Beach at Consuelo

Consuelo is a barangay in nearby Magsaysay town; and is around 15-20 km from Gingoog going to Butuan City.

We went to a private beach house located in a cove. The water in front is almost enclosed / landlocked at low tide. After just a few meters from the shore; the water immediately goes deeper. But at some distance; the water again gets shallow as you are able to step on corals. Because of this; the sea is almost always calm as the reef and corals act as a breakwater.

The place is a real get away place to relax. With a great view of the serene and tranquil sea and the beautiful mountains by the beach; just a couple of days stay there really is a great stress buster. On clear days, you can even see the nearby island of Camiguin.
We just hope the fish pens in front of the beach area which were set up without the owner's permission; will be removed. They take away the natural beauty of the place.

The beach house really gets you away from the maddening crowd. The main house has two rooms with a toilet and bath each; a sala and kitchen. The foyer area in front of the beach is just great to lounge around. With trees and benches in front; the area is always cool.

A large nipa hut guest house with its own kitchen and toilet and bath is also located in front of the fence facing the beach.

At the back area of the main guest house; there is a large area (the total compound is almost a hectare) with lots of trees for a slight change of scenery. There are mangos and some other fruit bearing trees. The first batch of seedlings did not all reach maturity but there are some who survived. There is a small nipa hut in the middle of the grounds near a creek. It was stocked by some fish fry to provide for fishing but the creek sometimes overflows when the strong rain comes. And towards the side; there is an animal shelter. There are lots of ducks and chickens and for a time there were also some guinea fowls and turkeys. They all just go around the grounds for most of the day and go back at feeding time.

A few goats are also herded in the back area. And as pets there are two large and playful Labradors which has to be kept on a leash or in a cage whenever the ducks go around the compound.

Not quite a mini zoo yet, but great to see real farm animals up close.

The beach house has a great location. It is by the main highway and easily accessible. The whole beach strip in the cove are privately owned by different individuals where the lots are cut into at least 5000 sqm or above. It is very peaceful and quiet. At night, because we chose not to have any TV or radio; we had a bonfire by the beach and when we got to the rooms to sleep; all we can hear is the waves rippling on the shore.

And it is always great to wake up by the sea in the morning. With the cool and fresh sea breeze in you face. And here there are hordes of people on the beach. Just enjoy a leisurely walk on hte shore. Spot a few fishermen with their morning catch and you can buy fresh fish for your meals.

Indeed; this is a great hideaway. It could do with some more improvement though. Maybe a kayak or a small banca (or even a roofed raft) ; more fruit trees (like an orchard) and more animals (like a mini-zoo) . But still a home away from home.