Mt. Sabrina Mountain View Resort (Jam's Garden Restaurant)

Mt. Sabrina at dusk

I've previously blogged about this beautiful resort on top of a hill, overlooking the picturesque Sarangani Bay. Quite frankly, I get confused whether it is really called Jam's Garden Resort or Mt. Sabrina Garden Resort. But forget the name since the mere mention of Mt. Sabrina to locals, they will readily point you to this wonderful resort.

Paraiso Verde Resort and Water Park - RELOADED

The Wiggles Kiddie Pool

I just came back from one of the prime water parks in this side of South Cotabato. I don’t usually blog about a certain place more than twice but this place calls for another round of commendations. Excuse my title “reloaded” for lack of a better word. J But since my last visit at the resort, me and my family had the pleasure of being treated yet again to a wonderful experience at Paraiso Verde Resort. Oh and if you’ve missed my first post about this water park… you can check it out here.

After attending the christening of Mr. OSG’s newest godson, we decided to bring swimming gears and bathing suits since the reception was held at the Maya Pavilion of Paraiso Verde Resort. And it was a really good decision since as soon as we arrived at the resort’s parking lot, someone was eager enough to dive off the pool. You guessed wrong, it wasn’t my little girl but it was me. Hehe. 

The Maya Pavilion is an open marquee which can accommodate up to 200 guests inside an area of about 300 square meters. The perfect venue for your swimming parties or company outings. If you would like to have your wedding reception here, my suggestion is to do it around dinner time since the sun can be scorching hot at midday. But don’t fret since the owners are thinking about enclosing the entire gazebo in glass so that they can have it air-conditioned! Now that’s something we would surely look forward to in the near future! J

Photo courtesy of  their website 

The resort hasn’t changed much since our last visit. Its facilities are well maintained. The numerous pools still gets the “oohs” and “aaahs” from its guests especially in the 2-16 year old category! – correction even the lolos and lolas are having fun in the resort.

Operating Hours:  The resort is open between 9AM till 5:30PM during weekdays and 9AM to 7PM during weekends and holidays.  They open daily except Tuesdays or Wednesdays (depending on whether Tuesday falls on a holiday). They reserve these day  for their  weekly maintenance. 

Entrance Fees. For guests 4ft tall and above be prepared to shell out P250. Kids 2ft -4ft tall can come inside the resort for FREE (but don’t tell this to the kids since they might sneek in at the resort after school.. hehe – kiddin!)

Rates. Common tent P200 – P400; Open air Cabanas – P600; Airconditioned Cabanas P1,200 (with own comfort rooms)

Lemlunay Fever

For the snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, Lemlunay Resort never fails to impress...

It was my first time at this picturesque resort I have heard so much about. And clearly, it doesn't disappoint as the magnificent view of the Sarangani Bay and the neighboring towns of Glan even Balut Island can be seen from the Tinoto Wall or the cliff that is Lemlunay.

You will never have an idle time at this resort since they have a myriad of activities available for their guests. If you don't  feel like snorkeling or diving, you can rent their Hobie Cat for a measly P1500 for a maximum of 6 passengers for 30 mins. Just make sure though that the wind is strong so you don't accidentally just float in the water with no direction :)

For those who just want to chillax and wade in the water with the kids, you can enjoy their infinity pool. It has a magnificent view of the bay and a wonderful spot for day dreaming (well, at least for me). 

Their Poolside Cabins are perfect for families of four which you can rent for P3,000. What's good about it is, the rate includes breakfast for two. 

The rooms inside the Poolside Cabins have two double bed, so if you are there with friends or with the kids, four people can sleep comfortably. Or for the fifth wheel in the group, you can opt to rent additional mattress at P200/each. :)

The Garden View Cabins (picture below) which is good for two persons will set you back for P1,200 and the Ocean View Cabins (sorry.. didnt get a chance to take photos) costs P2,500 per night. all includes breakfast for two. 

moi.. :)

Lemlunay Diving Resort is a paradise located at the edge of Tinoto Reef at Barangay Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province. For more info, you can visit their website at www.lemlunayresort.com or call them at 083 228 1704 or text them at 0928 5244528.  

