BATANGAS | Pico de Loro Hamilo Coast Weekend Getaway

Sunday, February 08, 2015

Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

Clouds flew fast against the cobalt blue sky, the day was turning out to be a scorcher. We were at the Sun Coral Cafe, one of the seven restaurants found at the Pico De Loro Hamilo Coast, a sprawling 5,900 hectare development located at the province of Batangas. We were practicing the art of doing nothing—sipping beer and trying mixed drinks, lazily lounging around and waiting for heat of the day to wear off.

Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

Surprisingly, it only took us ninety minutes by van from Manila to traverse the road en route to Pico de Loro Cove, a residential development inside Hamilo Coast. I reckon that was faster than it would take me to go home from Makati to Malabon via EDSA during rush hour.

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Lakad Pilipinas at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

I was personally looking forward to this trip, not only because of the resort, but I was also rarin’ to test out a new camera I bought to complement my old Nikon. Plus, I wanted to finally put into practice that old travel mantra, travel light, and try out a Hawk backpack given to me for shorter travel periods.

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Pico Restaurant at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, BatangasBut I digress.

Anyways, we arrived at the resort past noontime and after a quick check in at the Pico Sands Hotel, our group immediately headed to the Pico Restaurant, the hotel’s 24-hour food place offering Mediterranean cuisine.
To say that we were starving was an understatement.

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Pico Restaurant at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas Pico Restaurant at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

From their extensive menu, my friends requested for plates of carbonara, fat cheese sticks, meatball spaghetti, and a tray of pizza. For myself, I ordered their Pico Burger with Cheese and paired it with a glass of their quirkily named power juice, Relax.

Pico Restaurant at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

I liked the burger, but I love the all meat pizza even more. It was filled with bacon strips, beef chunks, pepperoni, and cheese. It’s almost like Pizza Hut’s All Meat Pizza, but less oily and on a thin crust. Everyone agreed it was the best of the bunch.

The Chapel at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

It took us awhile to finish everything off and by the time we hopped on the free shuttle that scurries around the resort, it was almost sundown. Coasting silently along the concrete mini-roads of Hamilo Coast, we stopped at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel, the best location to view the sunset at Pico de Loro Cove.

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The Chapel at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

The structure is an actual chapel and is usually the venue for grand weddings at Pico de Loro. The sleek, steel and glass structure is perched over a cliff overlooking the beach cove, giving a perfect panoramic view of the setting sun. The view is not less dramatic even inside the chapel.

Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

The afterglow of the waning sun was still illuminating the horizon as we headed to the beach. It was too late for a swim, but, really, not too early for a barbecue party. Some meters from the shoreline, one of Pico de Loro Cove’s bars was waiting for us.

Reef Bar at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

Reef Bar is an open restaurant right beside the beach that specializes in grilled fares. Well, it wasn’t exactly a barbecue party but close enough. Our belts still tight from our afternoon snack, we went ahead and ordered an early dinner; all so that we can experience a romantic twilight dinner right beside the sea.

Reef Bar at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas Reef Bar at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

For starters, some fries and onion rings paired with a basket of nachos. For drinks, I ordered their Milo Dinosaur—a Singaporean-inspired drink, which looked and tasted as awesome as its name. And for the main course, uhmmm…

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Reef Bar at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas Reef Bar at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

Grilled pork liempo, fish, shrimp, chicken and pork barbecue. For desserts, pan choco gateau. They all looked simple on print, but just wait until they’re plunked down your tables.

To our defense, we were eight in the group. But still, gluttons!

Daycare at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

To make up for pigging out, we decided to walk a bit. Exercise time!

We checked the indoor facilities being offered by Pico de Loro Cove. Leisurely, we strolled through their ballroom, videoke and game rooms, their daycare playground for kids, gym, and dance studio and finally their massive sports hall which has basketball, tennis, squash, and badminton courts.

Bowling Alley at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

It was grand and all, but what really struck me was the bowling alley inside the billiards hall. What the!? I can’t think of anything else that they don’t have! When they said they have complete facilities, I didn’t realize it was this complete.

Pico Bar at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

Confident that we have already burned enough calories, our next stop was Pico Bar. It was conveniently located at the ground level of the Pico Sands Hotel where we were bedding in for the night.

Like most high-end resorts, we kind of expected them not to have our drink of choice, Red Horse beer, but we still asked anyways. The answer, Pale Pilsens and SanMig Lights only. We settled for the latter and seated ourselves at the well-lit al fresco area near the restaurant.

