The Leisure Coast Experience

For the past two weeks, The Mediocre Wanderer has headed down every Monday, from the misty mountains of Baguio, into the warm and sunny coastal town of Pangasinan, Dagupan.

On our way to check-in

Dagupan, known as the Bangus (Milkfish) capital of the Philippines is a bustling city, an hour and a half from our place in the mountains. Beach resorts, shopping trips and sea food are some of the reasons one would head out for a visit here. For us, it was to go to a Derm Clinic (more on this here) and to bring MAX to Leisure Coast Resort. (view their website from here).

Jann's Cabanas, our home away from home for the next 24 hours

Leisure Coast is a great family friendly resort. They have cabanas that are equipped with all the necessary items for a traveler. All rooms are air-conditioned, have hot and cold showers (they provide toiletries and fluffy towels), a fridge, and a TV in the room at reasonable prices. 

bless this mess, our room at leisure coast

 The first time we were there, we got the deluxe room which had a king sized bed. for a small amount, we got an extra bed for our baby sitter. The second time around, we were upgraded to a suite with an attic (a loft would be a more applicable term). 

stairs leading up to the loft which

The suite is around 70 php more than the deluxe room, has a sofa bed in the loft, a king sized bed in the main room and a free extra bed, if there be a need for one. 

try the cooling bubble bath from marks and spencer (not available at the resort). we "heart" it :)

Both rooms also had bathtubs. The resort doesn't provide you with a bubble bath though, which was fine with us, as I have been bringing some bath salts and bubble bath when we travel (you'll never know).

an eco friendly resort

lunch awaits...

Feeling peckish? Come on over to The Sabina Restaurant (they're also the ones who provide you room service).  Sabina restaurant at leisure coast Dagupan serves great food at affordable prices. try their seafood karekare (seafood and veggies cooked in a peanut sauce) and crispy baby shrimp.

Seafood Karekare at Sabina's

When they tell you a serving is good for four, they mean four large hungry men. It's that big, but totally delish!

The gigantic Seafood Paella bilao (allegedly for 3, but more likely 2x  the amount people)

baby shrimp crackers (Sarap!!!) and korean beef stew (meh)

As Dagupan is a coastal town, you are guaranteed fresh seafood all the time. the fresh flavors of the sea translate well in the dishes serve. Service is excellent and fast, the ambiance, simple yet elegant, laid back but not boring.

the interior at Sabina's

a page from their short yet sufficient menu

Relax, unwind or have a blast at the resort's water park.  Gef's waterpark is opened to everyone (non guests and guests must purchase entrance tickets to enjoy the other facilities). 

As we were in the resort for 2 consecutive mondays, we only got to swim in the mainpool (which really isnt shabby). it's basically 3 pools joined together to accomodate swimmers of all levels and people of all ages.

MAX testing the waters of the shallow end of the pool (at a little over 3 feet, the water comes up to MAX's nose)

 A whimsical water themepark that kids and adults would love, we enjoyed every minute of it.

the kiddie pool

The things we missed out on was  the big wave pool on the otherside of the waterpark and the giant waterslide (which is currently closed for renovations). The playpool was also a plus as max and Phee got to have fun using it's many slides.

the deeper side of the pool

the massive water slide

the huge wavepool (under maintenance)

For special occasions, Leisure Coast also has facilities to house various events and parties. give them a call or visit their website.  

looking forward to more "Leisurely" visits

Leisure Coast was a pleasant break from the cold and the rains of the highlands. But don't take my word for it. Bring yourself and your family, and enjoy!

From TMW, may all your wanderings be better than ours!