Packing List for the Honda Bay Island Hopping

August 31, 2010

Packing List for Honda Bay Island Hopping


waterproof backpacks 
Overboard 25 Liters - 6.6 Gallons - Black Waterproof Backpack
Search Amazon.com for waterproof backpack

extra change of clothes
cellphone
swimsuit
 Speedo Axcel Team Splice Swimsuit - 1-Piece, Axcel Back (For Women) Speedo Men's Core Basic Rally Solid Volley Fashion Swimsuit, Midnight, X-LargeSpeedo Girls 7-16 Sport Splice Solid Swimsuit,Navy/Blue,16
Search Amazon.com for swimsuits for women 
Search Amazon.com for swimsuits for men 
Search Amazon.com for swimsuits for kids 

sunblock

hand sanitizer
Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer, 8-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 6), Package may vary 
Search Amazon.com for hand sanitizer 

floaters
 
goggles
Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Plus Mirrored Goggle, Black/Silver 
Search Amazon.com for goggles

snorkel n mask
Speedo Adult Recreation Mask/Snorkel Set (Blue)
Search Amazon.com for snorkel and mask set

aqua shoes
 Aquatik Men & Women Aqua Water Shoes - Beach Shoes (Men 8, Navy Grey) 
Search Amazon.com for aqua shoes 

underwater camera case
DicaPac WP410 160x105mm Small Zoom Alfa Waterproof Digital Camera Case with Optical Lens (Clear) 
Search Amazon.com for underwater camera case 

waterproof case for gadgets, cellphones, wallet
 Aquapac Submersible Large Waterproof Case
Search Amazon.com for waterproof case 

beach toy
toilet paper
emergency medicines
slippers
bottled water
cookies or biscuits

Casa Linda Inn: Budget-friendly Puerto Princesa Accomodations for a Family of Six

Casa Linda Inn: Cheapest Puerto Princesa Accommodations for a Family of Six

What I like about this place
The Rates
The rate of one family room good for 6 persons is P1,500 per room per night. At these rates, do not expect a lot but the basic amenities. That's why it's a famous backpacker's inn. Despite the basic amenities, they have good service, clean rooms and toilet.

Puerto Princesa City has no beachfront. Because of this, we know we won't be spending a lot of time in our rooms so I chose Casa Linda Inn.

The nearest that Puerto Princesa has to a beachfront accommodation is Microtel Inn. However, the beachfront is too shallow to swim in. Another beachfront accommodation is Dos Palmas, but it is not located in Puerto Princesa. It's located in Honda Bay.
If you'd like more amenities like cable TV and free wifi but at budget rate (but more expensive than Casa Linda), I would recommend Hibiscus Garden Inn which I feature in another post.
The Location
  • It is along the main road to the airport, barely 5 minutes ride from the airport.
  • It is walking distance to the famous restaurants of Kalui, Kinabuch, and Badjao Restaurant
  • It is walking distance to the provincial capitol and other malls.
  • Since the driveway of Casa Linda exits to the main road, getting a tricycle to other points of the city is easy to get from the main road.
See the location map below of Casa Linda below, in comparison to the distance to the airport: 


See the location map below of Casa Linda below, in comparison to the restaurants mentioned above, and the provincial capitol:

 
What the kids didn't like about this place 
  • no cable tv
  • no free wifi
  • the room is made of native materials so it has a woody smell of an old house.
  • the bathroom is clean but a bit dated and old.
Amenities included in the rate of a family room:
  • 3 single bed, 3 extra beds 
  • with air-con
My tip: Choose aircon rooms to avoid the risk of a mosquito bite. Although Puerto Princesa is already malaria-free, with kids around, it's better to have increased protection.
  • private toilet and shower with cold water only
  • no TV
  • a computer with internet is available at reception with fee for internet use
Terms and Conditions:
Deposit:
We can reserve months in advance without deposit. We are only required to confirm our reservation ONE WEEK BEFORE ARRIVAL by making a one night deposit to the owner's account at Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Check-in time: 12nn

Check-out time: 12nn
-- since our pick-up time from the resort is at 230 pm, we checked out at 12 nn and our luggage was stored at reception.

Traveler's photos: 

The sign at reception

Internet available at reception

The lobby

This is our room lamp. Our room was dim. With minimal light, the room was not conducive to reading. Without TV, the kids should have another form of amusement at night. In our case, we told stories to each other.

The room key


I wasn't able to take photos of our family room. Here are photos of our family room by another traveler.



Contact Information:
Tel no. (048)4332606
My tip: Call them directly by phone if you need an immediate answer. They reply days later if you email them.
Casa Linda Inn email address