Dayang Beach Resort, Talicud Island IGACOS

During our stay at Isla Reta Beach Resort, Talicud Island, IGACOS last week, we had the chance to visit Dayang Beach Resort located on the other side of the the Talicud island for some few hours. It is a not-so developed beach resort but with some basic amenities such as native room cottages, tables and chairs and a typical sari-sari store " small variety store".

We traveled from Isla Reta to Dayang via motorcycle

Coconut trees serve a shield from the heat of the sun

From Isla Reta beach resort, we rode a "habal-habal" (heavy duty motorcyle) going to Dayang beach for Php 50.00 each person. The nerve-wracking ride due to mountainous pathway lasts for about 20 minutes.

Most tourists in this beach brought and cooked their own food because there are no restaurants yet. There are grilling station for tourists who prefer to grill their food.

Rate :   (source: samalbeaches.com)

• Cottages
  • Closed Cottages (max of 3 persons) - Php 400.00
  • Bigger Cottages - Php 500.00
  • Tent(small) - Php 75.00
  • Tent(big) - Php 100.00
  • Duplex(Electric Fan)- Php 1,800.00

• Activities
  • Case to case basis(negotiable) - Php 75.00/head

• Entrance
  • Daytour - No Entrance Fee
• *Price may change without prior notice
• No Corkages

For more info or queries such as their latest cottage rates, just dial their contact number as seen in the picture below.

contact numbers : (082) 286-6730 / 09183868793 / 09994591318

Similar to Isla Reta, it also has a white but not too powdery sand. 

                        

Many tourists came via boat

How to Go To Isla Reta Beach Resort in Talicud, IGACOS

Just some basic facts about  IGacoS  (Island Garden City of Samal) - There are two main Islands in IGACOS (I'm lazy writing the correct combination of capital and small letters so just let me simplify it ) , Samal Island and Talicud Island which are situated at the Southern point. Other smaller Islands namely Malipano, Big Liguid and Little Liguid are also part of the city. (source : samalcity.gov.ph )

Beach line of Isla Reta

Isla Reta has abundant trees which protect the tourists 
from the scorching heat of the sun

For the main topic of this post, here's how to go to Isla Reta Beach Resort:

From Davao City:

• Go to Sta. Ana wharf located just beside the Magsaysay Park.

• At the Sta. Ana wharf entrance, ask a Coastguard or any local where to pay for Talicud-bound boat usually the payment area is located near the coastguard office. When we went there last Wednesday, the collector was at the waiting shed area near the coastguard office. It’s easy to spot because of the crowd of people around the area. Fare is Php 60.00 per adult person (as of this writing).

This is the regular daily schedule of ferries/ship bound for Talicud:

                Name of ship                                        Departure

                MLBCA PACIFIC                               10:00 AM 

                MBCA JESSA EXPRESS                12:30 PM

                MBCA SHIRLEY                                   1:50 PM*

                ML GRACE                                           3:15 PM*

                *These ships will have a one stop at Kaputian first before going to Talicud.

Ships are slow-moving making travel time about one hour (for direct to Talicud ships).

• Upon reaching Baybay Sta. Cruz , wharf in Talicud, walk towards Isla Reta Beach Resort which is about 10-minute walk from the wharf. Ask a local for the direction.

Some helpful tips and info :

• Bring your own food and cooking essentials if possible. Foods in Isla Reta are expensive for a budget-traveler. You can bring and cook your own food without any charges (except for drinks which they charge with 25% of their corresponding price).

• There are available fresh and affordable fish just outside the gate of Isla Reta. You may buy and cook these fish without any charges.

• Bring insect repellent lotions. Better safe than sorry.

• Accomodation (no aircon rooms)

Concrete Room(max of 2 persons) - Php 800.00/night

Native Room(max of 3 persons) - Php 700.00/night

Dormitory Type(max of 15 persons) - Php 3,500.00

Tent - Php 400.00 per night

• Rates 

          Cottages

Picnic Hut - Php 150.00/night

Table under Talisay Tree - Free of charge

w/ bed(single or double)

Open Cottages - Free

Beddings Rental

Complete bed - Php 80.00/set

Mattress - Php 40.00

Blanket - Php 20.00

Pillow - Php 20.00

Mat - Php 30.00

Entrance

Daytour - Php 75.00/head

Overnight - Php 150.00/head

Overnight(Kids) - Php 75.00/head

3 years old and below - Free

4 to 10 years old/half - Php 35.00

For more info, queries or reservations dial their telephone or cellphone number below 

(in the picture). 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Isla Reta Beach Resort, Talicud, IGACOS

We spent 3 days and 2 nights camping at Isla Reta Beach Resort in Sta. Cruz, Talicud, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS). It was my first time to go on camping and I love it. I never thought camping could be this fun and comfortable. I thought I would feel uncomfortable camping alongside the beach because of the sand and whatever sea animals or insects around but it was never our problem. In fact we were glad that we had chosen the tent rather than the resort’s available nipa hut room which we don’t like at all because the room has a very small window hence its too hot and dark inside.

