December 2020 was probably the saddest holiday season for most people due to pandemic travel restrictions. This would also be the month of breakthroughs as most countries started rolling out vaccines and people began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Exactly 11 months since I last came home to Manila, December 2020 would have been the best time to go home what with Christmas, New Year, and my birthday coming up. However, as there were lots of travel requirements (which at that time would have had me going around different government offices to be able to board a plane), I decided to travel somewhere near – and saw Nature’s Eye Resort’s Facebook page. After reading a few reviews and a lot of self-convincing, I booked a room and packed my bags.
How to Get There?
1. RORO (Roll-On, Roll-Off) – only means to transport vehicles like car and motorbikes2. Ferry Boats3. Fiber-glass motorboats
All three of them operate almost on an hourly basis depending on demand, and would take only 15-20 minutes travel time on calm waves and weather.
Once in Jordan Wharf, there are public jeepneys, tricycles, or motorbikes which you can charter to get to Brgy. Tando. As I was travelling alone and unfamiliar with the place, I got with a private car owner to rent and take me to Nature’s Eye Resort (staff provided me with his number).
What to Expect
Nature’s Eye Resort advises guests to contact them when you’re near the drop-off point so they can send someone to take you to the main gate. From the drop-off point, there would be around 10-minutes’ walk to get to Nature’s Eye Resort’s so be sure to wear comfy shoes! The path can also get muddy on rainy day, so DON’T. WEAR. WHITE. SHOES.
The best thing in Nature’s Eye Resort is the view—nature thrives wherever you look! It was the perfect place for me to be at while alone because the calmness and quietness of the place matched my mood at that time. I wanted to be home for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, which can be usually very festive and loud. But it didn’t feel like a time to celebrate, especially with the hardships and losses that this pandemic had brought.
💔 Side Story:
I lost my grandmother in March 2020, and I didn’t even get to see her one last time due to travel restrictions. That was another reason I wanted to be alone—to process everything and just breathe. And Nature’s Eye Resort offered the perfect place for that.
What to Bring
Insect Repellant Lotion/Spray – As advised by Nature’s Eye Resort staff, I did bring a lotion with me and I was glad I did. The place is surrounded by plants and trees so there would be a few mosquitoes especially in the evening.
Book or Kindle – There are a lot of good area to spend the hours to read a book here! With only the sounds of birds, waves, and trees to distract you, you’ll be sure to get the best out of your book.
Drinks and Snacks – The resort offers food choices, but eating is not allowed in the rooms to avoid a swarm of ants. They will provide a pitcher full of water for consumption, but if you run out of it in the middle of the night, or even during daytime, the walk to the receiving area and back to your room can take a while.
Offline Entertainment (Pre-downloaded movies/music) – Just like what I wrote on this blog article for Mamaley’s Resort, good network can be scarce in this area of Guimaras. Bring good music, a movie, or even playing cards for a good time while waiting for that iconic Guimaras sunset!
K’s Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a solo retreat to escape city life or just some well-deserved me-time, I highly recommend Nature’s Eye Resort.
✔ Helpful & friendly staff✔ Good food✔ Different room options for unique experiences
I booked the Cliff Room, which had an open bathroom overlooking the sea—(like seriously! Talk about being one with nature, right?)
I’d definitely go back someday and explore more Guimaras resorts!
📍 Have you been to Guimaras? Any resorts you'd recommend?
xoxo,
