Escape to Paradise: InSense Mountain Resort, Siquijor Island Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because we're not just reviewing Escape to Paradise: InSense Mountain Resort, we're living it. Forget the brochure speak, this is the unvarnished truth, peppered with my own brand of chaos. Siquijor Island is calling, and after this, you'll be answering!
First Impressions: Getting There & Accessibility – Ugh, the Stairs… and the Bliss
Alright, let's be real. Siquijor isn't exactly easy to get to. That ferry ride? It's scenic, yes, but if you’re prone to seasickness (like me, sadly), pack the ginger chews. I mean, seriously, the swells could swallow a whale! Then you've got that potentially wonky local transport to the resort. But once you navigate that, you’re rewarded.
Now, about accessibility. Accessibility is CRITICAL for me. InSense Mountain Resort, does offer facilities for disabled guests, but the layout – well, it's a mountain resort! So, there are stairs. Lots of them. Think of your glutes. Think of the views. Think of the extra workout. The elevator helps, but it's not like you can just roll everywhere (though, hey, I'd give it a shot if I could!). While not perfectly wheelchair-accessible throughout, they ARE trying. That matters.
Once you check in, Access is the most important thing.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station: These are great. We had to give them some praise in my opinion.
WiFi - My Digital Addiction, and What Happens When You're Disconnected
Okay, let's get down to the real essential: Internet. Yes, they have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and in public areas. Praise be! But! (and there's ALWAYS a but, isn't there?) it can be a bit… spotty. I mean, you're out on an island, the internet isn’t exactly the speed of light. But hey, that forced me to unplug a little. And, you know what? It was KIND OF AMAZING. The resort provided Internet access – wireless, and Internet access – LAN, which is great. But honestly, try putting down the phone for a second. Actually, make that an hour. Or, you know, a day. The world, and your inbox, can wait.
Serenity Now (and Later): Relaxation & Things to Do
Okay, this is where InSense absolutely shines. I'm talking Pool with a view, the kind that makes you gasp and then just melt. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is perfect for those lazy afternoons in the sun. And the spa? Oh. My. Goodness.
- Spa – yes
- Sauna – yes
- Steamroom – yes
- Massage – Absolutely!
- Body scrub & Body wrap– sign. me. UP.
I indulged in a massage that was so good, I legitimately almost fell asleep on the table. I'm talking, like, drool-on-the-towel good. They know how to get you relaxed and feeling great.
And the things to do? Well, besides doing absolutely nothing (highly recommended), you can explore the island. There are waterfalls, beaches, caves – the works. The resort can help arrange tours, and they're super helpful with directions.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Anti-Fear Factor
This is a big one, especially after recent events. InSense gets it right. The Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services gave me peace of mind. They did Daily disinfection in common areas too. There's Staff trained in safety protocol. The First aid kit is a good sign. The Hand sanitizer is everywhere! I especially appreciated the Room sanitization opt-out available. Also, you are required to have rooms sanitized between stays. The Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and Individually-wrapped food options.
Even though the hygiene seems all right. It's always nice to have a Doctor/nurse on call.
Food Glorious Food: A Culinary Adventure, From Buffet to Bar
Alright, let's talk about food. And here's where it gets really interesting. The Asian cuisine in the restaurant is phenomenal. Seriously, the flavors… chef's kiss!
- Breakfast [buffet] – a solid way to start the day.
- A la carte in restaurant – available too
- Asian breakfast - Yes, please!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant – A must-have for any traveler
- Restaurants – There are a couple, which is good for variety.
- Poolside bar - Hello, Happy Hour!
- Snack bar - Never hurts!
And then there's the Poolside Bar…. Oh, the poolside bar. Let me tell you a story. After a particularly amazing massage, I stumbled (gracefully, of course) to the bar. I ordered a cocktail. And then another. And maybe a small plate of the delicious calamari. The sun was setting, painting the sky with colors I didn't know existed, and I just… breathed. And I realized, this is it. This is what it's all about. The bar staff are great, the drinks are strong and the view… well, it's hard to put into words. This single experience is everything you need from a resort.
Services and Conveniences: Keeping You Sane (Mostly)
They have all the usual suspects: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, you name it. The Doorman is friendly. The Front desk [24-hour] is helpful. They also have Food delivery.
- Air conditioning in public area - Yes
- Elevator - Yes
- Facilities for disabled guests - Yes
- Safety deposit boxes - Yes
- Smoking area - Good for smokers
For the Kids
I don't have kids, but I saw a few families there, and the resort seemed great for them. There are Kids facilities and a Babysitting service.
