Last Minute Summer Getaway @ Aquaria, Calatagan, Batangas

It was an early morning travel for our yearly company outing. Heading to Aquaria, Calatagan, Batangas, is a 3.5 hours land travel in our comfy bus. We left around 6.30 am and arrived before 10am just in time to get ourselves prepped for a whole day of rest and relaxation.

Summer day is not yet over!

Playa Calatagan Entrance. We're finally here!

The travel was smooth, though you might require one toilet stop. haha!

It was just a day tour and since I didn't fancy going tanned again, I just settled myself relaxing by the beach and enjoying the breeze and food (of course!). It would have been nice though if I brought something to read as it was a nice day to just sit around and rest.

Beach front lined with trees

Aquaria is fairly new by the looks of it. Our group was settled at the far end of the beach. Although the beach looks nice, there were some water lilies or plants, I'm not sure, along the side of the beach which could look unpleasant, at least for me.

All smiles while enjoying the nice summer breeze

Anyway, just thought I'd share for now what I think of the place.

The pools and slides look nice but there are so many people there as well. It could be too crowded too as there are other companies having their outing that day.

There's only a few shower room and toilets along the beach that is accessible to us. So I'm glad I didn't have to swim as it could be very inconvenient when changing up and getting shower as you need to line up. The shower rooms are too warm, and yes because it's summer and too crowded, it is hotter than expected.

Some of the cabanas along the beach are not available for us to use, only for the members. That's fine, but I hope there were other cabanas available for guests too or picnic tables. I'm glad we still got one picnic table available to be used, but I would assume that was for members use only.

On the good side, I enjoyed the lunch served - rice (of course!), beef caldereta, chicken fingers, steamed shrimps, sauteed baquio beans with bits of ham and fried tilapia. I was full and wish I could have more shrimps to eat haha!

But merienda wasn't that good. The pansit palabok tastes bland so I didn't finish it. I also had a ham sandwich.

Overall, I would have enjoyed it more if it wasn't too hot that day and we are settled in a nice cabana by the beach so to enjoy the fresh air. But that's me.

Too hot to stay at the picnic table!

Aquaria is found in Playa Calatagan. Passing through Sta.Rosa exit all the way through to Tagaytay.

Beach lined with some plants along the shoreline.

Weekend at Hamilo Coast, Pico de Loro

The plan to spend a weekend somewhere out of town was brewed around August or September. Me and my friends decided that we spend it in Tagaytay. We wanted to relax, get some fresh air and basically spend some time together since it has been a while when we all went for a trip.

The planning started and we had met once or twice to discuss the details. Until we made a new choice that is Pico de Loro. After all the talking and excitement, we all agreed to scratch Tagaytay and choose Pico de Loro. In fact, the photos and blogs we've read were very effective in attracting us to head out there and take the more than 3 hour drive to Nasugbu, Batangas.

From the blogs that we checked online, we were able to find the option to rent a condo unit in Pico. This fits our budget perfectly although there is also the option to stay at their hotel. The advantage of renting a condo unit is that you can bring food that can be cooked. The condo unit we stayed in has a fully furnished kitchen so it was very convenient for us.

It was very easy to arrange the accommodation. I only had to email Ms. Cresil (full details at the end of this post) about our intended dates, deposit to the bank and advise and email her the scanned copy of the deposit slip.

Yes, even though Pico is a private resort, non members can still get in if they know a member. Ms. Cresil provided the authorisation and needed docus so the check in was very easy and seamless when we arrived in Pico.

Our rented condo for 6 pax costs 4,950. The price depends on the season, peak or non-peak, long weekend or holidays. Better check with the contact person. Aside from the rent, you also need to pay an entrance fee in Pico which costs 500 per person (non-peak rate), 1000 for a peak rate. The entrance fee gives you access to the Pico beach and country club but not on the Beach club unless the member accompanies you.

Anyhow, too much of this talking here are some photos that will really get you to see the place with your own eyes!

Entrance to Hamilo Coast. It was drizzling on the way.

Lagoa Restaurant in Pico Country Club

Play room for kids also in Pico Country Club

That's me at the Pico Beach, next to the Beach Club

Other condo buildings opposite ours. We stayed at Myna B.

Seeing so much greenery is so relaxing. I just want to take all the fresh air in.

The country club on the far end opposite the Pico beach.

Pools! They are clean and well maintained. They have lovely colours at night too.

Pool side view. This is also in the country club.

Super fun weekend at the beach. Love it!

That's me. Lounging near the pool. What a weekend! 

Ahh! This is the well known Taal volcano viewed from Tagaytay. We made quick stop in Army Navy for some snacks.

Our contact for the Pico condo:

Cresil Tagle 

cres18@yahoo.co

Pico De Loro Condo Rental - Studio & 1 Bedroom

+6326229651

+639175242737

+639175028488 (viber only)

Website: http://hamilocoastcondoforrent.com/

How to go there:

1. Via Cavitex.1hr & 45mins drive only from Mall of Asia.

After Cavitex, you will pass by Naic, Ternate & Maragondon. Please look for the sign of Hamilo Coast along the way. Same route as going to Puerto Azul but you will pass by Puerto Azul. Look for the way to Kabiang Tunnel (Ternate-Nasugbu Tunnel)

After you pass by the tunnel it will take you around 20 mins to reach Hamilo Coast.

2. Via SLEX Sta. Rosa exit

• Make a right on Tagaytay National Road. You will pass by the Tagaytay Rotonda (Ninoy Aquino Monument).
• Go all the way.... On your Left side, you will pass:
• Taal Vista
• Splendido
• On your Right side, you will pass:
• Robinson's
• SM's Save More
• Bag of Beans
• When you reach the Junction of Lemery (Petron Station at the Left), bear right and take the road that will lead you to Batulao. Consequently you will
• pass the “Welcome to Nasugbu” arch. You will pass by Ever crest on your Left and Chateau Royale on your Right.
• When you reach the Junction of Balayan (Caltex Station at the Right), bear right again to go to Nasugbu. (You will pass Central Azucarera de Don Pedro on your left side)
• When you reach the Shell Gas Station (Left side), bear right to go to the Nasugbu Town Proper.
• Go straight until you reach the road that will take you uphill. You will pass by the “Brgy Wawa” arch:
• Canyon Cove
• Kawayan Cove
• Terrazas de Punta Fuego
• Maya-Maya
• Tali Beach
• Peninsula de Punta Fuego
• Pico de Loro/Hamilo Coast
• Go further uphill until you reach Pico de Loro. Follow the signage of “Hamilo Coast”

Approximate expenses