It was an unexpected travel, as we were assuming that we’d be able to book another weekend at the La Luz Beach Resort in Batangas, having another round of delicious buffet meals and snorkeling galore at their beachfront. But three weeks before we called but the hotel was already full. It was a good thing they were able to find another available resort only that it wasn’t in San Juan, but in Bauan. I was saddened a lil bit but I didn’t think that it will turn out a little better.
One reason we’d love to return to La Luz was because of the snorkeling activity. Yes, I fell in love with the beautiful marine life I found out about, and even longed for more, hoping I would see more of the fishies on that area, but Bauan was like the same planet with the same species, only more and wider coral garden.
Coco Hills Beach Resort
We stayed at Coco Hills Beach and Dive resort, Bauan, Batangas. At first we didn’t have any idea that they have a coral garden beachfront. We thought it was ok just as long as the guys have their team building. It was super hot when we arrived at around 2:00 in the afternoon, but it then drizzled at dawn.
The beach isn’t like the boracay beach or bohol or any white sand beach you’ve been to. Sand’s a little brownish, not fine, and distance from the beach to the resort’s just a few tumblings away haha. The water’s also clear you won’t believe it. Water height’s just my height. It doesn’t go deep unless you really wanna go far, but as long as there are corals you can step onto (which by the way DONT EVER STEP ON THEM, because it’s like the little fishes house and they really get mad if you do, plus have a conscience. LOL. Bring vests/floaties/half board or something), you’re fine, and if you know how to at least float or swim, you’re gonna be okay.
So because we didn’t want to disappoint ourselves of missing the snorkel activity we had in San Juan, although it was drizzling, we still dipped into the water and tried to enjoy the moment. I brought my kids and their nannies and they gladly tried to enjoy the water as well, especially my daughter who loves to play in the water, but not swim in it, hold her breathe for 2 seconds and submerge and then rise up as soon as her nose gets underwater. HAHA. My son loves swimming even more so I am hoping that he’d be a good swimmer someday.
Anyway, Coco Hills Beach and Dive resort is one of the simple beach resort we’ve ever gone to. It’s suitable for team building activities and for larger groups. Their coral beachfront explains the diving activity, but they also offer to bring you to diving spots nearby. During our visit, there’s a group of divers getting ready to go deep and I felt sudden jealousy that they get to have a close encounter with our fish friends and I cannot. But hell, I promised myself that I’d do that someday.
The resort also has a pool so if you don’t feel like swimming in the beach, you can soak in at their swimming pool. It isn’t that big, just kind of big enough for everyone. Everything is simple and so probinsya (province) =) With regards to food, they offer buffet arrangement for three (3) meals: Upon arrival for Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast the next morning. You have the option to take it with room accomodation (it was 1K per head when we visited), or just take a room and bring your own food.
The road on the way to the resort is rocky and on the side of the mountain, some tracks 45 degrees and sharp curves. When you get to the end of the road, you still need a 10 to 15 minute walk before you reach the resort. Finding peace and electronics-free, this is a good place. But Globe’s signal is very good so you can still posts photos via Instagram or Facebook. You would think that you’ve seen the road on a suspense or horror movie you have watched because of the trees and the big distance of small towns you’ll pass by.
Straight on to the snorkeling activity. The resort allows you to rent masks and goggles (like we did and I didn’t care whoever used it haha!) if you were not able to bring any. You can also rent vests if you think you’re not a good or strong swimmer. Surprisingly the water is very clear but the fishes are a bit aloof. There are not much unlike in La luz. If you plan going here you should bring some crackers for them to appear and you can take photos and whatever. It’s a wide garden of corals but we were able to survey only a few yards of it, but if you still have a lot of time, you can snorkel the whole stretch. =) Just don’t forget to bring sunblock or wear rashguard.
Below are some of the shots I was able to take underwater. I enjoyed it very much.
This little fishy is fighting us as we step on the coral it is living in. So sorry little friend.
This part of is somewhat deep so I asked hubby to take photos.
Sea Urchins, Star Fish and Lion Fish
Conclusion:
If you want to experience quiet, peace but still you want to have fun, going to Coco Hills Beach and Dive resort is the perfect place. For more information you can visit their Facebook page or website.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CocohillsBeachAndDiveResort
Website: http://www.coconuthillsbeachresort.com/
Things to bring/Reminder:
1. Sunblock (make it SPF 100)
2. Mask and Goggles (although you can rent, but if you’re sensitive bring your own)
3. Crackers (Skyflakes or Fita)
4. Wear Rashguard or put sunblock to avoid sunburn.