Paraiso Verde Resort & Water Park - Making Waves in the South

I just came back from the mega-grand opening of Paraiso Verde Resort and Water Park over at Koronadal, South Cotabato. Though we missed the ribbon cutting ceremonies graced by a number of note-worthy guests, there is still a number of activities lined up for the day including a variety show at the Park Performing Arena. I’ve seen a number of Gensan’s celebrities and local bigwigs in the event. The grand opening party is slated to last till midnight with a festive fireworks show to cap the day.

I never seem to stop feeling proud that a recreational resort of this caliber will be opened in Southern Mindanao. It is surely poised to be the next top family oriented recreational tourist destination in the entire SOCCSKSARGEN area.

Going around the park, we were impressed with the world class facilities they have that will surely meet the approval of even the most discriminate guests. The resort features four different types of swimming pools , namely: the Moby Wave Pool, Adventura River Rapids, Wiggles Kiddies Pool and the Freestyle Swim Pool . We were told that the resort utilizes state of the art water filtration systems providing utmost sanitary conditions for guests. So you can be assured that the water in their pools are clean . But then of course, water in the pool is not meant for drinking so refrain your kids from swallowing gallons of water by getting them a life vest which you can get from the resort’s Courtesy Counters, free of charge. –Yep, you heard me right, free of charge. But some tubes are available for rent at a very minimal cost.

My favorite pool of the four is of course the Moby Wave Pool. It mimics the waves in the ocean without the sting of saltwater in your eyes whenever the water hits you in the face. Yey! I am sure this pool will be enjoyed by my little girl who has a habit of shouting “My eyes!!” whenever we swim in the beach since saltwater stings her eyes every time. The pool floor is also a plus since it is concrete –hep, don’t worry it is painted with a specially made rubberized paint ordered from Singapore as we were told so you don’t accidentally slip and bruise your head.:)

The Adventura River Rapids is a water tubing experience which takes you to an adrenaline pumping ride around a 185m river loop. Tubes for this ride are available near the side of the Moby Wave Pool.

The Wiggles Kiddies Pool is the kind of pool I’m so positive every little kid would love to wade in. Just be prepared to bribe your kids when it is time to go home. This is one pool haven that kids would love to swim in even if their hands and feet are already wrinkly like raisins. They have little buckets of water , slides and shower fountains to tickle the fancy of kids. What I also like about this pool is the canopy that shades kids so they don’t go home crisp and brown due to sunburns even if they spend the day swimming. Life vests for kids are likewise available for guests and a good idea for the little ones.

Lastly, the Freestyle Pool… a no frills swimming pool for the Michael Phelps wannabes. It is also under an awning of colored roofing so you don’t have to use papaya soap after a few serious laps of swimming.

Food and Beverage can be purchased inside the resort at the Aqua Café, managed by Cinco Ninas Filipino Cuisine. The food is reasonably priced but not compromising the overall taste –which is really yummy by the way.

Entrance fees are slated at P250 for the general admissions and P180 for children 2-4ft tall. Kids that are below 2 ft can enter the park for free. For an entire day’s stay there, you can rent an open type Cabana for P600 and an air-conditioned cabana for P1200. They also have tents which you can rent for P200-400. 

For inquiries or reservations, you can call them at (083) 228 1988

To get there:

From Gen Santos City:

• Drive northwards towards Polomolok and Koronadal.

• After passing through the Koronadal Rotunda, towards Tacurong, about a kilometer away to your right is a Shell Station.

• Behind the Shell Station is the entrance to Paraiso Verde Resort and Water Park.

From Tacurong City and Kidapawan:

• Drive south towards Koronadal.

