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Davao Travel and Tourism Guide : Hotels, Tours, Adventures, Etc.

Resorts

The Ritz Hotel at the Garden Oases

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The Ritz Hotel of the Garden Oases Restaurant-Resort Complex offers the weary traveller a tranquil haven in downtown Davao City. If “Garden Oases” conjures images of frolicking or relaxation amidst peaceful lush greenery, then a fitting name has indeed been given to this quaint hotel at Porras Street in Barrio Obrero.

There are 88 rooms available in this hotel: choose between a Superior Room, Deluxe Room and Premiere Suite (either single or double occupancy). The clean and fully-airconditioned rooms are cable- and Internet-ready, and NDD/IDD phone service is also available — staying in this oasis in Davao City definitely still allows you to stay connected! Also available for guests’ use is a Business Center where you can make photocopies, send fax and access the Internet for your business needs.

The Ritz Hotel Garden Oases Davao City
The Hotel Lobby of the Ritz Hotel at the Garden Oases, Davao City.
Click here for more photos, guest reviews and online booking.

Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, play a pickup game of basketball or mini-golf at the ball court and mini-golf course respectively, hone your pool skills in the billiards room, or just explore the beautifully-landscaped Garden Oases grounds. Avail of the tours and car rental services if you wish to see more of what the city has to offer; shopping centers such as Victoria Plaza and Gaisano Mall are nearby, Davao’s most frequented nightspots along F.Torres Street are a mere 10 minutes away, and the excellent selection of dining establishments at Damosa Gateway in Lanang is within 20 to 30 minutes reach.

(Book Online: Click here to reserve a room or read reviews from other guests of The Ritz Garden Hotel.)

Hotel Services

  • Tours and Transfer Services
  • Car Rental
  • Room and Laundry Service
  • Messengerial services
  • Foreign Exchange

Hotel Facilities and Amenities

  • Oases Seafood Restaurant
  • Function Hall
  • Swimming Pool
  • Billiards, Playground and Ball Court
  • Mini Golf Course
  • Garden Tent and Trellis
  • Business Center with Internet access, Photocopying and Fax
  • IDD / NDD Telephone System
  • Fully airconditioned room and function rooms
  • Car Rental and spacious parking space
  • Hot and Cold Water Supply, Cable ready, Internet ready rooms
  • Coffee Shop

Room Rates

Superior Room
Single : Php 2,000.00
Double: Php 2, 500.00

Deluxe Room
Single : Php 2, 500.00
Double : Php 3,000.00

Premiere Suite
Single : Php 3,500.00
Double: Php 3, 500.00

Accommodation includes free breakfast and complimentary pool pass. Check in time is 2:00pm, check out time is 12:00nn. Additional person is charged P 700.

Garden Oases has long been a favorite place for friends and families to spend some quality time together. You can enjoy a sumptuous feast of fresh seafood at the Oases Seafood Restaurant, and Oases Ihaw-Ihaw is a fine choice for satisfying your hot-off-the-grill barbecued pork, seafood and chicken cravings. The function hall, perfect for receptions, seminars and conferences, has a capacity of up to 300 guests, and the Garden Tent, which can house up to 1000 guests, is a great venue for bigger and grander affairs.

For inquiries and reservations, contact The Ritz Garden Hotel at

Garden Oases
Porras Street, Barrio Obrero,
Davao City

Tel. Nos.: (+6382) 228-6885 to 87, (+6382) 224-1402 , (+6382) 2241403
Email Address: ritzgardendvo@yahoo.com or gardenoases@yahoo.com

Related Links:

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This article about the The Ritz Garden Hotel at the Garden Oases Resort Complex is written by Katlyn Batuigas.

Bali Bali Beach Resort: Serenity well-defined

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Calmness, solitude and a life worth living.

Experience genuine serenity to your heart’s content at a truly “bali bali” (which means “beautiful” in the Pangasinan native dialect) close to nature delight.

Bali Bali Beach Resort takes pride of its uniquely positioned tourist-friendly attraction in the Island Garden City of Samal. Named after the famed Bali island of Indonesia, the resort is seemingly superior among other resorts in the region. It’s a semi-private one-hectare property at the southwest coastline of the Samal Island that is well-loved because of its exceptional guest services and amenities. The resort operates on pre-booked or pre-arranged accommodations; strictly no walk-ins. Exclusivity at its best.

Since December 2006 when it was formally opened to the public, Bali Bali Beach Resort has been the top-of-the-mind resort of lifestyle and vacation enthusiasts. Highly appreciated because of its stylish Asian-inspired six villas, the resort offers different Asian-themed ambiance of the Thai, Indonesia, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, and Mediterranean cultures.

