In the mornings, we headed to the resto for the breakfast buffet then went for a stroll or a swim or a nap. We didn’t really find a lot of things to do there other than what one would call “relax”. At one point we decided we we’re going to explore the island and headed for the resort gate to walk out and explore what’s beyond BUT we didn’t quite make it.
Our Samal House
Resting after swimming and snorkeling
Having breakfast at the resto
Having breakfast at the resto
In the evenings, we had dinner and headed to the parola bar for some singing and drinking. We took photos here and there.
Going up for some singing, drinking and hanging out with some foreigners
Capiz lanterns by the swimming pool
This was really delicious! Tropical fruits: mango, watermelon, pineapple, papaya, pomelo
Tipsy. More the one who took this photo, judging from how blurry the pic is.
Taba-ar!
The Parola at night
Waiting for the boat transfer back to mainland
Hanging out on the couch at the Pearl Farm Marina while waiting for the transfer to downtown
The resort is big enough, quiet and relaxing enough but after all these “beautiful” photos of the resort, let me tell you something or rather, some things. I hated it there. I had dreaded going to the resto to eat because there just wasn’t anything good enough. The breakfast buffet tasted all the same, whether it was fish or hotdog or longganisa or beef. The service was so slow, if at all present. Our room was never cleaned and all our requests at the desk were never granted. Our “romantic dinner” for two by the beach was mistakenly given to someone else, we had to wait an hour and a half for the staff to set up another table by the beach. Even the fruit basket had rotting fruits. There were no towels by the pool nor any service personnel. It was soooo weird.
Then we went snorkeling and there was absolutely neither corals nor fish! There were a lot of starfish and trash though. It was just really…. weird.
I pretty much vowed never to go back there. I emailed them a customer feedback and even filled out the feedback form on the dresser.
Don’t take my word for it though. I have a lot of friends who’ve been there these past years and they all say the food was great! The place was great! Yeah, you know, the usual. I guess, our experience just stands out. Oh well, I do hope to go back to Samal Island soon. Next year with the family I hope. There are a lot of other resorts in Samal Island and we don’t have to go to Pearl Farm Beach Resort if we are not so inclined. I do love Davao and if I was going back to it and would want to take a little trip to the beach, Samal Island is still the best bet.