They said they’re open 24 hours, and we almost got to test that that evening.

Pico Sands Hotel at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

It was only the next morning that I got to really appreciate our room. We stayed at Pico Sands Hotel’s Lagoon View Premier Room. Man is it huge! It has two really comfy queen-sized beds which can easily bed four individuals. It has an HD cable television, a DVD player, a work desk, and coffee-making amenities. Best of all, there’s free and fast Wi-Fi Internet. A must for us blogger peeps.

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Pico Sands Hotel at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

The toilet and bath is equally nice, it has the usual hot water and modern fittings befit for a hotel of this caliber. Towels and toiletries are also provided for. The only thing missing, really, was a bidet, but I’m nitpicking here.

Pico Sands Hotel at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

The best part of our room for me was the veranda. It overlooks the resort’s man-made lake, surrounded by verdant mountains. There are a couple of comfy chairs and a table available, which makes it the perfect spot for morning coffee and tea.

Lagoa Restaurant at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

After a quick hot shower, we trooped to the nearby Lagoa Restaurant for breakfast; a stay at Pico Sands entitles guests to a complimentary breakfast buffet.
Breakfast at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas Breakfast at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

The restaurant has all the usual breakfast fares Filipinos dig; longanisa, corned beef, breads, fruits, veggies, tinapa, and yes, crispy bacons! They have scrambled eggs, but they also have an omelet station if you want your eggs fancy.

One of the surprises Lagoa has is its roaming pastry girl who offers different baked goodies from her basket.

Pool Area at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

The restaurant sits right across one of the resort’s three swimming pools, so after filling ourselves fat, we stripped off and immediately jumped into the water! The infinity pool overlooks the lake which is towered over by the cool architectural beauties of the residential buildings. It was a pool with a view.

Pool Beach Area at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

After some hours of splashing around, we transferred to the beach area. The shore stretches for a kilometer and a half and has fine, light-colored sand. It isn’t white, but it’s good enough. Across the blue-green water of the cove, we can see people jet-skiing and riding banana boats, it was quite inviting if not for the jellyfish warning signs scattered along the shore—it was just too bad we visited during jellyfish season.

Sun Coral Cafe at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

For lunch, we headed to the Sun Coral Café which serves mostly traditional Filipino cuisine. The restaurant sits right beside the beach, so it was quite convenient for us. We wanted to dine al fresco, since the view was really nice, but the sun was out and it was just too hot outdoors, so inside it was.

Sun Coral Cafe at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas Sun Coral Cafe at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

Burning through the menu, we ordered a plethora of home-cooked delights; pinakbet, seafood sinigang, chicken-pork adobo, crispy pork binagoongan, kare-kare, and to top everything off, a massive plate of crispy pata. Serving size was huge and each dish is good for two to three persons. Yum!

Lakad Pilipinas at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas

We stayed at Pico de Loro Cove for the weekend, but two days was definitely not enough. We had such a blast that we wanted to extend our getaway even if for just a day. But alas, most of us have office jobs and taking a day off isn’t really an option. Oh well, the resort is just ninety minutes away from Manila anyways, let’s book again the following weekend!


Pico Sands Hotel ►ROOM RATES
Address: Hamilo Coast, Pico de Loro Cove, Barangay Papaya, Nasugbu, Batangas
Contact Number: (0917) 845-5874, (02) 464-7888 | Facebook
Email: reservations@picosandshotel.com
GPS Coordinates: 14.192139, 120.602222

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32 comments

  1. ganda! nkapunta na dyan ung Mom ko to attend a wedding...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greg, ang ganda ganda talaga dyan sa Pico de Loro! You should also visit someday :)

      Delete
  2. FULLY FURNISHED CONDO UNITS FOR RENT
    @ pico de loro beach & country club-HAMILO COAST

    Overnight Stay starts P4,500/night

    COOKING is allowed
    peak season rates:
    STUDIO UNIT Php 4,500- 5,500k/night (maximum 6 persons)
    1 BEDROOM UNIT with balcony P5,500-6,500/night ( maximum 6 persons)
    2 BEDROOM UNIT LOFT TYPE 104 sqms. P9,000 P10,500/night ( maximum 9 persons)
    2 BEDROOM UNIT - FLAT TYPE 92 sqms. P9,500- P10,5000/night (maximum 9 persons)
    Total of 10 UNITS available FOR RENT

    for booking inquiries,
    09357979636

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi do we need to pay for entrance fee if we rent a unit? Thanks

