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Paradise Island Resort in Samal Island, Davao + Review, Room Rates, Tips

Posted on December 22, 2017December 23, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Samal Island is located in the province of Davao del Norte in Philippines. Also known as the Island City Garden of Samal, this island is just 2 kilometers away from Davao city proper. With its proximity to the city, Samal island is the most visited tourist attraction in Davao region.

Samal island is said to be the largest resort city in the Philippines. With its beautiful white sand beaches and various beach resorts, Samal island is a perfect getaway for beach lovers. If you are visiting the island, Samal’s most popular beach resort is Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort.

Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort

Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort is the most popular resort in the island. Being the most accessible resort, Paradise Island is the most visited resort among locals and tourists alike. Also, locals say that Paradise island has the most beautiful beach front among the long list of affordable beach resorts in Samal.

How to Get to Paradise Island Davao

Getting to Paradise Island is a breeze. If you are coming from Davao airport or to any point in Davao City, just ride a taxi and inform the driver to bring you to the port going to Paradise Island. Note that there is a public port to Samal Island and there is a port exclusively for Paradise Island guests. Inform the taxi driver to bring you to the latter. In the port, exclusive boat transfers are available at an affordable price.

Boat Transfer Rates

Regular rate – 20 Php
Senior Citizen/PWD – 15 Php
Below 2 yrs. old & infants – free

Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort Rates

sunset view of Davao City from Paradise island

This Samal island beach resort offers various rates depending on your budget. If you are on a budget and wants to stay overnight, a beach overnight stay would cost you only 350 Php. If you have spare money, you can enjoy their luxurious Premier Room for two at only 4,000 Php. For those who are pressed of time, day tour rates are also available. For the complete rates, please see list below:

Paradise Island Samal Room Rates – including entrance fee

Premier Room – 4,000 Php
Deluxe Room – 3,700 Php
Family Room (minimum of 20 PAX and maximum of 40 PAX) – 800 Php / PAX
*extra person – 350 Php
*extra bed – 400 Php

Day Tour Rate – 200 Php

Beach Overnight – 350 Php

Tip: Instead of booking directly to the resort, we booked online and enjoyed almost 300 Php off on Paradise Island’s Deluxe Room. Get huge discounts on your Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort stay HERE.

Superb Customer Service

I should say that I did not expect regarding the resort’s customer service. The room rates are indication that were are staying in a mid-range resort where customer service are usually okay-ish. Well, I was wrong.

The moment we arrived in the resort, we were immediately assisted by one of the staff. He carried our heavy backpacks and assisted us to the reception area. Since we booked our room an hour before arriving in the resort, our reservation was not in the resort’s system yet. While waiting, they served us welcome drinks. We waited for less than 30 minutes and were assisted by the resort’s staff to our Deluxe Room.

Throughout our stay in the resort, we felt very special. Each and every staff we bump into genuinely and warmly greeted us. The staff in Kaanan, the resort’s restaurant are very welcoming and accommodating. The VIP treatment starts the moment you step into the resort’s property.

Deluxe Room – More of a Villa Than a Room

Well, the Deluxe Room was another surprise! I was literally expecting a room but it was actually a villa. Just like other villas, the entire place is surrounded by trees and plants. Truly relaxing! There is a walkway leading you to the gate of the fenced villa. I personally love the privacy you get due to the fenced lawn.

The villa itself has a veranda with a wooded dinette set. You get a mix or modern and Filipiniana vibe as entire structure is concrete yet has Filipino touch. There are light bulbs covered in Capiz shells and portions of walls are covered in ‘banig’.

*Banig is a handwoven mat made of dried leaves. These are usually used for sleeping in the Philippines.

Tip: Note that not all Deluxe rooms are villa-type. There are rooms located on the rear area of the resort’s properties which are duplex-type. Make sure to ask the reception if villa-type rooms are available during your check-in.

Simple, Classy and Elegant

Inside the villa, you get the same vibe. The interiors are consistent with the modern Filipiana theme. There are portions in the walls with *banig frames. The white walls accentuated by dark brown furnitures and fixtures make the entire room look classy and elegant.

The entire room is very clean and spacious. The comfortable bed and pillows in white linens and pillow cases are something you experience when you visit high-end hotels. There is a vanity area than can also serve as a work area. No need to worry about your clothes as there is a floor to ceiling dresser with a safety box deposit.

The toilet & bath is also very clean and spacious. Paradise Island toiletries such as toilet papers, soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes and cotton buds are provided. The toilet and the bath areas are separated by a shower curtain. My only rant is the toilet lacking bidet. Nonetheless, the water pressure is not an issue for a relaxing hot and cold shower.

Overall, the entire room is very simple, clean, elegant and classy.

Tip:

Here is the short video of our Premier Room in Paradise Island:

Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort is not just for beach lovers. What sets Paradise island resort apart from other Samal island resorts are the fun-filled and educational activities guests get to experience in the resort.

Ameneties, Activities and Events in Paradise Island

Birds of Paradise – This attraction showcases various birds such as pigeons, parrots, eagles, lorries, hornbills, lovebirds and doves. During our visit, we have also seen other animal creatures such as snake and deers.

Children’s Playground – This area in the resort is truly a paradise for kids and kids at heart!

Kananan – Kananan means ‘a place to eat’. It is a spacious dining area by the beach giving guests panoramic views of Davao City, Davao Gulf and Mount Apo.

Restaurant at Paradise Island Resort Davao

During our stay, we had our snacks, dinner and breakfast at Kananan – the resort’s one and only restaurant.

To me, their menu are a bit pricey. Nonetheless, food taste good. For their complete menu, please see links below:

Menu 1, 2, 3 & 4

Tip: Note that food and drinks are strictly prohibited when checking-in at any room in Paradise island. For breakfast and dinner, Kananan is the go-to place of guests in the resort. However, Bringing food is allowed to guest staying overnight by the beach. There are guests who usually spend the night on cottages and tents. Their dining area is separate from the Kananan’s area.

Souvenir Shop – This is a mini store offering beach items and souvenirs. The resort’s souvenir shop also operates the recreational games and water sports.

Recreational Games – If you are visiting with your friends, enjoy various recreational activities such as billiards, ping-pong, beach volleyball, darts and table soccer.

Rates:

Darts – 50 Php for 30 minutes
Billiards – 50 Php for 30 minutes
Pingpong – 40 Php for 30 minutes
Table Soccer – 50 Php for 30 minutes
Giant Chess – 50 Php for 30 minutes
Volleyball – 50 Php for 30 minutes

Water Sports – Adventure seeker? Paradise Island will not disappoint you! They offer kayaking, power paddling, snorkeling, scuba diving and many more water sports activities!

Rates:

Kayak (single) – 90 Php for 30 minutes
Kayak (double) – 15 Php for 30 minutes
Power Paddler (small) – 120 Php for 30 minutes
Power Paddler (big) – 150 Php for 30 minutes

Spa – If you want to relax and rejuvinate, Paradise island has alimaspa. They offer whole body, head and foot massage. Room service is also available.

Rates:

Badan (whole body massage) – 500 Php per hour
U’o (head massage) – 400 Php per hour
Siki (foot massage) – 400 Php per hour

Samal Island Tour – If you want to further explore Samal Island, Paradise Island also offers ‘Experience Samal’ island tour. Destinations include Bat Cave, Hagimit falls and Citrus farm. The tour costs 1,750 Php for a maximum of 8 persons. For more information and tour reservation, contact 0920 9813486 or (082) 2845730.

Sounds and Sights of Paradise – Your Paradise Island Davao stay becomes more exciting and memorable with its various shows such as Fire Show, Harana Serenade, Live Band and Sirko atbp.

During our visit to the resort, we were lucky to have witnessed the live band, fire show and circus (sirko atbp.)

schedules:

Fire Show – 7 PM
Live Band – 11 AM and 7 PM
Circus (sirko atbp.) – 12:15 PM (weekends and holidays)

Other tips:

As expected, the resort may be a bit crowded during summer time. April-May.
To avoid hassles, book your Paradise Island room ahead of time. Discounted room rates HERE.
To witness the circus, it is recommended to visit the island during weekends or holidays.
Bring enough money before going to Paradise island. There is no ATM in the resort.
If you are on a budget, do not order drinks in the resort’s restaurant. They serve service water.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay in Paradise island park and beach resort. The entire resort is clean and well-maintained. Villas are simple but classy. And of course, customer service is superb! Being a first timer in the beautiful Samal island, the experience was really good. I would definitely return to this Samal island beach resort the next time I visit Davao!

Paradise Island Samal Davao

Contact Numbers: (+63 82) 233-0251, 234-1229, 300-2343
Cheap online booking HERE.

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Henann Prime Beach Resort – Station 1 Boracay Hotel – Premier Room Review

Posted on July 29, 2017October 24, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Henann Prime Beach Resort Boracay is the newest addition in Henann Group of hotels chain in Boracay island, Philippines. Situated in Station 1, Henann Prime Beach Resort offers the best beachfront experience to its in-house guests. This luxury Boracay resort also offers mouth-watering dishes at its al fresco Sea Salt Cafe which provides an incomparable view of the white sand and pristine waters of Boracay.

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Henann Prime Beach Resort! I’ve written a separate blog post about my 7 reasons why Henann Prime Beach Resort is a perfect hotel for your Boracay trip.

Henann Prime Beach Resort building in main road Boracay

From the main road, the hotel looks very new and well maintained. It stands out among its neighbouring resorts, 2 Seasons resort and Las Brisas Resort. Henan Prime Beach Resort as 2 main buildings, the Beach wing and the East wing. Rooms at Beach wing are near to the beachfront. East wing rooms on the other hand are situated near the main road. I was amazed that Henann Prime Beach Resort made a walkway connecting both East wing to the Beach wing of the resort. It definitely provides convenience to its guests whose rooms are situated on the East wing building.

Classy Lobby and Al Fresco Common Area

Lobby

Common area

The hotel’s lobby is located on the ground floor of East wing building. The lobby is simple, minimalist but classy. It is spacious and cater a huge number of guests checking-in and out of the hotel. When we arrived, there were 3 welcoming front desk staff and a concierge who assisted us with our backpacks.

The common areas along with the hallways are amazingly clean and classy. Just like the lobby and reception area, the common area and hall ways give a minimalist yet classy vibe.

Please watch my video below of Henann Prime’s reception area, lobby and hallway:

Henann Prime Beach Resort Boracay Premier Room Review

Premier rooms at Henann Prime Beach resort are located on the Beach wing of the hotel. A premier room is approximately 36 square meters.

A post shared by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on Jul 24, 2017 at 3:00am PDT

The key cards provided by the receptionist work perfectly. The room’s door comes with an eyelet for in-house guest’s security. Unlike in a typical hotel where the key card also serves as the power switch, rooms at Henann Prime have an automatic key card for the power. You can go outside leaving the air-conditioning unit running.

Premier Room

Premier Room at Henann Prime Resort Boracay

Upon entering the room, on the left side is a spacious dresser with hangers, 2 Hennan bathrobe, 2 pairs of room slippers and a safe deposit box. There is also a Henann plastic bag if you wish to avail for their in-house laundry service. On the right side is a space between the wall (with an intricate accent) and the king-sized bed.

The bed is very comfortable, definitely of high quality. Same as with 6 pillows where 2 of which are cylindrical in shape. The bed, the 300 thread count linens and pillows are the one you get to experience in 5-star hotels. There are also bed side tables with classy lamp shades.

Henann Prime Premier Room Boracay

work area

welcome fruits

Beside the bed is a spacious sitting area with a small sofa and a small marble clad table. On the table is Henann Prime’s welcome gift – a plateful of fruits. If you’re bringing your laptop or macbook, across the sitting area is a work area with a huge mirror.

The room also comes with a 43″ LCD cable TV, personal refrigerator, coffee and tea making facility with a complimentary coffee and complimentary daily bottled water, individually controlled air-conditioning unit and telephone with IDD and NDD.

Toiletries

shower are and bathtub are separated from toilet

Spacious vanity area

Surprisingly, the toilet and bath is very spacious. There is a vanity area with a long marble clad partnered with a long mirror. On the vanity area are Henann Group of resorts toiletries. We personally loved the Henann soap and shower gel. The toilet comes with a bidet spray. Bath and face towels along with a toilet matt are provided too. The hot and cold shower area and bathtub are separated from the toilet by a glass partition. My only review for improvement is the water pressure of the bidet spray. Nonetheless, the water pressure in the shower and sink in the vanity area are excellent.

One of my favorite spot in the Premier room is the spacious balcony. There is a dinette set and an area to hang your wet clothes. We also had a Premier room on the third floor where smoking is allowed in the balcony. The room has a swimming pool view which looks very beautiful and elegant especially at night.

The entire room, toilet and bath and balcony are very clean and elegant. I love the attention to detail of the interiors. Furnishings and fixtures look expensive and of high-quality. Truly at par with high-end hotels in Manila such as Shangri-La and F1 Hotel Manila.

On our second day, we posted the make-up room outside our door. The housekeeping staff is commendable as the room was very clean the moment we returned after visiting Diniwid beach and D’ Mall.

Here’s the video clip of our room in Henann Prime Beach Resort:

Henann Prime Beach Resort Promo Package

We were grateful to have checked Henann’s website and seen Henann Prime Beach Resort offers promo packages which are cheaper to their published rates. Jen and I availed for a Splendid Package for Lean Season for 8,223.00 Php per person Ppus 275 Php government fees per person. The promo package includes the following:

roundtrip airport transfers (inclusive of environment and terminal fees)
3 days and night accommodation
2 days buffet breakfast for 2
2 nights buffet dinner for 2
welcome drinks
free use of swimming pools

Tip: For Splendid Package rates and reservation, e-mail [email protected]. If you want non-package and cheaper rates, book via Agoda.

Highly Recommended Boracay Hotel

I should say that Henann Prime Beach Resort Boracay sets its own standards of being best in class. Henann Prime Beach Resort is truly a world-class hotel right in the Philippine’s most beautiful island – Boracay.

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7 Best Hotels in Tagaytay City Philippines

Posted on May 28, 2017August 12, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Located in Cavite, Tagaytay city is just few hours away from Manila. Its proximity from the bustling Manila makes this city the most popular travel destination in the south. Apart from its location, Tagaytay city is known for its cold weather and not to mention its various tourists attractions such as Residence Inn Zoo, Tagaytay People’s Park, Skyranch and Picnic Grove.

Tagaytay City will also fulfill your gastronomic adventures. Don’t miss their delicious bulalo in Mahogany Market and nearby South Streat Gourmand Food Park and Twin Lakes. And of course scenic views of Taal volcano which can be enjoyed through various restaurants and hotels in the city.

If you are visiting Tagaytay, here are the 7 best hotels in Tagaytay that will truly make your vacation memorable:

1. Taal Vista Hotel

Taal Vista Hotel is the most popular luxurious Tagaytay hotel in this list. Rooms provide guests with mountain view or lake view. On lake wing, you can choose from a two-bedroom deluxe suite, premier queen, deluxe king, deluxe queen, premier king and Batangas suite, On the other hand, mountain wing rooms consist of one-bedroom deluxe suite, superior twin, superior king, premier room-mountain wing, deluxe ridge, deluxe king, Taal suite and Tagaytay suite.

Guests at Taal Vista Hotel will enjoy a showcase of Filipino folkloric dance every Fridays to Sundays at 12:30 PM. The hotel also has a souvenir shop called Culture Butik for those who want to bring home Filipino souvenir items.

Taal Vista Hotel has an outdoor pool, garden, gym, view deck and a recreation facility.

Room price starts at 5,200 Php. You may book your Taal Vista Hotel room HERE or HERE at a discounted rate.

2. Lee Boutique Hotel

If you are into small and more private hotels, Lee Boutique Hotel is the perfect place to spend your night in Tagaytay. Accommodations in this chic and hip hotel are superior room, deluxe room, executive room, regency king, junior suite, 2 bedroom suite and family room.

It is highly recommended to try their delicious special tapa and boneless bangus.

Room rates start at 2,515 Php. Book your Lee Boutique Hotel room at a discounted price HERE or HERE.

3. Discovery Country Suites

Discovery Country Suites belongs to the most-coveted Travelers’ Choice 2017 of TripAdvisor.

This hotel offers luxurious lobby and suites with a panoramic views of Taal volcano. Accommodations in this high-end Tagaytay Hotel include an English themed Oxford suite, Nantucket Suite and Nara suite. Room rates start at 6,500 Php a night.

Book a Discovery Country Suites room at a discounted price HERE or HERE.

4. Nurture Wellness Village

If you want relaxation and rejuvination, Nurture Wellness Village is the perfect Tagaytay hotel for you. Nurture Wellness Village offer various services including Filipino Spa & pampering, corporate wellness (business and team building venue), wedding and intimate event venue, detox & holistic weight loss and other holistic health services.

Nurture Wellness Village was awarded Certificate of excellence by TripAdvisor from 2014 to 2016.

Accommodations in this unique Tagytay hotel include Ifugao spa suites (7,900 Php), Superior garden view room (6,200 Php) , Deluxe forrest view room (7,900 Php) and the Family room (2,500 Php).

Discounted Nurture Wellness Village room rates HERE.

5. T House

T House is one among the few Tagaytay hotels with modern architecture and vibe. This hotel boasts its restaurant with locally sourced food. On their menu are Filipino dishes to Asian cuisine. All ingredients used on their menu are locally sources from neighbouring farms.

Accommodations at T House are Garden room (4,850 Php), Courtyard room (5,200 Php), Luxe room (5,950 Php), Serenity suite (6,800 Php), Serenity balcony suite (7,200 Php).

T House discounted room rates HERE.

6. The Lake Hotel Tagaytay

The Lake Hotel Tagaytay´s Medditeranean-inspired structure makes it unique among other hotels in the city. Rooms in The Lake Hotel are standard, superior, deluxe, deluxe lake view, junior suite, one bedroom suite and two bedroom suite.

Among the many facilities are indoor pool, Shamble garden, Lake Cafe restaurant, bar and kiddie playroom.

Book your discounted The Lake Hotel Tagaytay room HERE.

7. Domicillo Design Hotel

Last on our list is Domicillo Design Hotel. This hotel reminds me of BRblock Boutique and Residences in Makati City, minimalist, industrial and modern. What makes Domicillo Design Hotel unique is its refreshing ambiance. The lush greens in the garden is truly relaxing.

Book your discounted Domicillo Design hotel room HERE.

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List of Siquijor Resorts, Accommodations, Hotels, Lodges and Pension Houses

Posted on May 27, 2017April 15, 2019by One Armed Wanderer

Siquijor Island is one among the underrated Philippine tourist destination amongst Filipinos. When we visited the island, we were surprised that Siquijor is becoming a popular travel destination to foreign tourists specifically to Europeans. If you are planning to visit the breathtaking province of Siquijor, there is a good number of resorts, accommodations, lodges, pension houses and even home stays in the island.

Note that the below list is from Siquijor Provincial Tourism Office as of January 1, 2017. I highly recommend to book your Siquijor resort or accommodation prior to your trip as most these resorts and accommodations get fully booked both peak and non-peak season. I have included in the list the online booking facility of some resorts.

List of resorts, accommodations, hotels, lodges, pension houses, home stays in Siquijor Island Philippines

There are various municipalities in Siquijor Island. The list below is arranged by municipalities.

Municipality of Siquijor, Siquijor

Swiss Star Guest House & Restaurant

Owner: Geri & Aurelia Luginbuhl

Location: Pangi, Siquijor

Contact Number: +63 9274473010

Room Rates:

Aircon room 2 single beds: 950 Php
Aircon room with king size bed: 650 Php
Fan single room: 400 Php – 500 Php – 780 Php
Aircon single room: 500 Php

Villa Marmarine

Owner Toshito Harada

Contact Numbers: +63 9194659370

Room Rates:

Hifumi – aircon: 3,000

Blue Wave Inn Beach Resort & Restaurant

Location: Dumanhog, Siquijor

Contact Person: Venus Santarin

Owner: Edilberto Bravo

Contact Number: +63 4809190 / +63 9209826995

Economy: 1,150 Php
Standard: 1,600 Php
Deluxe: 2,200 Php
Superior: 2,500 Php
Entrance fee – consumable for swimming with dining only: 250 Php

Blue Wave Inn discounted room rates HERE.

Diamond de Siquijor

Contact Person: Leothy Siangco

Location: Calalinan, Siquijor

Contact Numbers: +63 950 127156 / +63 4805533

Aircon room for 2 PAX: 1,050 Php – 1380 Php
Fan room for 2 PAX: 650 Php – 1,100

All rooms have toilet & bathroom. Free breakfast for airconditioned rooms only.

Replica Manor

Owner: Mary Ann Jumawan

Contact Numbers: +63 9298401358

Location: Dumanhog, Siquijor

Aircon room for 2 PAX: 850 Php
Fan room for 2 PAX: 650 Php
Family room for 4 to 5 PAX: 400 Php per PAX, 200 Php for extra person

Tori’s Paradise

Owner: Ria Limatoc

Location: Dumanhog, Siquijor

Contact Number: +63 9122095781

Beach view room for 2 PAX (fan): 650 Php
Beach view room for 2 PAX (aircon): 1,250 Php
Family room for 6 PAX (aircon): 3,200 Php
Family room for 4 PAX (aircon): 2000 Php
Mixed dormitory: 300 Php

Tori’s Paradise discounted room rates HERE.

Das Traum Guesthouse

Owner: Joy Deandrade

Location: Pangi, Siquijor

Aircon room twin bed for 2 PAX: 700 Php
Fan troom twin bed for 2 PAX: 350 Php
Non aircon room with common toiler & bath for 2 PAX: 250 Php

Guiwanon Spring Park

Contact Number: 0926 4606010

Location: Luyang, Siquijor

cottage: 300 Php

Municipality of San Juan, Siquijor

Salamangka Beach & Dive Resort

Contact Person: Felix or Grace

Contact Number: 09266603534/09175886837

Bayview (5 rooms): 5980 Php
Oceanview (4 rooms): 9989 Php
Garden Cottage (8 rooms): 3480 Php
Superior room (4 rooms): 10980 Php

Discounted rates HERE.

Coco Grove Beach and Dive-in Resort

If you are looking for a complete luxurious relaxation in Siquijor Island, Coco Grove Beach and Dive-in Resort is the right place for you. This resort is the largest and has the most number of rooms compared to other resorts in Siquijor.

entrance of coco grove beach and dive resort

Since we did not reserve a hotel before our Siquijor trip, we walked-in at Coco Grove Beach Resort. Unfortunately, this hotel/resorts easily gets fully booked both peak and non-peak season.

Coco Beach Resort online booking HERE

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