A Day at Pico de Loro Cove - Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas

Batangas homed some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts in Luzon specially the Nasugbu part of it. Though it may not possess the whitest sand, the relaxation that visitors may experience due to nature that surrounds this place fairly makes it up. Therefore, it is not surprising that this place has always been on the list of Manilenos whenever they are, or should I say, whenever we are ask on where to go for an out of town trip. Having said that, we chose the town of Batangas to hold our team building/team outing!

It was pretty tough to decide where we should go. There are lots of potential resorts in Batangas and we have bosses coming from different sides of the world so we need to consider high class place but also not to risk our own pockets. Haha.

Then we came across Pico de Loro Cove of Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas. It is a private beach club owned by SM investment group. It is so private that the only way for an individual to access this place are 1) to own an apartment unit, 2) know someone that owns a unit and have an endorsement from them 3) or book a room at Pico Sands Hotel. Being tagged as private, staying at Pico de Loro is accompanied as a luxurious trip. Thank Goodness, we know someone who owns a unit and have us endorsed. That lessen our expense BIG TIME!

How to get there?

1. Take SLEX (Southbound) headed toward Laguna.
2. Take the STA. ROSA EXIT and turn right after the toll booth. Follow the road all the way to Tagaytay City. (Alternatively, you may choose to take the ETON EXIT (after STA. ROSA EXIT))
3. Once you're along Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City, you will pass: Josephine’s Restaurant, Taal Vista Hotel
4. When you reach the Junction of Balayan (Caltex Station at the Right), turn right again to go to Nasugbu (You will pass Central Azucarera de Don Pedro on your left side)
5. When you reach the Shell Gas Station (Left side), turn right to go to the Nasugbu Town Proper.
6. Go straight until you reach the road that will take you uphill. You will pass by the “Brgy Wawa” arch and the following developments: Canyon Cove, Kawayan Cove, Terazzas de Punta Fuego, Tali Beach Club, Peninsula de Punta Fuego
7. Go further uphill until you reach Pico de Loro by following the yellow signage of “Hamilo Coast”

Disclaimer: Please don't ask me or clarify anything about the given direction above. I just got it from their website. All I knew was during our trip, it was like a never-ending roadtrip. Haha. Well, kidding aside, it was 3-4 hours of long drive from Manila to Pico de Loro with the suggested direction.

Its Christmas at Pico de Loro lobby!

Pico de Loro Cove is a 37.5 hectare of coastal community with lots... i mean tons of activities/amenities to offer which includes both outdoor and indoor activities. They even have a tagline that says it will take 40 hours for an individual to experience all sports and recreational activities of Pico de Loro. And I strongly believe on that. However, he or she should also prepare his/her wallet to cover all the acts.

They also have an infinity pool here

The management cares for their visitors. External shuttles roams around the vicinity and take every visitors to their desired place. It is free of charge and there's a frequent rotations. This eliminates long wait to go from one place to another and also saves time.

Team CertPoint!!! Yeah!

I can say that this beach club is suitable for all types of vacationers. Why? Because the activities they offer here doesn't focus on a single type of customer.

Sports oriented type of guests may use/rent their badminton facilities, basketball court (indoor), beach volleyball and table tennis. For Family bonding, enjoy some bowling session and karaoke at their KTV hubs. Extreme seekers and adventurers will definitely enjoy banana boat, scuba diving, jet skiing and hiking. While nature trippers should avail the cove tour and water taxi. Also, health conscious can do biking and jogging around the vicinity.

Sun bathing. Anyone?

Perfect for brisk walking, jogging and even biking

Lastly, food enthusiasts. Bars, restaurants and cafes are available and offers wide varieties of food in terms of selection. One will definitely satisfy his or her taste buds.

Ate Mars enjoying the variety of food

Three fourths of our stay were spent at the beach part of the club. Summer season is still far to come so we really missed being on the beach. The shore is quite big. It has lots of umbrellas and beds which are perfect for sunbathing. Beach volleyball and soccer area are also located at the beach shore.

The girls are now ready for some water action

Team QAs and Developer :P

Sorry guys I will not lay on that one

We were only there for a day trip and it is definitely not enough to experience all of what Pico de Loro can offer. But it was definitely a great experience. Luxurious trip on its finest actually. I don't know if I could be here again yet I still hope someday.

Chill time!

Hamilo Coast, Pico de Loro - Nasugbu, Batangas
For reservation, contact Pico Sands Hotel at (02) 214-7888 or (0917) 809-1289
For membership inquiries, ontact Pico de Loro at +632.902.8053
For amenities ratings and other information, you may visit their official website. Click here.

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Experience Anawangin Cove of Zambales

Zambales has a lot of beautiful islands and coves... and Anawangin Cove is one of them. Despite of being turned as an almost commercialize site, Anawangin is still recommendable for those who wanted to go out of town and have an amazing nature trip.

Big waves were hitting our boat

How to get there?

Take the victory bus either in Cubao or Caloocan  and tell the bus conductor to drop you off at San Antonio. Travel time is 4-5 hours so don't forget to bring your music gears just in case you get bored during the travel. From there take a tricycle to Pundaquit and the jump off point going to Anawangin (15 pesos per head) and then look for boat that will bring to the cove. Be very picky in this part. Get a boatman that will cost you less. The standard rate for a boat that could ride 4-5 person is around 1,800 pesos (back and forth plus island hop on Capones island)

Enjoying the water

The boat ride trip to the island take 15-20 mins. You will be amazed by the view in this boat ride. You'll pass through  lots of rock formations and deserted islands which will make your shutter button crazy if you have camera with you.

As you hop in the island, you can breathe in the freshest air, experience a crystal clear water and see lots of pine trees in the area. Yes, there are pine trees which is a good niche to take pictures on aside from the beach side.

Anna, a friend of mine enjoying the sun (photo from Gladys Dizon)

Amenities
There is no hotel in the island. If you are planning to stay overnight you can bring your tent or just rent it from there. With regards to food, I suggest to bring your own. There is a market in San Antonio. Buy your food there instead in the island itself. Reason why is, the food in the island cost big time and stores there are unpredictable if they will be open or not on the day of your visit. Bathrooms/restrooms are available in the island. Just don't expect much but it is decent enough.

Souvenir shops and tent rentals are available in the island

My batchmates in Adamson University

Just plain happiness

There are bunch of beautiful spots in the island. So don't just sit while you are there. Move and explore the whole island. If you're not sure where to go. Talk to locals and ask for some tips and suggestions.

A small body of water behind the campsite

View in the other side of the cove

Trek uphill to see Anawangin Cove in Bird's eye view

Anawangin is a fascinating place so just relax and enjoy while you are there.

Breakdown of Budget:
Bus Fare (MNL - San Antonio, roundtrip) - 530 pesos
Tricycle (going to Pundaquit, roundtrip) - 60 pesos
Boat Rental (to Anawangin Cove, good for 5-8 pax) - 1,500 pesos (includes island hopping)
Overnight Fee - 100 pesos
Food - ***
Tent - ***

Me and Pepay back in 2010, still friends back then. I didn't know we had a photo like this. Good thing I browsed Gladys FB album of this Anawangin trip. Please don't be mad Baby ko 'coz I posted this (photo from Gladys Dizon).

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