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.

Island Vacations – The Nomination

Island Vacations was nominated by Marcia of Inside Journeys to participate in the “My 7 Links Project” (Thanks Very Much, Marcia!)

Initiated by Tripbase, the My 7 Links Project aims “to unite bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavor to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again.”

Island Vacations – My 7 Chosen Blog Posts

I’m very honored that Marcia has nominated my Island Vacations blog. It was difficult to select just seven of my blog posts but I hope you’ll like the ones I chose.

My Most Beautiful Post – Majestic Beach Resort- 3 Irresistible Motives To Visit Club Tara in Bucas Grande Island

There are lots of beautiful places that I visited but the Club Tara Resort stood out as the best. Its location inside a small sheltered bay on the idyllic southern coast of Bucas Grande Island, Philippines set in the backdrop of verdant islets and rolling karst hills carpeted with lush tropical vegetation is very enviable. 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.

Club Tara Resort at dusk.

My Most Popular Post – Island Vacations- Why Sohoton Cove In Bucas Grande Island Is Dubbed As All-In-One Tourist Destination

Considered as the Philippines’ emerging all-in-one tourist destination, the Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island, Philippines is accessible during low tide only through the 40-meter Sohoton Cave serving as the sole entry and exit point. Once you’re inside the cove, you’ll surely ask yourself if you’re still in this world. You would really enjoy your island vacations by sightseeing and birdwatching on its thickly vegetated identical islets and scenic rock formations, snorkel and dive on its sparkling turquise waters, experience fun and thrill on its magnifecent caverns and swim with the smack of non-stingy jellyfish.

Kayaking on foot the Dagongdong Rock Formation inside Sohoton Cove.

My Most Controversial Post – Saltwater Crocodile Wrestling – My Visit To A Thrill Seeker Destination in Bangkok, Thailand

It was during my travel to Thailand that I had witnessed the most controversial stunt in my whole life- that of a human wrestling with a saltwater crocodile. My heart was pounding heavily from start to end of the Crocodile Wrestling Show at the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo located west of Bangkok.

My Most Helpful Post – Battlefield Tours – My Trip To Corregidor Island, Philippines (Part 4)

I had criticized the acts of the tour guides  during my Battlefield Tours in the historic Corregidor Island in the Philippines in cracking jokes branding the Philippine Senators and Congressmen, in general, as a bunch of “leeches.” I might forgive them for uttering those words if only we were all Filipinos in the group. What pissed me off was the fact that the foreigners beside me were laughing their hearts out with that crap joke. My post on my Island Vacations blog had helped in pushing the management to ban the offensive “green joke-cracking” among their pool of tour guides.

Welcome Shed at Corregidor Island

A Post Whose Success Surprised Me – Real Friends – My Key In Wining The Go Pro Hero Contest

Almost all of my blog posts were Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tight. I intentionally made this post as SEO light as possible at it was dedicated to my supporters during the Go-Pro Hero Camera Contest sponsored by Dave and Deb of The Planet D. It turned out to be one of my two highest ranked blog posts by Google.

SOEMCO lady-real friends in lighter moments.

A Post I Feel Didn’t Get The Attention It Deserved – Island Vacations – 3 Overwhelming Basis To Visit Kapihan View Park in Bucas Grande Island

Candidly, I consider the Kapihan View Park to be one of the best sightseeing destinantions in Bucas Grande Island, Philippines. Hence, I poured all my writing prowess into this Island Vacations blog post hopefully to catch the maximum attention as possible. Sadly, it seemed didn’t fit with my readers’ taste.

Video shooting at Kapihan View Park

The Post  That I Am Most Proud Of – Heritage Tours – My Travel To Rizal Shrine In Dapitan City, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, in his dying scene of the novel “El Filibusterismo” had quipped: “I die without seeing the dawn shining in my native land. You who could see it, welcome it, and forget not those who had fallen during the night.” In honor of Rizal’s 150^th Birth Anniversary last June 19, 2011, I wrote this post as my own little way of responding to his clarion call and as my maiden entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers Blog Carnival. Fortunately, it gained wide acceptance from the members of the Filipino travel blogging community.

A comely spot in the Rizal Shrine Dapitan grounds featuring the immortal lines of Rizal's famous poem Canto Del Viajero (The Song of the Traveler) written on serpentine concrete slabs.

Island Vacations – My Nominated Blogs

And now, I’d like to nominate these very fabulous travel bloggers to participate in the My 7 Links Project.

Off Track Backpacking

Backpacking Worldwide

Philippine Travel Notes

Backpacking Philippines and Asia

Lakwatsera De Primera

Aside from being fabulous, the blogs I nominated are really suited to the taste of island vacations enthusiasts and travel junkies.

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.

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.