Take advantange of this rare opportunity to swim and feed Whale Sharks here in the Philippines.

This is one of our seasonal Tours where you can dive and/or snorkel with these majestic creatures. This beautiful day trip begins early in the morning, with breakfast on board, lunch on Sumilon Beach and some amazing diving around Sumilon Island and Oslob.

Getaway

Whether a weekend for two or a celebration for anniversary spanning a week. Accommodation at Coco Grove is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Beautiful, cozy and spacious rooms await our guests. Complete with en suite and complimentary breakfast for two. Fresh flowers and fruits greet couples to the beginning of their holidays.

Relax Together

Fall asleep together in the middle of the day lying down in the garden around one of the pools on the stretchers or try a massage. No romantic getaway is complete without a relaxing massage for two. Experience hilot massage, a traditional filipino style of massage, infused with Swedish and Shiatsu techniques. Aromatic oils including coconut oil is available for our guests.

Explore

Coco Grove Beach Resort’s Watersports and Dive Centre is the place to go for a variety of fun and challenging activities for couples. Try Scuba Diving together, a memory the both of you we are sure will love to share. Beautiful corals, fish and turtles can be found at the sanctuary fronting the beach resort. Or perhaps spend the afternoon snorkelling and paddling on a kayak for two.

Sailing Dreams

Enjoy a romantic adventure for two on the resort's Paraw boats. These traditional filipino sailing boats can really gather up some speed! Making for an exhilarating experience. Couples can relax as the Paraw’s crewmen will take care of all sailing needs. Enjoy an amazing view of the resort from the sea and have some fun in the sun.

Spectacular Sunsets

Listen to the gentle waves of the ocean as you enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The beautiful and unique sunsets are unlike anywhere in the world. As hues of yellow, orange, red and purple fill up the sky like a canvass, silhouettes emerge of native fishing boats and coconut trees swaying in the breeze. This is a truly beautiful setting to begin your unforgettable and romantic evenings at Coco Grove Beach Resort.

Dining Options

There are two restaurants at the resort. Sunset and Salamandas, both offering different menus so guests can have options on where to eat. Sunset caters a lot of different Filipino style cuisine and Asian Fusions. While Salamandas concentrates on having a wide seafood selection. Both restaurants feature specials featuring international favourites such as steaks and curries.

Plan a special evening for two. In a private cove on the beach hidden away from the rest of the world, you will find yourselves amidst a romantic atmosphere complete with candlelit dinner just for the two of you. Accompanied by your own personal waiter, a bottle of champagne or wine, your toes sink into the sand and only the sounds of nature surround you. Chirping birds , the gentle ocean tides sweeping in and out, and the soft breeze.

Guests can reserve 'The Cove' near our Sunset restaurant on the beach exclusively for special occassions. Or they may opt to choose their favourite table at the resort, how about the beach as the current slowly comes in. All our guests need to do is organize with one of our staff at the front desk or in either of the restaurants what time they would like to have their evening begin and select from the A La Carte Menu.

Be serenaded by the local singing trios, the Coco Belles or The Coco Boys who are masters of the guitar and cello.

Weddings

Coco Grove Beach Resort has held many beautiful weddings over the past few years. We love helping making our guest’s dream beach weddings a reality! We provide full catering, function rooms, secluded beach areas and event planning for weddings and other events. Imagine the most memorable day of your lives, surrounded by magnificent beauty of nature. Blue skies, turquoise clear waters, swaying coconut trees and a plethora of colorful flowers.

We look forward to making your next holiday a wonderful one. If you have any special requests, we’d be more than obliged to help make them happen.

Looking forward to seeing you around the resort

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Walking along a pathway of sand and stone, lighted candles and flares guide your way. An unforgettable experience awaits you. A feast for the senses, delicious smells wafting in the air and a colourful setting greets you at our stage. This is Coco Grove Beach Resort's Cultural Exhibition and Dinner Evening.

Come along with us on a journey over the Philippine archipelago. From the mountains of Luzon, to the fiestas of the Visayas, finally arriving in the majestic lands of Mindanao. We love to share our culture. During our cultural show evenings, we present to you dances and traditions passed down from generations of proud and creative Filipinos.

We welcome you to immerse yourself into the rich culture and history that the Philippines has to offer. Try your foot work with the famous Tinikling dance, be entertained by some of the flambuoyant spanish-inspired dances and find yourself awe of the beautiful traditional musical instruments brought all the way from Mindanao, including the large drums called the Dabakan.

Guests are serenaded by traditional Filipino songs as the evening begins, followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner and a performance by the Kultura Filipina Folkloric Dance Troupe of Siquijor College. Ending with a night on the dance floor and many new friends.

