Coco Beach Resort

Back to Basics in Puerto Galera

A few hours away from Manila, there's a small island where one can enjoy being one with nature...

The trip takes about 4 hours (2 1/2 hours on a van; 1 1/2 hours on a big outrigger boat). When you arrive, you'll be greeted by the hotel staff singing songs, putting shell necklaces around your neck and giving you a fresh glass of coconut juice. After you sign the forms, they'll help you with your luggage and accompany you to your cottages.

The cottages are mostly on a hill, with just the basic necessities (big bed with mosquito netting, wicker chairs, a wall fan and a nice, simple bathroom). The balcony has a breathtaking view of the ocean and the resort's surroundings. On the days we were there, the weather wasn't humid or hot, so we got to enjoy the fresh ocean breezes. Lots of birds and animal sounds to relax and make you smile during the days..and to lull you to sleep at night. There are air conditioned rooms with TVs, and are located near the beach for those who prefer life's modern conveniences and who don't like climbing stairs.

The resort has 4 restaurants, but only one is open everyday. If there's lots of people around who'd like to try something Italian, Asian or Gourmet cooking, the staff takes reservations and opens the other 3 restaurants. This does not mean though, that you can't get variety in the restaurant that's open everyday. For the 3 days and 2 nights we've stayed there, we only ate at that restaurant and we absolutely loved their dishes. I'm not sure if all travel packages for this resort come with free breakfast, but our package was for buffet breakfast, and we always went for second (or third) helpings everyday. That was how good the food was..

Lost of activities to do in and around the resort. They have 2 swimming pools; one is located near the beach and the other is on top of the hill. One is for wholesome family fun, while the other is for couples who'd like some privacy and romance. The beach in the resort is a bit rocky, but you can still enjoy a bit of wading and snorkeling in it. You can hire a boat to take you island hopping, dolphin watching, cave exploring, feed the fishes, diving, snorkeling..all the ocean adventures you can think of. They also have a tennis court, a basketball court, a spa, a salon, an internet cafe and a children's playground. They have a small gift shop where you can buy souvenirs, and they have really nice native gifts that you can buy for reasonable prices.

The staff was absolutely friendly and accommodating. A cottage is assigned to what they call a service family. This family lives beside you and if you needed anything, all you have to do is ring the bell and they'll come and help you out.

The trip package costs P5,990.00 per person and it's inclusive of 3 days/2 nights accommodation, van transfers (from Diamond Hotel in Malate to Batangas and from Batangas back to Manila), boat transfers and 2 days buffet breakfast.

I would recommend this resort for couples and families that want to escape the noisy city life and just want to enjoy some quiet relaxation and be one with nature. We had a really awesome time and like I said to our service family before we left, we'll definitely come back!

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Related to: Beaches, Diving and Snorkeling, Hiking and Walking
• Written April 5, 2012

Coco Beach Resort Photo: Me and my fiance in the cave

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