For the first time in my seventeen years of living in Davao City, I get to go to Pearl Farm! Pathetic isn't it? With seven siblings all in private schools, my family never had the extra money for such luxury until now. Plus, we always thought Pearl Farm is overrated, what with all the uber nice beaches all over Samal Island at so much cheaper rates.
For economic reasons, we opted for the day tour package. Reservations can be made on the 3rd floor of Gaisano mall. I'm sure their online reservation works just as well for people outside of Davao City. I cannot remember the exact price for a day tour package but we paid roughly around 14,990 for 9 people.
The boat leaves at 8 am so we were informed to be there 30 minutes before. We arrived at around seven thirty at the Davao Marina Wharf. If you have no idea how to get there, just board a taxi and inform the driver that you need to go to where the boat for Pearl farm is at Lanang. Don't worry, you won't get ripped off by the cab drivers here. Just to be sure, those with reputable names such as Holiday, STC, or Maligaya.
Once there, you just need to have your bags checked for secuirty reasons, register, and wait for the boat to be ready. There is a cafe for people who wants to have breakfast befor boarding the boat. Admirably, they really leave at exactly 8 am.
The 40-minute boat ride started with a waiter handing out bottles mineral water for
free! My advice, grab one no matter what. You paid dearly for those. The ride was pretty much uneventful.
We were greeted warmly with a complimentary watermelon juice by the staff. A brief orientation was given on the rules of the resort and limitation of the packages that we purchased. The day tour fee is already inclusive of:
- a lunch buffet (for which I silently huuuraaiieed!)
- use of 2 swimming pools and a jacuzzi
- boat ride to/from and tour of the other island
- rides on electric golf cartswithin the resort
- any open cottages
- darts and billiard table use
- boat ride to and from the resort (one has to register an hour before the actual time when you wish to leave)
The infinity pool was divine! The second larger pool and the jacuzzi were so-so due to the fact that many leaves had fallen into them from the trees that lined on the sides. Although, it provided a very nice spot for swimming with lesser heat from the sun.
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| Infinity Pool |
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| view from an open cottage beside the infinity pool |
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| going to the other island |
I am still kicking myself for not taking pictures of the buffet table. If you are like me who loves hunting down buffet places, you'd probably find theirs -- uhhmm -- sufficient. It was not impressive but it was not disappointing either. The cordon bleu was delicious. Its just that I was expecting more seafood recipes like crabs, shrimps, tuna, and seaweeds. After all, Samal had always been known for its fresh seafood products. It is, after all, an island. I definitely did not expect to see grilled pork, which they served, but it was still delicious. Their salads and desserts were great! from blueberry cheesecake to waldorf! everything tasted great! But then again, I am pretty much easy to please when it comes to desserts and salads, so what do I know right? :)
All in all, P1500/person deal, was pretty much sweet considering their excellent amenities. The staff were all friendly and polite. What we paid for during the reservation was pretty much everything that we had to shell out. No hidden charges (except for the drinks during lunch, but then again, they were not hidden, it was kind of expected in all buffet setting). I still stand by my earlier statement though. Samal island offers many many more equally beutiful beaches at a much much cheaper price. They may not offer the same amenities as Pearl farm does, they would still be able to deliver the same relaxing enjoyable get-away that we all deserve from the real world.
Cheers!