Rooms & Amenities - Your Personal Escape Pod
The rooms are comfortable, not exactly minimalist, but the design is fine. They all have Air conditioning. The beds are comfy. The Bathroom with additional toilet! Yes, yes, yes!. The Blackout curtains are a huge win for sleeping, and all of you need them. Having Breakfast in room is an option. It is also great to have Free bottled water. The Mini bar is stocked with all the essentials.
Getting Around - Ferry to Free Time
The Airport transfer is a must, they make this easy. Beyond that, Siquijor is a small island, and getting around is fairly easy.
Final Verdict: Should You Go?
Absolutely. Yes, it's not perfect. No resort IS. But InSense Mountain Resort has something special. It's got that magic, that vibe, that makes you want to… well, escape. It's got the food, the views, and the staff… And then, right at the end, there's the feeling in your chest. That sense of: this is what it's all about. So, pack your bags, your snorkel, and prepare to lose yourself (and maybe find yourself) on the enchanting island of Siquijor.
The Offer: Escape to Paradise - Book Now and Get a Bonus!
Here's the deal: Book your stay at Escape to Paradise: InSense Mountain Resort within the next 30 days, and we'll throw in a complimentary couples massage and free upgrade (subject to availability)! You’ll get:
- Unforgettable Relaxation: Dive into the spa experience with a complimentary couple's massage.
- Unforgettable Views: Enjoy an upgrade to a room with incredible views (subject to availability).
- Stress-Free Stay: We've got your safety covered!
- Unforgettable Memories: Make memories you will never forget.
- Convenience: Book now and avail of the discount.
Click here to book your unforgettable Siquijor escape!
But act fast! This offer is only valid for a limited time. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of InSense Mountain Resort.
Boyolali's BEST Kept Secret: OYO 93767 45 Guest House! 🔥
Siquijor Shakedown: InSense Mountain Resort & Beyond (Or, How I Almost Ended Up Living in a Hut)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your airbrushed Instagram travel log. This is raw, unfiltered, and probably contains more existential dread than you bargained for. We're going to Siquijor, specifically the InSense Mountain Resort, and let me tell you, it was…an experience.
Day 1: The Arrival of Overwhelm (and a Cockroach)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Manila airport. Hectic. Sweat. Smell of instant noodles. Lost my baggage claim ticket. Briefly considered becoming a hermit. Found it. Phew. The flight to Dumaguete (where we catch the ferry to Siquijor) was thankfully uneventful. Except for the screaming toddler directly behind me, who clearly enjoyed the turbulent air. I swear, I think he started enjoying it even more every time…
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Reached Dumaguete. Ferry to Siquijor! Excitement bubbling… mostly because the toddler was no longer screaming inches from my ear.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Ferry to Siquijor. The ocean. Beautiful. The air, salty. The sun, brutal. The little boat had a weirdly enthusiastic Karaoke session on board by a very questionable man.
- Afternoon (3:30 PM): Arrived at Siquijor port. Found our pre-arranged van to InSense. The driver's driving was… spirited. Let's just say, my breakfast almost made a reappearance.
- Late Afternoon (4:30 PM): Arrived at InSense Mountain Resort. Oh. My. God. This place is straight out of a travel brochure. Towering trees, infinity pool overlooking the ocean, the smell of frangipani…utterly stunning. But also, overwhelming. Like, "I'm-definitely-not-worthy-of-this-level-of-beauty" overwhelming.
- Immediate Reaction: Checked into my room. Gorgeous bamboo-and-stone villa. Huge bed. Mosquito net (thank god). Opened my bag, and saw a cockroach. Yep. Welcome to paradise, where nature comes with extra roommates. Cue a minor freak-out followed by a deep breath and a vow to befriend all of the insects. (I failed).
- Early Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at the resort restaurant. Food was AMAZING. Seriously, the best Filipino food I had on the whole trip. The staff were ridiculously friendly. My fear of cockroaches started to subside. Maybe I could handle being here. Maybe.
- Night (8:00 PM): Stargazing by the pool. Jaw-dropping. Seriously, the Milky Way was like someone had just spilled glitter across the velvet night. Fell into a deep, peaceful sleep, (cockroach forgotten for the time being), dreaming of coconuts and… well, I can’t remember the rest, it was deep.
Day 2: Falls, Fish, and Existential Pondering
- Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up feeling… zen! (cockroach memory, thankfully, still buried). Had a breakfast of fresh fruit and coffee overlooking the ocean. Life was good.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Hired a motorbike. (First time I ever drove by myself!). Felt epic, cool, and definitely a little bit terrified. Visited the Cambugahay Falls. OH. MY. GOD. The water was crystal clear, the falls cascaded down like something out of a fairytale. The rope swing was a MUST. (After about 10 minutes of waffling and inner dialogue about whether I was too old for this sh*t). Took the plunge. Screamed with delight. And almost lost my bikini top.
