Elal Lasola Travel & Photography: Cebu

Our weekend started early from the half-day hike to Mt Naupa and headed off to Naga City’s boardwalk for lunch at Osting's. All of these plus the drive to EZCamp, we reached just in time for check in at this newly opened camp for nature lovers and the like -- perfect for anyone who would just like to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city pace and noise.

They offer a private glamping hideaway which is set up by a spacious lotus belle tent that is as comfy as your bed at home with indoor AC and pull-up couch that makes room for two. In total, the tent can accommodate four people, maximum of five with extra bed upon request. All of which costs Php 6,000 per night with 4 breakfast meals included.

Such a unique stay indeed with outdoor chairs overlooking the vast greenery of the mountain range in Naga. They also have a separate dining, lounge and kitchen set up that you could use during the day and night to dine or hang out. The kitchen set up is quite complete from cooking set up, coffee maker and grinder with the complimentary options of hot chocolate from pure “sikwate” popular especially in South Cebu, coffee beans or tea. The bathroom nearby also offers a complete set up including a heater useful during early morning bath or rainy days when it’s just too cold to take a shower. I admittedly, liked this option.

Although we liked to hang in the said separate dining, the open space with bean bags from our lotus belle tent offers a wide wooden area that was perfect for dinner because we needed light to take photos as well. Hence, we had a nice sit-down dinner with nothing but nature around us. You may cook your dinner at the kitchen or order from EZCamp ahead of time upon booking.

Below the said overlooking chairs with the mountain view is the campfire site where we were able to enjoy during socials with wine, chips, cheese, and their duper delectable smores! All of which can be requested before-hand during booking.

The night was memorable for me because of the whole experience – good company, set-up by the EZCamp staff, fireflies nearby visiting their favorite tree, night sky cleared for quite a while for us to sit and eventually lie down under the stars. We planned on so many things like watching a movie and brought loads of board and card games, but nothing beats as what we call as nature and chill. A little contemplation, conversation, and laughter with nothing but nature’s hum.

Also, if you want to reconnect with nature but still needed way to reply to urgent matters, they have a strong WIFI connection that is capable for those who are in a work-from-home set up. Talk about convenience.

The morning after, we had one fine breakfast still enjoyed at the wooden area near our tent and the sun slowly rising in site behind the mountains. We then relaxed for a bit before doing another day of exploration on the nearby sites at EZCamp.

First, we headed to the old mining site and the old staff house for the miners then. Second, we went on a short trek to the waterfalls. It would take around 20 minutes from the highway but a total of around 20-40 min from EZCamp.

Last activity after checkout that you can opt to is a hike to Mt Manayon. It would be around 2.5 hours roundtrip from camp to the mountain peak. If you were like us who went to a hike the day before and quite wanted a shorter version, you can do so via hiring motorcycles to the shortest route in Naga. Instead of 2.5 hours roundtrips, it will just be around 30-40 minutes roundtrip to the peak.