PRE-CONSTRUCTION VISITS TO CASHEW GROVE

February 2010

Bill and Ian finally return to Cashew Grove in February 2010 to finalise the transfer of title to Billandian Inc. and organise the initial clearing and fencing of the land.

The trip was eventful and the land better than remembered.

Click to see the photos taken during the trip

Two labourers were employed to clear the undergrowth and start the fencing works, but the planting of Coconut trees will wait until the start of the rainy season in May.

July 2010

Ian returned to Cashew Grove in July 2010 to further explore the surrounding areas and to organise the planting of some coconut trees. The trip was combined with a diving holiday with his daughter.

An excellent holiday was had with Ian and Caroline having their first experience of diving with dugongs and diving one of the best wrecks (Kyokuzan Maru) in the area.

This was a beautiful wrick dive experience because the Kyokuzon Maru is more or less in tact and with the good visibility of about 30 m there were ideal diving conditions. Unfortunately for Caroline they couldn't venture into the cargo rooms to investigate the Japanese staff cars and trucks because Ian is insufficiently qualified to dive that deep.

For those who dont know, in 1955 a US Navy strike force attacked a Japanese supply fleet of up to 24 ships in Coron Bar and around Busuanga. The result being that there are now about 12 easily accessible and diveable wrecks around Busuanga.

Whist on the land Ian & Caroline tasted their first coconuts from Cashew Grove.

Unfortunately along the beach they came across a small shark with its fins cut off and a small turtle tied up! It's clear that the first priority will be to stop this behavior in the area.

The local bays and beaches were explored and there are a number of secluded bays, sandy beaches and islands that easily accessible by small banka or kayak.

And further afield, there is the lovely Dimipac Island

Click to see the photos taken during the trip

November 2010

Ian paid a fleeting visit in November with the survey team who are conducting a comprehensive topographical survey and tree survey. During the trip he visited the Barangay Captain to explain the resort development and assure him that it would be of benefit to the local community.

Click to see a few more photos from the visit

February 2011

Ian visited Busuanga in February 2011 to ensure the application for Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and Building Permit was on schedule so that construction can start in April 2011.

Cashew fruits are now in abundant and various materials needed for the construction are available in the vicinity.

Ian enjoyed some of the entertainment available in Coron, which included a beach party and the opening of a new pub, Kuweba.

Negotiations have started for the purchase of the first Banka. Sunsets over Coron Bay never cease to amaze us.

For more photo's click here

March 2011

Ian made an unexpected visit Busuanga in March 2011 and took a few pictures of the beach on a lovely day.

This is the last pre-construction trip as construction works starts in April 2011