Over the years, guests have been telling us, it is really a night to remember in their holidays. The Cultural Exhibition and Dinner evenings take place on most weekends during Peak Season, November to April, depending on weather conditions. Front Desk and Guest Reservations can assist in organising this for you.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

The day begins with a mass held for all in the town church, followed by a variety of traditions. It is characterized by a flourish of colours and cheerful music demonstrated through street parades, dances and other street performances. Some may say it is a massive party where everyone is invited to join and celebrate.

During this time, you will see many people open their homes and offer buffets of food that have been in the making for days. It is the perfect time for Filipino families to hold their family reunions, where family members from all over the country (and sometimes even from overseas) will come to gather.

There will be many street vendors passing through the town just for fiesta, and town dances (or discos) where even the eldest will be seen dancing and living it up.

Vesperas is the day before Fiesta, on this day many will be preparing for their fiesta day, with some even having open house already. The days will be warm, and everyone may be scarce during the mornings after having stayed up late enjoying the festivities. You will hear children's laughter everywhere, and see the smiles of all. It is truly a spectacular experience, one where you will feel a part of the people and delight in the culture that is found in a Fiesta.

Fiesta is actually only one day, but the celebrations preceding it make it a complete festival calendar, with activities such as basketball tournaments and ‘who has the most beautiful garden' competitions being held weeks in advance. It is a very organized calendar of events by the community, and is a great time to look forward to.

If ever you get the chance to be here during a fiesta on Siquijor, you can experience Fiesta too. Whether it be by watching the street parades, performances, and beauty pageants or having a go at dancing at the town square or basketball court (which has been transformed overnight into an awesome dancing arena). The following is a list of some of the main festivals here in Siquijor, including our very own Barangay's patron saints day.

Municipality: Siquijor - October 3-4 (also known as Dilaab Festival)

Patron Saint: St. Francis of Assisi

Dilaab' suggests the distinct hospitality that the Siquijodnons are popularly known for, and the name the island was once-known for “Isla de Fuego” because of the swarm of fireflies nestled in the island at night. The festival also gives due recognition to the natural assets of Siquijor and in honor of the town's patron saint, St. Francis of Asisi who is known as a lover of nature. This is one of the biggest fiesta celebrations on the island with all kinds of activities and shows lined up each year.

Municipality: San Juan - August 24-25 (also known as Bugwas Festival)

Patron Saint: St. Augustine of Hippo

The festival is San Juan's way of celebrating a bountiful and abundant harvest in honor of their patron saint, St. Augustine. Bugwas means a spurt of water coming from an underground source, which flows freely in the open ground. Since San Juan is blessed with abundant spring waters, these waters give the farmers bountiful harvest, the fisher folk with an abundant catch and making and making the life of the people of San Juan happier and fruitful because of a good and bountiful harvest each year. Tubod, is part of San Juan, so our barangay joins in the festivities and as a part of one of the many barangays that make up San Juan.

Barangay: Tubod - March 18-19

Patron Saint: St. Joseph

This our barangay's fiesta. Just a walk from the resort and you can immerse yourself in the celebrations. St. Joseph, the spouse of Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrates carpenters, schools and parishes bearing his name, and children born with his name (or a form of). In some traditions three people were chosen to represent Jesus, Mary and Joseph partaking a meal. In Tubod, a short procession along the barangay road occurs, with lighted candles on the way to the church.

Municipality: Lazi - May 14-15 (also known as Saging Festival)

Patron Saint: St. Isidore de Labrador

Recognizing the importance of saging (banana) in the lives of the people with its many uses, the story of how this plant came to exist is being depicted in dances during the town's fiesta on May 15. The Saging festival is also done to showcase the variety of bananas and a way of praising for the abundance of the harvest. On our island tour, you will visit Lazi Church and convent. During fiesta, both these historical places play a major part of the fiesta.

Municipality: Maria - May 20-21 (also known as Lubi Festival)

Patron Saint: Our lady of divine providence (Mary mother of Jesus)

A joyful expression of thanksgiving in honor of the patron Saint Our Lady of the Divine Providence for a bountiful harvest and blessings received from the tree of life locally known as “Lubi” (coconut). Held every 21st of May, the dance contest portraying the festival is one of the highlights of town's fiesta celebration.

Municipality: Enrique Villanueva - July 15-16 (also known as Pamukad Festival)

Patron Saint: St. Mt. Carmel

Expressing greatness, joy and thanksgiving of the bountiful catch of fish through the intercession of Divine power, the Pamukad demonstrated the different fishing routines and rituals of the fisher folks. The festival is held couple of days before July 16 every year which is the town's fiesta celebration.

Municipality: Larena - May 2-3 (also known as Canoan Festival)

Patron Saint: St. Vincent

Encouraging farmers from the mountain to come and sell their fresh produce in the town markets, the Canoan festival signifies the hard work of farmers and laborers, by celebrating their successes with fresh vegetables and fruits for all to eat. One of the larger fiestas on the island, celebrations include beauty pageants, street dances and major artists coming to perform in the town square.

