Coco Grove Beach Resort - News

Our experience on the Whale Sharks Tour

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:50:00 +0800

For the past few months, we've been part of a really special and rare opportunity to experience the grandeur of the magnificent creatures, Whale Sharks (Butanding in filipino).

The whale shark watching experience feels surreal and beautiful. They're so large but so graceful as they swim alongside you. Getting up close and personal with these friendly giants really makes you feel close to nature and reconnect with the world around you.

Whale Sharks have been migrating through Oslob for many years now, and you can expect to see an average of four to five whales each time, but sometimes we've even witnessed up to twelve in the area while being fed by the local fishermen. There are a mixture of whale sharks, mostly averaging around three to five metres in length, but so far the largest we have sighted during our trips at Oslob was 9 metres long.

This beautiful day trip begins from Coco Grove Beach Resort early in the morning with breakfast on board. Our experienced crew will cruise you to Oslob where you can feed and swim, as well as whale shark diving and/or snorkel. You will then be treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch on Sumilon Beach and experience amazing diving around Sumilon Island and Oslob. A perfect end to a perfect day includes the well-renowned sunsets that you'll experience on the trip back to the resort. We tailored our trip so that's it's not only great fun, but a most relaxing and comfortable experience, one you'll be sure to love.

See our Tours for more information our Whale Sharks Tour.

What Is A Whale Shark

Here are some quick facts about Whale Sharks

Type: Fish
Diet: Carnivore
Size: 18 to 32.8 ft (5.5 to 10 m)
Weight: Average, 20.6 tons (18.7 tonnes)
Group name: School
Protection status: Threatened

Did you know?

The largest whale shark ever measured was 40 feet (12.2 meters) long; however, the species is thought to grow even bigger. Size relative to a bus:

A Few Tips Before Your Tour:

Bring a sarong to wrap around like the locals do, great for when it gets a little too windy or if it's a super sunny day
Please don't touch the whales for both their safety and yours, try to maintain a distance of 5metres while swimming
Steer clear from the Whale Sharks tails, their tails can be strong if it sways past you
Try not to litter and keep the waters clean and clear

What some of our guests have been saying

Whale Shark Tour - absolutely world class!!

I took my family visiting from the Gold Coast on this tour run by Coco Grove. If there is a better organized, better value adventure/leisure activity in Asia – I am yet to do it!

It's a long day getting on the boat at 6am and returning at 5pm. How many times have you been disappointed by the “free” breakfast on a tour, when you get a piece of cold toast and a fried rubber egg? Well, we were delighted with this gourmet breakfast, we were spoilt for choice with bacon, eggs, fresh pan cakes, pastries and lovely fresh mangos.

Diving with the Whale Sharks near Siquijor, is one of those things you do once in your life and never forget it! Simply amazing is the only way to describe these majestic animals. What an experience!

After a few hours of swimming we worked up a healthy appetite and were treated to magnificent lunch on the white sands of a nearby island (Tea Ladies Tip: don't fill up on the fresh salads and chicken schnitzel– save some room for the wonderful ham-off-the-bone – the author may been guilty of 2nds (and 3rds).

The happy and friendly staff dished up a few cold beers on the pleasant cruise home, the perfect end to a perfect day!

Interested?

See our Tours for more information and sample itinerary.

(Sources: From National Geographic; Geoff Daly's Review on Trip Advisor)

Philippines Travel Guide

Sun, 10 Oct 2012 13:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
Jens Peters' 4th Edition of his Philippines Travel Guide and features Salamandas Restaurant on the front cover. His book is out now and is a wonderful guide to he Philippines.

Be sure to purchase a copy of the book from Jens Peters Publications the next time you travel to the Philippines

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Thank You!

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 20:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
We just wanted to say a big thank you to all of you who have contributed towards Coco Grove Beach Resort on Trip Advisor. With almost 200 reviews, you have helped us reach 4½ stars! We appreciate your time contributing and sharing your experiences with us. If you haven't yet shared your experience, please feel free to visit Trip Advisor and write your review. Also a big thank you to Trip Advisor for helping us share our little piece of Paradise.

