Unbelievable! This Forest Lodge in the Philippines Will Leave You Speechless (Camp John Hay)
Unbelievable! This Forest Lodge in the Philippines Will Leave You Speechless (Camp John Hay) - A Real Review (The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Bizarre)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to unleash a review of Unbelievable! This Forest Lodge in the Philippines Will Leave You Speechless (Camp John Hay) that’s less perfectly polished and more… well, real. We're ditching robotic efficiency for a splash of chaos, a dash of gushing, and maybe just a sprinkle of "did that really happen?" because this is my experience.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Let's Get Real, People!)
Camp John Hay is gorgeous. Seriously, it's like someone took a postcard and made it 3D. The air is crisp, pine-scented, and just… breathtaking. Now, on the accessibility front, things get a little… complicated.
- Wheelchair Access: The main areas are mostly accessible, with ramps and elevators. BUT… and this is a big but… getting around the entire complex can be a bit of a trek. Some paths are steep or can be uneven, so be sure to check with the hotel if complete accessibility is crucial for your travel.
- Getting There (Access): Airport transfer is available, which is super convenient. Pro Tip: Pre-book! Especially during peak season. And if you're driving, the Car Park [on-site] is a lifesaver because it's free! (Yay!)
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: They do have some facilities, but it's always best to call ahead and confirm their specifics, especially for those with mobility challenges.
Okay, Let's Talk About the "Speechless" Part… (Things to Do and Ways to Relax – OMG!)
This place is designed for R&R. Forget the city bustle, here, you're in nature’s embrace.
- The Pool with a View: Okay, so the outdoor pool… swoon. Picture this: you're swimming, the sun is dappling through the trees, and you're just… content. It's a serious mood.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Yes, it's a full suite of awesome, so make sure you free up your time to indulge in the Spa. Definitely try the Body Scrub or a Body Wrap. I had a Massage that was so good, I almost drooled. (Don't judge me.)
- Fitness Center: I intended to hit the Fitness Center, but the siren song of the pool and the spa was too strong. Maybe next time.
- Things to Do: Honestly, just wandering the forest is a treat. The trails are great for a casual stroll. And there is Bicycle parking available, which is something you want to consider for a different experience, and also Car park [free charge] is available.
The Food (Because We All Want to Know!)
- Restaurants: There's a good selection of restaurants, with options like Asian cuisine and International cuisine.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] is pretty solid, and they also offer Asian breakfast and even Western breakfast. I actually just ordered Breakfast in room one time, and the delivery was quick, and the food was hot.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Very important.
- Snack bar: A lifesaver for mid-afternoon cravings.
- Room service [24-hour]: Always a plus!
My One BIG Experience (A Glorious Mess): The Sauna
Okay, the sauna. This is where things got… interesting. I'd had a particularly stressful week, so I thought, "Sauna! I deserve this!"
I entered, feeling all zen and ready to sweat out my anxieties. The scent of eucalyptus was divine. And then… the door jammed.
Yes, you read that right. I was locked in a sauna.
Panic, then a slow simmer of "well, this is inconvenient." I started banging (slightly pathetic, I admit). Eventually, after what felt like an hour (probably more like five minutes), a staff member heard my frantic taps and rescued me.
- My Emotional Reaction: I went from zen to slightly hysterical, then back to zen (and profoundly grateful).
- The Imperfection: Things happen, right? And, to be fair, the staff were amazing once they’d freed me. They were apologetic, offered a free massage (yes, please!), and generally made me feel like a queen.
- The Aftermath: I’m now a big fan of the sauna AND the hotel staff's ability to handle a crisis with grace.
Cleanliness, Safety & The (Necessary) COVID Stuff
Let's face it, we all care about this now!
- Cleanliness and Safety: They take this seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. They're also using Anti-viral cleaning products and have Sterilizing equipment.
- Physical Distancing: They try to maintain physical distancing, but it's up to guests.
- Rooms - Rooms sanitized between stays: Always a good sign for your peace of mind.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Excellent flexibility for guests who wish to opt-out of sanitization.
- Cashless payment service: Super convenient!
