Located in the southern part of the Philippines is the Samal group of Islands, an archipelago consisting of nine islands which stretch out over a land area of 28,000 hectares. Samal is a beautiful, tranquil and exotic island with a coastline adorned with white sand beaches, abundant marine life, rock formations, mangroves, and landscape elements of coconut palms, flowering plants and fruit-bearing trees. The area is blessed with various natural attractions and flourishing flora and fauna.

Nestled on the quiet side of Samal Island, The Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a mere 45-minute boat ride from the wharf. This fourteen (14) hectare spread was once a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Today, the resort beckons with the promise of a relaxing, private retreat, under the care of its friendly and charming staff.

The resort’s Samal Houses are patterned after the stilt houses of seafaring Samal tribes of the Sulu archipelago. By day, schools of tiny fish frolic between the sturdy poles that support the houses. At night, the sound of the waves are a soothing aid to slumber.

The waters of this island resort are inviting. Crystal clear waves lap gently on the shore and the calm surface of the rock pool washes over the edge into the sea below.

Jetskiing, hobie cat sailing, scuba diving; an exciting variety of activity awaits the water sports enthusiast. There is also a fish pond stocked with rare aquatic species like the pawikan (marine turtle) and the giant taklobo clams. For drier pursuits, there are two tennis courts set amidst lush tropical foliage.

For exhilirating days in the Davao Gulf, sail over the calm seas on a hobie cate, or take a banca to explore the dazzling coral gardens. Within these waters can be found the different colorful marine life species of the whole Indo-Pacific region. The vast unexplored depths offer ample opportunities for world-class scuba diving and underwater photography, either for the enthusiastic beginner or the expert diver.

Follow the wooden footbridges and walkways as they meander through the exotic gardens of the resort. Island structures are made of natural materials such as bamboo, wood, rope, stone and coral – the better to blend in with the surrounding landscape.

Ethnic motifs reflecting the rich culture and heritage of indigenous tribes lend a distinctive charm to the resort. At the Maranao Pavilion, guests can savor fresh seafood from surrounding waters, as well as exotic fruits such as bananas, durian, santol, papaya, green mandarin, mangosteen and mangoes from the plantation of Davao.

Named after the local term for lighthouse, the Parola bar was once a lookout post for strangers who were not welcome on the island, back in the days when it was still a pearl farm. Today, the bar’s cozy ambience invites guests who wish to spend a night of music, drinks and conversation.

Getting to Pearl Farm

Manila to Davao by Plane – 1.5 hrs.
Davao Airport to Insular Jetty by car
Insular Jetty to Pearl Farm 1 hr. by pumboat

More pictures here and here