Bluewaters: Far from madding crowd

IF COMPARED with other islands in the Philippines, there is absolutely nothing like Samal Island.

Actually, an archipelago consisting of nine islands that stretch out over a land area of 28,000 hectares, Samal is a splendor island with a coastline adorned with white sand beaches, abundant marine life, rock formations, and mangroves.

Click here for Election 2010 updates

As it has numerous lush gardens and landscape of coconut palms and fruit-bearing trees, it is aptly called as Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos). The name "Samal" was named after the Islamic tribal group or Isamal from Jolo and Basilan who migrated to the island.

Samal is a second class city. This simply means it does not have a lot of shops, bars, and restaurants. But if you are looking for serene place that is peaceful and quiet, then Samal is it! But the thing is, you won't get it unless you have actually experience it for yourself.

Tired of the hassles of city life, the stress of your work, the fast tick of the clock, and the noise of the vehicles, then go straight to the Bluewaters Beach Resort. Here, you can relax, have peace of mind, and be with nature.

But before going there, you must have a reservation first. "Our policy is strictly no booking, no entry," explained Ramon Crisostomo. "We want to know who our guests and visitors are. In addition, we don't want the place to be crowded so much so that we cannot attend to their needs."

Ramon is the resort's consultant and the husband of Dr. Evelyn Crisostomo, who managed the resort. Evelyn is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Mercado, who own the more than a hectare tranquil resort.

The beach line is only 150 meters but it has an infinity pool that faces Davao City. It has also two other swimming pools for children and some adults.

Instead of using fresh water, the pools are filled with sea water. So, even during low-tide, guests and visitors can still swim in salty water.

On a given day, the resort can only accommodate about 150-300 people. "If they are composed of different groups, 100-150 would be our point of reckoning. If it is exclusive, 300 would be the limit," says Ramon.

The management will turn down other visitors if there are already beyond the capacity of the resort. "In fact, we don't allow walk-in visitors here," Ramon said.

The resort started its operation in 1999 - but only to friends and relatives.

"They served as our barometers and critics," Ramon said. "We asked them what changes we needed to do and if there were other amenities we missed."

Finally, in 2000, the resort was opened to the public. "Most of those who come here are excursionists from Davao City and nearby towns like Panabo, Tagum, Digos, and those from Compostela Valley," Ramon says.

Lately, the resort has visitors coming from the Visayas and Luzon. "They are actually coming to Davao since they knew the city is peaceful," Ramon explained. "After touring the city, they wanted to go the beach. They were surprised to know that Samal Island is just five to 10 minutes away from Davao."

To think of, Bluewaters is not doing an advertisement in local dailies and other forms of media. "We solely rely on the word of mouth," Ramon said. "We are hoping that those who come to our resort will tell others about us."

How Bluewaters got its name is an interesting story in itself. When the Mercados came to the place for the first time, it was a sunny day. As they looked at the waters hit by the rays of the sun, they saw crystal blue waters. So, when they were looking for a name of the resort, the couple remembered that event.

For those who want to stay at Bluewaters, there are several rooms available.

For P4,000, eight8 people can stay at the air-conditioned garden rooms. A non-aircon dormitory, which can accommodate six persons, is only P2,500. A family non-aircon room that is good for four is P1,800, while air-con apartelle is P1,800 for two persons. Extra person is P300 each. Check in time is 2 p.m. and check out is 12 noon.

Like most resorts, Bluewaters also accept day tour. Entrance fee is P150 per person. Picnic hut, good for 10-15 visitors, is P300 while a picnic tent is P500 as it can accommodate 16-20 persons. If there are only two or four of you, you can get a table for P150. Day tour starts at 7 am up to 4:30 pm, as it is the time of the last trip of the resort boat going to Davao.

Weddings, birthday parties, and meetings can also be done at Bluewaters. Its Grand Pavilion (with stage and a capacity of 150 persons) can be rented at P4,500 each day. Although Club House is only enough for 80 persons, it is air-conditioned and can be rented at P4,500 daily. The use of Small Pavilion per day is only P2,500 but can hold only 30 persons.

Prices are subject to change without prior notice. In addition, any type of liquor and beverages are prohibited except for water. Guests and visitors are not allowed to bring tents, pets, and electrical appliances. "We want the atmosphere of the resort to be peaceful and quiet," Ramon says.

From the resort, guests and visitors can also visit the island's two waterfalls. One of the most famous and scenic is the Hagimit Falls with its rustling, spectacular displays of falling water. These amazing falls have natural swimming pools, unique rock formations with a rich variety of vegetation that grows along the river banks.

A few kilometers away from the resort is the Monfort Bat Cave, whose bats colony was certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest colony of fruit bats in the world with a population ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 million as of 2006.

How do you get to Bluewaters? If you are from Manila or Cebu, you can fly to Davao International Airport. When in Davao, go to the boarding area located at the Davao Boat Club in Lizada Drive, Lanang. You have to go through the Pearl Farm jetty in catching the boat going to the resort. Travel time is only seven minutes.

For inquiries and reservation, please contact the resort at these numbers: (082) 303-2618 or 304-6975. Its fax number: (082) 225-4009.