References:

• http://www.siquijor.gov.ph/festivals.php
• http://www.catholic.org/saints/
• http://www.bulin.com/stjoe/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Juan,_Siquijor
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patron_saint

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

We are excited to introduce the new 'Paraws' to our must try activities here at Coco Grove Beach Resort. Many guests have asked us about these beautiful sailing boats which are unique to the Philippines, and here is their story.

Paraws (traditional filipino sailboats) are usually found in the Western part of the Visayas. Known for their ability to gather speeds between 20-30km per hour, they are truly a great thrill to experience. They are also quite relaxing. Enjoy the cool turquoise blue waters, the wind in your hair and the warmth of the sun. It's a great way to see the resort from the sea and other spots on the island.

In the past, it has been said that paraws were the 'getaway vehicles' for escaping areas. Marauding pirates add to the legend, as having paraws as their boat of choice because of their speed, kidnapping beautiful maidens and whisking them away from their islands.

Paraws were also used for trade and commerce. They were key in transportation; used for transporting children to schools; getting the sick to the nearest island or doctor; and for shipping goods to the mainland.

Characteristically they have outriggers (two long poles to the sides of the boat) made of wood or bamboo that help balance the main banca (boat) and a mast pole to hold up the sails. Perhaps the most eye catching aspect of these beautiful boats is their large sails. They come in an array of exuberant colours and styles.

The paraws at Coco Grove Beach Resort are of the larger variety of build. They are around 8m long and can carry a maximum of 8 people. They are best enjoyed in smaller groups of around 4-6. Our paraw trips are guided by a captain and sailsman, so you will be able to sit, back, relax and enjoy your sailing experience.

It is truly magnificent at sunset especially, where you will see the sky fill with hues of orange, violet, red and yellow, as the sun makes its final bow for the day. Paraw sailing is something we would love all of our guests to try, they will create memories that will last a lifetime.

For maximum of 8 people, P1000 first hour. Exceeding hour P800.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Here's some helpful phrases in Visayan/Cebuano. By the way, in the central visayas we speak Visayan also known as Cebuano which is spoken in Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Bohol and Cebu. Other close variations of this dialect is spoken on some other islands areas nearby.

Want to know some other phrases? Feel free to suggest them to us via our Contact Us page and we shall include them in another blog post

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

You are floating on your back in the shallow waters near the most gorgeous beach you have ever seen. The sand is powdery soft and has an almost golden twinkle to its colour.

You look up and the sky is as blue as ever, with white fluffy clouds ambling slowly across the wide stretch of space.

The smells that surround you are a mixture of saltwater, fresh flowers and the waft of delicious barbeque aromas that have caught on the breeze.

You feel a sense of peace.

This is your getaway.

No thoughts, just being. Feeling. Floating.

It's how my perfect afternoon begins.

For years I lived on an island called Siquijor. The island of Fire. Of Magic. Of Mystical Wonder. It has been called many names. But to me it is the Island I call home. While there has been many times the island has been flocked by media darlings, by those who want to capture a sense of its alluring mysteries, I feel that so far no one has truly been able to explain its draw on people on paper. Though I am certainly not attempting to outdo them, I feel the need to express how I feel about the island. I've met people who have told me that they just couldn't leave. Or couldn't stop coming back.

So what is it, that this paradise offers so different from other islands?

Is it the people? I drive around in my memory and recall the smiling children as we hobble up the mountains in our jeepney. I recall an elderly lady at the market as she helps me choose the most fresh and thus most delicious fish I can cook for that night's dinner. I am swept back to a time, when I stood in the basketball court during fiesta, where dancing is a passion of everyone, even the oldest got up to dance.

Or is it the landscape? There are the central mountains which oversee the rest of the island, they look out of place and yet belong at the same time. The roads leading up to them smooth and winding. Then there are the beautiful stoic cliffs of Maria bay, that dare the seaside adventurer to climb them. As I move about on this island in my mind I remember the beaches. The long stretches of white sand surrounded by the swaying coconut trees, which only reinforces more this paradisiacal image I have of the island. All kinds of environments seem to converge on this one island, with forests going on and on for acres, to caves as deep as one can imagine, and then to of course the beaches flanking the outer edges of the island. It seems to have it all.

Could it rather, really be a magical ingredient that one cannot ascertain?

An indescribable, intangible, unbelievable feeling one gets when coming to the island. A sense of peace. Of knowing. Of coming home.

Whatever it is, Siquijor is where I see having my perfect afternoon. It begins at the beach with so much more beckoning to be explored around the island. It's beauty stays with me. Haunts me. And I know I will be returning.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort