Published article and photography by Jojie Alcantara

Bali Bali Beach Resort in Island Garden City of Samal was named after Bali, the beautiful island in Indonesia which is frequented by tourists worldwide. But it was also the owner, Mr. Romy Garcia's preference being a Pangasinense (from Pangasinan). “Bali-bali” in the Pangasinan native dialect Pangalatok means “beautiful”.

Located at the southwest coastline of Samal, the one-hectare property opened to the public on December 2006, and operated on pre-booked, pre-arranged accommodations. Hence, the exclusivity and privacy it enjoys.

There are six cottages, an infinity pool and a pavilion where guests are served meals. Asian inspired with different room themes, you can choose from Japanese, Thai, Indonesia, Chinese, Mediterranean and Filipino themed rooms. Mr. Garcia’s wife Ester preferred to stick to the serenity of the place, by not adding TVs in the room, but only in the main sala of the pavilion. It kind of puts you back into a reflective mood as you actually hear and appreciate the songs of the crickets and the soothing sound of the waves.

The caretaker Ate Luz was on hand to feed us with the most delicious turon. Lunch was delicious and filling and so was dinner.

The beachfront has two open cabanas for a relaxing massage by the sea. The Bali-Bali suites (Filipino and Japanese themed) cost Php 6,500 per suite per night, good for 2 persons with full day’s meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Same goes to the Garden Villas - Thai, Balinese, Oriental and Mediterranean which cost Php 5,500 per room per night, good for 2 persons.

There are also packages for functions, or private parties, allowing your group to stay and make exclusive use of the resort’s amenities at a price. Day tour is at P1000 per adult, and P500 per child with lunch. Special occasions such as weddings have different packages which can be viewed at their website www.balibaliresort.com. Amenities can be requested like snorkeling and diving equipment. Among others, spa services can be provided by their sister company, the At Home Massage Spa Services.

To visit Bali-Bali, you can take the Davao-Samal Ferry Boat at Sasa, and take a 20-minute ride south towards Barangay Catagman, along Samal’s coastal road. Booking arrangements can be done in the Davao office at tel. (082) 2346415, while docking area is located in Pearl Farm Marina, Lanang.