Don’t have any ideas where to go during your annual vacation? Fret not; OFWTalks is here to the rescue.
I just came back from my holiday and I have to say writing this piece is a bit difficult since it takes me back to the time when I just lounge and read all day being lulled by the tropical climate. But since I enjoyed my stay at The Oriental in Mariveles, Bataan, I would recount my experience and recommend it to anyone living in the Northern part of the Philippines for an overnight trip.
The booking
I did our booking via travelbook.ph and I suggest you do the same. Their customer service representatives are very helpful even to stupid me who did the booking on the same day even if we intend to visit the next day. Talk about a brouhaha. Anyway, they manage to convince the resort to change our booking date to the next day without any fees. Doing the booking with them also entitled me to a 499.00 pesos discount. Penny saved for souvenirs.
The hotel
We travelled for approximately 3 hours which I could not write about since I do not have a sense of direction. I even thought Bataan is in the Southern part of the Philippines even if I’ve been there a couple of times in the past. I apologize to my HEKASI and SIBIKA teachers, it seems I forgot everything there is about the regions of the Philippines. We arrived at the hotel around 1:30 PM and since check in time is at 2:00, we walked around the hotel and took some photos since their Christmas decorations are still up. The lobby is not air conditioned at the time of our visit but it is still enjoyable since the afternoon breeze is refreshing and chill. The friendly staff actually told us we could check in early since our room is ready but my mother requested a room near the swimming pool. They graciously agreed to our request and hastily prepared the room for us and we were able to check in at exactly 2:00 PM. The hotel it seems is a favorite among newlyweds as I notice there are numerous young couples perhaps on their honeymoon whereas I was with my parents. Tsk, tsk, tsk.
The room
We booked a room good for three since I visited with my folks. The hotel provided an extra bed which is unnecessary since my parents shared one and I occupied the other. I am so glad my mother requested for a room near the pool since the terrace door leads to the ground where they held team building exercises. The room has all the usual amenities; air conditioner, hot and cold shower, hair blower, toiletries, safe, refrigerator, closet, TV, etc. What I liked about the room the most is the working area where I spent the rest of my evening doing my part time job while forlornly looking outside while it was drizzling (boo-hoo I’m on holiday yet I was still working).
The breakfast buffet
The breakfast buffet is what I was looking forward to the most. Heading towards the buffet table, I found myself thinking “this is how I am getting my money’s worth! Mwahahahaha”. The food itself is not extraordinary and if you are always eating and paying for buffets, you would not find the buffet at The Oriental something you would go back to, in spite of the plateful of bacon that I had. But it does not necessarily mean I did not like it. For starters, I enjoyed their Christmas inspired desserts and I giggled a bit when I saw their “pumkin soup”.
(Note: I do not mean any harm as I poke fun with the misspelled word. It was actually one of the fond memories I had with my time at the resort. Don’t shoot me.) I also loved their coffee. I’m not sure if it was something special but I am sure it is not a 3-in-1 (I would know. I don’t have the means to always drink coffee from a red cup with frothy whipped cream.) The ambiance is also inspired, and the staff are all accommodating. They replenish the food so fast you would not see any empty food tray.
The View Deck
Coming from the Middle East, seeing so much green is a literal breath of fresh air for me. I missed the sound of birds flapping their wings and the gentle motion of the leaves while the cold wind is breezing. Naturally, I had lots of photos with the view as my background but since I just came from a buffet, better not post it. Just relish the photo of the view I took pleasure in, sans me and my bulging belly.
The obstacle course
As I mentioned, our room’s veranda door leads to the obstacle course although it needs a bit of fixing up. Perhaps when the hotel was still new, a lot of companies use it for team building exercises. Of course, I would not shy away from trying some of these, had I known they have one, I would have brought my rubber shoes to try it all. I even egged my father to do the maze with me thinking I would wipe the floor with him. Sadly, I ate a humble pie since he beat me effortlessly. Upon doing the course, I had a realization that I was very, very out of shape. Don’t be fooled with my picture on the climbing wall. I was just two feet off the ground. All an illusion.
The pool
Water is my element even if I have this stupid paranoia of being eaten by a shark even while swimming at a pool (curse the Jaws, The Meg, Deep Blue Sea, The Shallows, 47 Meters Down and other shark movies which I could not stop myself from watching even if I am already ridiculously terrified). As expected, I could not pass up the opportunity to swim a few laps in The Oriental’s pool even if it is cold (my father and I are the only guests who braved the chilly water). Again, the pool is not something special although there is a nearby “Liquid Bar” though I do not recommend drinking and swimming. Not only it is dangerous, you are more prone to peeing in the pool which is not cool. There are also balls available and pool noodles the guests could use although the pool is not kid friendly as the shallowest part is still up to an adult’s waist.
To Go or not to Go?
Like I said in the beginning of this article, I would recommend it to those who are already living in the North since it would only be a few hours drive. But if you are from the South but still wishes to visit Mariveles, Bataan, still consider The Oriental even if the hotel is a bit past it’s prime and is in need of a few touch ups. Visit it for its seclusion and enjoy tranquility and peace that being one with the nature brings. My folks enjoyed it they’ve been to the hotel twice in a month.
Last tip: Visit the Balanga market on your way back. Their dried fish is awesome. Not too salty and perfect for pasalubong for your OFW friends
An Overseas Filipino Worker since 2008, Yvette is back in the Middle East after a brief stint in a first world country in South East Asia. She is a binge watcher and is part of numerous fandoms. She writes to keep her sanity (read her rantings on Wattpad @yvette_dc) and is happiest when she's in a bookstore. If given the resources, she would see the world.