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.

Seaside Waterfall – An Introduction

A seaside waterfall, aptly named Magkahuyog Falls, which is a favorite island vacations, island getaways and family beach vacations destinations, has unique and stunning features compared to other ponds and waterfalls prominently featured in popular waterfalls pictures of biggest waterfalls in the world as it cascades directly into a seaside beach towards the crystal clear water of the sea. It is located in the western part of Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

Seaside Waterfall – Why Visit The Place

The name Magkahuyog is derived from the Surigaonon term HUYOG, which means FALL DOWN. The seaside waterfall is the favorite picnic area among the residents of the communities in the western part of Bucas Grande Island, notably, Barangays Pamosaingan, Nueva Estrella and Honrado. Being a resident of the Socorro town center on the eastern side of the island, I seldom managed to visit the place. It was only during the time that we had a seminar at Barangay Pamosaingan with guests coming from the Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City that I decided to treat them to a sightseeing trip to the area.

On board a motorized banca, we traveled for 15 minutes from the Pamosaingan wharf amidst the calm and placid waters. As we approached the seaside waterfall, my eyes was greeted with this stunning view of  the water that flows down at a low angle of descent in small steps or stages over rocks . . .

The cascade-type Magkahuyog Falls viewed from a distance.

As the boat we were riding was about to dock at the  beach, the seaside waterfall had become more spectacular in my eyes. . .

Full view of the Magkahuyog Falls from the sea.

Our pump boat operator failed to contain his urge to have a dip in the cool waters of the plunge pool of Magkahuyog Falls . . .

Enjoying the dip on the sparkling azure waters of the plunge pool.

I took shots of another portion of the plunge pool . . .

The other end of the Magkahuyog Falls plunge pool.

Including its spillway that flows towards the beach and into the sea. . .

The spillway of the Magkahuyog Falls plunge pool.

Decapod crustaceans called Hermit Crabs, locally termed OMANG collected by fishermen in the area to be utilized as hook and line bait, abound in Magkahuyog Falls. . .

An array of empty gastropod shells used in concealing the asymetrical abdomen of the hermit crab being carried around by the ceature with the Magkahuyog Falls on the background.

Seaside Waterfall – Final Thoughts

Generally speaking, a waterfall is closely associated with dense rain forests deeply buried inland. Most often than not, you can reach a waterfall by slogging your way into rugged terrains as seldom you can find one which is accessible by any form of transportation. Nevertheless, in Bucas Grande Island, right on the comfort of a banca, you can savor the spectacle of a flowing water rapidly dropping in elevation as it flows over a steep rocky region into the sea. The size and height of Magkahuyog Falls is not that spectacular compared to the other famous waterfalls that I had visited. But, tourists kept coming to the island to feel for themselves the thrill of seeing an amazing seaside waterfall in action.

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.

Majestic Beach Resort – An Introduction

A majestic beach resort is one of the best vacation spots as well as the most sought out island getaways of island vacations enthusiasts and takes the form of either a hidden beach resort, a white sand beach resort or any  best family resorts or couples resorts situated in a black sand beach ideal for island water sports and family beach vacations.

Majestic Beach Resort – Why Visit Club Tara?

Beach resorts are found anywhere in the world. But a majestic beach resort, which can provide all the key ingredients for a great vacation, is seldom to be found. But in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, there is one hideaway- the Club Tara Resort which stands out as among the best as it is blessed with the flawless blend of:

1. Enviable Location. You can find this majestic beach resort inside a small sheltered bay on the idyllic southern coast of Bucas Grande Island set in the backdrop of verdant islets and rolling karst hills carpeted with lush tropical vegetation. The breath-taking sight of the sparkling light, purplish blue color of the waters fronting the resort resembling that of a clear and unclouded sky surely captivates your senses and rejuvenates your soul. A watchful walk eastward through an uphill trail and a few careful steps downhill leads you to the serene lagoon “Kwaknitan,” so named after a bat specie, where you can commune with nature and go on kayaking on its blue-green brackish waters. Take a 5-minute boat ride  or go on a 20-minute hike southwards and you will be enthralled by the beauty of the Kanlunes Beach with the grains of its silver-white powder sand glistening like gems with just a slight touch of light coming  from the sun.
2. Intoxicating Amenities. Club Tara, the majestic beach resort, is known throughout Caraga Region as much for its inspired sceneries as for its world-class facilities and comfort-laden, convenience-oriented and pleasure-bearing amenities. Originally built by its owner, my good friend Dr. Potenciano Malvar of the General Miguel Malvar Foundation, the resort had reached its present stature thanks to his Korean business partner Mr. Marsi Kang who innovatively combined Korean-Filipino architecture on its cottages, restaurant and reception center carefully designed to capture the essence of tranquility. You can see 10 suite-cottages standing on the blue lagoon’s edge with only the walls and posts made of concrete but the roofs made of local “nipa” materials to match perfectly with the aggregate of features that give character to its surrounding landscape. Inside the individual suites, which officially opened for guest occupancy last October, 2009, you can witness the highest quality fixtures and furnishings- a California King-sized bed, cable TV and DVD and a tiny refrigerator.  You can watch with awe and admiration the floor to ceiling windows installed to frame the stunning view of the lagoon piercing though the wooden-floored veranda featuring a see-through glass designed for guests to peek the waters underneath playfully enwrapping the concrete posts en route to the shoreline. Upon entering the bathroom, you cannot help but feel engulfed with magical spells with the sight of the black pebbles carefully laid on the floor. The view of a jacuzzi pool for two set on glass side windows overlooking the lagoon would surely tickle your mind that the place is so perfect for romantics of all ages. In between the suite  cottages you can find a beautiful horizon edge serpentine-sized freshwater pool that appears to flow into the azure sea that entices guests in for a quick dip or a languorous swim. At Kanlunes Beach, you can see cottages in between palm trees deliberately  built 200 feet from the water, close enough to hear the waves pounding on the shorelines and high enough to enjoy the inspiring view of the sprawling Mt. Legazpi  in the mainland and the ever-changing  blues of the Hinatuan Passage seas and sky.
3. Excellent Services. Most importantly, in this majestic beach resort you can savor its innovative cuisine, which artfully blends international favorites with island flair. During your stay, you will be served with classic yet contemporary dishes fused with Asian and European culinary influences. As an added advantage, you can really feel the warmth, grace and personable services of the staff belonging to the Filipino race known internationally for their hospitality. You can dine and wine on its restaurant or arrange a special sunset dinner on the beach front. For island water sports lovers and enthusiasts like you, snorkeling, diving and kayaking gears with expert guides are always available.

