Hamilo Coast: Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club

We are always on the hunt for affordable yet beautiful beaches near Manila so when my son’s graduation came up, I was very excited to have the “excuse” to try Pico de Loro. This resort is in Nasugbu, Batangas but bordering on Ternate, Cavite. For most Manila locations, going via Cavitex will be faster.

We were hesitant to go there before because of negative reviews from friends who felt discriminated and was not able to enjoy as much because they did not have members’ privileges, but this is what I can now say: as long as you know what to expect, and know ways around it, you’ll definitely have a blast in Pico de Loro! J

So, what is there to expect? 

Firstly, yes this is a Club Membership facility. Yes, non-members will not have the same benefits and will not enjoy the same amenities as members. 

What do you do?

AirBnB now abounds with condos for rent for Pico de Loro. My tip is that apart from looking at the price of the unit, look also for those that offer member-accompanied access. This means that the members will register with you, and with this, you will now be able to enjoy the members-only amenities – namely the Beach Club and the Member’s Only beach area. For our stay (we were 4), we were able to book a studio unit for 4K a night, with member’s access. There are some that are cheaper but does not have member’s access, so it’s your choice. Most of the smaller units can fit up to 6 guests while the bigger ones up to 10.

The Beach Club has restaurants and bars and of course a pool, by the beach. It is a really nice place to enjoy the pool and the beach at the same time, and of course, not be hungry while doing so.

Beach 

Beach Club Pool

Pancit 

Loved snacking on these nachos

Refreshments by the beach

If you do not have the access, you can still enjoy the beach, but there is a separate area on the side and you cannot order food from the restaurant. Also, you will still have access to the Country Club, which has a bigger pool overlooking the lake.

Second expectation: The units in AirBnb is for the room only, you have to pay for a separate Club Entrance fee. Club fees valid for 1 week stay are Php800-1300 depending on the season, with children aged between 4-12 half priced.

What to do: It will be more “sulit” if you stay for 2 nights or more, instead of just 1. Anyway, there are so many things to do in Pico that surely an overnight stay will be bitin.

Apart from swimming and relaxing by the beach, what can you do inside Pico de Loro? Here are some:

Bowling

Billiards

Badminton

Bond at your unit

Jogging - They have a jogging path around the lake

Just enjoy the scenery

Third Expectation: Pico De Loro restaurants are expensive. Well, resorts' restos usually are, but in this case, we have a workaround. :)

Our lunch, plus a slice of cake Php2000

What we did was to maximize the kitchen at our units. While we still allowed ourselves to eat at their restaurants and bars, for breakfast and dinners, we cooked at home. Most of the units have everything you need to cook, just make sure you do your grocery shopping first before going to Pico so you are fully stocked. :)

Steak Dinner. Yummy!

Breakfast before heading out

And we loaded on snaaaaaaaccckkks

Fourth and most important expectation: Know that you will enjoy. 
No workaround needed for this one, and is something that is key in making the most out of your stay. Have an appreciative mindset, no nega vibes welcomed during vacations. And don't forget to make lots of memories and takes lots of pictures!  Enjoy!