It’s holy week and yes, Filipinos wait for this summer’s long weekend vacation and most of us are busy in different ways, be it spiritually or physically. Of course who wouldn’t miss spending this break in a nice place. If you’re looking for a chill escape from the heat and city’s stress, “Kaja, let’s go back to Antipolo!”
Again, one of our fast-planned trip, probably made it within the week. We brought our camera but chose to use our mobile phone’s cam because we’re lazy & we just wanna relax 🙂 Due to Maynilad’s water interruption notice which Dear’s barangay is affected, we chose to stay away from Manila even just for a night. Another thing is that we haven’t spent a holy week trip as a couple. We usually go out with families and do Visita Iglesia, so this time we tried this setup, which we liked more 🙂
overlooking Manila
Antipolo’s known as a place that’s really accessible from the metro, it has many resorts & accommodations that really suits a quick escape with added chill of weather comparing to Manila. It’s somewhat similar to Tagaytay but planning your trip here is cheaper from commuting, resort rates, etc.
Commuting to Cloud 9 Hotel & Resort at Sumulong Highway, Antipolo
Some of the resorts, bed & breakfast may be found along Sumulong, and commuting to this place is not so easy as it is with Antipolo Church if it’s your first time.
Our route (impromptu & we depend on the drivers’ directions) – From Taft Ave., Mla., we rode a jeepney to Cubao (P 25.00 fare/head) then went off at Gateway Mall, Araneta Ctr. Most of our colleagues told us that we can ride a jeep going directly to Sumulong but the FX terminals in front of the mall said there’s no jeepneys or FX there with that route.
We’re told to try at Farmer’s Market FX terminals, again, no routes were found and so we just took the alternative route as instructed by the dispatcher, we rode an FX going to Marikina with a signage Rodriguez (P 25.00 fare/head). We went off a place they call “Bayan” , the driver told us that there’s a jeepney terminal near Marikina Sports Complex directly going to Sumulong Highway. We walked a block then saw a market and across is a jeep terminal with routes going to Padilla..Cogeo..Antipolo via Sumulong Highway.
After the long wait, jeep finally came with an Antipolo via Sumulong Highway signage (P 18.00 fare/head). Jeep’s so packed at the back, good thing we’re seated in front so we opened Google Map to check if we’re really heading the right direction, and thankfully we were. After an almost hour drive, we went off along Sumulong Highway, in front of Cloud 9 Resort & Hotel. Some of the landmarks that can tell you’re near this resort were Jac Liner, Eugenio Lopez Center and Leonardo’s Bar.
Recommended route (what we learned along the way) – We think this is the easiest route. From Manila, via LRT 1 get off at Doroteo Jose Station then via LRT 2 get off at the last station it’s at Santolan. Go downstairs, jeepneys are loading in front of the station with signage Antipolo via Sumulong Highway and that’s it! Next time we’re going to Cloud 9 or Sumulong, we will try this route.
Commuting from Cloud 9 Hotel & Resort at Sumulong Highway, Antipolo back to Cubao and Manila
There are some jeepneys along the highway but mostly it’s loaded because they already came from the terminal. You have to go back to the terminal and best way is to ride a tricycle (P 15.00 fare/head), just wait for a few minutes or so because there’s only few tricycles passing by. We’re lucky enough to spot one tricycle though because his passenger went off across the resort. It’s a 10-15 minute ride back to the line of jeepneys going to Cubao, but you can have a guaranteed seat with less passengers, travel time from Sumulong to Cubao is just an hour with fare of P 35.00 each. From Araneta Center, Cubao you’ll have to walk 3 blocks going back to Aurora Blvd., then ride a jeepney or FX going back to Manila. We rode an FX, with fare of P 40.00 each, travel time was almost 1 & 1/2 hour, there’s a heavy traffic from University Belt to Quiapo due to the after effect of procession and crowd of devotees observing the Good Friday.
Accommodation
360 Degree View Sky Deck and Bridge
Cloud 9 Hotel & Resort
Or also known as Cloud 9 Sports and Leisure Club based from their own website. We walked in at the resort, no reservations. Then there’s this one guy at the reception who told us that rooms were fully booked but the lady double checked and they gave us a Deluxe Room worth P 2,000/night inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons, additional P 200.00 charge which will be refunded upon checking out. From our overnight stay, here’s what we think about this place…
hills of Antipolo, view from our room.
Cheaper rates compared to other resorts, lowest room rate start at P 1,200.00 breakfast not included. It’s located along the highway but it’s not commuter friendly, better if you go here with your own car.
C9 half chicken served with atchara
night booze
Cafe Nueve’s menu are just the usual and it’s expensive. Their serving’s good for 2 persons already, the taste is okay, good enough for a hungry tummy haha.
Staffs performance are average and somewhat lacks friendliness and customer service. Upon walk in, telling you they’re fully booked without verifying first. Then upon checking out, they didn’t even bother to double check the room before letting us leave hehe it’s unusual for a known resort, don’t you think?
Rooms and bathroom are a bit old but they’re comfy & clean. The air-conditioner’s working well but the TV’s cable channels are just limited to 10 I guess.
at the Sky Deck
The whole resort is big compared to others, you can also hold special events here like weddings, which we’re currently eyeing on hehe 🙂 The place is quiet, not crowded despite it’s peak season, but they only have 1 swimming pool which we did not bother to try because we got lazy again.
dare?
For adventurers, you should definitely try the Sky Bridge and chill at the 360 Degree View deck, it’s their newly added attraction and these 2 kept our excitement, perked up our mood despite some of the cons we experienced during our stay 🙂
going down wearing Dear’s slippers because of my wet feet haha
If you don’t mind spending a little over your usual budget for accommodations then Cloud 9 Hotel & Resort can suit your needs. A resort with more privacy and quiet surroundings that is closer to nature and boasts an access to a clearer and higher 360 degree panoramic view overlooking the metro.
Estimated Budget / Expenses (for 2 persons)
- Transportation – P 400.00
- Accommodation – P 2,000.00
- Food – P 2,000.00
Total – P 4,400.00
Contact Info
It’s better if you call them via land-line and they require a 50% down payment of total room rate if you want a reservation. If you want to risk, you can also do walk in like we did.
taken from their website
Here’s a short video of our Sky Bridge walk hehe 🙂
Enjoy your long vacation! Please rate this post, thank you! 🙂
Kaja let's go! 