Best beaches are elsewhere but because of its accessibility, Batangas' popularity will unlikely decline.
For our 2.5 year old, it is already his 4th trip to Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club.
And for the purpose of this blog and the convenience of this lazy writer, I will shorten that every now and then to PDL.
Getting there
By car:
Use Google Maps. No really, there are so many roadworks in Cavite right now there's really no telling which way is best.
I thought we will be doing the Aguinaldo hwy-Nasugbu-Ternate Highway route, but Google Maps suggested the Tanza - Naic route.
By Commute:
Beats me. This isn't really an informative blog, but my best bet is getting on a bus at PITX, and from the bus stop in Nasugbu town proper (in front of the Catholic church and near McDo) hire a tricycle. At least that's what we did years and years ago when Nelle and I went to Canyon Cove, which is also in Nasugbu.
"Suki kayo sa Pico" - Jusyl
So why Hamilo Coast PDL again and again among all the resorts in Batangas?
-- it's the wide-range of activity available.
Just kidding; it's actually the illusion of being able to spend less because renting a condo unit means having access to a full kitchen. You can bring your own food and cook your usual home-cooked meals. Booking from another resort means only eating their restaurant food which could really be costly.
They also have better rates if you are booking for a group.
Okay fine, also the facilities and other beach activities:
Water actitivities such as Jetski and kayaking
Sports Recreational Area
Kids Play Area
Bowling
KTV
Although who really goes to beach resorts to do those other stuff?
Apparently a lot of people. It was rainy on our second day, glad we had the option to play indoors.
We booked a 1 bedroom condo unit via AirBnb. It was conveniently located at Miranda Building, 2nd closest to the beach. There are roaming free shuttle in the resort; though there may be a bit of wait time, it was still relatively easy to get around.
There is also an (ever increasing) guest fee that must be settled upon arrival at the Country Club.
June is still considered peak season, and current rates for Guest Fee is P1400 for adults, kids ages 4-12 is P600.
Even higher during "High Season" (all weekends of March to June) P1500 for adults, kids ages 4-12 is P700.
Restaurants at Pico de Loro
Lagoa - located at the Country Club
Sun Coral Café - Pico de Loro Beach Club
Arribada - Pico de Loro Beach Club
Pico Restaurant - Pico Sands Hotel
You can also get snacks and drinks at the Bowling Alley (B'N B) and the Beach Bar (Reef)
But we brought some groceries to cook:
Tanigue (my current fave fish)
Chicken quarters
Porkchops
chips, lots and lots of that
biscuits/cookies
bread
And even beer and pang pulutan!
You know what we forgot - everything else for cooking!
We didn't have salt, cooking oil, condiments!
PDL Hack:
And I'm not even sure if the developer actually authorized this, but there a mini grocery/Sari-sari store in one of the Myna units!
(leave your email address and I'll share the unit number if you need it lol)
Of course, the prices are ridiculously steep, but that's how it is when you plan poorly.
Photodump coming right up:
When was the last time you played in the rain?
For me, way too long ago.
So it was a pleasant surprise to feel the raindrops on my bare shoulders. Nklai enjoyed it too and didn't want to go back "home". I had to convince him soon enough to make sure he won't get cold.
I had a lot of fun on this trip. We played a lot - in the sand, in the outdoor and indoor playground, in the pool whether it was sunny or raining.
I enjoyed this trip even if it's a nearby destination that we've been to before.
All the fire trees along the way, the welcoming lushes greens of Mts Palay Palay, the curves and bumps and all the other imperfections of the road; and the songs that we listened and sang to, and the ones that we skipped; and the conversation topics we had - the interesting ones and the boring ones; I was with them and that's all that matters.
For me, way too long ago.
So it was a pleasant surprise to feel the raindrops on my bare shoulders. Nklai enjoyed it too and didn't want to go back "home". I had to convince him soon enough to make sure he won't get cold.
I had a lot of fun on this trip. We played a lot - in the sand, in the outdoor and indoor playground, in the pool whether it was sunny or raining.
I enjoyed this trip even if it's a nearby destination that we've been to before.
All the fire trees along the way, the welcoming lushes greens of Mts Palay Palay, the curves and bumps and all the other imperfections of the road; and the songs that we listened and sang to, and the ones that we skipped; and the conversation topics we had - the interesting ones and the boring ones; I was with them and that's all that matters.
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