• As you enter Koronadal, before you reach the city center, there is a Shell Station on your left.

• Paraiso Verde Resort and Water Park is at the back of the station.

A-Montana Resort - an A Class Resort!

A-Montana Resort (previously known as Isla Parilya) is a charming cove-like resort situated in Brgy. Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani Province. The resort is surrounded by a huge fishing pen which gives its visitors a sense of isolation, of quiet relaxation and peace. It is perfect for tourists who crave for a hushed respite amidst a busy life in the city.

Its facilities are newly improved and includes among others a kidney shaped swimming pool with a man-made waterfall. A perfect hit for families with kids. The swimming pool area is also a perfect venue for garden weddings and celebrations of other occasions.

While the kids are swimming, the daddies can while away their time and enjoy fishing around the resort. Fishing gear and bait are provided by the resort for a minimal fee.

The rooms in the resort remind me of Dos Palmas in Palawan, only miniature in context. The rooms are situated in concrete stilts above the water, with a boardwalk connecting everything to the main hall or the front desk. 

They also have a restaurant, the Formosa Café serving most Filipino dishes as well as an assortment of seafood at a reasonable rates. Guests need not bring food and drinks inside the resort. The Blue Emperor Bar also serves liquor and a variety of drinks.

They also have a big banquet and conference facility for corporate or company events which  is aptly named Sarangani Cove. Room rates start at P1,800 for the standard matrimonial or twin, P2,500 for a suite room, P3,500 for a family room, and P4,500 for the family deluxe room inside Sarangani Cove. For big groups, they have the Double Deck Room at P7,000 and Dorm Type Room at P4,000. All rooms are air-conditioned with TV, hot and cold shower and are all Wi-Fi ready. 

For further inquiries, you may contact them through their email: amontanaresort@pldtdsl.net or through any of these numbers: 083-826-6699/ 553-8553/ 553-0220/ 553-0110/ 301-333

A Taste of The Good Life... only at Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Tucked in the Island Garden City of Samal and Malipano Island is a picturesque resort that will surely take  your usual R&R to a higher level. What I am talking about of course is none other than Pearl Farm Beach Resort. The resort sits on a scenic part of the island of what used to be a south-sea pearl cultivation area. 

Before reaching the main resort, first timers will be in awe of the magnificent native interiors used in the hotel as they are ushered in the posh Pearl Farm Beach Resort’s Davao Marina. This is the drop off point to and from the resort where guests will board the boat on a 45 minute ride. The Davao Marina in itself is a hotel where rooms and accommodation plus a few of the luxuries of the resort are made available for overnight  guests who wish to stay in the city. Also very convenient for guests of the resort who still need to catch an early plane to another destination since they can opt to stay there for a night after their sojourn at the beach resort.

Upon arrival at the beach resort, guests are welcomed by Maranao music along with the gracious staff handing out fruit juices at the Parola Bar. The Parola Bar transforms as entertainment center at night, where guests can enjoy different draft concoctions while enjoying the view of the sea and the sunset.

My favorite part of the resort is the Maranao infinity pool, a well photographed sort of landmark of the resort.  The Mandaya pool on the other side of the resort is also another good attraction of the resort (not to mention near the Mandaya house where we stayed) which has a sort of Jacuzzi pool and a mini waterfall cascading to the main pool. The only setback is, the pool is only open from 9AM to 5PM. It might have been a terrific idea to be able to enjoy swimming  at the pool since we are mighty scared to swim in the beach at night. For guests with kids in tow (who don’t enjoy movie nights) it might’ve been an added plus for them to go night swimming at the pool. Hoping they extend the usage of the pool until 8-9PM at the least.

Apart from that minor glitch in swimming pool hours, the resort exudes luxury. It has 70 well-appointed rooms, executive suites, cottages on stilts perched on the sea, and exclusive villas scattered in the resort. The interiors are mostly inspired by the rich Mindanaoan tribe’s cultures with mainly bamboo and wood used to decorate the entire resort.

