NAVAL DE SAN ANDRES , Siruma, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Naval De San Andres—I was craving and excited to experience the mountains again, and the rural lifestyle compelled me to accept the farm resort owner's invitation to a short getaway by the sea, mountains, and forest.

During my childhood in the countryside, we would sit on the wooden bench in front of our house at night. We watched fireflies dancing in the treetops and listened to the chirping of crickets and other insects. Occasionally, the call of the night owls would send a chill down our spines and urge us to hurry inside the house.

Time has run so fast, and for more than three decades now, I have gotten used to city life; all you can hear are the car horns, loud music on the radio, and people talking, yelling, screaming, and other noises. The old ways of my life are a part of myself that I could not quickly get away from; most often, I keep wishing to feel the energy of my childhood place again, so the invitation is something I cannot let slip through my fingers. I grabbed the opportunity.

At the Naval De San Andres, retreating for a few steps back to the old and modest lifestyle is still possible in a place that keeps you away from the city's toxins to a rank of pristine and natural serenity.

Naval De San Andres, a private farm resort in Siruma, Camarines Sur, Philippines, offers an ideal getaway for soul-searching, personal reflection, or a break from busy lives while staying connected to the community and essential services.

As daylight diminishes and night envelops the area, you'll be captivated by the various sounds in the forest after dark. The chirping of insects, whistles, cries, and songs of nocturnal creatures will send you shivers and intrigue.

Avoiding the city's polluted atmosphere for a short period or a day requires little effort. The resort is just a short walk from the town's commercial district; even though it's near the town center, once you enter the grounds, you'll find yourself in total isolation, far from the city's clamor.

The sounds of the forest will welcome you, along with the crashing and swaying ocean waves and the chirping of wild birds perched on the treetops.

You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a traditional lifestyle from before electricity. You will reside in a hut without modern utensils and cook meals using firewood. At night, you can choose between conventional lighting, kerosene lamps, or electric power.

The cottages are constructed from local materials found solely on the farm, crafted to evoke the simplicity of life in the past.

Although it is not yet commercially operational, you can coordinate with the owners to visit and use the location for your hideaway escape.

Many thanks to the owner for the invitation, which reminded me of a time when life was simple, joyful, and fulfilling. It was an incredible adventure.

See more images below:

Here is some additional information about the farm:

Things You Can Do

1. Whole or overnight swimming

2. Camping

3. Farm and forest exploring

4. Firefly watching

5. Island hopping (but you need to arrange a boat at the Pamintan Port)

   
   

Facilities Available

1. Cottage

2. Comfort/washing/bathroom

   
   

Accessibility

1. Commercial access for your basic commodity needs – close to the town’s commercial area

2. Communication facilities with excellent signal; mobile phones and internet

Accessibility (Transportation & Communication)

1. Siruma is accessible through Naga – Siruma Road in concrete condition. Two-hour drive with a distance of 75 Km.

2. Good road condition from the town proper, but as you get close to the farm, you will drive on a trail in the middle of the prairie.

   
   

How To Get Here

1. You can go directly to Naval De San Andres if your car is from Manila. When you reach Naga City, you may ask the locals for directions or use Google directions.

2. From Manila, book a flight to Naga Airport in Pili, Camarines Sur, or a bus to Naga City. When you reach Naga City, you may contact the resort owner for directions.

   
   

There is only one public transport trip from Naga to Siruma daily. So, arranging a van to take you to Siruma and then back to Naga would be much better.

1. Public transport by bus could be a terrible experience for you.

2. No van transportation is operating from and to Naga City.

What to Expect

1. Scenic sights await the guests along the way during the trip.

2. The distance is only 75 Km from Naga City, but it prepares for a 2-hour mountain drive.

3. When you enter the Tinambac-Siruma road from Barangay San Vicente, there are no available restrooms for the ladies along the way and no big grocery store or supermarket. Only one eatery is available, and it’s already closer to Siruma town proper.

   
   

What to Bring

On your way to Siruma:

1. In addition to your personal belongings (clothes and others), you need to buy snacks and drinks in the town proper or in Barangay San Vicente to prevent thirst and hunger in case of an unexpected occurrence.

2. Bring your cooking utensils.

3. Bring bottled drinking water.

4. Before proceeding to the farm, you may buy everything in the town proper.