My friends kept on telling me that there exists a comely resort situated in a black sand beach named Amontay Beach Resort dubbed almost paradise of Caraga Region in Mindanao Island with amenities comparable to other luxury beach resorts in this part of the Philippines. Hence, in one of my trips to Cagayan de Oro City, I decided to drop by the area and verify on the veracity of such report.

After traveling 24 kilometers west of Butuan City, we reached the town of Nasipit in the province Agusan del Norte. A few more kilometers of travel and we reached this spot . . .

The imposing roadside signage enticing guests to visit the Amontay Beach Resort

After traversing a graveled road beach ward, we had reached this portion of the resort . . .

The main gate of the Amontay Beach Resort

It was then that I realized that the Amontay Beach Resort is owned and managed by the same proprietor of Goat 2 Geder, a popular hotel and restaurant in Butuan City, where I used to stay and dine.

After paying the PhP 20.00 entrance fee, I and Vanjie went hurriedly to the beach front and the sight of a black sand beach teeming with the amenities of a luxurious resort in an island setting stunned me most. We choose to head first on this imposing restaurant cum view deck . . .

The Memorial Hall dedicated to MSgt. Diosdado V. Palicte 547345 PC

On board the elevated memorial hall, you would truly enjoy the feel of perfect ambiance in attending weddings, anniversaries, celebrations and class reunions and other medium-sized gatherings while savoring the sight of a long stretch of black sand beach . . .

The alluring beach fronting the Amontay Baech Resort

Adding the beauty and grandeur of Amontay Beach Resort were the presence of spacious Bali-inspired cottages made of indigenous materials piling up in one straight lane ideal for your napping break after an exhaustive languorous swim . . .

Comely Bali-inspired cottages

Most importantly, your enjoyment while on vacation is assured in the resort while staying on one-storey bungalow-type buildings beneath the shade of tall Talisay trees complete with wifi wireless internet facilities and other convenient and pleasure bearing facilities . . .

Elegant bungalow-type lodging facilities . . .

And for island water sports aficionados like you, the resort has complete facilities starting from the lowly . . .

. . . Paddle Boat

To the more sophisticated . . .

. . . Rubber Boats

Including the state-of-the-art . . .

. . . Jet Skis

Capping our visit to the spot was the usual pose for posterity. . .

A souvenir photo op while on the black sand beach fronting Amontay Beach Resort

Amontay Beach Resort – A Conclusion

Caraga prides itself as a region of island adventures. However, generally speaking, the best vacation spots where world-class resorts abound are located in the provinces far away from the regional center. The presence of a majestic beach resort within a driving distance from Butuan City is a welcome development for this budding region. But the beauty and grandeur of such tourist facility cannot just be explained, it has to be experienced by beach fanatics of your caliber so you can explain for yourself what almost paradise is all about as you leave the portals of Amontay Beach Resort.

Duka Bay Resort – Where Is It?

Duka Bay Resort, one of the best luxury beach resorts that this island vacations lover had visited so far, is an ideal spot to spend family beach vacations and on the beach holidays more so that it has island water sports facilities. It is located in Barangay Duka, Medina, Misamis Oriental situated just 14 kilometers away from Ginggog City and 95 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City in the northern part of Mindanao Island, Philippines.

Duka Bay Resort – Why I Visited The Place?

Since I started travel blogging seven months ago, Duka Bay Resort has been included in my vacation checklist of luxury beach resorts in Mindanao Island that I intend to feature. Hence, my eyes twinkled with excitement when, during a chance encounter at the 45^th Anniversary Celebration of the Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (SPECC) at Cagayan de Oro City on August 9 2011, my good friend Director Manuela Pelaez of the Cooperative Development Authority in Caraga Region, Butuan City had told me that her family owns a substantial share in the said resort. We then made an arrangement for me to have a sightseeing visit at Duka Bay Resort the following day.

In the early morning of the appointed day, I left the bustling Cagayan de Oro City together with my wife and the driver. After a two hour ride, more or less, we spotted this comely signage on the road side . . .

The Duka Bay Resort road signage . . .

We then maneuvered to the left and traveled for a few minutes until we arrived at this area . . .

The Duka Bay Resort guard house . . .

We then proceeded to the spot where CDA Director Manuela Pelaez was awaiting for us . . .