The resort is beyond doubt blessed with various flora and fauna; and an ingenious landscaping that preserves the authentic magnificence of nature. Guests coming in by land or by boat are warmly welcomed in The Pavilion, which serves as the main hall of Bali Bali where food is served. To maintain the serenity of the place married couple Mr. Romy and Mrs. Ester Garcia decided not to put television sets in the rooms, except only in the main sala of the pavilion. It sets perfectly the reflective atmosphere, where one can actually hear and appreciate the sounds of nature such as the calming sound of the sea waves, the cool breeze and the sweet songs of the birds and crickets.

Just right in front of the Pavilion is the major attraction of the resort – the highly inviting infinity pool, which extends its stunning sight up to the ocean. In the near end of the stretch from the Pavilion is the soothing beachfront where one can find two open huts or cabanas called the Bale Houses on both sides. These are ideal for a relaxing full body massage by the sea.

Accommodation Packages

Inclusive of a full day’s meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), the resort offers perfect overnight accommodations:

Bali Bali Suites

Two types of suites, priced at Php 6,900 per suite per night; excellent for 2 persons with a full day’s meals. In excess of two persons, add Php 1,700.00 per head (inclusive of meals). Child (4-10 yrs old) rate is Php 850.00 per head. Php 5,700.00 is the single occupancy rate.

Garden Villas

Four villas: Thai, Balinese, Oriental and Mediterranean

At Php 5,900 per room per night, the Garden Villas is perfect for 2 persons with a full day’s meals. In excess of two persons, add Php 1,700.00 per head (inclusive of meals). Child (4-10 yrs old) rate is Php 850.00 per head. Php 4,700.00 is the single occupancy rate.

Exclusive Use Package

Ideal for intimate and personal gatherings of family and friends, swim parties or special functions, the resort also offers their so-called “Exclusive Use” package. This package is good for a maximum of 24 adults who seeks to enjoy the exclusivity of the entire resort, villas and other amenities.

Rate: Php 26,000.00 (for room accommodation only). Meals (full day’s) will be charged at Php 1,200.00 per head.

Day Tour Package

Take pleasure of the resort’s splendor within a day as you avail their Day Tour Package. Be gastronomically filled and have lunch at the Pavilion and have the entire day for fun and excitement. The adult rate is Php 1,000 per person (inclusive of lunch) and the child rate (4-10 years old): Php 500 per head (inclusive with lunch).

Exclusive (Daytour) Use

Guests may avail of the “Exclusive Use” day tour package for big groups or gatherings. This package allows visitors to enjoy the resort, all villas and its amenities with exclusivity and privacy from sunup to sundown.

Rate: Php 15,000 per day for day tour accommodation only (exclusive of food and beverages). Food arrangements of the guests shall be coordinated with the resort restaurant.

Special Occasions

Bali Bali Resort accommodates also for specially-arranged occasions like bachelor or bridal showers, weddings, reunions, birthdays, and etc. Special packages will be coordinated perfectly for you.

Weddings

Having a dream wedding will now be possible. Be carefree as Bali Bali Resort offers a superb wedding package just right for that very significant day of you and your loving partner’s life. The accommodation package starts at Php 50,000 that includes: a 3 day-2 night exclusive use of the resort for a maximum of 30 staying-in guests, in-house sound system, standard wedding set-up with banquet tables, chairs with table cloth and covers.

For the wedding banquet, the couple will have to coordinate with the resort manager for the reception’s special menu. The rate starts at Php 500 per head. The couple can avail for other wedding preparations; this will be charged accordingly and separately.

Spa Services : Massage By The Sea

To complete your relaxing stay, Bali Bali Resort also provides a very satisfying and pampering whole body massage by the sea. It’s all done at the massage and spa cottages called the Bale House. Feel the gentle sea wind as you cherish the stress-releasing spa services. You just have to schedule your appointments beforehand if you wish to avail of the spa services. Rates are as follows:

  • Foot Reflexology / Massage : Php 400.00/hour
  • Complete Foot Spa (foot scrub, foot massage plus pedicure) : Php 1,000.00
  • Whole Body Massage : Php 700.00 / hour

Facilities & Amenities

The resort is complete with facilities that will ensure worth-remembering visit or stay:

  • Digital Videoke System
  • DVD/CD Sound System
  • Television set with Cable services
  • Beach/Beachfront with Huts for massage and spa services
  • Infinity Swimming pool
  • Outdoor Jacuzzi

Rental of aqua sports and gears like snorkel equipment, ocean kayak, and the like will be charged separately. Advanced aqua sports activities like speed boat, diving, jetski, wake boarding, and banana boat may be arranged in advance with the resort’s booking office.