- Hygiene certification: They had the certification prominently displayed.
The Rooms (Snoozing in Style!)
- Air conditioning: Vital.
- Free Wi-Fi (!!!): The holy grail! Free Wi-Fi [free] that worked everywhere!! In the rooms, everywhere. Honestly, I could work from there forever.
- Available in all rooms: All the basics are there: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, etc.
- The "Unbelievable" Part: The Blackout curtains, these are fantastic for that sleep-in session.
- The Extra Touches: Bathrobes and Slippers! Comfort level: 100%.
Services and Conveniences (Beyond the Obvious)
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless!
- Dry cleaning & Laundry service: Practical but useful.
- Shuttle service: Consider it useful.
- Doorman is available.
- Smoking area is provided.
- Elevator is available.
- Facilities for disabled guests: As mentioned above, check with the resort.
For the Kids (Family-Friendly Vibes!)
- Family/child friendly: They certainly cater to families, and there's a nice kid's club.
- Babysitting service: Available, which is great if you want to make the spa a solo adventure.
Getting Around (More Than Just the Hotel)
- Taxi service: Available, though I preferred just strolling around.
The (Potentially Weird) Extras:
- Proposal spot: Apparently, a romantic spot.
- Shrine: Interesting touch.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Tempting!
The Verdict?
Camp John Hay Forest Lodge is… really nice! Yes, there are some niggles (accessibility could be better - but I also appreciate the attempt made by the hotel!), and yes, the sauna nearly became my tomb. But overall, it’s a beautiful, relaxing, and surprisingly well-equipped place, good for families, couples, and individuals. I'd go back in a heartbeat. And I will be bringing my own lock pick this time.
Here's My Offer (Because I'm Now a Hyper-Enthusiastic Fan):
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P.S. Seriously, bring your swimwear. And maybe a
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to get messy with The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay! This ain't your sterile, color-coded brochure – this is real life, unfiltered and probably with a stain on my shirt. Let's do this:
The Forest Lodge Fiasco: A Totally Unreliable Itinerary (Because Let’s Be Real, Plans are Suggestions)
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Struggle for Relaxation
- 1:00 PM (ish) - The Great Baguio Escape: Okay, so the dreaded Manila traffic almost killed me. Seriously. But hey, we made it! Finally pulling into Camp John Hay and the air is blessedly crisp, like someone just punched a reset button on my lungs. The Forest Lodge… well, it looks lovely from the initial glimpse. The entrance gives off a rustic vibe, which is my jam.
- 1:30 PM - Check-in Chaos (and a Secret Bathroom Disaster): The line was long. Loooong. And guess what? The room they gave us? Technically, it is a room. But the bathroom… oh, the bathroom. Let's just say it wasn't exactly "forest-fresh." Small. Slightly dated. And the shower… I’m pretty sure that was the scene of a murder, and i was the victim of the water pressure. I'm starting to stress already - maybe a little too much anticipation??
- 2:30 PM - A Walk in the Pines (Attempted): Okay, deep breaths. Fresh air. We gotta be positive! We start walking towards the walking trail. The air here is just… magic. Pines everywhere, the scent of earth… Then I remembered my crippling fear of getting lost (and a sudden urge to sit in comfort) so we opted for the safer, more… paved path to the Botanical Garden.
- 3:30 PM - Botanical Garden Babble: The Botanical Garden is actually pretty cool. A little kitschy, with the various mini-tribal huts? But still - nice views. I felt a tug of homesickness though, for my own garden. I could do this. I could live in this place. Then the mosquitoes found me. Turns out, my "forest-y" immune system has zero protection against tiny biting jerks.
- 5:00 PM - The Search for Dinner (and Sanity): Okay, hunger has set in. We wandered around The Camp John Hay for a bit and after an exhaustive search (which involved looking up five menus online from different restos), settling for the "Chop Shop" in which we ordered grilled meat, rice, and soda. Nothing to write home about. More importantly, where IS the nearest convenience store?
