On our second day at Pearl Farm Resort, Grace, Jandy, Cheska, my in-laws and I decided to crossed over (a 2.5-min. boat ride) to the secluded, 7-hectare Isla Malipano and check out its facilities. We were dropped off at the 200-pax, octagonal and multi-functional Malipano Gazebo at the other end of the island, a perfect alternative for weddings, theme parties and other occasions. My in-laws decided to stay here while we went around the island.
Check out “Resort Review: Pearl Farm Resort” and “Pearl Farm Resort“
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| Malipano Gazebo |
Also a part of the resort, Isla Malipano has a white sand beach, an offshore reef plus 7 lavishly-decorated, 3-storey private luxury villas, each with a wide veranda with breathtaking views of the Davao Gulf. Small barbecue parties can be held at the veranda.
Check out “Resort Feature: Malipano Villas“
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| The island’s sparkingly white sand beach |
The villas are composed of 3 octagonal structures with reception areas, guest suites and dining area, all around a cantilevered deck. Their roof design is patterned after the salakot (traditional Filipino hat). Four of the villas are perched on stilts directly above the sea while the 3 other villas are built over rock outcrops on the beach.
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| The Malipano Villas |
Five villas have 3 bedrooms (with 2 queen-size beds and 2 single beds or 3 queen-size beds) while 2 villas have 4 bedrooms (with 3 queen-size beds and 2 single beds or 4 queen-size beds).
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| Veranda with a great view |
All villas are airconditioned and equipped with minibar, coffee and tea making facilities, safety deposit box (at the master’s bedroom), cable TV, hair dryers, spacious living room and toilet and bath (the master’s bedroom has a bathtub). Butler service is available for food orders and other guest assistance while a standby speedboat is available to transport guests to the restaurant and other resort facilities.
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| One of the villa’s master bedrooms |
The island is also ideal for scuba diving as the wrecks of two World War II Japanese freighters are located 60 m. away and in front of the resort. The 40-m. (132-ft.) long Wreck I is located just a few meters from the resort’s Samal houses, in 35 m. (115 ft.) of water. Here, you can find groupers, jacks, moray eels and others. For advanced divers, an open bay hatch allows safe penetration. It is also recommended for underwater photography. The slightly smaller, 35-m. (115-ft.) long Wreck II rests on its side at a shallower dept of 28 m. (98 ft.) of water.
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Pearl Farm Resort: Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte. Tel: (082) 221-9970 to 73. Fax: (082) 221-9979. E-mail: pearlfarmresort@fuegohotels.com. Website: www.pearlfarmresort.com. Davao Citysales office: G/F, Anflocar Corporate Center, Damosa Bldg., Lanang. Tel: (082) 235-0876 and 234-0601. Fax: (082) 235-0873. E-mail: dvosm@pearlfarmresort.com. Manila sales office: 15/F, 1504 Corporate Center, 139 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City. Tel: (632) 750-1896 and 98. Fax. (632) 750-1894. E-mail: mlasm@pearlfarmresort.com.