How To Get To Bali Bali

Bali Bali Beach Resort is located at Brgy. Catagman, Island Garden City of Samal. To visit, the first-rate resort in the region, here are four easy ways to get there:

1. Your Own Car. You can drive your way to the resort as you take the Davao-Samal Ferry Boat at Sasa Wharf. On the occasion that you are on the island already, turn right and have a 20-minute car trip heading south along the Coastal Road of Samal Island.

2. Boat Transfer. Bali Bali Beach Resort also provides boat transfers from the mainland Davao to the resort. The docking area is at the Davao Boat Club Marina, Lanang Aplaya. The Chartered Boat is worth Php 2,500.00 which is good for 15 persons. For reservations, kindly contact their booking office.

3. Using Company Vehicle. If you opt to take the land/barge transfers, you can arrange a private vehicle service to take you to the resort and back. Fees will apply accordingly; their booking office is ready to accommodate any land/barge transfer arrangements.

4. If You Can Swim. 😉 Now if you have your own speed boat and cruise, the resort is at bearing 7° 03′ 50.75″ N 125° 41’01.41″ E and you can smoothly head towards the southern part of the island until you reach the Bali Bali Beach Resort.

Justly worth every visit, Bali Bali Beach Resort offers the best and the finest escape from the hustle-bustle of the metropolis.

For booking arrangements and reservations, you may visit their Davao office:

Damosa Arcade,
Mamay Road, Lanang,
Davao City.

Just look for the resort manager.

Likewise, you may also address your concerns and inquiries through their hotline: +63(82)234-6415.

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This Bali Bali Beach Resort article is written by Julius Piala.

Hof Gorei Beach Resort in Samal Island

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How much time does it usually take for the busiest bees among us to find the perfect getaway? Certainly, almost everybody would agree that it would probably take about a day or so, since a getaway is not perfect unless it takes you far from your usual reality – much less take you somewhere that would make you consequentially forget where you actually came from. If that’s the case, then the perfect getaway might be lying outside the country’s borders, with a few exceptions that lie inside the country’s domain; few exceptions that would need you to scour every inch of possibility as if you were checking out a map that doesn’t make sense at all.

The thing is, we’re good with seeking “heavens” on earth that finding a good vacation destination is just as easy as thinking of it, and picturing that you’re walking in it all the while. In fact, we’re so good that we’d uncover all the wonders of Davao City for everybody to see how much there is for everyone else to enjoy. And since we’ve been talking about the perfect getaway, let’s start somewhere you surely haven’t heard of yet.

Hof What?

Today, we’re taking you to Hof Gorei Beach Resort, a young and fresh resort found in the Island Garden City of Samal. So how much time do you need to get here? More or less two and a half hours if you take the easiest route. That’s an hour and a half for the plane ride from Manila (one hour from Cebu), a fifteen-minute ride from the Davao International Airport to the Sta. Ana Wharf, and a 50-minute boat ride over the Davao Gulf which already feels some sort of a getaway on its own. Whoever says that the perfect getaway should need around a day to achieve will surely find this tourist destination as a glimpse at impossibility. Thankfully though, it’s as real as it gets.

Rightfully situated in the midst of the Samal landscape’s lushness, this resort offers definitive silence and calm – making it a perfect destination for people who seek complete relaxation far from the urban environment. Wherever you look, the color green is sure to greet you back, as this resort is never short of flourishing plants in all shapes and sizes. For water lovers, the fine sand by the beachhead that kisses the pristine tide of the majestic Davao Gulf should prove so enticing that missing a good swim is never an option. And when you think you’ve had too much of sea water, the resort’s “Infinity Pool” won’t disappoint.

Resort Accommodations

The resort also offers different kinds of accommodations: Ocean View Rooms, Hillside View Rooms and Junior Suites. The Hof Gorei guest house should also offer much needed convenience after a whole day’s worth of water activities such as snorkeling, jet-skiing and banana boat riding. And if you haven’t had enough, you can get a drink by the Swim-up Bar. In Hof Gorei, there’s just so much to do that eventually, you’ll start forgetting all the problems you left home.

