Cabeza de Paloma is an ideal site for campers. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas, with its pristine white sand beach and thriving forests, is a haven for anyone who seeks nature, recreation and adventure.
This SM Prime leisure development is a premier sustainable seaside community perfect for beach resort living.
One of its best-kept secrets is a hiking adventure of the surrounding mountain range, offering an escape from the urban jungle and a reinvigorating union with nature.
Its Santelmo Eco-trail allows residents and guests to experience the raw yet stimulating beauty of nature, for a quick getaway that is distinct from diving into Hamilo Coast’s clear blue waters.
Those who dare conquer the Santelmo Eco-trail can look forward to three viewpoints on the mountain, each showcasing a special and unique view.
The first viewpoint presents a picturesque view of Pico de Loro Cove. From here, trekkers can appreciate Hamilo Coast’s combination of nature and modern living, a reward for coming out of the first leg of the climb.
The second viewpoint is a bit more challenging. Located 114 meters above sea level, heading here raises the bar of difficulty for first-time trekkers. The steep trail also tests one’s agility.
To make the climb a bit easier, locals and the Hamilo Coast team built sturdy stairs made of soil, wood and rocks. Trained tour guides assure trekkers a safe hike and are equipped to assist anyone who might need help.
This second viewpoint stuns with the view of Santelmo Cove’s quiet and pristine white sand beach blending with the lush green all around.
The third and last viewpoint takes trekkers to a whole new level with its 360-degree view of Hamilo Coast. From the northeast can be seen the Batangas terrain with its lush protected forest, while to the west one will get a scenic view of the horizon of the West Philippine Sea. On the southeast is Pico de Loro Cove’s deluxe development.
Less than a kilometer from the third viewpoint, trekkers can further their experience of being one with nature by camping at Cabeza de Paloma for an overnight stay. A smaller cove within Pico de Loro Cove, Cabeza de Paloma is an ideal site for campers who want to take in more of nature and experience the peaceful and clear night sky. With a bonfire and an already available barbecue pit, in a place that is safe and secure, adventurers may disconnect from the world and unwind in tranquility.
The Santelmo Eco-trail of Hamilo Coast is definitely a place for new experiences, be it the first trek or the nth. It is an experience that revitalizes not just the body but the mind and spirit as well, a different kind of indulgence that indeed one can look forward to doing again and again. —CONTRIBUTED