Island Cove

While in Manila on a brief stay, I jumped at the chance to go to a resort destination that is not too far away from the metropolis. I found myself in this quaint island sanctuary. I was somewhat disappointed to know that this coastal resort does not have a beach at all. Disheartened but curious enough, I prodded myself to see what else this resort has to offer.


This is the entrance to the Island Cove Resort and Leisure Park located in Binakayan, Cawit, Cavite, less than an hour drive from Manila. A little "Golden Gate" bridge will help you cross over from the mainland to the island.


The resort, I soon discovered has a wide range of facilities and activities for a power-packed vacation escapade. It has hotel and cottage accommodations complete with the modern amenities of a first class hotel. One can also choose to rent a tent for the night from a cluster of tents pitched on a shady spot near the hotel.


This fishing village with nipa huts built on stilts is a top attraction of the resort. Here vacationers can leisurely fish with bamboo fishing rods and get to taste their catch by having it cooked at the resort kitchen.


This is about the closest that can get to a beach. It is a sandy, palm shaded, enclosed area (read - you don't fall into the sea) with eating shacks, open air disco and beach loungers. Here family, friends and lovers can dance away the night, cool off with their favorite drinks or indulge on a selection of island food.



There is a host of other attractions like a mini zoo, a water park with swimming pools and slides, a concert park, a KTV lounge, a video arcade, an outdoor giant chessboard, a mini golf course, billiards, bowling, darts, bingo and ballroom dancing. There are also seminar halls, function rooms and souvenir shops.

All these make up for a different experience, a lot more than one could expect for a quick get away . . . unless you're a dissolute beachromeo.