From behind the safety of a tall wire fence, one can see almost three-meter-long freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus Mindorensis) basking under the late morning sun in threes. In adjoining ponds, a similar scene is repeated several times over—from huge 11-year-old males to meter-long juveniles, more than a hundred of them are in various stages of rest to the delight of parkgoers.
Located in a vast reclaimed island off the Fishing Village of the Island Cove Resort and Leisure Park in Kawit, Cavite, the sprawling crocodile farm and monkey island complex are just a component of the 11-hectare Island Cove Farms. This includes a covered butterfly garden, aviaries of exotic birds, Bengal tigers, ostriches, a free-range rabbit farm, and a host of other exotic wildlife in a clean and spacious environment.
The 12-hectare Island Cove proper is a Mediterranean-inspired island resort for relaxation, recreation, and entertainment. It had its grand opening in February 1998. Recently, it got an ISO 90012000 certification for quality management.
"Last year, we added the Island Cove Farms," says Norlinda B. Buhay, general manager of the 130-room resort hotel. "We started with the crocodile farm and aviary then we added the butterfly farm," she adds. "Now, we have a rabbit country, an ostrich runway, a python village, turtle tribe pond, grazing animals like sheep, deer and goats, and other exotic animals commonly found in the wild and in a city zoo. Jose, a two-year-old, 800-pound Bengal tiger, which grew up in captivity, is so people-friendly that he allows selected zoo goers to pet him from behind his pen.
"Our objective is to educate our guests, especially the young, about the animals’ importance and role in the balance of our ecosystem," explains Norlinda. "The Farms also serves as a breeding center for Philippine crocodile, which is now estimated to be less than a thousand in the wild, ostriches, goats, chickens, ducks, love birds, and butterflies.
"Soon, we’ll put up a Palarong Pinoy complex in the 11-hectare Farms where indigenous parlor games and sports, like sungka, piko, holen, trompo, luksong tinik, patintero could be revived," she continues. "We’d like to bring these truly Pinoy games back so the next generation will know how their great grandparents played when they were their age. We also have a campsite within the area that could accommodate a thousand campers."
A mere 15 kilometers away from Makati’s Central Business District and a 20-minute drive from the NAIA, the Island Cove is now a favorite rest and recreation area among city folks, expats, tourists and Caviteños alike because of its accessibility. It is also the location of an annual Bridal Fair called Kasalan sa Isla, which will be held this year from May 28 to 29, and a favorite venue for wedding receptions due to its variety of settings.
"It’s peace and quiet that makes me come back here almost every weekend," says a foreign diplomat who requested anonymity. "After crossing the bridge connecting Island Cove to the mainland, you’re in an entirely different world where you can relax and forget the problems of the world."
For the night owls, they can display their singing prowess (or the lack of it) at the Island Songs Family KTV, or enjoy the night with friends at the Purple Ostrich Bar and Disco, and try exotic appetizers like kalderetang tupa, adobong rabbit, sinampalukang ulo ng kambing or adobadong baboy ramo at the second floor of the Fisherman’s Deck at the Fishing Village while listening to live performers. On May 21, a concert billed "The Great Hitmakers" featuring Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Marco Sison and Rey Valera will be held at the resort.
The Island Cove, because of its ideal location and world-class facilities, has a lot of exciting activities to offer to its guests like special packages billed as Island Trekking, Kiddie Parties, unique team building exercises conducted by Tribal Quest, and Core Training exercises for the figure conscious. Aside from enjoying amenities of a de luxe hotel, its guests can also relax, get revitalized and rejuvenated in its Island Spa.
So, if you want to leave your worries away and rediscover life then the Island Cove Resort and Leisure Park is the place for you and your loved ones. It’s also a healing island for the body and mind.
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