THIS summer, where will you go? If you're tired of the beaches here in Davao cITY, why don't you try something new in the Island Garden City of Samal? Well, what comes to people when they hear of Samal beach is the world-famous Pearl Farm Beach Resort.
Unknowingly, there are several other beaches which people can have fun and enjoy to the fullest. They may not be as enthralling and majestic as Pearl Farm but surely these resorts are a class in themselves. After all, the beaches in Samal are the treasures of the island itself.
In union, there is strength, so goes a familiar saying. Recently, these other beaches in Samal joined together and came up a very unique exhibit at the NCCC Mall.
"We want to show to Davao and those who come to the city that we have pristine and equally alluring beaches other than those mentioned in newspapers or shown in televisions," says Ramon T. Crisostomo, a member of the Association of Small Hotels and Resorts in Samal Island.
Among those which joined the exhibits were Hof Gorei Beach Resort, Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark, Bluewaters Beach Resort, Camp Holiday Resort and Recreation Area, Mayumi Disney Sea and Beach Resort, Precious Garden of Samal, and Ilihan Beach Resort.
Located in Kaputian, Hof Gorei Beach Resort is a private hideaway that offers a contemporary setting in sensual tropical harmony. Here, you can see bungalows and huts scattered across tropical gardens of flora and fauna and trees.
These are perched from the hillside and steps to the beach front and into the white sand beach.
"A sanctuary for romantic and active pursuits combined with the very best of comfort and serenity" is how its brochure describes the place. It considers itself as "the first full service beach hotel in Southern Philippines" as it delivers royalty treatment to its guests by providing them with so-called butler service, "a unique concept of consolidated traditional services associated with utmost personal care."
Hof Gorei is about 50 minutes from Santa Ana Wharf. Rooms range from as low as P2,500 to as high as P10,000. Extra bed is P1,750. For reservations and inquiries, contact: (082) 286-0238 and 0918-609-6966.
Just five minutes away from Davao City by boat is Bluejaz Resort and Waterpark, the premier location for fun and adventure. It operates the Bluejaz Pirates Adventure where children and adults alike can enjoy its three shorter slides located in the children’s water play area.
Guests who wish to step it up a notch can ride its two adult's high speed gigantic flumes, touted to be the largest in the Philippines.
The resort also boasts a line up of international cuisine as well as world class accommodation, ranging from Fiji cottages (P3,500 and good for two persons) to Jazmin rooms (at P2,500).
"Our Blue Bling Bar is the ideal location to relax and enjoy the tropical climate and fresh ocean breeze," says Noel B. Martin, the resort’s general manager.
For a day tour, entrance fee is only P70 per person (inclusive of open cottage, free use of swimming pool and small waterslides (proper swim war is required), and swimming in the beach. Round trip boat fare is P30 per person.
For inquiries, contact (082) 302-8411 and 303-1117.
If you are looking for a place where you can be left alone for yourself, then go to the Bluewaters Beach Resort.
"Our resort can cater for those who are looking for a romantic getaway for two, a family vacation, or just himself," says Crisostomo, consultant of the resort.
Guests can rent a house with complete amenities and bedrooms enough to accommodate the entire family or guests. It also boasts its latest upscale Apartelle wherein visitors can view the entire Davao City and the Gulf and the peak of Mt. Apo.
In addition, it has infinity swimming pool, mushroom huts, picnic tables shaded by talisay tree, shower and rest rooms, and a covered grille house.
For a day tour (starts at 7 am till 4:30 pm), the entrance fee is P150 per person. A hut can be rented at P300 (good for 1o to 15 persons). It has function halls, which can accommodate 30 to 150 people. Contact: (082) 303-2618.
Camp Holiday Resort and Recreation Area, located beside Samal Ferry Wharf in Babak, is ideal for parties, events, company conferences, birthday, weddings and live-in seminars. It has pavilion, huts, camping ground, waterslides, beach, restaurant, and playgrounds.
Entrance fee for a day tour is P80 per person. If you opt to stay for overnight, you have to pay P150. Hotel rooms cost at P1,500 per night while its cottages are P1,800 per night.
For inquiries and reservation, contact (082) 304-6483. Fax: (082) 226-3683.
About 20-minute ride from ferry wharf is the Mayumi Disney Sea Resort. It is widely-known for its Disneyland look-alike concepts. A great place for family bonding with kids and friends, it has white sand beach, slide, nipa huts, open/closed cottages, souvenir shop, function hall, and jetski/rowboat rentals.
Entrance fee is only P20 while overnight is P50. For inquiries, contact (082) 286-0114.