Finding a place where you can reconnect with nature? Hey! Aroma Beach Resort is worth a try. I spent an early summer getaway at this cove in Bataan. Originally, I was not part of the group but a college friend invited me to come with them, without hesitation, I immediately said yes! After all, who doesn't like a quiet from the city buzz, right?
About the cove.
Aroma beach resort is located in Morong, Bataan. Depending on the traffic, it can be a 5-hour travel from Manila, more or less.
How to get there.
Our team started to travel as early as 5:00 in the morning. We jumped off with Five Star from Cubao to Balanga bus terminal. From there, we rode a jeepney to Bagac. Then, a 20-minute boat ride finally took us to Aroma cove where we saw a glimpse of Las Casas Filipinas and Bataan Power Plant. When we got off the boat, we were welcomed with garlands made of crepe paper and straw. I felt like a VIP and got even more excited as to what can transpire with the rest of our stay in the resort!
What they offer.
As soon as we put our things on the assigned beach hut, a staff offered us singkamas (turnips) with bagoong (paste of small prawns) and directed us to the taho (soy pudding with caramel syrup and tapioca balls) corner.They also gave us some toiletries which included a toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, and shampoo which were all placed inside a leaf. So creative!
After taking some rest, we were catered with festive lunch consisting of hot soup, fresh vegetable salad, seafoods, meats and fruits, on a long table made of bamboo at the back of the resort. While enjoying the sumptuous meal we were being entertained with old, classic songs. And take note, all the meals were served in the various parts of the resort.
I also had the opportunity to scan the area after our lunch. I noticed that there were lots of activities that you can do while staying at the resort like playing darts, volleyball, sungka, badminton, table tennis and card games. One can also read books on the Tree of Knowledge corner. What caught my attention were the toilets full of hugot lines. There were numerous hammocks around the area, tree houses and a couple of open beach huts where you can just stay and relax all day long!
Nighttime
When the darkness stole the light, we were prepared with bonfire and cocktail party. The host led the exciting games with raffles and prices. That gave us the opportunity to meet and mingle with the other tourist group and some solo wanderers. The host always see to it that the place is not crowded for the guests, so we were only around 20 in total. The night was full of laughter and stories. In between, I sometimes escape from the group to take photos like these.
The night was peaceful. I felt the wind brushing my skin while listening to the sounds of the waves splashing on the shore. It was a perfect moment to relax and think of nothing. I didn't realize, I have already fallen asleep.
The Second Day.
I felt so alive on our second day. Coffee and bread were ready early in the morning followed by a serving of a splendid breakfast. At around 9:00 a.m, we walked few meters to do cliff diving in the three stations (with different heights by the way) in the resort then went back to our camp. We prepared and packed up our things and had our lunch before we said goodbye to the cove. I left with a heavy heart knowing I still wanted to stay there for some more days.
Overall, the overnight stay in the cove was fun and excellent.
Just a few reminders.
1. If one wants to do snorkeling, wear aqua shoes because there are many large sea urchins in the rocky part of the beach.
2. Bring mosquito repellants.
3. Except for blankets, beddings are available for rent at 50Php, so might as well bring one.
4. Sunblock for UV protection.
5. Electricity is available only from 5:00pm to 12 midnight, so a flashlight can come handy.
Expenses:
Bus (Cubao-Balanga) - 200Php
Jeepney (Balanga-Bagac) - 60Php
Boat (Bagac-Aroma Cove) - 100Php
Package Tour - 1800Php
*More or less 2600Php, but bring some extra cash since they also offer "Pasalubongs" for sale.
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