Bintana sa Paraiso: A Hidden Paradise at Binunsaran, Camiguin, Philippines (Review)

It is a peacefully secluded window to paradise; a place where I shared the view with only a few; where the oceans seemed out of reach and the clouds are just above my head. When the skies are clear, the majestic shoal known as the White Island appears at a distance. There are no sounds of ocean waves but only the rustles of the leaves as the strong winds continually blow. I soaked in a lot of sun and mountain breeze as I stood there. I ran and danced like a child around barefoot – feeling ticklish with the grass between my toes and the damp earth beneath my sole. I haven’t even left but I know that I’ll be back again soon because these things are just priceless. I know that this is what my soul craves for.

Bintana sa Paraiso is a luxury boutique hotel and resort known in the province and island of Camiguin for its infinity pools with the most superb view. One of which is seated at the foot of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, the Bintana sa Paraiso Nasaag which is the Greek-Mediterranean inspired one; and the the other that is Bali-inspired sits atop Binunsaran. This year, they will be opening another Bintana sa Paraiso but in Siquijor.

Since we would like to make our stay in the island worthwhile, we gave Bintana sa Paraiso a shot and booked a room.

The staff members of the hotel politely assisted us from the moment that we set foot in Bintana sa Paraiso. Everyone greeted us with wide smiles. They insisted on carrying our stuff to our room and we were handed with a refreshing glass of lemonade as welcome drinks. They attended to our requests well.

There are five villas in the resort and our room was at the upper floor of the second one. It was naturally overflowing with tropical and island vibes. Walls are white-washed minimally designed with three frames of an image of tropical leaves hung above the headboard of the bed. An air-conditioning unit is fixed on the wall. A twin bed sits in the middle with a bedside table and lamps on it. No cabinets and drawers for stuff. The floors are made of bamboo wood. The washroom is surprisingly spacious! It has hot and cold shower, toilet with bidet and a lavatory. We were provided with towels, shampoo and soap.

Just beyond the floor-to-ceiling glass walls and door draped with white curtain is the picturesque view of the vast ocean and the horizon. It makes the hotel and resort literally live up to its name, Bintana sa Paraiso meaning ‘window to paradise’. Slide the door, get a real dose of fresh air and be one with paradise as you step out of the room to the balcony. Ah, my favorite spot. This was where our sumptuous breakfast was served. The feeling is just beyond words. Nothing could be more perfect than feeling the sunshine on your skin on a good swing in the hammock or while enjoying a good breakfast. 

The night before, we were asked for our breakfast preference (Filipino or American). Then, we were offered choices upon choosing a cuisine. We had both Filipino and American: tocino and rice for the Filipino and bacon and wheat bread for the American. Initially, I expected just a simple plate of Tocilog (Tocino, Sinangag (fried rice) and itlog (egg) and a slice or two of bread with bacon on the side. Then, the moment of truth came. It was indeed a reality better than expectation! We were served with abundance in our plates of morning goodness! The serving is big, the fruits were fresh, the presentation was remarkable. It channeled my morning being! I felt so grateful for mornings again. I mean, there goes the good food on our table at a balcony with the best view! What more could I wish for? Our plates were served with brewed coffee, too. 

Breakfasts are also prepared by their very own Josh + Luke Restaurant. Apart from these, they also have pizza, pasta, fried noodles, burgers and more and these are reasonably priced. It might seem overpriced when looking at the menu but when the food arrives, you’ll surely take your words back.  They’ve got really big servings and the taste is exceptional. We did not buy anything from the town proper before we checked in – no snacks, no drinks, no anything. We ordered our food from their restaurant and we’ve got no regrets about that.

Bintana sa Paraiso Binunsaran is nestled on the mountainside of Hibok-Hibok. It is quite far from the town proper, frequently visited tourist destinations and the beach as well but it gives quite a good view of the ocean and the stunning White Island. Apart from sight seeing, the following activities can be enjoyed in the resort:

1. Swimming. The resort has its own swimming pool. Thus, craving for some good dip in the waters while looking at the oceans afar can still be satisfied.

2. Yoga. The Binunsaran branch of Bintana sa Paraiso has its own Yoga Studio Wellness Center. It is quite the best spot to do some meditation and finding one’s center as the whole place is just so peaceful with a spectacular view. Morning meditations are held at 8:00 AM everyday while yoga is done for 75 minutes everyday at 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Classes may be booked with them.

3. Get a Massage. Relaxation with their very own spa starts at $30.00 up to $50.00. They offer foot and whole body massage, body scrub and facial treatments, too!

4. Kawa Bath. Hot tubs at the mountainside is also one of the best ways to relax. Bintana sa Paraiso, on the other hand, offers a better hot tub experience! The Kawa bath can be enjoyed for only Php 450.00. Worry not for they will not boil you to tenderness! They only keep the fire low, enough to heat the water at a temperature that the skin can still tolerate. They also put flowers in the bath making it extra special. The bath itself is good and relaxing but the view, as always, just made it even better. 

5. Taste the goodness at Josh + Luke Restaurant. There are no nearby stores and restaurants but the resort itself has its own, the Josh + Luke Restaurant. Their food is of great value! My favorites are their breakfasts, of course, and their pizzas partnered with their fruit shakes. The menu is actually a combination of Filipino, American and Italian cuisine. You can find the menu here. 

The resort also offers their own tours around the island of Camiguin. The rates are as follows:

For Php 2,500.00, the guests will be toured around the island of Camiguin for 8 hours. Exceeding hours means an additional Php 200.00. Transfers are via multicab that can accommodate up to four people. Entrance fees will be shouldered by the guests. The following places are the ones to be visited:

-Walkway to the Old Volcano

-Sunken Cemetery

-Gui-ob Old Church

-Soda Water Swimming Pool

-Sto. Nino Cold Spring

-Tusasan Falls

-Hibok-Hibok Ardent Spring

-Katibwasan Falls

-Bintana sa Paraiso Binunsaran Pugad Photo Shoot (Dining) this is optional as it has an extra fee

For Php 2,000.00 for a maximum of four pax, the guests can already enjoy a hassle-free White Island tour inclusive of boat rides, hotel pick up, bottled water and entrance fee for two people. Additional pax will have to pay an amount of Php 50.00 per head. Pack lunch and Massage Therapists may also be made avaiable upon request but with necessary fees. These are not included in the package rate.

For Php 2,500.00 good for 4 persons, the marine sanctuary and laid back beach of Mantigue Island can be enjoyed. The rate is also inclusive of hotel pick up and drop off, boat transfers and bottled water. Entrance fee at Php 50.00 shall be shouldered by the guests.

For Php 3,000.00, two pax can already enjoy the package that includes an eight-hour service of a licensed Camiguin tour guide, lunch and water.

One of the best ways to enjoy the island of Camiguin is through diving around with a scooter. Rental is at Php 500.00 per day with gas not included. Driver’s license and wearing of helmet are a must.

Bintana sa Paraiso Binunsaran is some 8 kilometers away from the town proper. Thus, it is advisable that you rent a motorbike prior to coming to the resort. If you prefer to just stay and enjoy everything about it, you can just inform the front desk officer (usually stationed at Josh + Luke Restaurant) about getting a habal-habal who would drive for you down to the town when you are about to leave.

1. Take a van, jeep or tricycle to Mambajao Terminal. Fare ranges from Php 25 to Php 30.00.

2. From Mambajao Terminal, charter for a habal-habal or motorella. Tell the driver to drop you off Bintana sa Paraiso in Binunsaran. Fare is at Php 100.00 per head.

They also arrange pick up and drop off to and from Benoni Port or Camiguin Airport. The following are their rates:

1. Airport to Binunsaran – Php 800.00/ way ($16.00)

2. Seaport to Binunsaran – Php 1,000.00/way ($20.00)

We were also told that they also arrange transfers to and from Bintana sa Paraiso to Agora Terminal in Cagayan De Oro through a van. If you are exiting through Cagayan de Oro, you may ask them regarding this tranfer.

For more queries reservation or booking, you may reach them at:

Address: 1 Binunsaran, Mambajao, Camiguin, Philippines

Email: bintanasaparaiso@gmail.com

Website: www.bintanasaparaiso.com

Mobile: +63 997 068 3570

Bintana sa Paraiso is indeed among the hotel and resorts where one can best stay and enjoy the island born of fire. Do you consider staying in here, too? Let us know!