Apart from the perfect environment that sounds mythical, this resort’s appeal also lies with the accommodations it has to offer. Themed bungalows having a perfect rustic touch creates a special ambiance that will surely make you feel that you’re one with nature. Not to mention the hospitality and warmth that the Hof Gorei staff never fails to give. They will be there 24/7 to cater to your needs; whether it’s a good massage by the beach, or a much needed drink by the bar. Name it, and you’ll surely get it.

To wrap it all up, you’ll never find a place that offers so much without stretching your travel time to its limits. A word of advice though – when you’re feeling lost, losing track of time, and beginning to think about staying in Hof Gorei for good, don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal. That’s just how it feels to be in a paradise on earth.

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This article is written by our newest writer to come on board: Randolph Reserva. Randolph is based in Davao and has so much more to share about travel and tourism in this place. To Randloph, welcome to DavaoTraveler.com.

For more details on the Hof Gorei, please visit their website at http://www.hofgorei-resortdavao.com.

Hof you visit the resort and see it for yourself! 😉

10 Minutes To Paradise

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One of the things I love about being a Davaoeña is the fact that “burn out” is an abstract concept to me. With the pace of life here in Davao there is always time to do the things I need to do and still have time to relax in between. Allow me to share with you my relaxation quick fix. Whenever I feel like I am starting to get stressed, I get into a cab, direct the driver to Barrio Pampanga, hop on a boat and in about ten minutes I find myself in paradise. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a work day or the weekend; paradise is always just ten minutes away from Davao City.

Paradise Island is a resort on a stretch of beach in Caliclic, Samal Island. Not just boasting its beach line, this resort has developed its amenities and now offers not just the benefits of sand and sea but a host of inland activities and sights. What I like about this resort is that it is still quite affordable, the prices are tourist friendly without compromising the service.

White Sand, Clear Blue Water

Beating the heat in cool, clear blue water is always enough to while your troubles away. I would recommend the early mornings up until about 10 am where the tide is still high and the water is almost kissing the picnic tables where you can enjoy your breakfast. If you want the beach all to yourself, visit the resort on weekdays. Sometimes the best way to clear a crowded head is to just sit and listen to the waves lap the shore. You can hang out by their break water steps and feed the fish (the kids really get a kick out of this one by the way!), go swimming, or you could just lie back on one of their sun beds and take a relaxing nap. They even have a house of massage which is just by the water.

Delicious Food

Since this resort is so accessible from the city, you can visit this resort over an extended lunch. The food is delicious and not as pricey as you would expect from a resort. You can just kick off your shoes for a bit and take in the sights while you enjoy a good meal. The barbeque and seafood selection is a must try as well as their refreshing tropical shakes and treats. Or if you are really going to there for the beach, you don’t have to stress about preparing a picnic basket because you can just order from their extensive menu. With that worry out of the way, you can just wear your board shorts, pick up your snorkeling gear and sun block, hop in a cab and head for Paradise.

Aqua Sports Galore

For those of us who are after something more than just the beach experience try the array of water sports. My personal favorite is the intro dive which you can do for a very affordable price or you can just rent some snorkeling gear and check out the beauty of the world beneath the sea. The corals are alive just beyond the nets they set up in the water for the safety of swimmers so there is no need to rent a boat just so you can appreciate the beauty the bottom of the ocean has to offer. If scuba diving is not your thing, there are still a host of other things you can do, like kayaking, aqua cycling and jet skiing.

Other Stuff You Can Do

If you are not in the mood for swimming or all the other things I just mentioned, there are still other things to do at this particular resort. You can visit their aviary or their mini zoo or just take a stroll in their gardens. The resort also has ping pong and billiard tables where you can sip beer or one of those yummy fruit shakes and relax over a game or two. Or if you are up for something more adventurous, you can go trekking or take an inland tour of the island.

I don’t mind mentioning that the resort is best enjoyed with some companions although going there won’t be boring either. So if you ever find yourself in need of a relaxation quick fix, this resort is definitely something you should consider. In my opinion, relaxation should never be expensive and at this resort you don’t need to worry so much about dishing out too much just to unwind. What’s important is that you get to enjoy leisure without really going out of your way to escape the hustle of the everyday routine.

Have fun! Go ahead and relax. You deserve it. Besides, its not a world away. It’s just 10 minutes to paradise.

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This article on Paradise Beach Resort in Samal is written by Monique “Nikki” Musni, just in time for the Lenten Season when everyone is thinking of going to the beach to unwind. Nikki loves the Paradies Island Resort, unfortunately her photos of the resort is not yet ready, so it’s best to check out their website if you need to contact them. The resort’s Web Address is at http://www.paradiseislanddavao.com.

