Hof Gorei Beach Resort, Samal Island, Davao del Norte

A SECRET HIDEAWAY IN SAMAL ISLAND

Samal Island or also known as IGaCoS (Island Garden City of Samal) is a small island in Davao Gulf under the jurisdiction of Davao del Norte. It is nearby Davao City and been a hideaway for people who wants to escape their city lives. Only 10 - 45 minutes away from Davao depends on where you want to go. 

Hof Gorei Beach Resort is second to none accommodation in Samal Island, it may not be as prestigious as the Pearl Farm because it is privately owned by a Filipina whose husband is an Austrian. One of their unique features is that they assign personal butler in every room. In our case we had two butlers because I booked two rooms. 

I will give you a list on why to choose Hof Gorei Beach Resort as your next destination in Samal. 

1. They are easy to deal with, their reservation officer is very accommodating and ensured our boarding in their transfer (Yes, they provide free transfers from port to resort v.v.).

It was a large pump boat and we were the only guests that were transported

2. Your personal butlers are very attentive and will ensure that all your needs are given! Kudos for this and for preparing a romantic dinner for my family! (It was my parent's anniversary) We experienced a not usual dinner because of their set up.

Meet our personal butlers! Not just one, but TWO!

The Dinner with candlelight. Soooo romantic

3. Their food is surprisingly delicious and fresh. I loved their Puting Paksiw! :) 

4. The attic room is the best! Very spacious and has a nice view from lush green landscape to a relaxing view of the ocean overlooking Mt. Apo!  :) You should stay at this room as it provides tropical vibe to your vacation. Highly recommended but it is not advisable for oldies as it requires going upstairs.

5. It was like we rented the whole place, it was not crowded compared to Pearl Farm! You will surely enjoy the serenity of this place from white sand shore to lush green landscape to their swimming pool. It may not have activities but enjoying the nature is already time consuming! :)

6. Their jacuzzi on top was a surprise as well as the view on the way there.

7. You will feel closer to nature from white sand to different exotic trees to paradise view on our windows  to endangered birds in their vicinity.

For inquiries you may reach them thru the ff:

Address: Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines, 8120

Website: http://hofgorei-resortdavao.com

Contact No.: +63 922 864 6814 | +63 920 966 7564 | +63 917 711 3868

Ano, TARA GUMALA? 

CIAO.

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GABRIELA

Make it Davao : Family Special

3D/2N Itinerary Trip to Davao

"Life is Here"

Davao/Dabaw - one of the largest cities in the world,in terms of land area. They are known for their Tourism, Food (Durian Capital of the Philippines), Hospitality, Taxi Drivers and their respectable City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Davao offers a diverse travel experiences for nature lovers - from the highest mountain in the Philippines to the white sand beaches to one-of-a-kind underwater world. They also offers a gastronomic experience for food enthusiast and their specialty are fruits and fresh seafood, specially Tuna. Davao is really a peaceful city, I commend Mayor Duterte for that, wishing all Mayors will be like him. 

Going back, in this post I will give my itinerary  and some tips on my recent trip with my family .Traveling with them is really fun but also pressuring because you want to give them the best without spending too much. So, if you are planning to have a trip with your family in Davao, better read my itinerary an other blog posts about Davao. 

Way back few months before our trip, I booked a ticket for the five of us going to Davao and got it for only 2,000Php per head,back -and-forth. It was really cheap! (Tiyagaan lang yan sa Seat Sale). What I love the most about my family is their simplicity and being always on-the-go. That is why I only manage to spend 4,500+ Php per person on a 3 Days 2 Nights trip to Davao and make the most out of it.

After months of planning, I was able to put through this itinerary and somehow saved a lot without compromising our comfort. you know when you are travelling with your family, safety and comfort is your main concern.

If you can see, almost all  of the tourist attractions were covered in our trip. It was tiring but when you see that your family is enjoying, it is worth it. Let me give you guys some tips on how I manage to spend only 4,500 Php and enjoyed a luxurious trip in Davao. 

1. DAVAO is really cheap. 

The cost of living here is really low, you can buy a good and sumptuous meal for only 50 pesos -100 pesos depending on your taste buds. Also, the transportation system is easy to follow. Ohh, the taxi drivers are giving exact change and do not overcharge! Lastly, staying in a decent hotel is cheap, you can get a family suite for only 3,500+! 

2. Never miss Museo Dabawenyo.

If you are into museums or enjoys knowing the historical background or culture of place, this museum is perfect for you! They were able to put up a museum that highlights the different tribes that are originated in Davao. There will be a tour guide that will assist you inside, it was fun and educating at the same time but taking picture is prohibited. You know what is the best part? THIS IS FREE!

3.  If you are travelling with groups, better hire a car or taxi.

It is way cheaper and convenient than taking public transport because most of the tourist attractions are quite far from each other. Just learn to haggle when you are looking for a car. On our case, we hired a taxi, since a van will not be a good idea and really expensive for us. 

4. Your Davao experience will not be complete if you will not stay in Samal Island.

It is a nearby island, only 30 minutes by a pump boat and a hour or more in a ferry. This place offers white sand beaches and beautiful scenery. We stayed at Hof Gorei Resort and loved it, cheaper than Pearl Farm but offers the same scenery. Ohh, what I love about this place is their landscape and that you have a personal butler. 

5. Never miss a fire dance show of Tribu K'Mindanawan

They are the best fire dancers in the world! They never failed to amaze me. I am a huge fan of their performances. They only do it on weekends between 6:00pm - 7:00pm. Everyone will enjoy this show. 

That was our Davao experience. It was my first time to travel with my family that requires us to be transported by an airplane. A lot of pressure on my part because I am the organizer, but like what I've said it was all worth it when you see the smiles from your loved ones. Ohh, this is my Anniversary gift for my parents. Now, they are asking me to bring them abroad. Yikes! HAHA. 

Travelling is my passion and sharing it with my family is very fulfilling! I can know put up a travel agency. haha. just kidding. 

P.S. Take the first trip to Davao, the one that depart early in the morning, SUNRISE is so awesome above!

Ano, TARA GUMALA?

CIAO.

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GABRIELA