For us, we stayed at the Mandaya house facing the ocean which offers a relaxing view of the sea and the resort and very close to the Mandaya pool.

What I love about it is the big king sized poster bed hung with billowy clouds of mosquito netting. Perfect for honeymooners or a small family of three like us.

Inside the main bedroom is a huge dressing area complete with toiletries and a pocket garden at the back with an outside shower! How good is that? :) My little girl can’t even contain her excitement on whether to try the outside showers or raid the well-stocked mini bar first. But of course I had to remind her that the mini-bar was stocked not for us to devour as we please since we have to keep in mind that everything in it was there to be added on top of our bill and she’s gonna have to turn over her piggy bank to mommy should she consume all the candies in the ref. :)

During our stay at the resort, we were treated to a fire dance which earned a lot of screams as well as delight from the guests (including me and my daughter :) ) while we had dinner al fresco at the beach. 

The food of course is also worth mentioning as it was a truly delightful experience dining at the resort, with gastronomic feasts well-prepared by their superb chefs. We enjoyed the buffet banquets whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner as there are always an array of mouth-watering  dishes and a wide assortment of cuisine to choose from. Our hats off to the chefs of the resort for always coming up with glorious fare.  A good culinary experience for us altogether. 

Another good point worth mentioning is the courteousness of the staff. Whenever we pass by a staff, they never fail to greet us with a smile. Our needs were always met, towels always available, our room always clean. Even from the start when we booked our stay, we were assisted by their gracious Reservations Officers.  I always believe that the secret to a successful resort or hotel is in its staff.  They are the ones who make the resort a home away from home. 

So with a heavy heart, we leave the resort with a mental note to return once again once our schedules and pockets allow us to. We absolutely love Pearl Farm Beach Resort, a  resort that makes us Mindanaoans proud to have within our shores. 

Tips for tourists:  Since the resort is a AAA class resort, be prepared to shell out about US$150++ (to as high as US$680++ for a villa) and above for an overnight stay. Local tourists can avail of their promo packages which are way cheaper than the rack rates by more than half. You can view their existing promos and packages here. For a taste of the resort experience, you can book a day tour for only Php1,750/pax which includes round trip boat transfers to and from the Davao Marina, and 1 lunch. 

For reservations:  Davao Sales Office: G/F Alflocor Corporate Center, Damosa Bldg., Lanang Davao City;  Tel No:  (63 82) 235-0876, 234-0601 Fax No: 235-0873

Getting There:

By plane: From Manila, three (3) major airlines fly daily which takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Cebu, two (2) major airlines fly daily which takes approximately 50 minutes. (If you are coming from Gensan, Davao to Gensan takes about 2 hours 30 minutes’ drive) 

By Boat: Two (2) shipping lines have regular trips to Davao from various points of the country 

From the Davao International Airport, guests will be transported to Pearl Farm Beach Resort’s Davao Marina – where guests will board the boat which takes about 45 minutes to Samal Island where the resort is located. There are four (4) trips to and from Pearl Farm daily.

REGULAR BOAT TRANSFERS SCHEDULE (Sccheduled to change w/o prior notice)

From Davao Marina ( Lizada Road) to Pearl Farm Beach Resort:

8:00 am / 1:30 pm / 4:00 pm / 6:00 pm

From Pearl Farm to Davao Marina ( Lizada Road):

  6:45 am / 10:00am / 1:00 pm / 4:00 pm 

**NOTE: **The COMMENTS FORM is found below the last comment. Pls scroll your mouse, sometimes it just disappears since my background is black.. looking for someone to help me fix it. Sorry for the inconvenience dear readers. :)

4ML Beach Resort...Changing of Seasons..

