Atremaru Jungle Retreat

Located in a stunning jungle setting. We had a grand villa with a covered upstairs circular verandah. Hammocks, views, scenery - idyllic. The young mostly female Filipina staff are the most humble, helpful, friendly people I've ever met. But, there is a dark side. We were waiting to go on the subterranean river tour - it's cancelled if the sea is too rough. We understand this. On our third morning of waiting the office girl came and told us at 7.45am that she had just been messaged that the trip was cancelled. Ok - we get that, we said oh where can we go then. She said the transport was all booked since yesterday! But wait we'd booked to go to Sabang for the trip so where's our transport gone? We asked to go to Roxas the next day - girl says sorry sir ma'am, I have to ring manager. Manager is rarely on site, he leaves these delightful young women to face the guests. After 8 hours of hanging around resort - which has limited entertainment we asked girl if she'd heard from manager, no, sorry, sir ma'am. Finally he fronted up and offered us visit to authentic Batak village. Guide showed my husband video - 40 mins walk in jungle crossing river 3 times, welcomed by tribe - waterhole to swim in. What we got - crossed river once, walked 10 mins - met a small number of villagers - some young women topless. We brought them gifts of coffee and tobacco, took photos and as we walked away girls went and put their tops on. I was shocked and sickened, that they had obviously been told to take their tops off to look like authentic villagers. We paid more for this trip than subterranean river trip, that we finally managed to get on. Dodgy stuff going on there, I want a manager I can talk to, not hiding behind gorgeous, sweet young ladies.

We stayed in the Rambutan villa, it’s the furtherest down the hill but it does have superb views of the sunsets (even better than in the restaurant). This room isn’t for everyone (but please don’t be put off) due to the steep walk up to the restaurant/pool etc. no air con, fridge, kettle or tv and the shower is only lukewarm. The food was ok but breakfast wasn’t the best. On the plus side it’s a great experience to stay here and only 25 mins from the Sabang underwater river. All the staff are very helpful, they provide a large flask of hot water for drinks, and 2 fans. The massages were the best we had in Philippines and not expensive. We have never hired a scooter on holiday before but another guest recommended them as the roads were so quiet and easy to use. We took the larger scooter which was only P850 a day (approx £13) and it was a pleasant ride into Sabang where we did the caves and zip wire and we got there early before the queues. The 2 ladies on reception were brilliant, they work really long hours but couldn’t do enough to help us. The sunsets from our balcony were superb, not just visually but the sounds of the jungle come to life at sunset. If you are happy swap a few creature comforts for a beautiful location which is off the beaten track I would recommend staying here for a few night. If you aren’t able to walk up a steep hill book a room close to the top.