Dream Wave Resort and Swimming Pool in Bulacan
Bulacan has always been known for its “resorts”, which makes it a top spot for office excursions or quick family fun, but just to set your expectations, Bulacan uses the term “resort” as a glamorized term for a place with swimming pool. I’m putting this upfront because normally when we hear the word resort, we immediately imagine a place of luxury and comfort with the sound of waves crashing. Bulacan’s definition is more down-to-earth and practical.
Anyway, just recently my family and a few relatives went to one of these resorts, particularly in Bocaue, Bulacan. The place is called Dream Wave Resort, and just what is hinted by its name, there’s a wave pool there. Let’s quickly run through the place.
Entrance is on a per head basis. Rates differ depending on the time of day. There’s morning rate which is at P200 per head (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and night rate at P250 (5:00 PM to 12:00MN)
Things you are not allowed to bring in
It’s important to note that you won’t be allowed to bring in any knife (or similar kitchenware) as well as any glass container (i.e. in a glass jar). I’m thinking that they want to take precaution, since it’s allowed to drink liquor inside.
Upon entering, you’ll come across some huts/cottages. Then you’ll find the kiddie pool, not too far from the entrance. Interestingly, there’s a slide for the kids. So that one can make the children enjoy the waters more.
I’m not sure how this started, but apparently, it’ a “thing” to have statues of famous comic/fictional characters standing around the resort. I’ve noticed the same thing when we visited Coolwaves Resort (read more). You’d see titos and titas having their selfies/photos taken with these statues, with the likes of Thor, Hulk, Spongebob and more!
Dream Wave's main attraction -- the wave pool
Walking further forward will lead you to Dream Wave’s main attraction, the wave pool which sits at the center of the entire resort. The actual waves are not available throughout the day. There are just fixed times wherein the wave-makers will be turned on. I have not confirmed this, but through my observation, I noticed that the wave happens in 3-hour intervals, probably beginning at 9:30 AM. Since we were able to experience the waves at 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM. The wave session takes about 15-20 minutes, so you really need to maximize it.
Tip: If you want to feel the wave, you need to be closer to either corners near the source of the waves. Although, relative to some of the wave pools I’ve been to, the waves here are just mild – enough to lift you off the ground but not strong enough to really have your adrenaline running. An alternative spot to feel the waves is to sit near the stairs at the right side of the pool. You’ll be swept by the crashing waves there. Come to think of it, I liked that spot better because I felt the waves more in there.
What about the cleanliness?
When it comes to cleanliness, the water seemed to be relatively clean, although you can expect it to be slightly murky since wearing t-shirts are allowed in the pool. There’s also some saltiness in the water which may sting the eyes. The toilets may get a little “muddy”, but comparing this with other resorts we’ve been to in Bulacan, it’s finer here.
As to facilities, there’s a grilling area where you can cook the barbecues, hotdogs and other grillables. However, you need to bring your own coal and other necessary equipment/tools.
You are permitted to bring your own mini gasul to cook/fry other dishes you deem enjoyable for your trip. There are generally no restrictions as to the dishes you can cook. For our case, we boiled some crabs and fried some street food (i.e. fish ball and hotdog).
Karaoke machines can also be rented here in the place, and they’ll put them close to the cottage/tables you rented. However, rental is at P1,000 (unlimited until 10:00 PM, due to city ordinance). It’s a bit pricey, but they justified this by saying that the songs are updated. Upon checking, it was true. They have the recent hits in the karaoke.
Dream Wave Quick Guide
Things to see/do: Enjoy the wave pool, have your photos taken with the cartoon statues and enjoy a fun day with your family/barkada.
Budget needed: Entrance fee is either P200 (for day swimming) or P250 (for night swimming) per head, which covers usage of the pools. Tables/cottages range from P200 to P600. If you will go for some karaoke, that's going to cost additional P1,000.
Is it wander-worthy? Not so much, but considering the "standards" of the province, Dream Wave is indeed one of the decent ones you can have day-trip in.
