A Summer Weekend in Pico De Loro

happened on April 8-10, 2016

Pico de Loro is a beach resort developed by SMDC in Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas. 

The heat is on and it's year round here in our beloved country PH but it's undeniably very unpleasantly hotter during the summer.  You simply want to escape and be near the water.

the infinity pool with the residential units and the lake as backdrop

My eldest sister is home for summer and preparation for our family summer outing has been planned months before.  We have both decided to go to Pico de Loro by an invitation of our former boardmate who manages a residential unit there.  The unit's rental is P5,000/night for 6 persons.  It's with complete amenities - kitchen, hot and cold shower, dining area, beds for 6 persons, cable TV and Wi-Fi access.  We have rented 2 units since we are 9 in a group and for 2 nights to fully enjoy the place.  Too bad, my pictures of the unit were corrupted so I can only show the residential building (in Jacana B).

my dearest familia!

In addition to the rental fee, we have to pay an entrance fee of Php1,300.00 per person (weekend rate) and this is just for access to Pico Beach and swimming pool.

Travel from Manila (to this place) will take about 2-3 hours depending on the traffic flow in Tanza, Cavite.  You will pass by the Ternate-Batangas new route and the newly built Kaybiang Tunnel.

As for the amenities and facilites of Pico de Loro - it has a hotel, beach area, St. Therese Chapel,  garden, jogging area (around the lake), convenient store, badminton court, basketball court, gym and restaurants.  Hotel rate is around Php 7,500 - Php 9,000.00 for two persons, with breakfast, during peak season.  Yep, renting a unit is way economical since you can cook your own meal and rental cost is way cheaper.

the convenient store

The swimming pool and beach area are quite far from the condos and hotel.  But there is a shuttle service operating around the clock for transportation.  My kids enjoyed riding at the back of this shuttle. 

the electric shuttle service waiting for guests

The swimming pool is huge and with partitions.  There are provided towels for members and hotel guests but unfortunately for members' guests like us, we have to bring our own towels. It has a restaurant, bar and shower area. 

the outdoor shower

 

some coolers to beat the heat

the restaurant

The beach is divided into two areas - The Pico Beach and Pico Beach Club (exclusive for members only).  This area has a lobby, restaurant and a pool. This can also be enjoyed by guests as long as the member is with them during the visit.  Pico Beach on the other hand, has some shaded portion for non-member guests.  There are also some cabanas for rental.

Aside from swimming, there are also some water activities available - kayaking, banana boat, jets skiing, sailing and cove hopping.  We didn't try any of these because we found them to be a bit pricey.  We just enjoyed swimming and people watching.

Not fond of the water?  You can rent a bike or just walk around the vicinity of the lake and marvel at nature.  There is a bridge where you can watch the ducks and let the time pass by.

joggers' pathway

bikes for rent for P250/hour

However you want to spend your vacation here, you'll surely have a great one.  I love how secluded and well maintained the place is (with the hefty priced entrance fee, I think it should be).  I strongly recommend that you just rent a unit and stay for at least three nights to have a great vacation.  Also, make sure to leave Manila early to avoid heavy traffic along the way.

For more information, kindly visit http://hamilocoast.com/discover-hamilo/pico-de-loro-cove.