Travel is the spice of life. More often than not, we trudge on with our daily lives looking forward to the weekend when we can finally slow down and go somewhere quiet for a change. But travel also does not mean one has to cover miles on a plane, cruise line or bus. Sometimes, travel means you go somewhere just 10 minutes away.
Whenever the heat and pressure in the concrete jungle gets too much for us Dabawenyos, we need only hop on a boat and cross the Davao Gulf to the Island Garden City of Samal. Literally just right across from Davao City sits one of the fastest-growing island destinations in the Philippines and all its beaches, resorts, dive spots and other attractions. I consider myself quite lucky to have the luxury of having paradise just minutes away.
Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort is one of the most popular resorts in Samal Island. Perhaps it’s the proximity to Davao City that makes it so accessible and popular. Or maybe it’s the beautiful beach that’s always kept meticulously clean. Paradise Island Beach Park and Resort provides its guests with everything needed to make a beach trip an awesome experience. So that could be it, too.
Fun Things To Do
There are a good number of things to keep you occupied during your stay in Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort, whether you are there for a few days, overnight, or even just for a day.
Enjoy the spotless beach.
On top of the list is the white sand beach where you can swim, build sandcastles on, or do whatever water activity you can think of. There are also kayaks, aqua bikes, paddleboards, and jet skis for rent on a per-hour basis.
Work on your tan.
You can sunbathe when you get tired of the beach, . Rows of tables, benches, and sun beds situated along the shoreline provide a respite under the shade of old trees and roofing propped by bamboo poles. Day tour guests may use these for free. Resort staff can also bring food and beverage from the restaurant to this area.
Play games.
Non-water recreational activities are also available. There are pool and ping-pong tables, air hockey, and foosball in a covered area close to the beach. If you’d like to be more active, a game of volleyball in the park is also an option. RC Hobby Shop can provide fun dive lessons and scuba certification.
Have a spa day.
Getting a relaxing massage is also a rewarding activity in Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort. Alima Spa offers hour-long whole body massage (P400), head massage (P300), and foot massage (P300). ‘Alima’ is the vernacular word for ‘care’.
Indulge in a hearty meal.
Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort’s on-site restaurant, Kan-anan, serves a wide variety of cuisines from all over the world. Photos of their menu is posted all over the resort, enticing guests to order anything that makes their mouths water. The most popular items are grilled meat and seafood, pasta, and fruit juices or smoothies. There is also an ice cream and refreshments kiosk a few steps away. You can buy all sorts of beverages here, including fresh buko (young coconut) juice.
Guests who brought their own food are not allowed in the restaurant area. But as already mentioned, the tables along the shoreline may be used for free. There is also a spacious grilling area for those who need to prepare their food. Just bring your own charcoal as it might not be available for sale within the resort.
Chill while listening to live music.
Entertainment is provided by an acoustic band on stage and by a string quartet roaming all around the resort, serenading guests with classics as well as novelty Filipino songs. There are also acrobat and magic shows during weekends.
Run around the playground and mini zoo.
Children and children-at-heart will also enjoy running around in the playground located at the right side of the resort, close to the entrance. It is part of the well-kept garden/park where you can also find Bird Country, the resort’s aviary of exotic birds including pea-fowls, hornbills and cockatoos. The garden pathway leads to the villas where overnight guests are accomodated.
Shop for souvenirs.
There are also a good number of shops in the resort. You can buy snacks, soda, water, beer, and some necessities from Tinda’an. The resort’s souvenir shop sells all sorts of things like printed shirts, inflatables, key chains, bracelets, and other items for keepsakes. There are also a few other concessions selling handmade shell accessories and South Sea Pearls.
How To Get There
Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort has their own jetty port in Km. 9, Sasa, Davao City. The jetty port is about 10-15 minutes from downtown Davao. Fare is about P10 for jeepneys and P90 for taxis. From there you can take a motorized banca to the resort. Fare is P15 per person or P150 if you want to charter the entire boat. The trip across to the resort takes about 10 minutes. Boats leave at regular intervals between 6AM to 5PM, all days of the week.
Guests can also take ride the Island City Express bus to Samal Island and get off at the ferry landing. Tricycles and single motorcycles are available to take you to Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort’s back entrance. In the same manner, you may also take the ferry from the Samal Island ferry port in Davao, alight at the Samal port and ride a trike to the resort.
Some Reminders
Davao City is a smoke-free city. Smoking in public areas is prohibited and doing so may result to arrest and/or fines. While Samal Island does not share this ordinance, Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort imposes a no-smoking policy within the premises except within the designated smoking area.
Also, the pathway leading to the jetty port in Davao City is right by a deep creek. Keep children close while passing by this area as they might fall into the creek and get seriously hurt, especially during high tide.
Davao City residents enjoy the convenience of having places like Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort just a short boat ride away. We can literally say that paradise is just minutes away!
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Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort
GF Valgosons Bldg. 1, City Hall Drive
Davao City, 8000 Philippines
TEL # (63) (82) 233 – 0251, 234 – 1229, 300 – 2343
Mobile # (63) 0920 – 954 – 6780