- 6:30 PM - The Netflix Nook (or, Giving Up on Adventure): Back at the room. Let's be honest, after a day of travel and mosquito attacks and minor bathroom trauma, the ONLY thing I want is Netflix. And a hot shower…but that's a battle for another day.
Day 2: Embracing the Imperfection (and a Whole Lot of Coffee)
- 7:00 AM - The Breakfast Debacle: The Forest Lodge breakfast buffet. The coffee was… well, it was coffee. The eggs were… eggs. Let's just say it fueled the day.
- 8:00 AM - The Great Pine Tree Hunt (Part 2: Electric Boogaloo): Okay, we're going to try that forest walk again. I swear I brought bug spray this time (or at least I think I did - fingers crossed!). This time we went prepared. No Mosquitoes. No getting lost. Felt some actual joy - I forgot how much I love the smell of pine.
- 9:30 AM - The Tree Top Adventure (AKA, My Near-Death Experience): Okay, maybe slight exaggeration. I'm not one for heights. But my partner practically dragged me to the Tree Top Adventure. I screamed a lot. I clung to the ropes for dear life. But… I did it. And the view? Yeah, it was pretty spectacular. Okay, it was AMAZING. I felt so proud of myself!
- 11:00AM - Lunch at "Yellow Trail". Nothing special. Chicken meal, rice, soda. The routine.
- 1:00 PM - Book time! Ah, it's been way too long. The silence, the cold, the view. This is what I came for. This is exactly how I want to spend my day.
- 4:00 PM - The Big Decision (to Get Another Coffee): There's a new coffee shop nearby. Coffee is life!
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and a Movie(ish): Pizza, another movie marathon. Maybe a quick dip in the lobby.
Day 3: Farewell – Until Next Time
- 7:00 AM - Last Brekky: Same as yesterday. Fueled up, ready to face the day!
- 8:00 AM - The Camp John Hay Museum: A quick visit. Its history is nice. Baguio could be so much more.
- 10:00 AM - Sad Goodbye to the Pines: Check out, and ready for the Manila traffic!
- 12:00 PM - Road Trip!
Final Thoughts (Before My Brain Explodes):
The Forest Lodge? It's… fine. It's a mixed bag. The location and the fresh air are amazing. The rooms need some work. The food is… adequate. But the feeling? The feeling of being away from the city, of breathing in that mountain air, of pushing myself a little bit and enjoying the quiet? That's what it's all about. Would I come back? Maybe. But next time, I'm definitely packing extra bug spray and maybe a plumber. And a whole lot more coffee.
This itinerary is a chaotic mess, but embrace the chaos. Remember, the best travel stories aren't always the perfectly planned ones. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
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Unbelievable! This Forest Lodge in the Philippines Will Leave You Speechless (Camp John Hay) - Yeah, Maybe... Let's See!
So, is this Camp John Hay place *really* all that? Like, "speechless" good?
Alright, alright, settle down with the superlatives. "Speechless"? Look, I'm a talker, so I can't be fully "speechless." But... yeah, Camp John Hay is pretty damn impressive. The forest lodge *specifically*, the ones tucked away... that's where the magic starts to simmer. It's not like some sterile hotel; it's got this raw, almost rugged (in a good way) vibe. Though, be warned... finding the right lodge is a quest. Seriously, the first time I went, I got SO. LOST. My phone died, I was sweating like a pig, and I was pretty sure I was about to become a snack for some giant, unseen beast. Turns out, I was just wandering in circles. Good times. (Rubs the back of my neck, remembering the feeling of utter panic.)
What's the actual lodge situation like? Rustic? Luxurious? Somewhere in between?
Okay, "rustic" is a bit of a loaded word, isn't it? They *say* rustic, but it's more like... elevated rustic. Think cozy wooden cabins, fireplaces, the smell of pine needles... basically, everything your Instagram feed craves. BUT. (And there's always a but, isn't there?). The *quality* of "rustic" varies GREATLY depending on which lodge you snag. Some are pristine, with modern bathrooms and fluffy towels. Others... well, let's just say you might want to bring your own extra-strength disinfectant wipes. I stayed in one once where I swear I saw a spider the size of my thumb. (Shudders). But then, the very next time, it was a complete dream! So, research your lodge *thoroughly*. Read reviews. And mentally prepare for either extreme. That's my pro tip.
