ORANI, Bataan- A resort in an upland village adjacent to the Bataan National Park here has continued to attract visitors especially during summer.
Felicito “Tong” Payumo, one of the owners of Sinagtala Resort, said it stands at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level. He said the weather that always registers four degrees lower in temperature than the lowland makes Sinagtala different from other resorts in Central Luzon.
“Our resort has Tagaytay climate and view but minus Tagaytay pollution and traffic,” said Payumo, the former Bases Conversion Development Authority chair. “If there is an Austrian Alps, we have the Bataan National Park,” he added.
Another difference from other inland and beach resorts Payumo cited is the full view of Central Luzon to the north, Manila Bay to the east and the Bataan mountain range to the west from the swimming pool and viewing decks of Sinagtala.
“Kahanga-hanga itong Sinagtala na malapit sa kabundukan at napakaganda. Para kang nasa Paraiso. Isa pang ipinupunta ng marami rito ay ang kapeng barako na parang brewed coffee ng America,” Jun Bringula of radio station DWIZ said while sipping black coffee.
“Maganda at nakaka-relax,” said first time lady visitors from Balanga City. A bride and groom said they enjoyed doing their pre-nuptial preparations beside the pool. “Pride ng Bataan itong Sinagtala,” they said.
Payumo showed what he called as stilt tent. “Sa ibang bansa ay merong tinatawag na glam o glamour camping ng mga matataas na tao halimbawa sa Africa na air-conditioned ang mga tent. Dito sa amin, merong ‘com’ o comfort camping gamit ang stilt tent na pwedeng mabuksan ang bubong at panoorin ang mga bituin sa langit.”
He also showed sites for bonfire, Christian weddings near the mountain range. A chapel for weddings and social hall that can accommodate 300 people are also available. Aside from day-tour of visitors who want to go on picnicking and swimming, rooms are available for 100 persons for overnight stay with free breakfast.
Rooms good for 2-6 persons are from P2,300 to P4,400 a day. A whole house with a capacity of 10 persons can be rented for P7,000- P10,000; main house for 17 persons at P17,000 and a whole house for 30 people at P30,000.
Day tour rate is P300 per person including swimming. Children aged 5 and below are free of charge. The resort is for reservation only, walk-ins are not accepted.
