Alorro Beach Resort: A Promising Travel Destination in Samal Island, Davao del Norte

Nestled amidst a lush greenery in San Remigio, Island Garden City of Samal, is a travel destination that is ideal for those who are into beach getaways – the Alorro Beach Resort. It is just an hour (or a little more) ride from Samal Ferry Terminal so you can just take it as a day trip or weekend vacation.

Though, in my opinion, the resort needs to improve a lot when it comes to accommodations and amenities to compete against some high-end destinations in the island , this resort holds a significant feature that attracts visitors – its stunning long stretch of white shoreline.

As opposed to the popular ones such as the Paradise Island or Isla Reta where parts of their beaches have been cemented or concreted (which is pretty an eyesore for me because they ruin the natural look of the beach), Alorro Beach Resort did not modify their beach front (or at least not yet). In fact, they even removed the previously built cottages by the shore to further widen the space along the beach.

What I liked so much during my visit

• The long stretch of shoreline – Though the resort does not own the entire area, you are free to roam around and enjoy anywhere along the beach
• White, powdery sand
• Crystal clear, shades of emerald green sea waters
• Surrounding vegetation, lime stones, and rock formations, which complement the beauty of the beach
• The relatively manageable number of tourists – Not too crowded; (I felt like I owned a portion of the beach when I was there)

Things that were a downside for me

• Getting there – Though it took us only an hour or so to get there from the ferry terminal, the road was a bit challenging (there are still some parts of the highway that are not cemented, and it’s winding, but they said it was in fact a much improvement from last year’s)
• Things are pretty expensive in the resort (I suggest you bring all you need – food, hygienic kit, drinking water, etc.)
• Water from the faucet is a bit salty
• Limited power supply (we encountered a couple of power interruption during our visit)

How to get there

1. From Davao City Proper, take a ride going to Sasa Wharf
2. From there, take a ferry ride going to Samal Ferry Terminal
3. Then, at that port, take a habal-habal ride or van (for group) going to Alorro Beach Resort

Alternative route:

1. From Davao City Proper, take a ride going to Sta. Ana Wharf
2. Take a ferry ride going to Kaputian
3. From Kaputian, take a habal-habal ride going to San Remigio (where Alorro Beach is located)

Note: For groups, it is a lot better if you contact the resort prior to your visit so that they can arrange a ride (van) for you getting there.

Amenities

• Grilling area
• Camping area
• Shared toilet and shower rooms
• Camping site (just the beach front)
• Open cottages
• Rooms (ideal for overnight stay)

Sample budget (per person)

Jeepney (Davao City Proper to Sasa Wharf and back) = 15 x 2 = PHP 30
Barge (Sasa to Samal Port and back) = 10 x 2 = PHP 20
Habal-habal (Samal Port to Alorro Beach Resort and back) = 200 x 2 = PHP 400
Entrance Fee (Alorro Beach Resort) = 50 pesos (overnight stay)
Food (good for 3 meals) = PHP 300
Tent (corkage) = PHP 150 (overnight stay)

Total: PHP 950

Corkage:

Tent = PHP 100
Lechon = PHP 150
Liquor / Softdrinks = PHP 5 per bottle; PHP 30 er case

Table rental = PHP 100 (daytour); PHP 150 (overnight)
Open cottages = between PHP 300 and PHP 700
Rooms = Between PHP 800 and PHP 1500

For more inquiries, visit their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AlorroBeach/