Pearl Farm Resort Part 1: Pearl of Davao

Pearl Farm is located in the Kaputian District of Samal Island. It is one of, if not the most expensive resorts in Samal Island. The picturesque view from their Maranao Beach is of the emerald green waters of Davao gulf, the white sand beach of Malipano Island, back dropped by Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines.

To get there, Pearl Farm has it's own wharf called Marina, which is just a few minutes from the airport and a good 30 minutes from the city center. Marina in itself is a hotel. There are rooms, a pool and a restaurant.

We booked a bed and breakfast accommodation at Pearl Farm for a Hilltop Room, which are called Balay in Pearl Farm. Although their check in time is at 2pm, we went on the first boat trip at 8am to maximize our time at the beach. The resort only has a couple of scheduled trips from Marina to Pearl Farm (8am, 1:30pm, 4pm, 6pm) and from Pearl Farm to Marina (6:45am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm). Booking a special trip will cost you Php6,500 (around US$147), the cost of an overnight Samal House accommodation. So better make your plans around their boat schedules.

The boat ride from Marina to Pearl Farm took around 45 minutes. You can check-in your luggage at the Marina and they will carry them over to the boat, off Pearl Farm and into your room. If you're taking a day tour, you can collect your bags upon undocking at the Parola. They will inspect all bags and luggages at the Marina because it is not allowed to bring any food and beverages at the resort, other than drinking water. They don't really take out all your stuff, it's more of a casual look. So if you're the type who gets hungry every few hours (like me), you can sneak in light snacks if you keep them under clothes.

Pearl Farm's docking station is at the famous Parola. Upon arriving, you'd be welcomed with drinks and there will be a short introduction about the resort and it's facilities. All the staff are very friendly and as I realized throughout our stay, they seem to genuinely like to provide a good service. Ruel, in particular, was very nice and helpful.

Since our rooms will not be available until 2pm, Ruel told us we can stay in one of the cabanas by the pool or beach or at the Maranao restaurant. He got our cellphone number and said they would call if our room will be ready earlier than usual. He even asked us what our plans are for dinner. He said he can reserve a table for us near the entertainers at the Maranao restaurant that night. When we said we like quiet dinners, he said they can arrange one by the pool, beach or room, just let them know.

The Balay rooms are located a few minutes via shuttle service from the Front Desk. The wait for the shuttle could take longer than the actual trip. Another option is to walk. There's a staircase going up the hill with benches every couple of steps. It's not really that high, but if you're like me (I tire easily), I'd rather take the shuttle going up. It was okay to walk going down though, it helps that the view is beautiful from the top of the hill.

The room is very comfortable and spacious. All the necessities are available, with a little extra something. There's a television, refrigerator, a mini bar with complimentary water and coffee and tea facilities and some magazines. The bathroom has shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, shower cap and cotton tips.

The overnight accommodation with buffet breakfast for two at the hilltop room cost us Php4,800 (around US$109) booking through asiatravel.com. It's the cheapest rate I could find online. I have to say, it was worth it! If you plan to go on a day tour, it will cost Php2,500 per person with lunch on a weekend (Php1,900 on weekdays). If there's only two of you, better go for the overnight stay. That will give you more time at the resort to relax and enjoy the place.

Balay corridors made of natural
materials

The steps going to the lower grounds.

Read more about Pearl Farm on my next post: Pearl Farm Part 2

Pearl Farm Resort

Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal

Davao, Philippines

www.pearlfarmresort.com/