Bluejaz Resort And Water Park in Samal, Davao

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We live our lives at warp speed, rushing from one family or work obligation to another. No wonder it can take the first few days of vacation to unwind completely.

Need help slowing down to island time? I strongly suggest Bluejaz Resort and Water Park in Samal. At first I thought it was quite odd to name a beach Bluejaz. (Though, mostly it is spelled as Blue Jazz especially when one is using the search engine to get information about the resort.) To me, it sounded more like a bar or restaurant. I asked some staff and they say the resort’s owner is named Jazmin Middelton and because the resort’s water is more or less blue. Put them all together and the name was born. That’s my conclusion by the way.

But what sets Bluejaz from the other resorts? Here is a rundown of my personal opinions based on first hand experience going to the resort.

Resort Amenities and Features:

Bluejaz offer luxurious cottages and rooms with an extensive menu of services that make it simple to get yourself renewed. Say for instance, for a family of five thinking of staying there for the night, Bluejaz has the so called The White House. It has four rooms each costing around P 3,000 inclusive of breakfast.

They also have the Fiji cottages, a more refreshing version of overnight stay, for a family of five (5) it cost around P2,995 (no breakfast) but if you want to avail of the breakfast package you simply pay P3,500 pesos.

If you think that is way out of budget, the 10-room Jasmin Cottages is available for P2,500 good for 4 persons. That’s way sensible, is it? You can ask friends to “chip in” and enjoy the night.

A better option I suggest is the overnight open cottages (although you have to endure if it rains or is freezing cold at night ), per head costs only PhP 200 for adults and PhP 100 pesos for kids 7-12 yrs old.

If vacation is not an option and a company conference or meeting is in the wings, I highly recommend the Bluejaz Resort. If that will make things a bit different. Bluejaz has ambience that is new and fresh which is sure to make everyone in the conference feel relaxed. How about your upcoming team building seminars and parties?

By the way, the resort is Wi-Fi Ready, so you can access the Internet anytime you want.

Using Bluejaz’s Pavillion Hall costs only PhP 3,500 per 5 hours, inclusive of whiteboard, mini-sound system for perfect for 50 to 100 persons in attendance. It is good for birthdays, anniversaries or beach weddings.

Pets And Other No-no?

There is one thing though that my friend dislike about the resort. She is fond of her pet dogs and always brings them anywhere she goes. At Blue Jazz Resort, pets are not allowed. So “Muning” and “Bantay” will have to endure the lock-up cage while you enjoy frolicking the beach waters.

Take note also that no bringing of drinks is allowed, so that means you have to order at the Resort. And if you want to save on food, I strongly suggest you rather order at the resort’s restaurant than bring in your own food. The corkage is quite expensive. Corkage for Lechon baboy and lechon baka, for example, is a tingling PhP 700 and PhP 1,500 from your pocket.

Other Resort Facilities:

If you want to have more fun, waterspouts is available for the taking. Just make sure you bring in extra cash. If you feel a little adventurous, a diving lessons is also available. Jet ski, banana boat, Kayak can also be enjoyed while you are there.

Day Tour Packages include free use of their famous three swimming pool, waterslides, beach (obviously), boat transfer and open cottages. Day tour costs PhP 90 for adults and PhP 70 for kids.

Some photos from the Bluejaz Resort:

How To Go There:

Jump off point is at MaryKnoll Beach resort in Lanang for only PhP 30.00 per person

So if you are looking for an all in one tropical beach experience, Bluejaz Resort And Water Park can be reached for reservations and inquiries at the following lines: 082-302-8411 and 082-3031117.

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This article is written by Stepahnie Morales.

Summertime Is Beach Time in Davao

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Most people would agree that summertime is best spent on the beach — swimming, snorkeling, or getting your skin colored under the heat of the sun. For us here in Davao, the best place (or beaches) to be is to jump out of the city’s land mass into the nearby island: The Samal Island.

Falling In Love With Isla Reta

Davao Traveler’s pick for this summer is the lesser advertised (too bad) beach resort in Samal, or more specifically in Talicud Island. The name is Isla Reta. Now thanks to the Internet, the resort is getting its share of high-tech exposure.

Here is Isla Reta at a distance:

Isla Reta Talicud Samal Davao

Got a few words to describe it? Here are some from those who have been there (including the author):

  • Very clean, white sand
  • Nice view of the mountain in front
  • Secluded and very quite
  • Perfect for snorkeling
  • Peaceful and relaxing

Well, you can add yours on the comment of this article after you have visited the beach yourself. You will definitely like it there, just like the kids on the photo shown below.

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