The house is located in a big property of several hectares in beautiful Bataan province north west of Manila. It can be reached by ferry, car, or bus from Manila (just 1 hour across Manila Bay, or 2.5 hrs on the road from Metro Manila, and 1.5 hrs from Clark International Airport). The place is located in plain nature with stunning vistas of the west Philippines sea and Mt. Natib, a National Park good for hiking excursions. The property is situated on a hill (97 steps to climb) about 4 km. from the sea and comprises - other than the Native House - a main concrete building, a service block with an open kitchen, plus a beautiful pool located under mango and cashew trees. Further, there is “a jungle”, a meadow, vegetable garden, some rice fields, and plenty of beautiful fruit trees on the property. There are dog living on the estate, (Belgian Malinois),
This is a place far away from the maddening crowd in total nature. It is good for deep relaxation, for reading a good book, or even better for writing one. Due to its location, there are no shops or restaurants in walking distance, so a car is required to move around. Guests with their own car can reach a convenience store and a meat shop in 4 minutes, the local market in 5 minutes, Vista Mall Bataan in 25 mins., well stocked supermarkets in Balanga in 35 mins., or nearby beach clubs in 10 mins. We are happy to make special arrangements for guests without own transportation- just approach us and we can pick you up at the Orion Ferry Pier (only Php 600 for up to 6 persons, 50 minutes drive to the property), the local bus station in Balanga (only Php 500) or bring you to some shopping or excursion points. Arrangements are much easier than you might think. Special rides can be negotiated against a fee, be it a trip to Subic or a pick up/drop off Clark International Airport.
In reality, the Native House, also called the Mango House, consists of three separate structures and draws its name from a huge mango tree adjacent to the house. It is subdivided into the house proper, a big roofed open terrace, and an open toilet/shower facility, one next to the other. In addition, there are two open sitting areas close to the house. The Mango House proper is a traditional Filipino hut constructed with native materials, having two rooms with fan, one bigger room (13 sqm) sleeping two in one double bed, and a smaller one (9 sqm) again sleeping two in one double bed. Both rooms are individually accessed via an elevated wooden balcony, which provides cosy sitting and good views. The rooms basically serve as sleeping quarters, where as the day is likely to be spend outside. The big covered terrace (28 sqm) with ceiling fan is really the living room, with a big handmade mahogany table, wooden benches and a sizable sideboard to put and store things. A small kitchen facility is available, with a gas fired burner and a sink, so that your favorite meals can be prepared here, or on a stone grill close by. A fridge is placed nearby. The third structure is the open bathroom facility, with a sink, toilet and shower with running cold water, hot water can be boiled at request. There are several other places on the property inviting you to stay, relax, read or star gaze at night. Over all, this place is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, who will enjoy one of the best countryside the Philippines has to offer.
A short walk from the Mango House is the beautiful pool with a covered sitting area. The pool will be shared only with the owners and their guests should they be there. There is a small observation tower, perfect to see the sunset over the sea with a glass of wine in your hand. A wooden structure has been added, consisting of three decks under a big Nipa roof, good for resting, eating or sleeping. You could even decide to spend your night out there under a mosquito net in total nature (up to 4 pax). Most recently, a bigger stone grill has been constructed, which can also be used as a fire place for the entire family. The facilities are perfect for children of all ages, who can also enjoy the swing under a big cashew tree.
There are 2 upscale beach clubs with restaurants nearby that accept day guests (entrance fee), one of them with the picture perfect tropical beach good for swimming for the entire family, the other one with vintage Spanish-Filipino houses. A number of less expensive beach clubs are within easy access. Sport options include hiking, swimming, biking, mountain biking, climbing, and scuba diving, whereas numerous excursion possibilities lead to water falls, mountain peaks, Subic Freeport Zone with shopping, dining and entertainment, the Death March memorial at Mt. Samat, among others.
Internet is accessible through 3G connection by the two main Filipino networks, Globe and Smart (best Globe). Should you bring an Ipad or laptop without 3G connectivity, we can lend you a Globe Tattoo.
