Relaxing Lake side Staycation for Family ,2 to 3 hours away from Manila

Staying at Kalahi Camp was really inspiring. It's one of those rare accommodations, where it doesn't feel transactional or profit-maximizing, instead it genuinely feels like the owners have extended their passion in nature, aligned their own lived experience when they were young and adventurous camping-- so they're able to design and execute a quality accommodation that feels like home. This makes it a true gem in Cavinti. This review is to highlight the very thoughtful extra details in Kalahi that I hope visitors to Cavinti can appreciate too-- best value for money and you will come home inspired. So I feel compelled to be a little extra too, to give justice to one of the best models ive seen in creating a space for us all to enjoy. The parking area is spacious, gated, and safe. A few steps down and you're greeted by big smiles and a beautiful Kalahi boat (good taste in colors, fine detailing) towards the island where Potpot (dog buddy) will welcome you and be your guardian in Kalahi. You will walk up the hill and immediately you will notice very good taste in landscaping design, no kitsch/tacky colors and feels like they considered a design with less impact on the natural surroundings. The sleeping cabin is very comfortable and well-designed with thoughtful details. Floor is made of bamboo -allows for cool air, 2 decent beds on ground floor + 2 tatami-type floor beds on the upper floor. Has a private balcony to hangout. With extra details like a closet, clothes dryer, 2 fans. Bathroom has a good size and clean with an extra plant just coz they cant help put nice thoughtful details everywhere, without an extra charge! The common area is also well made. Kitchen with lots of games (darts, bingo, scrabble, sungka) and karaoke-- we enjoyed everything during our stay. For activities: There's unli kayaking, sunset boat ride, and secret river (very refreshing, clean river stream to dip in for water massage).

The kitchen, dining area and the bedroom have so so much flies! Dinner time and breakfast time for my family was very very uncomfortable and unappealing since we were all busy shooing away all the active flies landing on all our food. There were sticky fly papers completely filled up with big black flies lying near the kitchen sink. The sight itself is quite gross and disturbing. Only 2 candles were available to "shoo away" the non-stop flow of flies all around the dining and kitchen area. The only 2 available old fans were not enough to drive insects away. We thought it was a "relaxing and comfortable" lakeside stay. Sadly, it was the complete opposite. At night, while my family was playing a board game, I was busy swatting all the big flies inside our room and avoiding the dead flies on the floor after they are exterminated manually. For future guests, there is no water heater in the toilet so during cold rainy seasons like our Dec 27 to 28 stay, expect to be shocked by ice cold showers.

New and clean aesthetic

One of the door has a broken lock but property is safe

The cooking facilities with fridge, kettle, cooker and utensils were great for our cooking during the stay. We enjoyed the kayaking, splashing in the lake, and the kids had a great time with the friendly resident dog. The cabin was clean and quiet, and the place was overall peaceful and serene.

The mattress for sleeping upstairs were too thin for comfortable sleeping.

the view & sound of nature!

Insects in the bathroom

peaceful

difficult to find

location is great.

kitchen not secure from cats/dogs