In Maasim, Sarangani province, less than a kilometer from Gen. Santos city is a cute little beach resort which has the potential of becoming one of the best tourist spots in the Sarangani area...this is 4ML Beach Resort. It has its own private stretch of beach with a few cottages that are for rent at a minimal fee for those who want to spend the day in the beach. It has a lot of picturesque nooks and crannies that make it a favorite subject for photographers to shoot and test their skills artistically. In this case, Mr. OSG tried his hand in infrared photography which made 4ML look like in the middle of autumn or winter. This cottage might have been the most photographed slightly dilapidated cottage in this area. :) It provides a rustic effect to every photograph.

Below is another infrared picture of the foliage in the area with emphasis on the little boy playing in the tree's branches. If you want a quiet stretch of beach to spend your sunday with the family minus the crowd, then this is the beach to go. Its facilities might need a little improvement but you won't mind it much once you start frolicking in the water. Just make sure you bring all the necessary things you need to spend a day here like provisions for food and drinking water since they don't sell these in the area. After a day here, you can change and shower in your hotel in GenSan since it is only a  few minutes away.

World Class Beaches at White Haven Resort, Gumasa Glan

Just recently, we had the pleasure of bringing another bakasyunista from the UK to this lovely place in Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province. The White Haven Resort has become our favorite “go to” resort whenever we are in the Gumasa beach strip.

The resort is one of the first ones in Gumasa, owned by a doctor based in nearby Gensan. They rent out open cottages for day tourists and air-conditioned or fan rooms with toilet and bath for those who wish to spend the night. Each cottage has its own grill or gas stoves if you want to cook your brought in food, or for your convenience, you could just order from their newly opened restaurant.

What I love about the strip of beach here at White Haven is the white, fine and powdery sand that tickles your toes as you walk barefoot along the shoreline. It reminds me of the sands in Boracay. Being a mom and all, what I also love about the strip of beach here is the fact that I could just let my toddler play along the water since I don’t have to worry about a sudden trench in the ocean (but of course I see to it that my little one is strapped to her lifevest just in case =).

 

If you are a surfer, then this beach is not for you since there are no waves to ride here. It’s the only beach I’ve literally been to that doesn’t have the “jump when the waves hit” moment. =) The only time I’ve only experienced big waves there was during the time when tsunamis hit asia.. hehe. Don’t ask me what we were doing in the beach at that moment. =) …but I’ll tell you anyway..hehe. We were there since we have bakasyunistas (yet again) and I was already thinking about which tree to hold on to in case a tsunami really did hit. But I was told it was unlikely since the reason there aren’t much waves there is because its location is in the U bend of the Sarangani bay, so there!

When it’s low tide (as in really low tide) you can walk the stretch of the beach and head to the mini-caves in the coral cliff at the end of White Haven. My toddler calls it “bikini bottom” since  it looks like where spongebob lives. Its really a place perfect for photo ops. But watch out for sea urchins hidden in the holes in the coral-rock formation since there are a few.

the coral rock formation with mini caves at the end of White Haven Resort

The kids also love to catch the soft shelled crabs walking around the beach. We even saw a few crabs that look like they’re in a meeting, probably to transfer to their neighbor’s big shell. Starfishes and small fish sometimes swim with you in the shallow water. So the kids will really have a blast here. Just remind them to return the crabs and starfish in the water since these are alive and we want to preserve the beauty if this beach.

local kids who were playing by the banca

To get to White Haven, you can rent a van at Gensan or if you are bringing your own car, just turn right at the junction after Lagao public market, it will take you straight to Alabel, Sarangani Province and it’s provincial hall (or the white house as locals refer to it), and just follow the  road signs to Glan. Once in Glan poblacion, it takes about 30mins or so to Gumasa. White Haven Resort is right after Davak Ridge Resort.

For reservations and inquiries: White Haven Resort: 083 8950305 (Dr. Adarna's Clinic, they're the owners so don't be surprised, but they book tourists through this number :) or call 0920-9479148 (look for Cenie) they have day cottages at P150 and accommodations for overnight stays which range from 2500 and up depending on the size of the room you need.