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Samal The exquisite Pearl of the South
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: By JASER A. MARASIGAN
Date: 2005-10-02
 
The sun was setting, and its gleaming rays of orange touch the sea’s changing nuance of blue…from turquoise to aquamarine. Then, there’s the panorama of fascinating topography of rolling hills, a coastline adorned with white sand beaches, flowering plants and coconut palms. The lush environment amidst the southern tropical air evokes the unique allure of exotic Mindanao.

I was standing at the veranda admiring this magnificent view…wishing that I could stay here forever. Just like its pearls, everything was simply exquisite.

Located in the southern part of the Philippines is Samal, an archipelago consisting of nine islands which stretch out over a land area of 28,000 hectares. Samal is a tranquil and exotic island adorned with a flourishing flora and fauna, rock formations, mangroves, and blessed with an abundant marine life.

Nestled on the quiet side of Samal island is the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, a mere 45-minute boat ride from Davao City. This 14-hectare spread was once a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Today, the resort, which began its operations in December, 1992, beckons with the promise of a relaxing, private retreat.

The resort’s deluxe accommodations include 19 Samal Houses, which are designed after the stilt houses of the seafaring Samal Tribe of the Sulu Archipelago. Built of bamboo, these accommodations are most unusual, offering guests a rare experience of living by the sea. The rooms are beautifully appointed with the bright colors of pink, yellow and blue of the Samal tribe. All rooms have balconies where one can see through the crystal clear water and watch schools of tropical fish swim through coral formations.

The resort also offers Hilltop Rooms or the Balay Houses, which open onto a veranda overlooking the beach. Located near the aqua sports area of the resort are 20 deluxe rooms called the Mandaya Houses, where I stayed. The Mandaya Houses surround the Mandaya swimming pool (one of the resort’s two pools). The rooms are spacious enough to accommodate a third person. All rooms are furnished with native materials and décor, airconditioned, equipped with mini-bar facilities, hot and cold shower, cable TV and telephone. Each has a garden view and a panoramic view of the sea from the verandas. It even has a very spacious dressing area.

At the other end of the cove are six luxurious, two-storey, Muslim-inspired Samal Suites. These executive suites are named and decorated according to the different Mindanao tribes such as the Tausug, Yakan, T’Boli, Bagobo, B’laan and Maguindanao. The upper room of the Samal Suite is the master’s bedroom with a king-size bed. The master’s bathroom with a bathtub is also well-appointed. The lower room is the living room, which is convertible into a bedroom and is ideal for families with up to three children. A sofa bed with a trundle bed can also be arranged. The second toilet and bath facility can be found on the lower level. All the rooms were designed to preserve the ethnicity of its surroundings, and at the same time stocked with modern amenities to ensure a pleasurable stay for its guests’ discriminating taste.

For those who are looking for total privacy, Pearl Farm offers the ideal hideaway in Malipano Island. The seven Malipano Villas or big houses are located here at this island just across the beach resort. There are two types of villas: Five villas have three bedrooms and two villas have four bedrooms. All villas are air-conditioned, equipped with mini-bar, coffee and tea facilities, safety box, cable TV, spacious living room, hair dryers, and individual toilet and bath, with the master bathroom having a bathtub.

The villas have a wide veranda where a barbecue party can be organized for its guests complete with cooks and waiters. Butler service is available for food orders and other guest assistance. For the guests’ convenience, a boat is on standby in the island to transport them to the restaurant and other facilities of the resort, or whenever they want to tour the city or go island hopping.

For a taste of fresh seafood and exotic fruits, Maranao Pavilion features the best of Filipino and international fare. And for a nightcap, have your favorite cocktail drinks at the Parola Bar.

Aside from its unique location, the resort is also famous for its spa treatments, according to Juan Roca, general manager of Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Lying behind the beach just beside a waterfall, Ylang-Ylang Spa is a piece for daydreaming. Ideal for some meditative moments, the soothing sound of pouring water creates a resting place for the senses, mind and heart.

The spa offers several indulgent body and beauty treatments based on natural products. Experience a relaxing Papaya Body Scrub, a revitalizing Honey and Cucumber Facial Cleansing, a refreshing Floral Foot Soak or its outdoor Aromatherapy Massage.

Fresh fruit juices are available before, during or after treatments to complete that sensation of refreshment, relaxation and serenity.

The Pearl Farm’s attractions go much deeper than surface delights. Two sunken World War II Japanese vessels await scuba divers, just 60 meters away from the resort. Marine life has been protected and nurtured over the past years, and the area surrounding the resort has been declared a marine sanctuary. Diving from Pearl Farm is one of the great experiences divers can bring home with them after a vacation to Davao. Recreational divers will surely find Davao Gulf a haven for diving adventures.

The resort also offers a wide array of other water sports activities like kayaking, wind surfing, water polo, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. Guests can also use the Game Room and tennis courts, which are open until late at night, located at the Balay 1. The Conference Room is also housed in Balay 1, fully-equipped with the latest in audio-visual system and can seat a total capacity of 80 persons.

Davao City is only a little over an hour from Manila via Cebu Pacific. The world’s largest metropolis is blessed with various natural attractions like Mt. Apo, the highest mountain peak in the Philippines and the monkey-eating Philippine eagle.
 

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