Pearl Farm Beach Resort
When we talk of white sand beaches in Davao, we are actually referring to the beaches of the Island Garden City of Samal. We always thought the quintessential Pearl Farm Resort is situated in Davao, since it is posted in most pictures of Davao, when in fact, it is just one of the many resorts that dot the pristine shorelines of Samal. Pearl Farm Beach Resort has been one of the pioneers of luxury resorts in the Philippines. With the burgeoning of high end resorts in different parts of the country, Pearl Farm still maintains its exclusive image.
From its private wharf in Lanang in Davao City, you board an outrigger that takes you to the resort in Samal Island. If you get there before the scheduled departure times, you can get to relax in their wharf lounge, or even take a dip in a swimming pool.
As you arrive in the resort's pavilion, a guest relations officer will brief the entire group about the activities one can engage in. They also show you a map of the entire resort. The pavilion is perhaps the landmark of Pearl Farm, and at the second floor, one can enjoy a drink or two while relishing a relaxing view of the sea.
Though an old resort, Pearl Farm is pleasantly maintained. They are still pioneers in having an infinity pool way before it became the standard in luxury resorts.
There is an area near their spa, where one can lounge in white bean bags.
We weren't able to book a water cottage (those rooms built over the sea) since they were full. I wanted to experience the rooms by the sea.
We were instead directed to a garden cottage. The area had another pool and a wide beach. The beach though wasn't that nice, and was meant for sports activities, like badminton and volleyball.
The garden cottage showed the age of the resort. The furniture was dated, and some of the fixtures were already worn out. The TV was a small CRT as well, considering we live in an age where LCD TVs are already the standard. The room was huge though, and even had a day bed.
After checking in, we took a speedboat to Malipano Island, which was opposite the resort. Before, there used to be ultra luxurious accommodations on the island. When we approached the island, it seemed deserted. It wasn't maintained well anymore. If you want a nice swimming beach though, then you have to experience it here in Malipano Island. The white sand is finer and the water is clearer. You can also enjoy a lot of water sports here, like kayaking, jet skiing, and a lot more inflatables.
We went around, and found a the villas that were already closed down. I wonder what happened to these villas.
There was a nice beach though beside them, however, it was swarming with mosquitos. I think I had dozens of mosquito bites after.
After exploring Malipano Island and seeing how deserted it has become, we went to the clubhouse area, where we enjoyed the beach. The water wasn't as clear as we wanted it to be, but it was nice having the entire beach to ourselves.
We went back to the main resort, and plunged into the inviting pool. I had some beers in the pavilion since they were on Happy Hour (50% off).
Pearl Farm Beach Resort may have set the standard in luxury a decade ago, but it needs to revive itself as new luxury resorts begin to mushroom across the country. Pearl Farm is still popular, and was almost full when we visited. However, I wouldn't choose it anymore as a destination of choice if I'm from Manila. If I'm in Davao, and would like to experience a nice vacation, I would probably try Pearl Farm. I would still recommend Chemas by the Sea though.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines
TEL: (6382) 221-9970
FAX: (6382) 221-9979
From its private wharf in Lanang in Davao City, you board an outrigger that takes you to the resort in Samal Island. If you get there before the scheduled departure times, you can get to relax in their wharf lounge, or even take a dip in a swimming pool.
As you arrive in the resort's pavilion, a guest relations officer will brief the entire group about the activities one can engage in. They also show you a map of the entire resort. The pavilion is perhaps the landmark of Pearl Farm, and at the second floor, one can enjoy a drink or two while relishing a relaxing view of the sea.
Though an old resort, Pearl Farm is pleasantly maintained. They are still pioneers in having an infinity pool way before it became the standard in luxury resorts.
There is an area near their spa, where one can lounge in white bean bags.
We weren't able to book a water cottage (those rooms built over the sea) since they were full. I wanted to experience the rooms by the sea.
We were instead directed to a garden cottage. The area had another pool and a wide beach. The beach though wasn't that nice, and was meant for sports activities, like badminton and volleyball.
The garden cottage showed the age of the resort. The furniture was dated, and some of the fixtures were already worn out. The TV was a small CRT as well, considering we live in an age where LCD TVs are already the standard. The room was huge though, and even had a day bed.
After checking in, we took a speedboat to Malipano Island, which was opposite the resort. Before, there used to be ultra luxurious accommodations on the island. When we approached the island, it seemed deserted. It wasn't maintained well anymore. If you want a nice swimming beach though, then you have to experience it here in Malipano Island. The white sand is finer and the water is clearer. You can also enjoy a lot of water sports here, like kayaking, jet skiing, and a lot more inflatables.
We went around, and found a the villas that were already closed down. I wonder what happened to these villas. 
There was a nice beach though beside them, however, it was swarming with mosquitos. I think I had dozens of mosquito bites after.
After exploring Malipano Island and seeing how deserted it has become, we went to the clubhouse area, where we enjoyed the beach. The water wasn't as clear as we wanted it to be, but it was nice having the entire beach to ourselves.
We went back to the main resort, and plunged into the inviting pool. I had some beers in the pavilion since they were on Happy Hour (50% off).
Pearl Farm Beach Resort may have set the standard in luxury a decade ago, but it needs to revive itself as new luxury resorts begin to mushroom across the country. Pearl Farm is still popular, and was almost full when we visited. However, I wouldn't choose it anymore as a destination of choice if I'm from Manila. If I'm in Davao, and would like to experience a nice vacation, I would probably try Pearl Farm. I would still recommend Chemas by the Sea though.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines
TEL: (6382) 221-9970
FAX: (6382) 221-9979
May I suggest another resort next time you visit Davao. It's a private beach resort called Leticia by the Sea and is owned by the same couple who owns Casa Leticia (a business hotel in Davao). You may get in touch with Casa Leticia to make bookings for Leticia by the Sea. You won't regret it. I suggest though that you bring a group with you since you have to rent the entire resort. Staff at Casa Leticia can give you more info on this. Cheers! :-)
ReplyDeleteLeticia by the Sea is actually one of resorts I want to try in Samal, but since you have to rent the entire resort, it's difficult to book. Hopefully, i will be able to experience it soon.
ReplyDeletewow! this is such a beautiful place... I'm going here one day... that's a promise. :)
ReplyDelete