Perky at Samal Island's Pearl Farm

Ah, it’s something beach-hungry folks like me yearn to find during the hot summer months: a nearby hideaway where one can get a healthy dose of sun, sea and sand. For Davaoeños like us, however, it's just a less-than-an-hour boat ride from Davao City—the ritzy Pearl Farm Beach Resort. 

Often thought as an exclusive sanctuary for the well-heeled, the world-class resort actually offers us lesser mortals the chance to feel “rich” even for a day, through their occasional marketing blitz.

Good thing, I heard about their day tour promo which cut the regular price by almost half! Wasting no time, I called on my cousins, selling them the idea of an instant summer reunion at the resort. And who would refuse a tempting offer to be at Pearl Farm? So, off we went to the resort, thanks to one of the best bargains I was able to clinch.

Nestled on the quiet side of Samal Island, which is part of Davao del Norte, this famous hideaway was once a real pearl farm where thousands of live oysters from the Sulu Sea were transported and then cultivated to produce those lustrous South Sea pearls.

The resort itself began operating in 1992, treating its guests to the iconic Samal houses designed after the stilt houses of the seafaring Samal tribe. These deluxe accommodations provide a clear view of crystal clear waters with schools of tropical fish and coral formations. 

Other rooms are located in the Balay houses with verandas overlooking the beach on a hilltop. Luxurious two-storey Muslim-inspired Samal suites are also located at the other end of the cove. For those who prefer their privacy to the hilt, the resort also offers luxurious villas located at the nearby exclusive island of Malipano, which we also visited during our tour.

So, what other perks did we enjoy in Pearl Farm? Emerald waters, powdery white-sand beach, cool sea breeze, and a whole lot more, aside of course from the splendid accommodation. 

Because we were a large group, the staff offered us one of the Mandaya houses free of charge! Then there’s the sumptuous lunch which consisted of many dishes and desserts that kept us coming back to the buffet table for more.

It was indeed one unforgettable summer at the resort for me, my cousins and their families. Not only did we get to bond with each other, swim to our hearts’ content and enjoy a hearty meal together, we also had the chance to do all of these things in one of the most fabulous resorts in the country. 


Now, with priceless perks like these, who wouldn't want to get perky at Pearl Farm? :D

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