How's the food situation? Am I gonna starve?
Starve? Heavens, no! Camp John Hay has *options*. Lots of them. From the more formal restaurants to the casual cafes, from the local eats to the international flavors, there is something for everyone. The food is... generally good. Nothing mind-blowing, but solid, reliable. I'm not going to lie, there's one place that makes a truly amazing *sisig*, I swear. And on the other hand, I remember a truly horrendous attempt at pasta carbonara. It was practically inedible. But hey, even the bad meals become stories, right? Plus, you can always have some snacks in your room. (That's *always* a good plan).
What's there to *do* at Camp John Hay besides, you know, *be*?
Okay, so "being" is a perfectly acceptable activity, especially if "being" involves reading a book by a fireplace. But, if you're of the restless persuasion, Camp John Hay has you covered. Hiking trails galore! Seriously, the trails are fantastic. I remember one time, I attempted (and probably failed miserably) to hike one of the more challenging ones. I got completely lost, again! But the view...the fresh air... the absolute feeling of "I might actually die of exhaustion"... it was all...amazing. You can also go horseback riding (romantic!), visit the historical sites (interesting!), and even go ziplining. Or, you know, just wander aimlessly and get lost. (Recommend).
Is Camp John Hay good for kids? Or is it more of a romantic getaway vibe?
Both, honestly! Camp John Hay is surprisingly kid-friendly. There are parks, playgrounds, and plenty of space for them to run around and burn off that endless energy. And the lodges themselves are often family-friendly, with options for larger rooms or connecting rooms. However, it's *also* definitely got that romantic vibe. The forest setting, the cozy cabins...it's perfect for a couples' retreat. (I had one, once. It was... great...). The trick is to choose the right lodge and activities. Families, focus on the outdoor stuff. Couples, well... you know what to do. (Winks knowingly).
Okay, spill it. What's the ONE thing that REALLY stood out to you?
Alright, fine. One thing? Okay, here goes. I am a sucker for a view. And one clear, crisp morning, I woke up early – (a rare occurrence, let me tell you) – and I dragged myself out onto the balcony of my lodge. It was freezing, I was still half-asleep, and I was wearing a ridiculously oversized hoodie. But…The sun was just starting to peek over the mountains, casting this golden light over everything. The air was so clean you could *taste* it. And the forest…the trees were just shimmering, like they were covered in diamonds. It was utterly, ridiculously, *breathtaking*. Like, legitimately stopped-me-in-my-tracks, made-me-forget-about-the-coffee, worth-waking-up-early-for breathtaking. And honestly, stuff like that…that’s why you go. That single moment, suspended in the cold, crisp mountain air... that's the "speechless" part, right there. (Smiles, lost in the memory.)
Any downsides? Be honest!
Oh, *plenty*. First, crowds. It can get packed, especially during peak season. Prepare for lines and a general sense of, well, *people*. Second, the roads. Getting there? Brace yourself for a winding, sometimes bumpy drive, especially if you’re coming from the lowlands. (Motion sickness? Bring meds!). Third, (and I've mentioned this before) finding the lodge. I am NOT kidding. Get GOOD directions. Download an offline map. And maybe invest in a carrier pigeon. Seriously. Finally, the price. It's not *cheap*. It's worth it (mostly!) but budget accordingly. Oh, and the weather. It can be unpredictable. Bring layers. And an umbrella. And a positive attitude. (Because sometimes, even a positive attitude won't cut it!).
So, final verdict? Go or No Go?
Go. Definitely go. (With reservations, of course!). It's not perfect, it has its quirks, its flaws, and its moments of utter frustration. But Camp John Hay... it has a certain *something*. It's a place you can escape to, breathe in the fresh air, and maybe, just maybe, find yourself staring at a sunrise that truly leaves you... well, you get the idea. Just don't expect perfection. Embrace the chaos. And pack extra snacks. You'll thank me later. Now,Stay Classy Hotels
