#DAYOFFSERIES
Included in this article:
- Introduction
- How to go to Kapusod, Kinalaglagan, Mataas na Kahoy
- Kapusod Accommodations and Rates
- Kapusod Services
- Our “chillful” Stay : Experience and Reviews
Are you feeling exhausted from
your unending work-home-work life cycle? Planning on a short break from your
busy and stressful life? Dreaming for a tiny glimpse of a peaceful and chill
vacation vibe? Listen to your inner ego as it is a time to pause, unwind and
relax from all those hassles and negativities. So, if you need to
escape from it all, l know such a good place to ease that exhaustion away.
Fresh from the South Luzon,
representing, Kapusod- Nature huts located at Sitio Lipute, Brgy. Kinalaglagan,
Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, right next to
the Pusod Taal Lake and Convention Center (Pusod TLLC) and is owned by journalist Howie Severino and
environmental lawyer Ipat Luna.
Kapusod is only 2- hours away from Manila, and it offers different and unique accommodations fit for your relaxation and comfort- a perfect escape from the hectic city and tiring lives. It’s a place where you can refresh your mind as you are surrounded by soothing views of mother nature. It will amaze you with beautiful panoramic views as you can see the Taal Lake and Taal volcano.
How to go to Kapusod,
Kinalaglagan, Mataas na Kahoy
- Private Car
(You can use Waze
and google map application)
From SLEX/Magallanes, drive all
the way to Star Tollway and exit to Malvar. Once paid the toll, proceed to the
right side of the road or to Bulihan Exit. Drive straight across Brgy. San
Isidro’s main street and reach for Balete National high school, then take a left.
Drive until you see Kapusod’s sign on the right side (note: check out and drive slowly as the sign is not
that visible while driving, but then if you already see Sharcon Resort’s sign, you have gone far and
have to go back )
- Via Bus
From PTIX, take a bus (P150-P
200) to Lipa, Batangas and get off at SM Terminal then ask for a jeepney going
to Mataas na Kahoy (fee is P15-20) and tell the driver to drop you off at 7-11,
Mataas na Kahoy. Across 7-11, take a tricycle to Kapusod (fee is P100 /trip ). Once
in the gate, look for the receiving area. Enjoy your stay!
Kapusod Accommodation and Rates
Exceptional accommodations are
awaiting to suit your thirst for relaxation and comfort. These types are not
the usual hotels you used to go to and are made of Nipa hut, plain trees/ wood, and
sandy soil and lime blocks- it will let
you experience and absorb the provincial life of simplicity and tranquility.
Beforehand, you may need to
contact the administrators for reservation; message them directly on their
Facebook page as they are limiting the guests to uphold the
peacefulness of the place.
Back to accommodation, variety of
options you could choose from. ( Given
price are for weekdays, the premium price of plus P200 for weekends )
- Cabana aka “Kubokas” – “kubokas” short for Kubo and bukas (pwede din naman daw isara lol) currently they have three (3) units and can lodge for a maximum of 4 persons. The rate is P1500 per night for 2 people and an additional of P300 for an extra person.
- Karakoa- a two-floor house made and inspired by a home building technique called SuperAdobe- uses earth-based, economical, and sustainable materials such as a mixture of lime, dirt, and sandy soil that are jam-packed or filled in sacks/bags and stacked to each other. Thus it is called an Earth house. As for the roof, it is made of Nipa Hut. This is available for photoshoots and weddings (see activities)
- Earth Dome- the entire house, even the roof, is made with the same materials and technique as the Korokoa (accommodation mentioned above). It is shaped like a mushroom, as if you are on a fantasy vibe because of its unique and different structure and style, just like the movie “the hobbit. Though it gets a little humid inside when it’s raining, I guess it’s still good as long as there’s a tool or device to make it cool interiorly (basically a fan, lol). It can accommodate a maximum of 4 persons. The rate is P1800 per night for 2 persons and an additional P300 for an extra person
- TreeHouse- It is made from a nipa hut and a bamboo tree. Although safety measure is a must for this type of accommodation, I think this is the best type since it overlooks the lake and the view from the top is such a beautiful dreamlike sight, especially the sunrise and sunset. Another unique discovery in this place is a part of the treehouse called “lababong bato” which is very interesting due to the exclusive feature of its faucet made of stone. It is actually big and spacious and can accommodate up to 4 (to 5) persons. The rate is P2000 per night for 2 pax and P300 for an extra person.