The comely Duka Bay Resort reception center with the always smiling Director Maweng waiving her hands of welcome . .

While taking our sumptuous snacks, Director Maweng told us that the place which was formerly known as Medina White Beach, used to be one of the properties of their patriarch Don Gregorio Pelaez. It was developed by their grand mother to serve as venue for family gatherings especially during the annual family reunion. When the demise of the couple, the descendants of the eight children had decided to organize a family corporation  in September 1997 with each family building a villa to serve as billeting place for the regular annual family reunion and to be offered to guests the rest of the year and they named it in honor of the female children of the couple or of the spouses in case of the males. Thus, a total of eight elegant and cozy villas named Villa Felipa, Villa Christina, Villa Sophia, Villa Edith, Villa Narcisa, Villa Alma, Villa Conception and Villa Rosario are now proudly standing on a hill soothingly shaded by a cluster of large  trees overlooking the azure waters of Ging0og Bay and the alluring island of Camiguin.

Afterward, our host toured us to the  Duka Bay Resort facilities and amenities, the first being the Condotel and Conference Center . . .

The Condotel named Villa Felipa which houses a 100 person-capacity Conference Hall on the ground level.

My heart was  beating faster out of excitement as we were approaching our next destination . . .

An array of cozy villas of the Duka Bay Resort.

I then took a picture of the first villa . . .

The sprawling Villa Christina . . .

As I climbed at the spacious veranda, this breathtaking view of the alluring sandy shoreline of Duka Bay had captured my attention. . .

The comely Duka Bay sandy beach with concrete barrier that reigned in the water as shoreline protection during inclement weather . . .

Our next stop was the villa owned by the family of then Philippine Vice-President Emmanuel Pelaez. . .

The villa hosting the Ambassador Suite of former Vice President and Ambassador Emmanuel Pelaez.

And the villa owned by the family of my friend cum tour guide Director Maweng . . .

Director Maweng visibly waxing nostalgic while at the veranda of their family-owned villa . . .

Glancing at the environs made me conclude that even a stone-hearted one cannot help but be mesmerized by this breathtaking view from the veranda . . .

The captivating veranda view from one of the villas . . .

We then descended back to the not-so-white sandy shore and passed by the area with island water sports facilities . . .

An array of kayaks . . .

... and a Dive Shop

I slogged further until I reached the picnic area . . .

The comely Pavillon Huts dotting the picnic area . . .

Until I reached the spot where budget travelers and backpackers are accommodated . . .

One of the two buildings with air conditioned rooms ready to accommodate budget travelers . . .

After bidding goodbye to our gracious host, we traveled for a few minutes towards Barangay Duka proper until we reached this place . . .

The signage welcoming visitors to the Alibuag Cold Spring

The stairway leading to the Alibuag Cold Spring

I was so attracted with the clear and azure waters of the cold spring. Had we brought with us our swimming trunks, we could have opted for a quick dip or for a languorous swim. At any rate, I just made myself contented with taking a picture of the Alibuag Cold Spring . . .

The Alibuag Cold Spring . . .

And posing for posterity with my wife . . .

Photo of me and Vanjie at the Alibuag Cold Spring

Duka Bay Resort – Final Thoughts

Duka Bay Resort  offers its guests the luxury of 40 spacious rooms in its 8 villas intended for middle and high-end guests and in its 2 beach houses for budget travelers and backpackers all with spectacular views of the azure waters of Gingoog Bay and Camiguin Island. Further, it’s open-air restaurant provides an ambiance of island life while the 100 person-capacity function room is perfectly suited for grueling brain storming sessions. Furthermore, coral and other marine life explorers would surely be happy with the availability of glass-bottom boats and other island water sports facilities. Moreover, its sandy shores with concrete shoreline protection is an ideal picnic ground. In a nutshell, you can find in Duka Bay Resort a relaxing hideaway for a well-deserved respite from the hustles and bustles of urban life without necessarily traveling far away from the city.

On The Beach Holidays – An Introduction

On the beach holidays, especially during the feast of Saint John The Baptist, are pretty much spent by beach goers, island vacations buffs and natural attractions seekers wading in the crystal clear water of the best beaches in the world either on a white sand beach, black sand beach or pebble beach considered as favorite island getaways. In the case of the residents of Bucas Grande Island in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines spending the Saint John the Baptist Day in Puyangi White Sand Beach, located just a walking distance from the town center, has become an annual tradition.

On The Beach Holidays – Spending Saint John Day in Puyangi White Sand Beach

As a backgrounder especially for the non-Christian readers, Saint John the Baptist was the prophet mentioned  in the Holy Bible who prepared the faithful for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. John’s main character in the gospels is attributed to his baptism to Jesus Christ at the Jordan River which is now one of the Seven Sacraments in the Catholic Church.  Since, he was 6 months older than Jesus, the Catholic Calendar placed the feast of John the Baptist on June 24, six months before Christmas.

June 24 is being celebrated in various ways according to the customs and traditions of the place. Other Christian communities in the Philippines celebrated it with fanfare more so for places who chose Saint John the Baptist as their patron saint, hence, the annual fiesta celebration. But other areas just considered June 24 as another ordinary day of the year.

But in Socorro, the lone town in Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte, Philippines, the feast of Saint John the Baptist, though not their annual fiesta, is one of the important days marked in the calendar of the inhabitants. While it is not declared as a public non-working holiday, but the Socorronhons considered it as such as the entire family has to take time spending on the beach holidays  and take a dip to commemorate the Jordan River baptism of Jesus Christ. And, though there are several patches of white sand beaches surrounding the island, the inhabitants chose to converge  in the most popular beach in town- the Puyangi White Sand Beach.

On the eve of the June 24, 2011 Saint John the Baptist Day, I went to Puyangi White Sand Beach to scout for a place where I and my family could settle  for the next day’s  picnic and join the customary on the beach holidays of the Socorro  inhabitants. I rode on my motorcycle, went through a foot trail beneath the coconut trees  parallel to the 1.2 kilometer stretch white sand beach and reached the place in 5 minutes. As I stepped on the sand, I was enthralled on this tantalizing views . . .

The 1.2 kilometer-Puyangi White Sand Beach stretching towards the Socorro town center.

The Puyangi White Sand Beach stretching towards the Puyangi Spring.

I slogged over the pearly-white sand beach and loved the feel of a mixture of silica and pale quartz grains touching my sole as it actually squeaks a bit when stepped on until I reached the Puyangi Spring . . .

The impounded portion of the series of streamflows of the Puyangi Spring.

The Puyangi Spring spillway flowing to the Puyangi White Beach into the sea.

Candidly, I felt nostalgic as I waded through the knee deep crystal clear water while taking photographs of this scenic view of Puyangi White Sand Beach. . .

The Puyangi White Sand Beach showing the convergence point between the cool waters of the Puyangi Spring and the warm sea water.

I couldn’t help but imagine the days during my childhood when I was so fascinated with the bright sand at Puyangi White Sand Beach which makes the sea waters especially beautiful with emerald, light blue and sparkling azure colors. There were times that, while enjoying the swim, I would be told by my elder brother  that the proximity of a barrier reef makes the crystal clear water at Puyangi White Sand Beach naturally calm and warm. But the waters cascading from the Puyangi Spring enables the convergence point uniquely cool thereby offering  me and the other swimmers the option for an alternate warm and cold bath. I cannot forget the days when, after taking a languorous swim in the warm waters, I occasionally took a  quick dip at the refreshingly cool waters of the Puyangi Spring.

After quite sometime, I went home eagerly dreaming for the coming of the on the beach holidays a day after. Then, June 24, 2011 came. I went to the vicinity of the Puyangi Spring again and found some beach revellers already dotting the white sand beach . . .

On the beach holidays revellers at Puyangi White Sand Beach.

Including this pair on the way to their rendezvous . . .

A fiance with his fiancee having an idle and leisurely walk at Puyangi White Sand Beach . . .

As I slogged further, I was delighted by the sight of these children . . .

Two boys dashing neck-and-neck to beat the 100-meter dash . . .

A child wallowing at the sand enjoying the sand mask . . .

But nothing beats the sight of this innocent smile . . .

A child enjoying his labor . . .

While the sports enthusiasts really found time to blend beach going with sports . . .

A group of beach goers enjoying their Beach Volleyball game . . .

I walked further towards the direction of the town center and found a lot of on the beach holidays revellers positioning atop the limestone serving as natural breakwater . . .

Beach goers taking time to enjoy the Saint John The Baptist Day . . .

Until I reached the cottage where my family and friends were awaiting for  me to . . .

. . . signal the official start of the Eat-All-You-Can Challenge . . .

We then ventured into a lively chat while occasionally glancing the spot where my 8-year old child Edrian was enjoying the swim.

As the horizon started to dim, we called it our turn for a romantic and  languorous couples’ swim which we did until the later part of the night . . .

On The Beach Holidays – Final Thoughts

June 24 is an important event in the life of the Christians. It is celebrated in one way or another in various communities. Others made a mockery of the celebration by throwing murky canal waters at the sight of the passers-by. But in Bucas Grande Island, we chose to celebrate the day  of the Feast of Saint John The Baptist in a memorable and enjoyable manner with each and every able-bodied Socorronhon joining the much awaited annual  on the beach holidays celebration.

Dakak Beach Resort – An Introduction

Dakak Beach Resort can aptly be described as a majestic beach resort and  a white sand beach resort with  crystal clear water ideal for family beach vacations considered by island vacations junkies as not only  among the best family resorts but one of the select luxury beach resorts and best family vacation destinations with island water sports facilities in Mindanao Island,  Philippines. It is located in Barangay Taguilon, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.

Dakak Beach Resort – Why I Visited the Majestic Beach Resort

Dakak Beach Resort was included in my vacation checklist during my heritage tours to Dapitan- the Shrine City of the Philippines. Hence, after my visit to the Rizal Shrine, I told the driver to bring me and my wife to Dakak Beach Resort which came to limelight after being chosen as one of the preliminary swimsuit competition venues of the 1994 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant.

After a 30- minute drive on a newly-completed portland cement concrete pavement project, this comely welcome signage had attracted my attention . . .

The comely Dakak Park Beach Resort Gate Number 1

A few more minutes of travel and we reached the holding area where we were told to alight and park our vehicle. . .

A comely structure in the holding area of Dakak Park Beach Resort where visitors would not surely miss holding photo ops. .

I extended my arms in excitement to savor the beauty of the resort right after stepping on the vehicle holding area . . .

After paying the PhP 200.00 per head entrance fee for sightseeing and free swimming on the beach and the use of the bath and dressing rooms, we boarded on the shuttle van en route to the resort proper. We passed by bungalows tucked on a scenic hillside overlooking the sea. I noticed busy workers engaged in construction works beside the winding road leading to the beach until the shuttle stopped on this area. . .

The El Patio . . .

The walkway leading to the beach front . .

I was enthralled when the 750-meter long, powdery white sand Dakak Beach was captured by my eyes. . .

The Dakak Beach viewed from the El Patio

Dakak Beach as seen from the other end

I could not help but admire at the array of island water sports facilities being displayed at the Aqua Sports Center with the jet ski cruising at Dakak Bay serving as an added attraction. . .

The Aqua Sports Center . . .

A Jet Ski speeding at the tiny Dakak Bay .

I felt very fortunate as birds hovered over me as I took shots of the tantalizing Dakak Beach . . .

Three wonderful birds flying at low speed and altitude as if conveying a welcome greetings for the incoming guests . . .

Eager to know what are in store inside the resort, I strolled at the amenities situated within the  beach front and was awe-inspired with the sight of the swimming pools of Dakak Beach Resort . . .

The swimming pool for adults . . .

The Kiddie Swimming Pool . . .

I and my wife then took time to have a souvenir photo at the pool side . . .

A pose for posterity at Dakak Beach Resort pool side with the beach and sea at the background

This structure adjacent to the adult swimming pool had caught my attention . . .

No mistake for the Noah's Ark. . . it is the Pirates Disco Bar . .

My wife was curious on what is in store inside the Pirates Disco Bar . . .

A further walk deeper inside the resort brought me to the newly-constructed Thai Restaurant . . .

The sprawling Thai Restaurant . . .

With imposing indoor design and facilities . .

After spending for quite some time in the beach front, we decided to go uphill passing by comely bungalows aptly designed with the verandas over looking Dakak Bay. . .

One of the bungalows eager to serve the billeting needs of Dakak Beach Resort guests.

A newly-constructed bungalow at the hill top inside the Dakak Beach Resort.

A further walk led me to some other important amenities of Dakak Beach Resort . . .

The comely Reception Center . . .	The Chapel . . .
The Tennis Court . . .	. . . and the Golf Course

We then boarded the shuttle bus and traveled back to the holding area.

Dakak Beach Resort – Final Thoughts

As an island vacations aficionado, savoring the minute, beautifully-shaped Dakak Bay; stepping on the powdery white sand of Dakak Beach; gazing at the pristine blue waters of the Sulu Sea and wandering around the built-up areas of the 15-hectares wood land is a very rewarding experience. Truly, a visit to Dakak Beach Resort is tantamount to a trip to a tropical Eden.

Pebble Beach – What Is It?

Pebble Beach, as opposed to white sand beach and black sand beach, is a beach landform commonly termed as shingle beach composed chiefly of surface pebbles which is considered by island vacations enthusiasts and clearwater beach lovers as among the excellent beach destinations to spend unique vacations, family beach vacations and kid friendly vacations especially if it has luxury beach resorts offering beach vacation packages.

Pebble Beach In Caraga – Where Is It?

The only pebble beach in Caraga Region is found in Barangay Mabua, 13.53 kilometers west of Surigao City in the northeastern tip of the island of Mindanao, Philippines. If you opt to commute, you can proceed to the Mabua-bound tricycle terminal at Pier 1 for PhP 20.00 regular ride or negotiate for a special trip towards the tourist attraction.

Pebble Beach In Barangay Mabua – Why I Went There?

It’s been a long time already that I’ve gone to Mabua Pebble Beach, during a college day beach party to be exact. I was told that there are already luxury beach resorts sprouting in the place offering island water sports facilities.

To satisfy my thirst for island getaways and best vacation spots, I and my wife Vanjie decided to have a side trip to the mentioned tourist attraction. I requested Miko Gumapac, one of the able SOEMCO staff, to drive for us. It didn’t took more than thirty minutes for our XRM 125 Honda motorcycle plying on a paved road to reach the place. Setting foot on the kilometer-long stretch shingle beach armored with pebbles or small-to medium-sized cobbles had enthralled me much as if I had gone to the place for the first time.  My eyes were glued at the pebbles coming in various colors and textures, some of which have streaks of quartz and multi-colored sedimentary rocks. . .

A close-up view of the kilometer-long Mabua Pebble Beach

Another close-up view of Mabua Pebble Beach with the rock diving board on the back ground

Native cottages lined parallel with the Mabua Pebble Beach waiting to accommodate transient beach goers

Birds-eye view of the kilometer-long Mabua Pebble Beach. Photo courtesy of www.caraganon.com Signage of Fiesta Diving Resort in Mabua Pebble Beach

I enjoyed the feel of  the fine-textured  stones as I slogged over the pebbles on my bare feet until I reached on this beautifully-landscaped resort . . .

The Fiesta Diving Resort viewed from the street separating it from the Mabua Pebble Beach

I managed to talk with the resort owner, a friendly Korean national who told me in broken English that the Fiesta Diving Resort went public just 18 months ago . . .

The Fiesta Diving Resort proprietor posing with his trusted pet dog

The resort operator then graciously permitted me to take best shots of one of the luxury beach resorts not only in the area but the entire province as well . . .

Full-blown shot of the Fiesta Diving Resort's alluring Swimming Pool

A view from the resort's reception center towards the direction of the Mabua Pebble Beach

After exchanging pleasantries, I bid goodbye to the dainty and demure front desk staff who gave me the resort’s contact number +639204153086.

We then took a five-minute motorcycle ride towards the end of the road where another resort is located and this view had caught my attention . . .

Mt. Bagarabon Resort willing to accommodate clients intending to hold seminars and conferences at Mabua Pebble Beach

We then called it time to go home. As our motorcycle sped away, I took a last glimpse of the waves easily flowing through the coarse, porous surface of the Mabua Pebble Beach which caused the decreasing effect of backwash erosion and increasing the formation of sediment into the steeply sloping beach. If you are looking for something unique beach destinations, the pebble beach in Mabua is  a vacation spot really worth a visit yourself.