We look forward to seeing you all again and improving our services each time you visit.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Safe and Sound from Sendong

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
We have been receiving a number of messages on our Facebook page regarding tropical storm Sendong. Apart from debris on our 800m beach, brown sea water, a few fallen coconut and banana trees, we are thankful that little structural damage was caused at the resort.

The next day after the storm, apart from light storm, it returned to a regular summer day. Our Beach Patrol has cleaned up debris from the beach so that diving and water sports can continue as normal.

We extend our deepest sympathy for those who have lost belongings, homes and family/relatives because of this unforeseen storm.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Licensed to chill

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
Here's another article that we dug up to share with you. This article was written by Gary Evans for The Australian newspaper. Here's a snippet from his License to chill article.

WHEN you see two men in blue T-shirts stamped Beach Patrol sweeping 300m of white coral beach at low tide with brooms made from coconut fronds you realise you are in a place where perfection is demanded.

Read more of Gary Evan - License to chill article.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Updated Resort Guestbook Comments

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:24:00 +0800

Dear guests,
Just a quick update to let you know that we have just uploaded some scans of resort's guestbook. You can read it on our Real Moments - Comments page. You can also read what our guests have said about their stay on our website.

If you havent done so yet, why not share your experience on our Share My Moment page.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Updated Website

Fri, 10 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
If you haven't noticed there has been a slight change to the website. We hope these changes allow you to find important information quicker.

Here are a few changes you may be interested in:

Blog - Read our latest blog entries for activities and functions at the resort
Family Fun - Information about family oriented activities
Tours - Enquire about information on Tours that we offer
Functions and Events - Read venue information and find out how you can celebrate at the resort
Real Moments - Browse guest comments and view moments that they have shared

Stay tuned while we also prepare our online payment system!

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

asianTraveler Magazine

Fri, 10 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
If you can find it make sure you have a read of the asianTraveler Magazine in 2010. You'll find a nice write up on Dumaguete and the 'Addicted to the Island of Fire' write-up by Yvette Tan and her experience of Siquijor Island and Coco Grove Beach Resort

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Phone Number Changes

Fri, 1 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
Our local phone provider, Globelines, has discontinued all satellite phone services in the area. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. To contact the resort please try one of the following mobile/cell numbers: (+63) 939 915 5123 (Smart) or (+63) 915 253 5130 (Globe - incoming call only). Alternatively make a reservation on this website.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Susan Calo-Mendina's Travel Time magazine

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
Make sure you get a copy of Susan Calo-Mendina's Travel Time magazine, July - September 2011. You'll find the 'Siquijor, Under a Sheltering Sky' (Detour) write-up by Floy Quintos and his three day experience of Siquijor Island and Coco Grove Beach Resort.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Lifestyle Asia Travel Article

Fri, 2 Apr 2011 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
Make sure you get a copy of the Lifestyle Asia Travel magazine Volume 2 April 2011 Summer issue. You'll find the Summer Island Specials featuring diving in Siquijor at Coco Grove Beach Resort.

You can read a quick overview of the article on the Lifestyle Asia Travel Magazine website.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Philippine Daily Inquirer Article

Fri, 15 Dec 2010 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
Have you heard that we've been featured in Monday's Philippine Daily Inquirer (December 13, 2010)?

If you didn't get a chance to get a copy, here's a link to read Neal H. Cruz's article about Coco Grove Beach Resort on the Philipine Daily Inquirer website.

Feel free to share your positive experiences like Neal, on our Real Moments, Facebook Page, or TripAdvisor. We'd love to read about it!

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Dive School, Dive Shop and Water Sports Centre

Fri, 8 Nov 2010 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
On November 1, Coco Grove Beach Resort was pleased to announce the opening our Dive School and Dive Shop. Our experienced staff can train you in a PADI or NAUI certified diving course from our range of available Diving Packages. Experienced divers, you can visit the shop to hire your diving/snorkling equipment and start exploring Tubod Marine Sanctuary and other Dive Sites of Siquijor island.

