample Long Weekend Itinerary

Day 01
1200H – Check in
1500H – Eco Park Tour
1600H – Zipline and Luge
1700H – Jet ski and Banana Boat Ride
1900H – Dinner at the Spice Market

Day 02
0500H – ATV Sunrise at the Hilltop
0700H – Breakfast at the Spice Market
0900H – Introductory Scuba Diving at the Marina
1030H – Snorkeling at the Marina
1200H – Lunch at the Spice Market
1330H – Full Body Massage
1630H – Albay Cruising
1900H – Dinner at the Spice Market

Day 03
0700H – Breakfast at the Spice Market
0900H – Stand Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking
1000H – Hobie Cat Sailing
1100H – Lunch at the Spice Market
1200H – Checkout

 

Activities

Non-motorized Activities
Windsurfing, 30 minutes, PhP 450 / pax
Kayaking, 30 minutes, PhP 350 / pax
Stand Up Paddle Boarding, 30 minutes, PhP 450 / pax
Snorkeling, 30 minutes, PhP 450 / pax with free use of gear
Hobie Cat Sailing, 30 minutes, PhP 2,400 for group with maximum of 4 persons
Package (Windsurfing, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Snorkeling), PhP 1,300 / pax

Motorized Activities
Banana Boat Ride, PhP 3,100 for group with maximum of 5 persons
Introductory Diving, 10-15 minutes actual dive proper, PhP 1,900 / pax
Jet ski, 30 minutes, PhP 2,600 / pair
Wakeboarding, 30 minutes, PhP 2,600

Other Activities
ATV Tour to Eco-Park, 30 minutes, PhP 1,500
ATV Tour to Hilltop, 1 hour, PhP 3,800
Albay Cruise, 1 hour, PhP 900, minimum of 6 persons, maximum of 12
Eco Park Tour, PhP 150 / pax
Zip Line, PhP 250 / pax
Luge Cart, PhP 750.00 / pax