Pearl Farm: An Island’s jewel

Pearl Farm houses around 70 cottages and villas, some, as I mentioned earlier, are built on stilts over the water while some stand amidst nature. (PNA photo)

DAVAO CITY – Our adventure began with just a 45-minute boat ride from the bustling Davao City and we reached Samal Island’s jewel called Pearl Farm.

Welcoming us to this beautiful resort is the imposing parola, a cultural-themed 2-storey structure that served as their reception area. From there we can already see the unique and beautiful houses on stilts, designed by National Artist Architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa.

We were lucky that there were only a few people in the resort during our stay so we were able to fully enjoy the various amenities and facilities it offers to its guests.

The resort boasts of three white fine-sand beaches. The 2 are located in the main island while the 3rd one is found on a private island called Malipano. We got there via a 5-minute boat ride from the main resort. Malipano Island offers a more exclusive hideout and grander accommodation to its guests. And yes, rates here are also more exclusive. This is where the resort owners and their families stay when on the Island. Very ideal for honeymooners.

Kids and kids at heart in our group surely enjoyed taking a dip in the resort’s 2 beautiful swimming pools- which includes an infinity-edge one by the beach. Both give us serene views of the nature surrounding the island. It’s lined up with many loungers where guests can relax and enjoy sunbathing. Nearby is their massage kiosk for that soothing and relaxing massage after several laps in the pool. You can also rent and use their different water sports equipment.

Pearl Farm houses around 70 cottages and villas, some, as I mentioned earlier, are built on stilts over the water while some stand amidst nature. Each one is decorated in traditional southern Filipino style, and features balconies, free Wi-Fi, and minibars.

For its corporate clients, the Resort offers conference and meeting rooms, as well as spacious areas for team building activities. My former company brought us to Pearl Farm twice before… first was for a 2-day Convention and next was for a Team building session. We can surely mix business and pleasure in this Resort!

They also have a big recreational room where family members and friends can gather to play billiards, darts, table tennis, and different board games. Guess what, they also have mahjong for adults delight!

Their overnight package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet. Their Maranao restaurant provides a wide spread of sumptuous dishes in an ambiance fit for both Filipino and International guests alike. We truly feasted on the served fresh seafood and exotic fruits from the Food Basket land of Mindanao.

You can also opt to unwind with a cocktail or two with family and friends in their Parola Tapas Bar, located on the second floor of the famous Parola. The 360-degree view of the Resort from the Parola will make your drinking pleasures a remarkable experience. The best way to cap an activity-full day.

So if you’re looking for a world-class resort experience, book yourself and your family a day or two at the Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Their very friendly staff will surely make you want to come back again .. and again to this jewel of Samal Island.

Trivia: Pearl Farm Beach Resort is named as such because it was once home to a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters transported from the Sulu Sea, were nurtured and cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Precious pearls.