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THAILAND
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Philippines |
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Pearl Farm Resort: A rare gem on
Samal Island |
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Source: Manila Bulletin |
Author: Amada T. Valino |
Date: 1999-04-03 |
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In a secluded cove on Kaputian, Samal Island (now known as the
Island Garden City of Samal), off the coast of Davao City, lies the
world-famous Pearl Farm Resort. This 11-hectare resort complex which
can be reached after a 30-45 minute ferry boat ride, was once a pearl
farm where thousands of white-lipped oysters from the Sulu Sea were
cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls.
A unique feature of this beautiful resort are the Samal houses patterned after
the stilt houses of seafaring Samal tribes of the Sulu archipelago. Placed near
the entrance of each house are a jar of water and a coconut shell dipper which
guests may use to wash off the sand after a swim or a walk on the beach.
By day, schools of tiny fish frolic between the sturdy poles supporting the
houses. At night, the soothing sound of waves mingle with the rustling of the
wind.
The resort has 19 airconditioned Samal houses and six Samal suites. There
are 19 hoteltype rooms at the hilltop Balay I and 2. Each room is alluringly
decorated with the arts and crafts of the tribal people of Mindanao. The ethnic
motifs reflect the rich culture and heritage of the indigenous tribes, giving a
distinctive charm to the resort.
Rooms are built to fit around the island's graceful contour, each one opens up
into a breathtaking view of the calm, blue sea.
What does one do at the resort aside from admiring the view, soaking in the
sun, swimming either at the pool which spills out into the sea below or at the
Davao Gulf, or simply frolicking along the white-sand beaches? Jetskiing,
hobie-cat sailing and scuba diving await the water sports enthusiasts. The vast
unexplored depths of Davao Gulf offer ample opportunities for scuba diving and
underwater photography. Within these waters can be found varied, colorful
marine life species of the whole Indo-Pacific region.
Or one can simply admire the fish ponds stocked with rare aquatic species
like the pawikan (marine turtle) and the giant taklobo clams. Or he can take a
banca and explore the dazzling coral gardens. There are two tennis courts set
amidst tropical foliage.
Or just follow the wooden footbridges and walkways as you leisurely meander
through the exotic gardens of the resort where island structures are made of
natural materials such as bamboo, wood, rope, stone and coral, blending
beautifully with the rest of the landscape.
At the Maranao pavilion, guests can savor fresh seafoods from the surrounding
waters or try any of the succulent exotic fruits which abound in the island city
such as bananas, durian, papaya, mangosteen, mangoes and marang.
For a night cap, one may go to the cozy Parola Bar (named after the local
term for lighthouse), which was once a look-out post. Amidst the relaxing
ambience, guests can unwind with a night of music, drinks and exhilarating
conversation.
As its name suggests, the Pearl Farm Resort is truly a rare and precious gem
where one can revel in life's simple pleasures and luxuries as one communes
with nature.
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