- Anecdote: Saw a little kid, maybe 7 years old, doing backflips off the rope swing like it was no big deal. Made me question my life choices. Made me want to be a little kid again. Made me remember I am a little kid inside.
- Midday (12:00 PM): Lunch at a roadside "carinderia" (local eatery). Ate grilled fish. The taste? Devine. Simple. The kind of meal that makes you feel utterly content, full and happy to be alive. Watched the locals go about their day. It was… peaceful.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Snorkeling at Salagdoong Beach. The coral was colorful, the fish were playful. But, the crowds… ugh.
- Quirky Observation: Realized my snorkel mask kept fogging up. Spent half the time underwater spitting and cursing the condensation. Decided I needed a better quality mask.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Sunset at Paliton Beach. Saw the most gorgeous sunset. The sky burned orange, pink, and purple. The waves crashed on the shore. The experience made me grateful.
- Early Evening (6:00 PM): Back to InSense for dinner. Started to feel like I was getting the hang of things. The place was starting to feel like home. Maybe.
Day 3: Deep Dive (Into My Fears & the Ocean)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Yoga class at the resort. Attempted. I am not coordinated. I wobbled. I flailed. I collapsed. But the view was amazing, and I felt… slightly less stiff.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Deep dive (pun intended) into the ocean. Did a diving lesson. My anxiety? Skyrocketed. I was convinced I would somehow drown. I mean, the open ocean? Scary. I was not built for this.
- Anecdote: During the instruction, the instructor said something like, "Just breathe slowly." I took a deep breath, and immediately swallowed a mouthful of seawater. Mortifying. But I eventually got the hang of it. And then… I saw a sea turtle. Massive. Majestic. Utterly breathtaking. I forgot all my fears. Almost cried. It was transcendent.
- Emotional Reaction: That moment… that was it. That was worth the entire trip. The fear, the anxiety, the cockroach, the sunburn…all of it paled in comparison to the feeling of being in the ocean, seeing that magnificent creature in its natural habitat. Wow.
- Afternoon(1:00 PM): Lunch at a small cafe. Ordered a burger. It wasn't the best burger. Still a great meal.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Massage at the resort spa. Bliss. Pure. Unadulterated. Bliss. Seriously, the best massage ever.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Strolled along the beach, reflecting on the day. The sea turtle. The diving. The fear. The joy. So much more than I'd expected.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Farewell dinner at the resort. Watching the sunset. Feeling utterly content. Maybe, just maybe, I could imagine myself living in a bamboo hut on this island. Maybe. (And maybe I could even learn to tolerate the occasional cockroach.)
Day 4: Departure of Regret (and a Promise to Return.)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Final breakfast. Packed my bags. Said goodbye to the amazing staff. Felt a pang of sadness. Was this all a dream?
- Morning (9:30 AM): Left InSense. The drive back to the port was, thankfully, less terrifying.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Ferry to Dumaguete.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Flight back to Manila. Filled with the same anxiety as the way there.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Arrival in Manila. Back to the real world. Overwhelmed. But, I also carried the warmth of Siquijor in my heart. The memory of the sea turtle. The sound of the waves. The taste of the grilled fish. And the silent acknowledgment that I was utterly changed.
Siquijor, you incredible, messy, beautiful, cockroach-infested island. You've seen me at my best, and at my worst. And you know what? I can't wait to come back.
Escape to Paradise: Panoramic Views Await at Your Giardini Naxos Hotel!
Escape to Paradise: InSense Mountain Resort, Siquijor Island Awaits! (Or Does It?) - Frequently Asked Questions, Answered with *Feeling*
Okay, Seriously, Where *IS* This Paradise? Like, Geographically?
Alright, picture this: You're in the Philippines. Deep in the heart of the Visayas. And then, you're on... Siquijor! (Cue dramatic music, preferably something islandy, with maybe a little bit of chanting). InSense Mountain Resort is, well, *on* Siquijor. Which is a small, mystical island, famous for... let's just say *magical* things. Expect a little bit of a journey to get there. Flights, ferries… get used to island time, babe. It's the only way to survive. I swear, that first ferry wait... felt like an eternity. But hey, the view of the sunset almost made up for it. Almost.
