From tranquil Sipalay City, we continued on toward Dauin / Demaguete to the atmosphere Resort & Spa luxury hotel. On the way, however, there first was some “spat” in the cockfighting arena…
From Sipalay City (part 2 of 5) we made our way over secluded roads to Dauin near Demaguete and the atmosphere Resort & Spa.
Diving and snorkeling off Apo Island
One of the hotel’s features is also a dive center with Swiss staff. As is common in the Philippines, you take an outrigger boat to your dive spots. Of interest for snorkelers as well is a trip to Apo Island. The island is visible from the hotel and the crossing takes about 30 minutes. We observed giant tortoises very close to the beach, and much more.
There is a lot to see on the variegated coral reef for snorkelers as well.
The atmosphere Resort’s garden, golf green and barbecue by the pool
On arrival, I was particularly struck by the fairway-like lawn that connects the bungalows to the restaurant, the pool and the beach. Walkways there were none; you simply walk on the cotton-soft lawn and imagine yourself on an above-average golf course…
In the evenings, the trees are illuminated to create mood and help you find your way.
The pool with its bar is located down by the beach, where the tasty barbecue is also served. On the table materializes what the sea has yielded up hours before. This is paradise for those who love fish and marine critters of all kinds.
But not only does the pool create atmosphere in the evening, but rising early in the morning also has its rewards…
Atmosphere Resort Bungalows
The bungalows are “extremely” large-dimensioned. In addition to a spacious living room and bedroom, they have fully equipped kitchens. And there are outer and inner patios, where you can take a shower in the open air if you like.
All rooms come equipped with fast WiFi.
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Cockfights
In the vicinity of the resort on the way to Demaguete is a cockfighting arena . It may not be for everybody, but, since the Philippines are the only place in Asia where cockfighting is still legal, and it was Sunday, I decided to have a look at one.
Once the cocks have aggressively plucked away at each other and so give a preview of their competitive strength, bets are taken. It is loud and hectic. Everybody is yelling back and forth and over each other at the tops of their lungs.
When enough cash has been put up, the fighting roosters are let loose. At first, they just stand there for a few seconds and gawk all around. But in an instant, it starts, and they attack each like they’d been stung by a tarantula, flapping all over each other in a blur that makes it hard to see what’s what.
And just as suddenly, after a brief struggle, one of them lies dead on the ground, since they have a long blade strapped to one leg. The owner of the winning cock gets the wagered amount minus the broker’s fees, the loser ends up in the Sunday soup pot.
Another fight follows, with more betting.
In this context, the English word “cockpit” takes on a whole new meaning. It raises the question why we call it an airplane “cockpit”?
In Part 4 of this article series, we continue on by ferry to Bohol Island.
This trip was made possible by the Asia specialists at tourasia and Singapore Airlines. Thank you very much!
Click here for the homepage of the atmosphere Resort & Spa.