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  3. when is jellyfish season?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We went there February this year, so I guess that month? :)

      Delete
  4. How was the Bar rates there? Thanks! We're planning to get there by the end of this month

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A little bit on the expensive side, but that's to be expected with a high-end resort

      Delete
  5. pico de loro beach & country club
    CONDO RENTALS
    booking inquiries,
    0916-7782878

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow! Nice shots of pictures! Thanks for sharing your wonderful and awesome experienced at Batangas. I think you should also try to visit Playa Calatagan Residences that offer condos for sale in Calatagan Batangas and not just have a weekend getaway but wake up every morning with the breeze on the beach.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi, Im just wondering kung kasama na sa babayaran yung mga activities or separate? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. pico de loro beach & country club
    CONDO RENTALS
    overnight rate starts P4500/night
    COOKING IS ALLOWED

    100% secured booking
    Book directly with unit owner

    Thanks,
    MJNer
    09167782878/09357979636 (viber & sms)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi do we need to pay for entrance fee if we rent a unit? Thanks

      Delete
    2. As far as I know, you don't need to anymore :)

      Delete
  9. Hi sir. Do you still have available room for today. Mag pay p b Ng entrance fee sa facilities if we are staying sa condo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Vicoy, no entrance fees, although some parts are restricted. You may check availability on the link I posted at the end of the article.

      Delete
  10. can you recommend a good unit to stay in Pico de Loro beach resort? cause we are planning to stay there in August.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess I can only recommend the room we stayed in, the Lagoon View Premier Room (since we really didn't see the other rooms).

      Delete
  11. Great blog and nice shots. :) Are the restaurants, pools and beach can be accessed by non members? Just like guest from the hotel or do you have to be a member? Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Callum, the restaurants, pool and beach can be accessed by non-members as long as you are booked on their hotel. :)

      Delete
  12. re: pico de loro beach & country club
    Please note that room rates do not include the entrance fee for the beach and swimming pool. Guests are required to pay these one-time fees upon arrival at the resort.

    One-time entrance fees for the swimming pool ( for the whole duration of stay)

    Lean Season - Mondays to Fridays in January, February, June and November
    Adults – PHP 800 per person
    Children (age 4 to 12 years old) – PHP 400 per child
    Children (age 3 years old and below) – Free of charge

    Peak Season - Weekends in January, February, June and November, Weekdays in March, April, May, December and all public holidays
    Adults – PHP 1200 per person
    Children (age 4 to 12 years old) – PHP 400 per child
    Children (age 3 years old and below) – Free of charge

    High Season - Weekends in March, April, May and December
    Adults – PHP 1300 per person
    Children (age 4 to 12 years old) – PHP 500 per child
    Children (age 3 years old and below) – Free of charge
    Payment upon arrival.

    for booking inquiries,
    mj ner
    0916-7782878
    0935-7979636
    studio unit
    1bedroom unit
    2bedroom unit
    33bedroom unit
    COOKING is allowed.

    thank you. : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi
      we are 30pax and would love to visit pico de loro for our summer outing this april 29. some would stay overnight for sure .do you have suggestion? can we have quotations on hotels, condo rent, beach fee, pool fee, other amenities...thank you

      Delete
  13. nice blog. my family is looking for a nice place to stay this coming december. my friend told me that i cannot stay in pico de loro beach and country club since that's for a member only or by invitation. she also mentioned that my family can stay in pico sand hotel and only access the side of their beach and country club but cannot access the beach side and sun coral resto of the pico de loro beach and country club. what is the difference on the side of pico de loro beach and country club vs pico sand hotel side? what are the area that we can and cannot access for not being a member? does this mean that the pico sand hotel beach area is not good as the side of pico beach and country club? thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, as far as I know, there is only one beach area in Pico de Loro and guests can access it.

      Delete
  14. Hi Christian, did you pay for everything? Beach entrance,swimming pool? How much is your lagoon premier room that you stayed at and good for how many persons? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi H2, sorry for the delayed response. We stayed at Pico Sands Hotel’s Lagoon View Premier Room and the rate is at about PHP6,000++ for two persons. The beach entrance and the use of Pico de Loro's swimming pool already comes with the room rate. :)

      Delete
  15. Hi sir christian, what are the particular facilities, pools, that can be access by the guest if they booked in pico sands hotel? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A stay at Pico Sands Hotel includes access to games room, fitness center, private beach, spa, squash court, steamroom, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, coffee shop, restaurants, poolside bar, and shops :)

      Delete