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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Traversing Mt Batulao of Nasugbu, Batangas

My first climb on this mountain was back then in college and that experience was fun and a hell of a climb. So when my girlfriend asked me if we can climb it again along with her officemates, I definitely said yes.

Mt Batulao is located in Nasugbu, Batangas and one of the most popular mountain to Manilanian hikers because aside from its appealing landscape, going here is very accessible. There are 2 trails that you can choose from to reach its peak - the "New trail" and the "Old trail". There is only one peak so both of the trail will lead you to the same point. It is just you have the will to choose how would you like to reach its top and explore the mountain. By the way, the photos in this entry were taken during our hike at the New trail of Mt Batulao.

How to get there?
Take a bus at Edsa - Taft terminal going to Nasugbu, Batangas. This bus terminal is located behind Mcdo, Chowking and Sogo Hotel in Edsa - Pasay Rotonda. Tell the bus conductor to drop you at Evercrest Golf Course which will cost you 114.00 pesos. As you reach Evercrest Golf Course, you can either ride a tricycle (P100, 4-5 pax) or go on foot going to the jump off of Mt Batulao.

Beginning of our trek

Having a guide is optional. If you're brave enough and will just rely the directions based on the people you encounter during the trek then it is fine. Else, you can get a child/children to lead you to the peak. These children knew the mountain very well [its their playground] so you don't need to worry on their sense of directions. Aside from that, getting them as your guide will help them earn money that they can save for their educational purposes. 300 pesos is the minumum fare for having a guide and it will take 3-4 hours for you to reach the summit of Mt Batulao.

Trail is getting harder as it turns into mud

Hot and humid is the best way to describe the weather in Batulao and because of that, trail is prone to muddiness during the wet season of the year (May - October). I suggest to climb Mt Batulao during summer because trails are solid and it will be much easier rather than a muddy trail during rainy season. Trust me because we had our climb during the wet season and it was really tough dodging the mud part trail. It was also slippery so extra caution was needed. However, hot or humid you will still feel some cool breeze during your trek here because it is situated near Tagaytay.

Camaraderie shows in every hiking adventure

Huts with purpose are scattered along the trail. These huts sell halo-halo (P25), mountain dew and fresh buko juice (P20). Have these while resting and charging your energy.

Time to charge up

For registration, it is located at camp 1 for the Old trail and camp 7 or 8 for the New trail. Ready your 25 pesos per head as registration fee.

Sample marker that you will find along the trail

There are signs all over Mt Batulao that help you locate where you at and how far or close you are on the peak. Sign boards with writings "Peak 1-10" are your guidelines. Peak 1 denotes the beginning of your trek and Peak 10 denotes that you already reach the summit. Peak 7 and 8 are ideal campsite if you're planning to stay overnight. You can do socials/games during the night there because the platform on that area is wide.

The Feleo brothers. If only I have one...

Wearing sleeves will prevent your arms from itching due to these tall grasses

Campsite at Peak 8

The view in the morning at Mt Batulao is undeniably stunning. You'll go crazy clicking your camera and composing your shot. So, wake up early for you not to miss this moment.

View from our campsite

I find this shot interesting. I don't know why

Need some hug Baby? :]

Pointing at??? hmmmm

Playing around at the summit of Mt Batulao

I'm just a proud boyfriend. Good job Baby ko

2 hours of trek is enough for you to reach again the jump off.  In front of Evercrest Golf Course there are karinderias that you can choose from to have your lunch. Ask them also where can you take a bath. Many houses there offers shower which costs 20 pesos per head - soap and shampoo not included of course. You can wait buses going to Manila in front of the Evercrest Golf Course.

My favorite shot of this adventure

Breakdown of Budget:
Bus (Manila - Batangas, roundtrip) - 228.00
Tricycle (Evercrest Golf Course - Jump off, roundtrip; Optional) - 200.00 (4-5 pax)
Guide - 300.00
Buko juice - 20.00
Halo Halo - 25.00
Registration Fee - 25.00
Food: ***

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