Relishing the Flirtatious Samal Island (Davao)

"Then the spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil."

Mt. 4:1

Im back on the road again. This time my itchy feet brought me to Davao City - The Home of Durians. In recent years, Davao has been named as the "Asian City of the Future" because of its continuous development.

However, I did not go to Davao to tour the city and partake of Davao's heriritage. I went here for a healthy dose of sand, sun, and sea.

As we arrived in Davao, we suddenly realized that we have no reservation in any resorts at our planned destination - SAMAL. So what we did was of course looked for a place to eat then I took out my laptop and started searching! After some surfing, calling and hair pulling, we were fetched by this private boat at Davao Boat Club Marina by 3PM sharp.

NO! I didn't go to Davao Pearl Farm. Been there. Done that. I went to the newest craze in Samal, Bali Bali Resort. What made me chose this resort was the three words written on their homepage: Tranquility, Serenity and Privacy.

When I got out of the boat, I just cannot stop pointing my lens at the beautiful Bali Bali Resort. Total relaxation could really be achieved in this resort. Just look at that open cabana which is facing the beach. Magnifico!

A glimpse of how beautiful the place is. This is just the pathway to the world of awesomeness!

Our group was greeted by the friendliest smile I have ever seen. Our lugagges was forcibly taken from us while we were escorted to their simple lobby slash reception area slash entertainment room slash dining area. They served buko shake or maybe it was a juice. I don't care. It was really soothing for the weather that day. Oh, the juice was paired by the most delicious Turon. I call it "Turon na Bitin."

We stayed for a while in the reception area. I didn't mind waiting this particular afternoon. Why? Because I was preoccupied by all things beautiful and delicious. How I wish I was able to take a picture of Turon na Bitin and the buko juice.

One of the main attractions of Bali Bali is their infinity pool facing the sea. The management acknowledged the fact that Samal beaches ain't that nice, so they made it a point to have a swimming pool and a jacuzzi that would stand out.

This ain't fun anymore. Good place. Great staff. Best food! Freshest seafood. Tastiest menu. Organically grown vegetables. I'm being pampered!

So you think you saw everything that is to love in Bali Bali? The best thing that this resort can offer their guests is the privacy and comfort of their villas. They only have less than 10 villas each with its own theme. I was assigned on the oriental theme villa which I really love. Especially my own private garden bathroom. Woot woot!

Great view from the infinity pool. Leaving the resort almost broke my heart. I cannot bear the thought of parting ways. Oh my! I think I just had my second summer fling. Oh Lord, I beg forgiveness. It was the beauty of Bali Bali Resort that made me forget that I am thy servant. Bali Bali Resort, I'm sorry. It's not you, it's me. So please understand.

Ok, since we are on the topic of summer flings, my first was really Davao Pearl Farm. During my first visit in Samal Island in 2006, Bali Bali wasn't fully operational then and I haven't even heard of it. Davao Pearl Farm was the first who gave comfort and warmth in Samal.

The well maintained cottages in Davao Pearl Farm is iressitible. By the veranda, you will just have to look down and you will see schools of fishes froming letters of H-E-L-L-O!

The other side of the island is called Malipano Island. If you really want an exclusive experience of the island opt to stay there. However, of course you have to pay the price. Me, I settled for the main resort of Davao Pearl Farm. But just like any other flings, me and Davao Pearl Farm ended just like that. Luckily, after a few years, there was Bali Bali when I came back in Samal.

I hurriedly got off of the Bali Bali Beach Resort boat and ran off the Marina. Hailed a cab and instructed the driver to bring me to the nearest church. The driver sensed the urgency, instead of bringing me to the nearest church, he opted to bring me to the nearest cathedral! The San Pedro Cathedral.

As my Davao tour comes to an end, I swore to my self that I will never set foot onto Samal Island ever again. I will just look them beauties from a far while I will be on my own boat just like these boys on the photo. I wonder if these boys were also fooled by the beauties of Samal.

I know there are still a lot that Davao can offer me. I do not know if I still can go back on its islands. I still haven't moved on. But don't worry, if in case i decide to go back in the future, I promise I will rekindle our love.