Hello, my name is Dan from Canada. My wife was born and raised in Valencia, we have two young children (1yr and 3 yrs). We are travelling back for a visit, probably a month early December to early January. The last time I was in Negros-O was November of 2006. Had a great time really enjoyed the island and looking forward to returning. We stayed at Ste Monica Resort (really like the staff and restaurant) -was thinking of staying at the same place - was only about 10 minutes from her parents house. Questions: Last time we used her sisters vehicle but this time I would like to rent a vehicle - where would be a good place to inquire??? Which resort is closer to Dumaguete/Valencia, and which resort would consider the best for comfort/cleanliness/kids/food: Bahura Eldorado PuraVida Atlantis Been into Bahura resort but can't remember how long of drive it was! My 3 year old loves the water and the pool (though nice) at Ste Monica is definately not for little kids! Thanks for any advice!
questions Hi DP...and fellow Canadian..(Vancouver)...Just a few thoughts...Atlantis is the closest(but not by much)..it is also $. For you,and family,El Dorado would be my choice..$$,,great food,pool,beach,very child friendly and FREE shuttle service to and from Dgte.They have a few new"family" rooms and some remodeled older ones. Check out their web.. Miguel
Atlantis has the highest standard in (food, clean, set-up, price) EL Dorado all like sntmig said, IMHO a bit squeezed together. Pura Vida nice set up, open space, special safe Kiddie section in the pool, food soso (but 2 min to El Dorado, 10 to Atlantis) Bahura huge spacious, kitchen improved a lot DumagueteSprings closer to Valencia/Duma, a bit more basic but nice set-up, Pool to deep for a 3-year old car rental Scuds cheers Rhoody
Staying at Santa Monica Thanks for all the information - much appreciated. Decided we will stay at Santa Monica again, I really enjoyed the staff, great food and is closer to Valencia. We will be spending a month there in December - can't wait. My 3 year old loves animals - is there a good zoo anywhere close to duma - and where would be the best place to show her some dolphins?? Thanks
If you can call it "a good Zoo" is difficult to say. Some with a lot of Zoo-experience won't find it very worthy but others like it. I know an American father in Valencia who goes there several times a year ! The Zoo is just a bit further than Zamboanguita, direction Siaton (but still municipality Zamboanguita). There is more to read somewhere else on this forum about this Zoo. Your 3-years old daughter will likely love it. The best place to observe the dolphins is in Bais. You take a boattrip early in the morning and you will enjoy the many dolphins when at least you are there at the right time of the year. Now it's still a good moment/season, but that will soon stop. Read also other threads on this forum about dolphin watching at Bais.
It's father Tropas Zoo. Kids will love it, Adults usualy think the treatment of the animlals is disgusting... Forget about Bais in November, I had ablast 4 days ago, that must be thousands, but november is rough sea there and the dolphins gone... Rhoody
If you have time in Manila, take your kids to the Manila Ocean Park. They'll love the marine life in the tanks.
haha at 3 you can still please him with the local cows, karabauw, pigs and chickens. We had a 3 year old with us and every time she got restless we just pointed out an animal. Her highpoint of Apo was checking out all the local pigs.
