Hello everyone!
Let me take a break from my Coron series. I'll continue posting those in the coming days. For now, I wanted to share this cafe in Catmon that has grown in popularity as more and more tourists take notice of the freediving gems in the north of Cebu. The town of Catmon has become the gateway and the forefront of these freediving spots as diving shops are steadily increasing in the area. As more tourists arrive, establishments that offer food and other goods and services will eventually pop up.
Before anything else about this cafe in feature, let me tell you the story of why we ended up here.
It was one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions last year. I invited my consistent freediving buddy, 
, for a freedive because I was really emotionally unstable at that time. I experienced a lot of triggers that I was not able to process so everything became very chaotic and I couldn't keep up with my thoughts. Freediving has been a great way for me to mute my noisy thoughts. Here's the post from last year:
, for a freedive because I was really emotionally unstable at that time. I experienced a lot of triggers that I was not able to process so everything became very chaotic and I couldn't keep up with my thoughts. Freediving has been a great way for me to mute my noisy thoughts. Here's the post from last year:
Because we went there on a Friday, Kuya Jom's Crib has no food available for lunch. Since we intended to just stay for the afternoon, we decided to find somewhere to eat, we'll just leave our things at the dive shop. A week prior, 
recommended SeaSalt Cafe. According to Google Maps, it's not too far from Kuya Jom's. We decided to just walk because there was no tricycle at that time.
recommended SeaSalt Cafe. According to Google Maps, it's not too far from Kuya Jom's. We decided to just walk because there was no tricycle at that time.
We were hungry and we were walking for about 15 minutes, but we felt we were nowhere near SeaSalt Cafe. We got tired that we decided to just take a ride if there was a jeep that would pass by. Walking for another 10 minutes and there was a jeep. We said SeaSalt Cafe and he said it's just very near. We didn't believe him because we have been walking for a while. He obliged and then a few moments after, he stopped because we were there! Like it was an epic fail. We were so hungry that we didn't mind.
Alright! Let's talk about SeaSalt Cafe, shall we?
SEASALT CAFE
Grotto at KM49 is a beach resort in Catmon that serves as a stopover for travellers. They have accommodations for longer stays, but their facilities are mostly for day use like those cottages in one of the photos above. Due to the direct access to the sea, expect a relaxing ambience. But the reason why Grotto at KM49 has been cemented to be a pit stop for tourists is the newest addition of its facilities: SeaSalt Cafe.
More photos of Grotto at KM49:
The Place
The place is so easy to spot because it's just along the national highway. From the entrance, you'll be ushered to an all-wood interior. Its designs are simple and probably locally sourced like those cogon grass roofing that matches those in the resort's cottages. While the interior is aesthetically pleasing, the main stealer is its open sea view.
We were there at probably 12:30 PM on a very hot and humid day (just like any day in the Philippines), but the moment we sat at the long table that was facing the sea, it was a perfect place to unwind. The gentle sea breeze was just so soothing after walking for 25 minutes under the hot sun. It's understandable why the cafe became a magnet for travellers.
More photos of the interior:
The Food
SeaSalt Cafe offers food that is complimentary to the seaside view experience. On a hot summer day (it's summer every single day in the Philippines), a glass of fresh mango shake is just heaven, at least for me. Other selections like coffee, all-day breakfast options, fresh fruit shakes, and other ice-cold drinks are tailored to make you appreciate the magnificent blue skies and the still and glistening sea.
I ordered beef tapa, french fries, and a fresh mango shake, while Claire ordered sisig, siomai, and also a fresh mango shake. Their food is great, but it's not that big for a serving at that price level. That's all I can say. The view is priceless though, so I am not complaining.
PROOF-OF-VISIT:
Final Verdict: Highly Recommended
I guess that's all for this post. I already ran out of words to say. I think you also get the gist. See you in my next post! I promise I will continue my Coron series. I'm still sorting through the photos.
Kim Ybañez
Welcome to Kim's small corner in Hive. He is a chemical engineer by profession, but a blogger by passion. He is a wanderlust and an adventure seeker. Join his quests as he visits secluded destinations, climbs mountains, tries new and exotic dishes, and explores his country (The Philippines). He's also a trying hard photographer so stay tuned as he shares his photos and his thought process while creating them.
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