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An easy weekend breather is possible even with a minimal budget in hand - thanks to Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort in Tanay, Rizal. It's not your luxury resort with high-end amenities, but its surroundings are enough to bring sanity back to your senses.



HOW TO GO

Instead of plying the busy expressways, take the road less traveled in the East. From Cubao, board a jeep to Cogeo Gate 2 and alight at the market. Ask where the jeepneys for Sampaloc, Tanay are (it's a 2-minute walk from the busy intersection).


Board the jeepney and pay (more or less) PHP 54. The trip will take an hour.

Ask the driver to drop you at Sierra Madre Resort. The resort is located just along the tranquil highway of Tanay, Rizal.

To go back to Cubao, wait for jeepneys along the highway where you got off. Jeepneys pass by every 25-40 minutes, and are only available until 3 or 4 in the afternoon.

WHAT TO DO

Relax and have fun. Give yourselves a break. Have a hearty barbecue session by the pool or grill some onions and burgers for your picnic. Have a cup of coffee by the mountains, or go crazy with photography. Camping can be exciting too - the resort has special rates for this.

If you want to get wild, brave their zip line for a minimal fee of PHP 100 or 200/pax (rates below). Horses are also present in the area; better ask their staff if these are for rent. There is also a path towards the bottom part of the resort that is accessible by a golf cart. I believe more outdoor activities can be done there.

If you are into shooting, a firing range is available for use (bring your own firearms and ammo).

How diverse can this resort get?



Sierra Madre Resort is actually a perfect place for team buildings and Rest & Recreation sessions for companies and organizations. It is near Metro Manila, and friendly on the pocket too. Listed below are just some of the rates of Sierra Madre Resort (as of June 2013):

Entrance Fee
Viewing: PHP 50/pax
Picnic: PHP 100/pax

Swimming
Adult: PHP 150/pax
Kids: PHP 100/pax

Zip Line
Senior: PHP 200/pax
Junior: PHP 100/pax

Camping (Bring your own tent)
Day Camp with Swimming: PHP 200/pax
Day Camp without Swimming: PHP 100/pax
Overnight Camp: PHP 350/pax

Firing Range (Bring your own firearms and ammo)
PHP 200/use

Room Rates (airconditioned)
Log Cabin Rooms (2pax): PHP 2,500
VIP Rooms (3-5pax): PHP 4,500
Family Rooms (6-7pax or 10pax): PHP 4,500-5,000

They also have non-airconditioned rooms ranging from PHP 2000 (2pax) - PHP 2,500 (5pax) - PHP 3,500 (7pax). They also have a Big Room good for 10pax worth PHP 4,500/day.


The food is just okay. Nothing great, nothing spectacular. It's still best to do your own by grilling some burgers or kebabs.

Sierra Madre Resort is a go-to place for its stress-relieving elements - its activities and the nature surrounding it. The greens and the mountains actually give this place its worth.

For more information, contact 09087208234 or visit their website at www.thesierramadre.biz.
Address: Km 58 Marcos Hi-way, Mayagay, Tanay, Rizal

Enjoy!