At Isla Reta private wharf where the resorts' own boat docks.

White sand beach

What I like about this beach resort:

• Crystal clear water

• White sand (though it has too many rocks and dead sea shells)

• The tents’ brand is Coleman which I think is of good quality. The rent costs us Php 400.00 per night, plus Php 150.00 each for overnight stay, so all in all Php 700.00 per night accommodation.

• Near my hometown Davao City. Just an hour and a half boat ride from Sta. Ana wharf.

• Staffs were nice and accommodating to customers.

Marvin at our tent.
There where very few tents when we arrived on Wednesday a day before Maundy Thursday

Nice view taken from our tent

Another shot taken from our tent on a different angle

  

What I don’t like about this beach resort:

• Pricey and limited food choices and drinks

• Beach has too many rocks and dead sea shells, jelly fish, no corals and few fish.

• The beach is relatively small.

• There are few comfort rooms and shower rooms. We were there on Maundy Thursday until Good Friday when there were many tourists with limited CR and shower rooms (plus the salty water was not running regularly during that time, I don’t know why) so it was really frustrating.

Pricey menu

At the main restaurant

Victim of jelly fish

All in all I enjoyed our stay because it was my first time to go on camping in a beach and I was comfortable (except about the CR and shower rooms) sleeping inside the tent. I know I shouldn’t but I really can’t help compare all the beaches I’ve visited to El Nido, Palawan which I think has the best beaches in the Philippines. Beaches in El Nido, Palawan will forever be the perfect beach for me but I also appreciate other beaches as well, like Isla Reta Beach Resort.

Crystal clear water

My next post is about how to go to Isla Reta Beach Resort and some helpful tips. :) 

How to Go to Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

I toured the two most popular tourist destinations in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato last week. These are Lake Sebu 7 Falls ( story here) and Punta Isla Lake Resort (story here).

One of the 7 falls

Picturesque view at Punta Isla Lake Resort

Going to Lake Sebu is not really difficult but its a bit tiring due to several bus transfers.  Here’s my suggested route when going to Lake Sebu:

From General Santos City:

• From city proper (e.g. Robinson’s Mall) hop a tricycle and go to the public terminal in BULAONG. Fare is about Php 15.00 each.

          From GenSan airport to Bulaong public terminal fixed rate is Php 250.00 all-in.

• At the Bulaong public terminal, ride a Yellow Bus Line (YBL) bus going to Marbel, aka Koronadal City. Fare price varies according to the type of bus, premium bus fare is about Php 83.00.

• From Marbel public terminal, look for the YBL's bus enroute to Surralah. Fare varies according to bus type, premium bus fare is about Php 25.00.

• From Surralah integrated terminal, look for vans going to Lake Sebu.

If you are in a group, better rent the van there and go directly to either Lake Sebu 7 Falls or Punta Isla Lake Resort or both. You can rent the van for the whole day trip or have your group be dropped at Punta Isla for overnight stay. Van rental is according to your agreement with the driver or owner which is also based on your itinerary.

If you will just ride the van, it will go directly to the terminal in the poblacion proper of Lake Sebu.

If you prefer to go directly to 7 Falls, inform the driver to drop you by at the 7 Falls crossing then from there ride a motorcycle in going to the entrance of 7 Falls.

7 Falls crossing
This is along the main highway of Lake Sebu

NOTE :  There are 2 entrances leading to the 7 Falls – the upper and the bottom part of the mountain.

My suggestion - enter at the bottom part of the mountain then walk through the 774 steps leading to the upper part, then from the upper part ride the zip line (Php 250.00) in going back to the bottom.

774 steps which connects the Upper and Bottom part of the mountain

But if you prefer to go first to Punta Isla, refer to the next step.

• From Lake Sebu town proper terminal, hop a motorcycle (“single”) and go to Punta Isla Lake Resort . Fare is about Php 15.00 per head.

