Some weekends just call for getting out of the city. My husband and I had been wanting a break that’s somewhere near the beach, but close enough that the travel wouldn’t eat up our time. We just want a two days of rest that’s outside Cagayan de Oro City

The west side of Misamis Oriental has its share of good beaches, but most of the ones we knew were either too crowded or had limestone shores. This time, we wanted a fine sand to walk on, fewer people, and a more quiet stretch of coast.

So, I turned to the east side. Talisayan kept turning up in our searches on Facebook and Google Maps. The municipality known for its pristine beaches and a slower pace. That’s how Balay ni B found its way onto our weekend plans.

Rates and booking details

We stayed at Balay ni B back in March 2023 for 3 days and 2 nights. The first house, which we booked, is good for a maximum of three guests. The rate was Php 2,750 per night with free breakfast included, bringing our total to Php 5,500 for the entire stay.

Check-in is at 2:00pm and check-out is at 12 noon, so it’s worth planning your arrival and departure around that window. Take note that Balay ni B is by reservation only and strictly does not accept walk-ins, so make sure to book ahead of your trip.

Balay ni B is located in Purok 3, Calamcam, Talisayan, Misamis Oriental. For inquiries, current rates, and reservations, you can reach out through their official Facebook page.

Getting there

The travel time from Cagayan de Oro to Talisayan, Misamis Oriental, is about two hours. We rode a non-stop bus at Agora Terminal around 7pm and told the conductor we were headed to Calamcam, Talisayan, where the resort is located.

Funny enough, we still got lost. The bus dropped us off at Villa Arcadia Beach Resort instead, a place we’d actually end up staying at later this year (A review for another post).

We were lucky that some locals were nearby when we got off. They had a tricab and offered to drop us off at Balay ni B. We were grateful for their willingness to help us.

By the time we got to Balay ni B, it was around 9pm and the road was dark. Just outside the property, barangay tanods were stationed at their post, which made us feel safe right away. We approached the caretaker and were led to our cabin, the third and last one.

Balay ni B sits near the highway but stays tucked away, with its road also serving as a shared passage for guests heading to Kinabuhing Dagat, a walking distance privat resort. With most of the property hidden in the dark, we decided to settle in for the night and save the exploring for the next morning.

The Property

The next morning, we finally got to see Balay ni B in daylight. The cabins are designed with a Siargao-like vibe and leaning into a wooden and rustic aesthetic. It’ like a mini house, with almost everything we needed for the weekend. The cabin doesn’t have a fridge and a cooking area.

Inside, the ground floor had a combined bathroom and comfort room with a sink. There’s also a lavatory and sink just outside it. There was a small dining table, cabled TV, WiFI, plus the basics already in place: a kettle, plates, mugs, and towels. In the mini living room is a folding couch that doubled as an extra bed. A few built-in compartments made it easy to keep our things in order. The cabin also had both an air conditioner and an electric fan, which is necessary given the humidity in Talisayan.

A short stairway led to the bed area on top which is set up in a cozy and cabin-style loft.

Outside, the cabin opened up to a small balcony with a table and two chairs. The view took in the green trees surrounding the property, mostly coconuts, with private houses in front. Each cabin also has its own small parking space, which is useful if you have a car.

While the cabins don’t have their own kitchens, Balay ni B does have a shared griller at the tiki bar for guests who want to cook on site. They also offer a rice cooker rental at P150 per overnight, which is optional. We didn’t end up using it since we ate out at Nita’s Place nearby.

The beach is about a 5-minute walk going down from the cabin. From there you actually have two options: a public beach that’s free to access, and Kinabuhing Dagat, a private resort that requires a reservation.

One thing worth flagging is the security. Balay ni B has an open and ungated layout. Even with barangay tanods stationed near the road, our main concern throughout the stay was that the cabin door is really the only barrier. The windows aren’t grilled either, so locking everything before sleeping or stepping out is a must.

How the weekend unfolded

Our days at Balay ni B were as slow and peaceful as we’d hoped. Both mornings, we ate breakfast out on the front patio, with the trees and fresh air.

For lunch and dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday, we headed to Nita’s Place, now known as Sipaka View Restaurant. We highly recommend it. You get to choose your fresh seafood, wait while they cook it, and the food is worth the wait. The restaurant itself is a floating one with a mini viewing area outside, where you can take in the sea and the view of Sipaka Heights mountain.

Sunday morning, though, came with an unexpected one. We woke up to the loud noise of a chainsaw as some individuals were chopping coconut trees nearby. We’re not sure if this is a regular weekend occurrence, but it caught us off guard given how quiet the property had been the rest of the time.

Honest review and feedback

Balay ni B does a lot of things right. The Siargao-inspired cabins feel like an actual escape from the city, and the slow, quiet atmosphere matches what you’d hope for in a weekend getaway. Being just two hours from Cagayan de Oro makes it accessible. The free breakfast is also a good add-on with the accomodation.

That said, there are a few things worth knowing before you book. The most notable one for us was the security setup. As I mentioned earlier, the property is open and ungated, with the cabin door being the only real barrier between you and the outside. The windows aren’t grilled, so locking up is a habit you’ll need to build into your stay.

There’s no kitchen inside the cabins either, which is fine for short trips but worth noting if you usually cook on getaways. You can use their shared griller at the tiki bar or rent a rice cooker for an additional fee.

Another thing is the WiFi connection, which isn’t very strong. If you need a reliable internet connection for work or personal use, factor that in before booking. For us, it didn’t matter since we were there to unplug.

Practical notes

Some things that helped make our weekend smoother and that might help yours too:

1. Bring cash.

Talisayan is a small municipality, so don’t count on cards or e-wallets being accepted everywhere. Bring enough for the bus, tricab rides, food, and small extras.

2. Pack light but smart

Towels are already provided in the cabin, so you can skip those. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and slippers for the beach walk will come in handy.

3. Bring snacks and drinks

Since the cabin doesn’t have a fridge or full kitchen, having easy-to-store snacks and water is helpful, especially if you arrive late or just want something quick to enjoy on the patio.

4. Lock up before stepping out

Given the open and ungated layout, this small habit goes a long way for peace of mind.

Lastly, do plan ahead since they only accept reservations and don’t allow walk-ins.

Balay ni B is best suited for couples, small groups of friends up to three, and anyone looking to unwind just outside Cagayan de Oro without committing to a long trip. If you want a slow weekend, fresh air, and a beach within walking distance, this place delivers.

I hope this helps make your stay at Balay ni B a smooth and restful one!