Review #10: A Relaxing Weekend Escape - Our Stay at Bearland Resort in Tigbauan

Bearland's infinity pool, Jep | Flickr

Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery. You don’t have to splurge on an extravagant holiday, just a short trip to a nearby town and a cozy resort can do wonders. That’s exactly what we had in mind when we decided to head to Tigbauan and stay at Bearland Resort.

Getting There (With a Word of Caution)

Warning: Do not rely solely on Waze or Google Maps when navigating to Bearland Resort. We did and ended up on a sketchy, narrow one-lane path that felt more like a dare than a shortcut. Midway through, we had to turn back and had to execute a tricky U-turn on a single-lane road with rice fields flanking us on both sides, which wasn’t easy. It’s best to ask the resort for directions directly. Bearland isn’t located along the main road, so finding it isn't as straightforward; you’ll need to drive through a residential area toward the beach, specifically at Tan Pael Subdivision.

First Impressions & Check-In

Upon finally arriving at the resort, we parked in the resort’s outdoor lot, a vacant space adjacent to the main gate. Check-in was smooth and hassle-free. After showing our Agoda booking confirmation, we waited just a few minutes before a staff member led us to one of the houses inside the compound.

The layout immediately caught our attention. It looked like the resort originally offered entire houses for rent but had since shifted to a per-room model. Each house now hosts multiple guests in separate rooms.

Room Hopping & Settling In

Our first assigned room, the master bedroom on the second floor, had underwhelming air-conditioning. We asked to be moved to another room within our price range and were graciously offered a tour of other options in case we wanted to upgrade.

The detached units (called cabanas?) were impressive, modern, spacious, and clearly built relatively recently. Unfortunately, they were well beyond our budget this time. Something to consider for a future visit. Interestingly, we noticed that booking directly through the resort tends to be pricier than using platforms like Agoda.

We eventually settled into a ground-floor room with decent air-conditioning. It didn’t have a refrigerator, so we made a quick trip to the nearby 7-Eleven for snacks and drinks. Thankfully, we brought a chest cooler and stocked it with bags of tube ice.

The room itself was basic, a place to sleep, really. The real draw of Bearland lies in its surroundings. The pool, the beachside views, the scenic sunsets, and the laid-back Tigbauan vibe.

Weather Woes & Poolside Bliss

Unfortunately, it rained for most of our stay, so we didn’t get to explore the nearby areas as much as we’d hoped. Still, the infinity pool more than made up for it. It’s the resort’s main attraction, especially since the beach isn’t ideal for swimming. We saw a few guests wading knee-deep, but the water had tiny jellyfish floating around, not exactly inviting.

That said, I love being by the beach, just watching the waves roll in, feeling the seaside breeze, and hearing the crashing of the waves onto the shoreline. It’s a peaceful kind of joy.

Convenience & Dining

The resort’s parking gate closes at night, but the night-shift security guard is accommodating if you need to take your car out. There are several 7-Eleven stores nearby, which came in handy.

Tigbauan itself has a laid-back charm and plenty of dining options, especially in and around the town's plaza. The in-resort restaurant wasn’t bad at all, but they do have an early cutoff for dinner orders, so plan ahead if you’re staying in.

Roadside Finds & Final Thoughts

On our way back, we stopped at roadside stalls selling dried fish, squid, and coconut toddy vinegar. It was a nice way to cap off the trip.

Overall, we had a pleasant stay at Bearland Resort. It’s not exactly a luxury escape, but it’s a quiet retreat with just enough charm to make you want to come back.