Makiling Highlands Resort

We stayed just one night. The staff were accommodating, and the service and food were good. The pools were okay. For warmer water, I'd suggest the kiddie pool. The adult pool is lukewarm and ranges from 4ft to 7ft, and there's a slide. Grills and cottages are available for sitting and cooking. We brought a camping stove to boil water and cook. Even if you don't swim, the showers and taps have warm water from the bukal of Mt. Makiling. There is a smart TV and air conditioning, but you need to sign into your own account on the TV. Bring an extra blanket or ask for one if anyone in your group gets cold easily. The resort itself was pretty nice, though the rooms could use some renovation to feel more homey. For anyone traveling with someone who has heart problems, book early and discuss it with the resort. Some rooms are up higher and could make the climb tiring, especially for seniors.

We stayed in the Tree House and enjoyed it. The place was clean and, on Thursday, nearly empty. For a family reunion, Thursday seems like a good day to come, since it can feel as if you've rented the whole resort.

The staff are friendly and the food is okay, though a bit pricey as expected. There's karaoke, which is one of the highlights. The souvenir shop has few items, and they seem like old stock, with high prices. The place is spacious, with a playground, a private pool, and air-conditioned rooms for a small party, but it could do a lot better. It's also a bit far. The public pool gets unbearably hot around midday, with no real shade or roof, and the showers are intolerably hot too. The private pool and shower are even hotter, since they're on higher ground. The air conditioning wasn't enough to beat the heat, so we needed a fan as well, and it still felt humid. The public pool has only one restroom with a toilet, and so does the private pool. Only the rooms have their own cr with a toilet.

There was no WiFi and no hot spring pool. Getting hot water for coffee or tea wasn't easy either. When I asked for some, I was told to go to reception, about a two-minute drive away. You have to drive there because the path is steep and poorly lit at night. I had to pay for the hot water too.