Majestic Beach Resort – Final Thought

A great resort, sea view, lots of entertaining activities or relaxing time on a fine sand beach, good food and lots of sun are usual key ingredients for a great island vacations. In Club Tara Resort, you can find all these attributes and you can experience paradise in a secluded haven for luxury, elegance and superb cuisine. You can take my word that this majestic beach resort is one of the finest in this part of the country, but I recommend seeing it for yourself.

CLUB TARA VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE . . .

If you want to stay in another world-class resort within the vicinity of Sohoton Cove, please click here.

Looking for great island vacations spots in Bucas Grande Island, please click here, also here, as well as here.

A Breath-taking Sunset At Club Tara Resort

A photograph on 4 of the 10 Jacuzzi Suite and 2 of the 4 Tropical Cottages

The Club Tara Swimming Pool

A Distant View of Club Tara Cottages

Inside Picture of Suite Cottage with Floor To ceiling Glass Windows Facing the Veranda and Lagoon

Close Up View of the Jacuzzi with Captivating View of Floating Flowers

A dainty and demure Filipina enjoying the fresh and cool Jacuzzi dip

Special Sunset Dinner at Kanlunes Beach

Photo of Tents in Wooden Catwalks at Club Tara

Poolside Dinner At Club Tara

An Enviable Poolside Kiss Among Club Tara Guest Couple

Two Amiable Staff in Ethnic Attire Welcoming the Club Tara Guests

View of a Tropical Cottage Atop A Limestone Islet fronting Club Tara

A lady tourist savoring the mesmerizing beauty and serenity of the Kanlunes Beach...a part of Club Tara -this island's majestic beach resort.

Island Vacations – What Is It?

Island vacations are island getaways incorporated in the vacation checklist of best vacation spots in the world including family beach vacations at best family resorts and couples resorts. Further, island vacations is not only about island hopping, beach vacations and various forms of island water sports but is also about island sightseeing.

Island Vacations – the Kapihan View Park

Kapihan View Park, situated in Bucas Grande Island on the easternmost part of Surigao del Norte, Philippines, is one of the emerging sightseeing destinations suitable for you who intend to go on island vacations. You need to visit the spot for 3 strong motives:

1. The View. Being a vantage point located atop Bucas Grande Island, the surrounding sight of this island vacations spot stimulate your senses and rejuvenate your soul. Facing the east, you can savor the sun slowly arising out from the bosom of the Pacific Ocean in the wee hours of the summer morning. Turning to the south, you can view the towering ranges of Mt. Legaspi resembling like a watchful giant keeping guard in that part of mainland Surigao. In the late afternoon of a sunny day, you can enjoy watching the horizon turning to crimson and orange as the sun is slowly embraced by the sea. Glancing at the north, you can see the picturesque Siargao Island dubbed as the Philippine’s surfing capital.
2. The Facilities. This promising ecotourism destination proudly hosts the Bayanihan View Deck and Resort. The blend of warm sea breeze and cool mountain air provides ambiance to the open hall ideal for your retreat sessions, social gatherings and seminar-workshops. Meanwhile, delicious and nutritious foods are served according to your wishes. Further, the bath and comfort rooms are attuned to international standards. Furthermore,  the twin-size bedroom with extra bed is perfect for honeymooners and small family vacation goers. Finally, electricity and water are provided 24/7.
3. The People. The tourist spot is being taken-cared of by the members of the Socorro Bayanihan Services, Incorporated, the biggest and strongest people’s organization in the island noted for nurturing the Filipino tradition of “bayanihan” or helping each other. During the whole year-round, you can observe the group members taking turns in tending the communal farms situated within the vicinity of the view park. If you happen to go there by July,  you can observe them and the other islanders leaving the privacy of their lives and offer their services  for a period of 30 days in the construction of houses and collective farming activities with the house and farm owners shouldering the food and materials expenses while the labor is offered free.

Island Vacations- Final Thoughts

Island and nature lovers like you intending to have respite from work prefer to visit unspoiled hideaway. Hence, come and visit the Kapihan View Park and you can truly conclude that spending island vacations here is truly rest and pleasure.

KAPIHAN VIEW PARK VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE. . .

The Right Side & Entrance of Bayanihan View Deck and Resort at Kapihan View Park

The picturesque Siargao Island Viewed from the outdoors of Bayanihan View Deck and Resort

The Siargao Surfing Area viewed from the open hall of the Bayanihan View Deck & Resort

The sprawling Mt. Legazpi in the mainland Surigao on the south of the Kapihan View Park

Close-up photo of the right side entrance of the Bayanihan View Deck & Resort

Bayanihan View Deck & Resort Front View

Left side view of the Bayanihan View Deck & Resort

Back View of Bayanihan View Deck & Resort

Twin size bedroom with extra bed for honeymooners and small family vacation goers at the Park.

Doors of Female and Male Comfort Rooms for live-out guests especially the island vacations lovers