- Day Rate- Kapusod is very much open if you only decide to go for a day trip just to enjoy the fresh air, lighten up the day, face the sunrise with a big smile and look at the sunset to close the day with a grateful heart. The rate is P300 pesos
(Comfort room and shower area is
located outside for common use.)
Kapusod Services
Dining Area and the Kitchen
While in Kapusod you do not have
to worry about the food to eat. They have a dining and kitchen area that offers
limited yet warm and intimate menus with a price range of P100- P350. The idea
to get the orders in advance to prepare them on time is a big
yes. Also, it is an open kitchen, so you
can see the fresh ingredients used in cooking the food. The servings in each menu are generously
served, which is suitable for sharing, probably 2-3 persons. Unlimited Coffee Barako
is available, a sari-sari store is also open across the inn, and you can also
stroll outside and search for a “Lomi” place nearby.
The Water Garden and Pool
You must need to take a dip in the man-made, chlorine-free, 4’ ft deep pool, which they called the water garden. It is a tiny and intimate pool surrounded by butterflies, dragonflies and at night, when it’s not raining, you can see sparkling fireflies. The fresh cold water will surely ease your worries and clear your mind from overthinking things. You are free to use this amenity.
Kayak Rental
Looking for some fun and activities at Kapusod, you can definitely enjoy kayak-ing. The rental fee is P300 per hour for 2 persons (pax) for a half-day use from 6am to 12 noon or 12noon to 6pm. This also includes the use of life vests and paddles. Take time and note to read the waiver of liability before renting the kayak.
Biodiversity tour; around the
Volcano
If you want to wander around the Taal volcano, this activity is for you. The sites to visit are the underwater Volcano, bird sanctuary, Pira-piraso, Napayong Island. The guide, Binoculars, Insurance, and amenities are also included in this tour. The rate is P2600 per pax, minimum of 2 persons, and P950 per pax minimum of 6 persons. Note that advance reservation is required for this type of activity.
Lake Heritage Tour
If you like to see the beautiful sight of Lumang Simbahan, Dingin ( a precolonial worship site), with sunset kayak down Pansipit take this tour. Included in the package are lunch, insurance, and amenities. Advance reservations are also required. The rate is P2900 per pax, minimum of 2 persons, and P1250 per pax minimum of 6 persons.
Photo Shoots
If you are looking for a cozy and
romantic place perfect for photoshoots may it be a Prenup, Proposal, or
birthday, its beautiful spot provides many photo opportunities. It is really
worth taking your time and money. The rate starts at P3,500- P5,500 maximum of
6 persons. The excess will be charged an addition of P300 per head; included in the
package are light snacks and electrical connections.
Our “chillful” Stay : Experience and Reviews
Our overall experience in Kapusod was smooth, from booking our reservation, commuting by public transportation, checking in, staying in, dining in up to checking out.
Kapusod offered us a glimpse of a peaceful and chill vacation vibe, which we will never forget. Luckily, the treehouse was open during our selected date, so we got to experience staying and sleeping in it, and I can say that it was beautiful. Surprisingly, there were no mosquitos during the night we visited, but of course, it has a mosquito net for protection. The different unique accommodations were appreciated and admired. The food was generously and pleasantly served. Although the weather was a bit gloomy that we hadn’t witnessed the sunrise and the sparkling fireflies, it did not halt the beauty and loveliness of the place. We also really enjoyed the water garden pool even if it was so cold.
We were all in love with the place and wished never to go home. We actually can’t say how much we feel relaxed and reconnected with our souls, for it was a stressed-free moment. We hope that one day our happy feet could return us to this place to have some retreat and refreshing vacation vibe once again.
Finally, I believe that everyone would love this experience. So, if you wish to escape from your busy life, don’t worry because you are not stuck. I really would love to recommend Kapusod for your sweet escape. Remember, you deserve to have a break and reconnect with your soul. Enjoy!
