Pearl Farm Beach Resort Day Tour

Pearl Farm Beach Resort

When asked about the places to see in Davao, one of the answers that you would probably get is one of Fuego  Hotels' most popular resorts in the Philippines, the Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Owned by the influential Florendo family, this posh resort is located at the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), which is an hour away from Davao City and is accessed via a motorboat.

While you really have to make mint just so you could afford an overnight stay in this luxurious resort, it is nice to know that this also opens its doors to tourists who are on a budget via its day tour. The first time I visited the island was in 2009 when I only spent about P1,500 for the tour, which already includes boat transfers to and from Davao, a bottle of water, welcome drinks, towels, use of facilities and amenities, boat transfers  from the main resort to its neighboring Malipano Island (where the even more expensive villas and more private beaches are located), tour around the resort with their electricity-powered multicab and a sumptuous buffet lunch of various cuisines. 


At the start of 2012, I was lucky enough to have been able to come back to Pearl Farm as my boyfriend's family invited me at the last minute to come with them for a day tour around the posh resort. Of course, I agreed to tag along.


This time around though, their day tour rate increased to P1,850 during weekdays and P2,500 on weekends. Reservations are made on Pearl Farm Marina, a mini resort that serves as a start-off point to people going to Pearl Farm itself. Alternatively, one could also book at SM City, Abreeza and Gaisano Mall as the resort has conveniently installed booths/stalls in these malls so that guests would no longer visit to make reservations at the Pearl Farm Marina, which is located at Lizada Drive along the Lanang Highway on the northern part of the city.

Pearl Farm Marina

After approximately 45 to 60 minutes of boat ride, the first thing that would probably awaken you from what seems to be a lengthy boat trip is a rock formation with two sets of slides on it. Unfortunately, the resort no longer allows guests to go here.

Rock Formation with Water Slides

Moreover, you'd know that you have already arrived once you see beach side houses standing on stilts. These are not pretty houses to look at, mind you, as they look like squatters standing beside the classy resort. In my opinion, this is a turn-off, though I don't think that there is much that Pearl Farm could do about this. 


Nevertheless, this unsightly view is compensated by six executive Samal Suites, which are twos-storey cottages possessing private stairs to the beach.

Pearl Farm's Samal Suites

Pearl Farm's Samal Suites

Upon arrival, live ethnic drums and pineapple drinks welcome the guests as these get off the boat and set foot on the Parola Bar. 

Pearl Farm's Parola Bar

An orientation is then performed to let the guests be acquainted by the amenities of the resort. People could then leave their bags at the Business Office so that they could go about the place without worrying about their belongings. 


The following are pictures of the interesting facilities and activities in the resort during my first and second visit:

Infinity Pool

Pearl Farm's Infinity Pool

  Samal Houses built on stilts on the water 

Man-Made Waterfall

Pearl Farm Pond

Open Cottages at the Beach Front of the Mandaya Area

Swimming Pool Surrounded by the Mandaya Cottages

Swimming Pool Surrounded by the Mandaya Cottages

Pearl Farm's Game Room

The only beach area meant for swimming

Snorkeling/Fish Feeding

The resort also arranges transfers to and from Malipano Island, where the upper-class Malipano Villas are situated. It was too bad that the beach near the expensive villas are off-limits to day tour guests during our second visit. So we weren't able to see its private beach, which was way better than that found near the Samal Suites and Parola Bar.

Wobbly Rubber Bridge to Malipano Island

Malipano Gazebo

Malipano Island

On Our Way to the Malipano Villas

Malipano Villas

Guests could also opt to swim a few meters from the shore and hang out or dive at a stable raft. You could just talk to the caretaker so that you won't have to pay for life jackets. If you're lucky, he may even allow you to take a pose on the resort's jet ski.

Diving on Malipano Island's Raft

Aqua Sports Center

All these activities would surely leave you famished, so the lunch buffet would surely meet your gastronomic desires. From appetizers, entrees, breads and desserts, the food alone would let you feel that your money did not go to waste. I was not able to take pictures though as I was too hungry. :)

Lunch Buffet Reservation for Day Tour Guests

On the whole, a day tour is enough when visiting this often overrated luxury resort. It is best to go during off-peak seasons as it offers affordable promotions, such as a P3,500-worth of overnight stay for two people, inclusive of a continental breakfast plus the freebies enjoyed in a day tour. This is not bad at all as Pearl Farm usually has a per person rate of more than P3,000 for an overnight stay. 


How to Get There:


You could actually take a taxi to Pearl Farm Marina. However, if you're on a budget, and you came from the south or downtown area, then it is possible to hail a Lanang or Sasa jeepney along C.M Recto St. Once you arrive at Lizada Drive, you could ride a tricycle to send you off to Marina. You could pay less than P15 to the jeepney and P8 to the trike.


Call time is usually 8 AM, and it is highly suggested to arrive on or before the time. After all, you only have a couple of hours to fully enjoy the resort. You certainly do not want to waste a minute of that by being late.


Below is the boat schedule leaving to and from Pearl Farm Marina:


Marina to Pearl Farm:
8:00 AM
1:30 PM
4:00 PM


Pearl Farm to Marina:
6:45 AM
10:00 AM
1:00 PM
4:00 PM


Get more information on Samal Hotels and Davao Hotels.


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