Guest User
May 11, 2024
We stayed at Cilex for a week during our diving trip to Anilao. The view of the sunset over Balayan Bay from the balcony of our room and the kitchen staff who are good at cooking and very flexible make this the best place to stay. The pool is like a hot spring, which was great for divers with a cold body. We used to stay at Aquaventure, two doors down, and dive every year, but unfortunately the owner changed and it became an overpriced place to stay. The staff was replaced and all the kitchen staff we loved moved to this hotel, so we decided to stay at Cilex from this year. We went during Japan's Golden Week, but it was not crowded and it was like we had the place to ourselves! We were able to relax very much. We were able to dive every day and were very satisfied with the delicious Filipino food we were served for three meals. We didn't have to go anywhere else, and this resort alone made our vacation perfect. Our diving guide was a reliable veteran Filipino guide who has been with us for a long time, and the boat staff was the same, so we felt safe there. For those who will be using Cilex in the future, I would like you to understand the characteristics of this accommodation beforehand and enjoy it, so I will give you some points to be careful about. 1. The fittings are poorly constructed. This is a common thing in the Philippines. It's the level that a Japanese construction company would faint if they saw it. The door is hard to lock, the window cannot be unlocked, the handy washlet comes off with the metal fittings on the wall, the washbasin does not drain, the toilet seat is crooked for some reason, the glass sliding door of the shower room cannot be opened from the inside and you almost get locked in, etc. Well, it's near the sea, so it's quite normal in the Philippines. 2. The only amenities are a toothbrush set and hand soap. There is no shampoo, so please bring your own favorite. There are no face towels, only bath towels. If you need a face towel, please bring one. Clothespins and hangers are also useful. 3. The tap water is a little salty. I think they pump groundwater, but it's right next to the sea, so it's fine once you get used to it. If you are concerned, please bring plenty of bottled water. 4. If you stay on the top floor, you will have to go up and down a lot of stairs every day. Like all accommodations in Anilao, the building is built to cling to the cliffs near the sea, so you will have to go up and down four flights of stairs from your room on the third floor to the sea. There are no escalators or elevators, so it is not barrier-free at all. If you have bad knees, it will be impossible, so please request the lowest floor. But don't give up if you have bad legs. The Philippines has the strongest barrier-free system, which is human power, so I'm sure the young, strong, and kind staff will be able to help you. 5. The restaurant menu has a limited number of items. But don't give up. Terry, who is in charge of the kitchen, will make any Filipino dish you request. And they are all delicious! When I brought in fish bought from the fishermen, he cooked it into a wonderfully delicious steamed fish and served it to me. The freshly fried lumpia (spring rolls) are also outstandingly delicious...!
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