TIP - From Surallah integrated terminal, you will pass by 7 Falls first so it is better to tour this place first in the morning then go to Punta Isla later for lunch and overnight stay.

Entrance of Punta Isla Lake Resort

At the main dining area of Punta Isla

This is where we had lunch during our visit.

From Davao City:

• Go to Davao City terminal in Ecoland. Look for the Yellow Bus Line (YBL) buses going to General Santos City (GenSan) or Marbel if there’s any (most often than not, bus with route to Marbel will stop in GenSan and you should transfer to other bus when going to Marbel . Bus fare to GenSan varies according to bus type premium non-stop bus is about Php 255.00.

Travel time is about 4-5 hours better look for the YBL’s NON-STOP AIRCON bus to expedite.

YBL pass by their own small private terminal before going to the public terminal in General Santos City. Always ask the conductor for any clarification.

You may stop at Robinson’s Mall for lunch or snack and then follow the steps “From General Santos City” above.

view of the falls from afar

 Note: There are also other lake resorts in Lake Sebu aside from Punta Isla. Some are newly opened. Punta Isla is one of the pioneering lake resorts in the area.

Surallah, South Cotabato

There is really nothing much in Surallah for any adventure-seeking tourist except that you will pass by this municipality when going to Lake Sebu where lakes and falls are some of the best tourist attractions. But since its Marvin’s hometown, we often visit the place whenever we can. There is a certain joy in coming home after all.

Here are some of our photos worth noting during the trip.

The Round Ball - cultural landmark at the town's center road
Designed by famous Mindanaoan sculpture and artist Kublai Millan, who also designed huge statues in  People's Park, Davao City

     

 

New restaurant along the highway, near the Round Ball.

Bidz Inasal has the tastiest halo-halo for only Php 55.00
It has generous servings of leche flan, ube, banana, jack fruit, milk and ice cream.
If you are in Surallah, I recommend you try this.

Punta Isla Lake Resort, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

We had a nice day at Punta Isla Lake Resort last week. Unlike our previous visit in 2010 when we had an overnight stay, last week was just lunch and sightseeing. This lake front property with well-landscaped hilly garden still never fail to charm me with its serene environment perfect for relaxing. 

Lush garden fronting the lake.
The red roof is a floating restaurant.

Main dining area near the entrance.
There are more cottage-type dining areas near the lake.

Nilasing na Tilapia costs Php 190.00 good for 4 persons.
Their specialty is the different recipes of freshly harvested tilapia (a fresh-water fish).
This is my favorite recipe since I first tasted it last 2010.
I love the crunchy texture of these fish fillet dipped into the sukang pinakurat (spiced tuba vinegar).

Grilled Tilapia costs Php 95.00 only.
Their tilapia tastes a bit sweet.

Mango shake for only Php 50.00

Unique shell-formed washing area. 

This resort has an impressive landscaped hilly garden.

Front of Punta Isla Lake Resort

Punta Isla Lake Resort is around 44 kms away from Koronadal City, the capital of the province and about 600  meters away from the town of Lake Sebu.

source : freewebs.com/puntaislaresort/

For more info such as room rates, visit their website -  www.freewebs.com/puntaislaresort/ 






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Luz Kinilaw Place in Davao City

Luz Kinilaw Place is a well-known old barbecue eatery in Davao City. It's more of a ''carinderiaria"- type than a typical restaurant because of it's unassuming look and affordable price. It is favored by many diners who crave for grilled foods and yet want to skip the usual high-cholesterol grilled pork. It is known for it's freshly grilled tuna parts such as panga (jaw), belly, buntot (tail) and other seafood such as grilled squid. Its specialty is the freshly grilled tuna panga (jaw). Though known for it's grilled tuna and seafoods, it also serves grilled chicken and other dishes of tuna such as tuna kinilaw (cubed sashimi) and tuna soup.

Huge Tuna Tail for Php 280.00

Tuna Kinilaw for Php 100.00
Good for 2 persons

Luz Kinilaw Place is recommended to diners in a group like a family of four because of the large servings of grilled foods. The tuna belly we ordered is good for four persons already so since there were only the two of us, we ended having a take-out food for the leftover.

The low-key interior

Luz Kinilaw Place is located along the Quezon Boulevard, Davao City near the Magsaysay Park.

The facade of Luz Kinilaw Place

The chic backpacker eats