Southcrest Beach Resort and Nature Park Weekend

Southcrest  Beach Resort and Nature Park is a private beach resort in San Juan, Laiya, Batangas, a 15 hectare of a scenic land near the beach in San Juan, Batangas. San Juan, Batangas is 116KM from Manila, known for the wide variety of Eco-Tourism activities like hiking and swimming on the emerald green sea. Local Tourism office also collect P20 for the tourism fee to keep San Juan the cleanest and greenest place you’ll stay. 

Coconut trees abound the place

Southcrest is not open to the public, it is a private resort for the use of owner's family, friends and big events such as the Sandstorm 2014 electronic experience,  a festival that will fuse its biggest talents in one massive celebration of sound – the Sandstorm Electronic Experience'

Accomodations:

Southcrest have different accommodation according to guests needs, they have air-conditioned Villas, small cottages and beachfront cabin.

The Villa or the Casitas has 2 bathrooms and bedrooms and a living room 

Beachfront Cabin

The place is very peaceful and quiet, you only hear the sounds of the waves, swaying palm trees and other nature sounds. Totally relaxing. 

Fish pond 

Fish pond 

Other Amenities:

There is a kayak, jet ski and speed boat for adults who's into water sports and giant inflatables for kids to enjoy.

For big parties and special occasions, a huge pavillion is also available, chairs and tables provided.  

Our team enjoying our stay at one of the villas, we had a great bar-b-que party for dinner, evening of laughter and fun. 

For more info, visit:

Facebook page: Southcrest Beach Resort and Nature Park

San Juan-Laiya Rd. Calublub 1 San Juan, Batangas

0935 444 0888
http://www.southcrestbeach.com

Pandan Island: A New Paradise

Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.  During my summer vacation in Santa Cruz, Occ. Mindoro, my friend Bhebot Rummel and her family suggested that we go to Apo Reef, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mindoro. I heard so much about the place that it was beautiful with rich marine biodiversity. 

Bhebot and Family

On our way   to Sablayan ( it was a long drive from Sta. Cruz), the road trip keeping us fascinated with great views of the province, mountains, rivers, villages and farm lands. 

Upon reaching Sablayan town, fishing village and inquire about a boat ride going to Apo Reef, we were told that it will took us 6 hours to get there and  another 6 hours to go back, and we should came earlier. The trip will not worth it if we don't have much time to enjoy it so we decided to scrap the idea and just opt for a nearer island which is the Pandan Island.

Upon reaching the Island I was surprised it was a white sand beach, and the more we get nearer we were awed by the beautiful sight and clear waters of the island. It was underdeveloped which I like with few cottages available, we rented the boat for a whole day so we could keep our things there since there is no more cottage available. 

Seeing the pristine white sand is a sight to behold, I excitedly jump into the water and enjoy. It was like a Boracay sans too much development and huge crowd. I just hope they will keep the natural state and beauty of the place. Locals and foreign tourists abound the area. 

The road leading to Sablayan town:

 The Beautiful White Sand of Pandan Island:

Sunburn and Me

Spotted some foreign tourist/scuba divers:

Island Tour:

Pandan Island tour can be arranged by Gatber Beach Resort in Sta. Cruz Occidental Mindoro, Inquire about their customized package, land arrangements etc. Contact Mr. Norman Gatdula:  + 63 9982551215.

Gatber Beach: A New Pride of Santa Cruz, Occ. Mindoro

We just discovered a new place to relax and unwind in Santa Cruz, Occidental Mindoro, owned by businessman Mr. Norman B. Gatdula, himself hails from Santa Cruz who take pride of his hometown's simple beauty and charm. 

Gatber ( from Gatdula-Bernardo) was recently opened to the public as a summer getaway destination, recreation and simply to get in touch with nature. What we like most is that the owner retain the natural beauty and simplicity of the place, they use indigenous materials such as woods as fence, bahay kubo (nipa hut) accomodation which is eco-friendly and no signs of over-development that could ruin the place, no trees were uprooted and since it was summer we had a taste of fruits in season like the Kasuy or cashew nut fruits.

The food they served are fresh catch from the sea, fruits and vegetables are all fresh pick as well in their farms.

Accomodation:

Bahay Kubo (Nipa hut)

Sing your heart out in the Karaoke Pavilion 

Relaxing Duyan

The Ambiance:

wooden fence gave a more feeling of nature

View from the sea shore

The shoreline of the beach

Some attractions we saw at gatber: 

There are lots of fruit-bearing trees in the area which is good, we saw cashew trees with fruits, wild berries, jackfruit etc. 

The beach is not white sand but a mixed of ground corals and black sand which is very therapeutic, the water is not deep, very clear, clean and refreshing with small waves that is just enough for an added fun.

The cashew nut tree

Fresh-pick cashew nut fruits 

wild blackberries

fine black sand 

beautiful stones adorned the beach

dining tables

The sea escape , serene and filled with nature sound of the waves 

 Watch the beautiful sunset of Santa Cruz in Gatber:

One of the highlights of our stay is the watching the beautiful sunset of Santa Cruz, amazing beauty.

Gatber is also perfect for team building activities, parties, open to local and foreign tourists and other special family and friends occasions. Other tours could be arrange by the owner such as side trips to Mangyan community, Sablayan, Pandan Island and Apo Reef .

for booking and accomodations, contact:  Mr. Norman B. Gatdula (0915-4755632)

Take Batangas City Port Ferry going to Abra De Ilog port then  Sta Cruz town is accesible by public transpo from Abra de Ilog port in occidental Mindoro or better call the management for land arrangement.