We are also please to announce the opening of our Water Sports Centre. Guests can choose to sail, take a banana boat or speed boat ride, plus other aqua sports now from one location.

Join in the fun and Book Now for this season!

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Multiple Media Articles

Fri, 23 Oct 2010 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
We are so excited to share with you that Coco Grove Beach Resort has been featured in some articles this year. Read more and see media references.

Released today in The Weekend Australian newspaper, is the 'License To Chill' article written by Gary Evans.

You can find this article in The Weekend Australian, Travel and Indulgence section of today's paper, or you can read this article online on The Weekend Australian website.

If you are flying with Air Philippines this month (October 2010) have a look inside the La Isla in-flight magazine.

This article also features Apo Island Beach Resort.

If you missed this article, Mabi David tells of her 'Sweet Surrender' at Coco Grove Beach Resort in the Volume Four 2010 edition of LifeStyle Asia Travel Magazine.

Have fun reading and hope to see you soon!

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

New Website

Fri, 15 Jul 2010 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
We are pleased to share with you our new website! You will find a lot of new content across all areas, including update Rooms; and more information about The Resort, Activities, and Diving. Other changes include daily rate conversions for all prices; an updated Book Now page allowing you to enquire about resort availability; our combined Real Moments and Guestbook now know as Real Moments allows you to share your experience; and a lot of new Photos.

We hope this site addresses your needs and would love to receive any feedback.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Diving Update

Fri, 4 Jul 2010 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
Coco Grove will be operating the dive shop and school on November 1st this year. We would like to thank and acknowledge Sea Explorers for their professionalism and customer service during their operation at the resort over the past years. We shall continue on a professional level and work closely with our dive shop and school on Apo Island to offer our very best service for your diving needs.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Coco Net Business Centre and Wi-Fi Zone

Fri, 3 Jun 2010 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
We are pleased to introduce internet connectivity to the resort at the new Coco Net Business Centre located near the Front Desk. Inside Coco Net we have three secure desktop computers which you can connect to the internet with. If you bring your own laptop, you will also be able to connect to the internet in our Wi-Fi zone. This allows our resort guests to stay connected with friends, family and for business.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Koi Pond

Fri, 1 Jun 2010 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
We have recently relocated our Koi fish from Salamandas Restaurant to a new Koi Pond.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Island Treasures

Fri, 14 May 2010 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
We are pleased to announce the opening of Island Treasures. Our boutique souvenir shop showcases various unique products of the Philippines.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Resort Map

Fri, 23 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
We are pleased to share with you a our interactive Resort Map. This map illustrates the entire resort showing the location of rooms, operating times, beachfrontage (approx. 800m) and allows you to click on various areas of interest for further information. You can also download a copy of the resort map.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Now On Facebook

Fri, 12 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
We are excited to announce that you can now become a fan of Coco Grove Beach Resort on Facebook. This is another way for us to hear your Coco Grove Beach Resort experiences, upload photos from your stay, or write reviews of our resort.

- Coco Grove Beach Resort

Salamandas

Fri, 5 Jul 2009 09:00:00 +0800

Dear guests,
We are excited to share the news of our successful opening of our new restaurant, "Salamandas" at Coco Grove Beach Resort on July 4, 2009. The restaurant is a welcome addition to our resort and specialises in seafood as well as international cuisine with island influences, and other signature dishes in a fine dining oceanfront atmosphere.

The name Salamander comes from both a mythical and a real creature. Numerous legends have developed around the Salamander over the centuries. The word Salamander is of Greek origins literally meaning "fire lizard", stemmed from the belief that Salamanders were created from flames and would bring good fortune. The mythical creature is most often depicted much like a typical salamander in shape, with a lizard-like form, but it is usually ascribed an affinity with fire and its special elemental powers.

What a perfect location for Salamandas Restaurant, in the heart of Coco Grove Beach Resort, to reside on the mystical Island of Fire itself - Siquijor. We invite you to experience Salamandas and its natural charm.

View the latest articles below from the Metro Post and The Siquijor Mirror newspapers.

For restaurant reservations please call (035) 481-5047.