Related links:
The rolling landscape of Bicol
Mt Mayon, Philippines
View from Paguriran Island (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Una Pizzeria Restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Jollibee restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Casa Dominga restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Santa Clara Park Hotel (Sorsogon, Philippines)

The rolling landscape of the Bicol region, just near Legazpi city in the Philippines. Typical for Bicol, is its delicious pili nuts and the spicy food with ingredients like coconut milk and chili. The easiest and fastest way to come here is by air from Manila. If you are on a tight budget you can take the bus instead but whatever transportation you choose it's well worth it. ​There are much to see and do here.

Related links:
Ligñon Hill in Legazpi
Mt Mayon, Philippines
View from Paguriran Island (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Una Pizzeria Restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Jollibee restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Casa Dominga restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Santa Clara Park Hotel (Sorsogon, Philippines)

This is Mt Mayon. It's the most active volcano in the Philippines, erupting over 49 times in the past 400 years. Last time was 2014. But for the time being it's just a sleeping beauty. To see this beauty you must come to Legazpi City in south of Luzon. If you are lucky you might be able to hike the summit depending on the volcanic activity. I tried twice but due to the volcanic activity it was not possible to hike the mountain.

Related links:
Ligñon Hill in Legazpi
The rolling landscape of Bicol
View from Paguriran Island (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Una Pizzeria Restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Jollibee restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Casa Dominga restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines)
Review of Santa Clara Park Hotel (Sorsogon, Philippines)

Isabelle Royale is located near Makati Avenue and just a couple of minutes walking distance from A. Venue Mall where you have shops, a supermarket and restaurants. Just near A. Venue Mall they also have a small night market with local food and live performances, nice and perfect for a tight budget! If you prefer a more upscale area like the Ayala Triangle or Greenbelt, you can get there with a taxi within minutes, depending on the traffic of course. As an alternative to taxi and heavy traffic, it felt safe to walk down the Makati Avenue to get there, even in the evenings.

The room was clean and had a nice view over the Makati skyline at night. WiFi was working good even in the room. The room was equipped with a refrigerator and a water boiler. The AC was the old style but it went fairly good to adjust the temperature. A simple but ok breakfast was included and served at the top floor. The staff was friendly and helpful. I did find some cockroaches in the room and therefore I can only give a 3 for the Cleanliness.

​Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
4 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
4 Service
5 Value for the money
3 Cleanliness 
I stayed here in December 2015

Isabelle Royale Makati
4343 P. Valdez Street Brgy. Poblacion Makati City, Makati, 1213 Manila, Philippines
​Phone: +63 2 857 2600

Related links:
UCC Good Coffee Smile in Manila​
Where to eat the fiery style in Manila?
Visit Intramuros in Manila​
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial​
Visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery​
Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila
Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila
Review of Kyochon restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Arya Persian Restaurant in Pasay
Hiking trip to Mt Pinatubo
Review of Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Imus, Manila
Review of Chili's Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Burgoo, American Bar and Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay
Review of 88 Courtyard Hotel in Pasay
Video clips Manila Ocean Park​

At the airport when checking in:
Airport staff: Oh mr Lord, your hand luggage is too heavy... 11 kg. You are only allowed to have 7 kg.
Mr Lord thinking: Oh shit not again!
But Mr Lord replying: Ok give me a minute.
I remove a book, put it in the checked in luggage. I remove my giant camera and hang it over my shoulder. I take out my laptop and holding it in my hand. Give my hand luggage back to the airport staff. Once again she checks my hand luggage and now the weight is only 6 kg.
Airport staff: Thank you Mr Lord. You are now good for check in!
Mr Lord thinking: Thank you so much for this wonderful logic!