"Kawa Wantusawa"

Hi!

Summer is just around the corner and I’m glad that I and my family got to visit one of the many “instagrammable” resorts in Samal Island, Philippines. It was actually my birthday when we visited the place so I had the chance to enjoy it with the fambam.















This resort that we went to was filled with mangoes all over the vicinity. The set-up was something that instagramers would definitely enjoy.The resort was decorated with furniture pieces that would make your feed instaworthy. Life quotes were also posted all around the area to bring that positive vibe.

If you’re someone who would just like to relax, the resort offers spa services: manipedi, body massage, etc. But one service that made them popular in this part of the city is the Kawa Hot Bath. (Kawa is the Visayan term for cauldron.) You will be taking a bath on a cauldron with fire burning underneath. (Bwahahaha!!! :o) But don’tcha worry, the fire would just be on one side of the cauldron which you should be careful not to touch. The process is quite tedious but the resort staff will take care of it.

The Kawa Hot Bath would take around 45 minutes to prepare so you have to inform the attendant beforehand. It comes with a free drink for the price of 300 pesos/ Kawa. The maximum number of persons per "Kawa" is only 2 but if you ask me it would be more comfortable if you use it solo.






If you’re the adventurous type, this resort houses the entrance to the Japanese Cave in the island. This cave was said to be created by the Japanese soldiers during the World War. When you enter the cave you will find some fossils inside. They displayed bullets which was said to be found inside the cave and all other stuff which were labeled accordingly. We only got to explore only a portion of the said cave since going beyond the tunnel which we entered would require us to wear a headlight. We paid only around 55 pesos instead of the original 75 peso price since we didn’t really go through all the 6 tunnels inside it.

The place was nice but like any other establishment it also has its downside. One, the place has no access to the beach front. (However, they have an improvised swimming pool inside the resort.) Also, the fact that the place is being surrounded by mango trees make it a breeding site for many mosquitoes. (So, you better bring your own mosquito repellant.) Another thing which I think that they should work on is the muddy ground. When it rains the night before your visit expect your feet to get all muddy. Some workers even have to wear boots to go around the resort.




Speaking about workers, the receptionist during the time of our visit was annoying because she kept on asking us to pay even before we could sit down. Considering that we were many and we came with a private transportation, she should not have worried about us escaping without paying the bill. (We understand that she was just doing her job but she should have done it in a nice way.) It became irritating when she kept on asking me for the payment like literally every minute while we were still just checking out the area.

I hope this resort improves the next time we come and visit. (2 out of 5 stars...Peace out!) Have u been here lately? Feel free to leave a comment.



<3, Jia O:)

Welcome To The Club!

Hi!

It’s been almost a year since I worked in the beautiful island of Samal. And I am excited to tell you that there are now newly opened resorts that have sprung and I can’t wait to visit them. I and my family plan to go on a trip during weekends and try to visit as many picturesque resorts as we can. (I hope we can visit them all!) 












Samal also known as Island Garden City of Samal is made up of 3 districts: Babak, Penaplata & Kaputi-an. All surrounded with white sand beach resorts. It is a favorite vacation/holiday getaway of many Mindanaoans especially of Davaoenos. It offers us that most wanted break without having to travel that far. In fact, from Davao City it would only take a 5-10 minute ride on a barge to reach this beautiful island.

Recently, we were able to visit one of Samal’s new resorts, Club Samal. They are still not fully operational but they are now ready to welcome guests. We availed of their day tour package with lunch which cost us, P950/head. The meal was a choice of noodles/pasta/rice; salad/soup; fried banana and 1 glass of iced tea. The fee also included the use of the pool, beach,towel & shower room. If you plan to go there in the afternoon, the rate is much lower at P750 still with snacks and use of their amenities.





The place was luxurious. The furniture used in their rooms were of hotel quality. Here’s a photo of the bedroom and bathroom if you are curious of what it looks like.

Talking about luxury, what amazed me was that even their public comfort rooms were equipped with an airconditioner. (Yes,u read that right! So don’t u dare leave ur mess. If u know what I mean XD ) But, one thing I’d like to comment on was with their shower rooms. I was quite displeased after an enjoyable swim since it offered no privacy at all. The shower area, though big, was wide open that you can scratch the back of the person taking a shower next to you.(Too bad I didn't get to take a photo to make it easier to imagine.) I understand that some resorts do this so that customers won’t take long in taking a bath but it’s just too disappointing not to have even just a little privacy. I suggest that they use curtains to divide the shower area and provide that much needed privacy.

Overall, I’m giving them 3.5-4 stars since they are still not in full swing plus the shower room issue. Nonetheless, we had a great bonding time in this resort.

Can't wait to visit all the other resorts so keep posted. :)

If you want to ask anything, feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.



<3,
Jia