Kalubungan Farm View in San Juan, Ilocos Sur

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the urban Ilocos Sur life is the scenic Kalubungan Farm View in San Juan, Ilocos Sur. Literally hidden from the crowds and noise of the towns and cities, this gem is an excellent place to unwind and relax.

Kalubungan Farm View: An Overview

Located in San Juan, Ilocos Sur, Kalubungan Farm View is a unique site for those who want to have a retreat from their busy and stressful lives. According to them, Kalubungan is a small community that is secluded and isolated. It is known for its serene environment and distinct experiences you can’t find anywhere else.

Since opening in 2019, Kalubungan has gained traction from locals due to its unique points of interest, including the Kubo houses and the kawa hot bath. And to top it all off, being surrounded by greeneries harmonized by the chirping birds is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Points of Interest

Kubos

What makes the stay at Kalubungan distinct are the kubos where you will spend the night.

There are four two-storey kubos at the place. Each of these kubos is equipped with its own comfort rooms, fridge, furnishings, and beddings. There is also a videoke in each kubo. The fridges are complete with all softdrinks and alcoholic beverages, so you can drink anytime as you please.

The lower storey is where the comfort room and the “sala” are found. The second floor is designated as the sleeping quarters.

Ikko

Arguably the biggest kubo at Kalubungan, the Ikko kubo can house the most guests. This is why the management recommended us to stay at this kubo.

As of June 2022, overnight stay at Ikko coasts Php 1,200.

Burcio

The Burcio kubo is the lowermost kubo, which can accommodate up to two guests.

As of June 2022, overnight stay at Burcio costs Php 1,000.

Dolor

Found at the middle portion of Kalubungan, the Dolor kubo can accommodate around two guests.

As of June 2022, overnight stay at Dolor costs Php 1,000.

Elay

The Elay kubo is the topmost kubo which also accommodates two guests.

You have to climb a few more stairs before reaching this station, but the view from the top is breathtaking. You can see the expanse of the place and the adjacent farms from here.

As of early June 2022, the rate at Elay costs Php 1,100.

Inside the Kubos

The “rooms” or sleeping quarters is quite a stunner. To wake up against a picturesque farm view is an experience.

Beddings have been provided for you. There is a mosquito net installed, so you don’t need to worry about getting bit by these insects late at night.

Swimming Pools

The place has two swimming pools that guests can enjoy. There is a small fee of Php 70 for you to use the pool.

If you’re staying overnight as we did, then you can maximize the fee because there is no curfew on pool use. You can swim all you want whenever you like.

Kawa Bath

Probably one of the highlights of Kalubungan Farm View, enjoying a hot Kawa Bath is something you shouldn’t miss.

If you are not familiar with Kawa hot bath, it involves using a large cauldron as a hot bathtub. The staff at Kalubungan would prepare the hot bath by lighting up pieces of wood under the cauldron.

When the water gets hot, they will place soothing leaves and flowers. Then you are good to go. Immerse yourself into the water and let the warmth relieve you.

Trying the Kawa hot bath for the first time feels like being cooked alive, but it’s really relaxing once the water goes warm. It was a unique experience, I think Kalubungan is the only place in Ilocos Sur that has such.

The Kawa bath is not free, although I think the fee of Php 200 for one hour is worth it. If you’re staying overnight and would want to enjoy the bath for unlimited hours, you can pay Php 300.

If you are planning to maximize your Kawa bath use, we recommend messaging the management to prepare the bath even before you arrive.

Gardens

Surrounding the kubos are lots and lots of plants and trees. Take photos around the place and wonder at these flower plants that surround you.

Reminders To Consider

Here are some things you need to remember when going to Kalubungan.

• Smoking is prohibited inside the rooms and the bathroom.
• They serve meals and snacks upon request, just inform them ahead of time.
• For overnight guests, standard check in time is 2:00 PM while check out time 12:00 PM the following day.
• Since the kubos are elevated, water source is quite difficult. Hence, guests should conserve water.
• Guests are discouraged to go out once checked in to fully enjoy the experience.
• Kitchen and cooking utensils are available, but guests should take proper care of them and return them upon checkout.
• Bring your own towels and toiletries.
• Day rentals are available upon request. Fees apply.
• You can further rent to whole place exclusively for 16 pax. Fees apply.
• Reservations are recommended to ensure a spot.

My Experience at Kalubungan Farm View

To say I enjoyed my stay at Kalubungan Farm View is an understatement. Yes, there were some inconveniences that my friends and I experienced that were way beyond the control of Kalubungan (e.g. the rain and us being late, etc.), but these did not hinder us from having a wonderful retreat from our usual jobs.

The experience of having to wake up in such an ambient room against the picturesque view of the farm is great. To have such an experience with friends is something worth remembering.

The staff and the owners were very attentive, considerate, and accomodating of our needs and requests. When we requested to have extra beddings, they immediately provided us.

In terms of things to improve, I guess they should do something with their CRs. For me, the comfort room is always what makes or breaks a hospitality space. I won’t go into the specifics, but they need to improve certain aspects of their CRs to make it more comfortable for their guests to use it.

In terms of their food, we thought that their dishes were delicious. You just have to order in advance since they will not arrive immediately. We also brought our own food, and we had a samgyupsal night at the “sala” area of the kubo.

WiFi is not that fast, but it is understandable since we’re technically in the middle of the woods where reception is poor. But if you’re seeking for a retreat where the noise of social media is absent, then this would be a convenience on your end.

Overall, we enjoyed our overnight stay at Kalubungan, and we hope to return again soon.

How to Get to Kalubungan Farm View

The site is located at Brgy. Guimod Norte, San Juan, Ilocos Sur. If you are coming from Vigan City, turn to your left at the Bacsil Crossing going to Brgy. San Isidro, San Juan, Ilocos Sur. This is just after the boundary of the towns of San Juan and Magsingal. After entry to Bacsil crossing, turn right on the bridge that you will see.

For a better sense of direction, check out this map that the management sent to us.

If you still find it hard to locate it, you could always opt for Waze or Google Maps. We used both of them to finally locate Kalubungan.

Check Them Out!