My favorite part of the resort
in , ,

Where to Stay in Samboan Cebu: Fantasy Lodge

5 reasons to fall in love with Fantasy Lodge in Samboan Cebu

Looking for a place of retreat, a place where you can collect your thoughts, a place away from the stress of city life, a place of fantasy where you can explore your creativity and seek inspiration from nature? The King of Sinulog is off for an overnight stay at Fantasy Lodge Cebu (hotel info), an exclusive villa overlooking the sea located at the southern municipality of Samboan. Composed of 15 barangays, Samboan is known for its seven waterfalls, rich heritage embedded on its historical landmarks such as Campanario de Antigua, Escala de Jacob and Museo de Samboan and of course its friendly and welcoming people.

My favorite part in the Fantasy Lodge dome
My favorite part in the Fantasy Lodge dome

Here is an account of my personal experience in this private escape and five other reasons why you should grab your bags and go to Southern Cebu.

1. The Geodesic Dome

Upon entering the gate
Upon entering the gate
The dome looking like a gigantic coconut husk
The dome looking like a gigantic coconut husk
Reflection on the water
Reflection on the water
Acces way to the dome
Acces way to the dome
A few more steps to the swimming pool
A few more steps to the swimming pool
Asian ornaments
Asian ornaments
Bar stools
Bar stools
Creative bar table
Creative bar table
Fancy a game
Fancy a game
Fully-stocked fridge complimentary drinks
Fully-stocked fridge complimentary drinks
Enveloped by a white mosquito net
Enveloped by a white mosquito net
King-sized bed covered with satin sheets
King-sized bed covered with satin sheets
Standard toilet and sink
Standard toilet and sink
My favorite part of the resort
My favorite part of the resort
Outside looking in
Outside looking in
Priceless view
Priceless view

Made with local materials such as bamboo, nipa and shell craft for its lamps, this fan room is the best room in the resort and by far the most unique room I have stayed so far like a gigantic coconut husk. Perfect for couples who are on their honeymoon and would love a little privacy, it is separate from the other rooms located at the lower level surrounded by a dense forest full of endemic flora and fauna. It has a king-sized bed on a hardwood frame with satin sheets and adorned with Asian ornaments. The entire bed is gracefully enveloped by a white mosquito net. It also has a mini refrigerator full of complimentary ice-cold drinks and speakers that can be connected to a gadget to break the silence. Going to the bathroom, it has the standard toilet and sink but with overhead showers perfect for a long hot bath for contemplation. It also has a private patio overlooking Tañon Strait and Negros Island where you can relax and be at peace with nature. The dome could be yours for only PHP3500 a night. Other rooms like the air-conditioned couple room are at PHP 2500 a night while the air-conditioned family room is at PHP3000 a night good for four persons. You can slash of PHP500 if you prefer fan rooms.

2. Snorkeling at Colase Marine Sanctuary

Roadtrip to Colase Marine Sanctuary
Roadtrip to Colase Marine Sanctuary
Colase Marine Sanctuary start point
Colase Marine Sanctuary start point
Calm waters
Calm waters
Down on the beach
Down on the beach
Samboan waters
Samboan waters
Snorkeling
Snorkeling

Going on a quick road trip to Colase Marine Sanctuary with other guests the next day, it was by far one of the best underwater marine diversity I have seen in comparison to other snorkeling spots in Cebu. Too bad we weren’t able to bring our underwater cameras with us for us to have a souvenir of the marine life we’ve seen for the first time. Snorkeling at Colase is at PHP200 per person with gear rentals at PHP100 per day. Other things to do include dolphin and whale shark watching, waterfalls hopping and canyoneering and a day tour to Sumilon Island.

3. Hot Bath (Kawa) and Massage at Talisay Spa

Hot Kawa or Cauldron Bath
Hot Kawa or Cauldron Bath
Kawa powered by burning firewood
Kawa powered by burning firewood
Massage Area
Massage Area
Talisay Spa
Talisay Spa

Experience being cooked in a massive cauldron with waters 37 degrees Celsius hot while facing the picturesque view of Tañon Strait and Negros Island as your backdrop. Add on to the fun pure essential oils of your choosing be it Japanese cherry blossoms, virgin coconut oil or pure orange to rejuvenate your skin while you’re at it. End it with a Shiatsu massage to release all the tension in your body. Experience this at only PHP1000 per person.

4. Culinary delights prepared by the home chef

Cornsilog for breakfast
Cornsilog for breakfast
Cheeseburger with chips for lunch
Cheeseburger with chips for lunch
Corn chowder soup for dinner
Corn chowder soup for dinner
Cucumber and tomato salad for lunch appetizer
Cucumber and tomato salad for lunch appetizer
Steamed fish for main course dinner
Steamed fish for main course dinner
A bowl of fresh fruits for dessert
A bowl of fresh fruits for dessert
Pina Colada and Tequila Sunrise Cocktails
Pina Colada and Tequila Sunrise Cocktails

For breakfast, I had a Filipino breakfast comprising of corned beef, scrambled egg and rice at PHP250. For lunch, I had the cucumber and tomato salad at PHP150 for my appetizer and a cheeseburger with fries at PHP150. For dinner, I had the corn chowder soup at PHP160. For my main course, I had the steamed fish at PHP285 and fresh fruits for dessert at PHP50. The dishes were carefully plated, artistically presented and cooked with just the right taste. After dinner, we had some strong cocktails, Pina Colada and Tequila Sunrise at PH150 each.

5. Watching the glorious sunset over Tañon Strait

Glorious sunset over Tanon Strait
Glorious sunset over Tanon Strait
What more could you ask for
What more could you ask for

With a beer on one hand, a lounging chair to lay your back on and a mesmerizing sunset to set your eyes on for a few minutes, what more could you ask for?

Getting There

From the Mactan Cebu International Airport, you can take a white taxi to Cebu South Bus Terminal for less than P250 for a 45-minute journey. Take a Ceres Bus for Samboan at PHP175 for a 4-hour journey. The bus departs every 30 minutes. Just tell the conductor to drop you off at Fantasy Place in Dalahikan, Samboan with the resort located on the right side of the road.

From Dumaguete, you can head to Sibulan Pier via Jeepney at PHP11 or via tricycle at PHP150. Take a fastcraft to Lilo-an at PHP62 for a 20-minute journey. Arriving at Lilo-an Port, you can ride a tricycle for about 30 minutes at PHP150 to Fantasy Lodge.

This dalmatian is very endearing
This dalmatian is very endearing

For a worry-free travel, you can arrange for a private transfer with Fantasy Lodge Management.

Contact Information

Fantasy Lodge (book online)
Website: http://www.fantasylodgecebu.com/
Email: fantasylodgecebu@gmail.com
Facebook: Fantasy Lodge Samboan Cebu
Numbers: Cellphone (+63)9177006027 (Globe) / Landline (032) 318 – 3307

Written by Karlo Pacana

Experiences in a minute, more or less.

What do you think?

Comments

Zoocobia Fun Zoo Tribal Show

Love is in the Air at Zoocobia Fun Zoo in Clark, Pampanga

The Peninsula Bangkok

Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand