Last Updated on September 5, 2022 by Tina
In April 2018, I was in Davao to attend the wedding of my office friends. I arrived in Davao two days before their wedding day because in January that year I booked an overnight stay at Pearl Farm Beach Resort during the BPI-Air Asia Travel Fair. Staying at Pearl Farm wasn’t really planned. I just passed by the atrium of Shangri-La Plaza Mall and then I saw booths of different airlines and resorts. I got curious so I decided to look around, that’s when I stumbled upon the booth of Pearl Farm. Turns out, they were having a sale and if I used my BPI credit card to book, I can pay it in installment for 3 months without interest.
As usual, I went to Pearl Farm alone. The room I booked, Hilltop Room is good for two but I’m single and unattached and I didn’t bother asking my friends anymore if they wanted to join me. I feel more comfortable traveling alone anyway.
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Pearl Farm Marina Wharf
Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a luxury beach resort located in the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte, Philippines. It is the only 5-star resort in Mindanao and is a 45-minute boat ride away from the Pearl Farm Marina Wharf located in Lanang Davao Beach Club. There are two boat trips from the Marina Wharf to Pearl Farm, 10:00 AM, and 2:00 PM. From Pearl Farm back to Marina Wharf, the boat trip is at 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM.
To make the most of my stay in Pearl Farm, I took the 10:00 AM boat trip to the resort. Guests of the resort are required to be at the Marina Wharf 30 minutes prior to departure for security check and registration. I arrived at the wharf an hour early. Upon arrival, I presented my room reservation confirmation and checked-in my bag which they will carry over to the boat, off Pearl Farm, and into my room. At 10 in the morning, we started boarding the boat.
Arrival at Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Upon arrival at the resort, we were welcomed by music from a kulintang and were served with complimentary drinks. Then they gave a short introduction to the resort. Afterward, I was informed by one of the welcoming staff that my room is not yet available for early check-in. While waiting, I decided to look around and take pictures.
After a few minutes of looking around, my room wasn’t available still so I decided to have lunch. I decided to have a salad and dessert buffet. Kuya Alex of the Maranao Restaurant was the one who assisted me and was very accommodating. He made sure that I had everything I need and even offered to take a picture of me.
Hilltop Room- My Room in Pearl Farm
At 1:00 PM, my room was finally available. It was so big. It has a king-sized bed and a very comfy window seat. The room was very clean. Towels, bathrobes and bedroom slippers were provided. The room also has a mini-bar and an electronic safe. There’s also a TV with plenty of channels to choose from. Free-wifi is also available in the room.
The bathroom is too big as well. It has a hot and cold shower. Toiletries were provided.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort Facilities
Pearl Farm has two pools, the infinity pool, and the Mandaya pool. The infinity pool is located near Maranao Restaurant while the Mandaya Pool is located near the Mandaya Houses. Swimming in the infinity pool is allowed from 7 AM to 9 PM while the Mandaya Pool is from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Pearl Farm has a gym which is open from 7 AM to 9 PM and a games room which is open from 9 AM to 7 PM. Souvenir items are available at the Butik as well as at the Mandaya Weaving Center. All of these are located near the Mandaya Houses. A spa is also available in the resort and it is located near Maranao Restaurant.
Pearl Farm at Night
Pearl Farm is not the type of resort you go to “to party”. This is the type of resort you go to if you want serenity and quiet environment. After having the four-cheese pizza for dinner which was recommended by my officemate, I stayed in one of the pool lounges doing nothing, just listening to the music played on the piano at the restaurant. It was a very relaxing experience. At 8 PM, I went to Parola to check what movie is being shown. After staying there for a while, I decided to go back to my room.
Malipano Island
After having my buffet breakfast the following day, I decided to visit Malipano Island where the Malipano Villas are located. It is a secluded island right across the resort. There are boat trips to the island every hour. Some parts of the island are exclusive only to the guests booked at the villas. The island is so beautiful and instead of describing it for you, just look at some of the pictures I took.
The Beach at Pearl Farm Resort
After my quick trip to Malipano Island, I decided to take a quick dip at the beach before preparing for check-out. It is a white sand beach and the water is calm and crystal clear. I had a great time floating in the water even if I was alone.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort Rates
In case you’re wondering how much I paid for my room, it was Php 7,000.00 (~US$ 140) because they were on sale when I booked it. It’s pricey but it was well worth the money I spent. From the delicious food to the facilities up to the 5-star service from the staff. They were very courteous and very accommodating. Everyone including the gardeners takes time to greet you when you pass by them. Also, I love that this resort is not crowded. And every spot in the resort is Instagrammable. I don’t regret splurging on this paradise because I had the most amazing experience in this place. It would have been even better if I were with someone special.
I highly recommend Pearl Farm (Book Online) for a rejuvenating getaway from city life. This place is perfect for couples who want quality time with their special someone and for anyone who wants to have a quiet and relaxing vacation.
How to Get To Pearl Farm Beach Resort
From the airport or other places in Davao, head to Pearl Farm Marina in Lanang Davao Beach Club. This is where you will be boarding a boat to Samal Island, traveling for approximately 45 minutes. There are 4 trips to and from Pearl Farm daily.
Regular boat transfers:
Davao Marina to Resort – 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Resort to Davao Marina – 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM
For more information about this resort, visit their website at www.pearlfarmresort.com.
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Hi Tina,
I just want to thank you for sharing a detailed description of your trip to Pearl Farm. My family and I are heading to the island this summer for the first time. And it’s nice to get a glimpse of what to expect, where to go or what to do in the island beforehand. The pictures you took were amazing and absolutely breathtaking. However, I’m curious if you took advantage of the boat transfer to have lunch somewhere in the main city and went back to the island afterwards. I was hoping you might recommend places to go within the immediate vicinity of the Marina wharf. My 80 y/o Mom cannot travel long distances and I don’t want to miss the 2 pm boat ride back to the island should we decide to explore the main city. Hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for visiting my blog. As for your query, I haven’t done it because I only stayed in Pearl Farm for one night. How long do you plan to stay in Pearl Farm?
hi Tina
is boat transfer for Malipano beach is free of charge for those paying guest from resort? if not how much is the rate?
Hi Glenn,
The boat transfer is free. Just inquire from one of the staff there about the schedule. Boat leaves every 30 minutes. ☺️
hi tina
are there other ways of getting to pearl farm resort than the 2 ferry times listed? I won’t be arriving to davao airport until about 4pm and the cost of their private ferry transfers is around 9,750php
Hi Monika. I’m not sure if there are other ways of going there because it is a private resort. Why not spend one night in the city and book your Pearl Farm stay the following day instead?
Hi Tina, May I know how much is the average cost kada meal sa restaurant?
Hi, sorry but I don’t remember anymore. I visited Pearl Farm 2018 pa. I just remember that their food is pricey. Their coke is like 3x the regular price.