What's the Vibe at InSense? Is It... Instagrammable? (Let’s Be Real)
The vibe? Okay, so, picture this: You. The ocean. The *feeling* of blissful escape. That’s the brochure version. The *real* version? It's chill. Really chill. Think barefoot walks, sunsets that’ll make you weep (in a good way), and the constant sound of the ocean. Is it Instagrammable? Honey, yes. Every. Single. Angle. Prepare for your feed to explode with jealousy. But also, and this is important, it's not *all* about the perfect photos. Seriously, resist the urge to be glued to your phone. I almost missed a baby sea turtle hatching because I was filtering a picture of my smoothie. Don't be me.
How are the Rooms? Are We Talking Luxury or... Rustic Charm?
Alright, the rooms. Here's the deal: Forget the sterile, cookie-cutter hotel rooms. This is... island-living-meets-mountain-rustic-charm. Some rooms are swankier than others; so read the fine print when you book! I, personally, loved the more "rustic" ones. The ones that made you *feel* like you'd truly escaped something. Think wooden everything, maybe a mosquito net that adds a touch of drama, and the occasional, very friendly, gecko visiting. It's not the Four Seasons, folks. But that's the *point*. It's a chance to unplug, unwind, and embrace the imperfection. Plus the view from my room? Seriously, I could have spent the entire trip just staring at the ocean. My only tiny complaint? The wifi. It's... well, let's just say it encourages you to truly disconnect. Which, I suppose, is also the point.
Spill the Beans! What About the Food? Are You Going to Starve? (Asking for a Friend... Me.)
Okay, food. Breathe. You will not starve. Thank God. There's a restaurant and a bar. The restaurant? Delicious! Fresh seafood galore, local delicacies (try the *kinilaw* - raw fish marinated in vinegar - trust me!), and enough options to satisfy even the pickiest eater. Prices are reasonable too, which is always a plus. The bar? Oh. The bar. The cocktails are *strong*. Like, "I might need a nap after this sunset" strong. I sampled almost every single one. For research purposes, obviously. And the fruit... Oh, the fruit! Mangoes, pineapples, that fresh, juicy goodness you can *only* get in the tropics. One small warning: The service *can* be on island time (again!), so relax, order another cocktail, and enjoy the view. Patience, grasshopper. And tip well, because they deserve it!
Do They Have Vegetarian/Vegan Options? My Inner Hippie Demands Answers!
Yes! They actually do! Which was a massive relief, because I swear, sometimes traveling as a vegetarian in the Philippines is like searching for a unicorn. The resort is super accommodating, and the chefs are happy to whip up something special. Ask, chat, and don't be afraid to be specific. I had the most incredible vegetable curry one night that made me weep with happiness (again, in a good way). So your inner hippie can breathe. You will eat well! Just maybe pack some extra snacks. Because, well, I’m always hungry.
So, Aside from Lounging by the Pool (Which Sounds Wonderful), What *Else* Is There To Do? I get Bored Easily.
Okay, if you're the type who gets antsy, don't worry! While the pool is definitely calling your name, there's PLENTY to keep you occupied. First, the underwater world! Snorkeling and diving are EPIC. The marine life is vibrant, and the coral reefs are stunning. You can literally walk to some great snorkeling spots directly from the resort. I saw a sea turtle! A REAL-LIFE SEA TURTLE! I swore I saw a mermaid after that (it was probably the cocktail). Beyond that, there are waterfalls to discover (Salagdoong is a must-do!), caves to explore, and hikes with breathtaking views. Rent a scooter (be careful!) and zip around the island. Just be sure to factor in extra time because the roads are, shall we say, *character-building*. And definitely check out the old enchanted Balete Tree, which has to be seen to be believed. Is it cheesy? Maybe. But it’s a good kind of cheesy. Plus, the resort staff can help you organize tours and activities. They’re super helpful. Except maybe when I asked them if the island had *actual* magic. They just smiled and winked. Conspiracy, maybe?
Okay, Tell Me About the Snorkeling/Diving. I'm a Beginner... Will I Die? (Kidding... Mostly.)
Snorkeling/Diving, you say? Prepare to be amazed! Absolutely amazing! You won't die (probably). Seriously. The resort offers guided snorkeling trips which are perfect for beginners. The water is crystal clear, the visibility is outstanding, and the guides are patient and knowledgeable. Even if you're a bit nervous, just take a deep breath (through your snorkel!), and go with it. I was terrified at first! But once I got down there, and saw the colorful fish, the coral, the sheer *beauty*... I completely forgot to be afraid. Okay, I did almost swallow some saltwater at one point (oops!), but it was worth it. The dive sites are incredible and suitable for all levels. The resort has equipment to rent. Take the plunge (pun intended!). It’s a bucket list item you didn't realize you were adding to your list until you got there. And seriously – SEE THE SEA TURTLES! They are majestic!
