Living in a tropical country means there is no escaping the heat at summer time. The upside is summer means time to hit the beach. And that's what we did over the long weekend. So apt as coincidentally we went on a labor day weekend. Cheers to the working class!
Our destination is Hamilo Coast in Pico de Loro. It's a membership resort. But you have many options to stay there even if you're not a member -- one, book at the Hamilo Sands Hotel, two, rent a friend's condo unit for the duration of your stay, and three, stay in one of the condos through the property management office.
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| Photo Credit: Hamilo Coast website |
Traveling these days for me is no longer just thinking about my wardrobe and packing for one. Being a mother now means packing stuff for the baby. The upside? The absolute joy you feel when your planning for your baby's outfits, shoot pegs and yeah, not forgetting her milk bottles, milk and diapers. And sleepwear.
After the overpacking, we managed to leave the house by 8 o'clock in the morning. We took the CAVITEX road going there. I must say the scenic road going to Nasugbu where Hamilo Coast is located, is already a treat in itself. I didn't know such a picturesque place existed. It reminded me of the rock formations and seemingly enchanted highways of Samar. I was in awe and in total disbelief that such a place is just a few hours away from Manila.
The coastal view of the coves is unparalleled. Breathtaking even. And the Kaybiang Tunnel seemed like a picture carved out from those in foreign countries -- it's modern and awesome.
Getting There
Getting to Pico de Loro is very straightforward. By car, you drive to Nasugbu via Cavitex. You get there in two hours or less depending on traffic in Ternate, Cavite.
At the gate of Hamilo Coast, you will be asked for your documents. If hotel guest, your confirmed reservation. If guest of a member, your authorization letter. Note, print the two forms that will be given to you as it will be asked also at the condominium reception desk. After you are registered, the staff will give you a paper bracelet which you need to wear all throughout your stay in the resort to gain access to the facilities. Otherwise, you will be refused entry.
Cost
You have to pay PHP 1,450 per guest entrance fee plus P1000 Hamilo Coast Guest Card worth P1000, it's consumable and reloadable. You need it because cash is not accepted inside the resort.
Included in the guest fee is unlimited access to its electric jeep which will take you to any and all of the amenities of the resort.
Rent on a one-bedroom unit starts from PHP6000 upwards per night during the peak season. The hotel rate can be as high as PHP9000 a night.
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| Photo Credit: Hamilo Coast website |
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| Photo Credit: Hamilo Coast website |
Net net, it would be more practical to book in a hotel if there's just two adults in your group as the entrance fee is waived. The condo route is the best accommodation option if there are at least 6 in your party to maximize its cost.
Resort Amenities
There are several activities to enjoy -- kayaking, cove hopping, tennis, bowling and other indoor sports, biking, running and of course, swimming. There are restaurants and bars, too when you're famished.
Pico de Loro beach is just okay. The water is not at par with the ones in Palawan. It's not aquamarine but it's clean. The sand along the beach front is not powdery white but it's clean. The beach front is short but it's not dotted with shops and stalls.
What it lacks in feature, it makes up for exclusivity.
We arrived on a labor day weekend and two weddings. Naturally, the place was crowded. And I was disheartened. I was so looking forward to peace and quiet. And having my baby enjoy the sand. But by the second and last day of our stay, the beach is almost deserted. We had it to ourselves for long stretches of time before a family or group of friends will settle in one of the beach lounges.
Experience
The three days we spent there gave us a glimpse of what truly resort-living means. We were so impressed that we went crazy for a while inquiring about membership, buying a unit and all that. It fizzles once you realize the impracticality of it unless you have a whole lot of disposable cash.
So we did what we could. We enjoyed the place. We savored the time that we were able to get away from the city and have a pleasant time with family. I'm particularly thankful that Tyrone and I were able to bring my mom, my aunt and my daughter there to have a shared experience, to bond, to create a beautiful memory as a family.
Would I go back? Yes, in a heartbeat. It's the next best thing to escape the crowd that does not require air travel or very long drive. Although, I know that there are still other places worth exploring in the Nasugbu-Calatagan-Anilao areas.
So, go ahead book your next weekend getaway in Pico de Loro.
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| The intention is to lounge, read a good book and doze off. |
Here's the reality: watching over the sleepy babe. Or,
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| Feeding this always hungry baby. |
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| And playing our SuperKate game. |
Generally, I dipped in the water for a few minutes. And gawked at our little miss, most of the time.
When you're at Pico de Loro, do not forget to drop by the convenience store. It sells the tastiest pan de sal I've ever tasted. And we heard the banana loaf is a good one, too. It sells like hot cake.
Xx
Sheng
