LOCATION: The Pearl Farm Resort lies in a secluded island off the coast of Davao city. This 11-hectare spread was once a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters, transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Today, the resort beckons with the promise of a relaxing private retreat, under the care of our friendly, charming staff.

The resort's Samal Houses are patterned after the stilt houses of seafaring Samal tribes of the Sulu archipelago. By day, schools of tiny fish frolic between the sturdy poles that support the houses. At night, the sound of the waves are a soothing aid to slumber.

ACCOMMODATION: Air-conditioned rooms are housed in 19 Samal Houses and six Samal Suites. There are 15 hotel-type rooms at the hiltoop Balay 1 and Balay 2. Each room was individually designed, and decorated with fine samples of the arts and crafts of the tribal peoples of Mindanao. Rooms are built to fit around the island's contours and all of them provide a panoramic view of the sea.

The well-appointed Samal Suites and Cottages, pattened after the stilt house of the seafaring Samal tribes of the Sulu archipelago, offer a glimpse into indigenous Filipino culture. The verandahs open into a spectacular view of teeming marine life. Across the resort is Isla Malipano, where the luxurious Villas are located. Nearby, clusters of equally colorful cottages will soon dot the picturesque Mandaya landscape.

RECREATION: Jetskiing, hobie cat sailing, scuba diving; an exciting variety of activity awaits the water sports enthusiast. There is also a fish pond stocked with rare aquatic species like the pawikan (marine turtle) and the giant taklobo clams. For drier pursuits, there are two tennis courts set amidst lush tropical foliage. SWIMMING POOL, the waters of this island resort are inviting. Crystal clear waves lap gently on the shore and the calm surface of the rock pool washes over the edge into the sea below.

For exhilirating days in the Davao Gulf, sail over the calm seas on a hobie cate, or take a banca to explore the dazzling coral gardens. Within these waters can be found the different colorful marine life species of the whole Indo-Pacific region. The vast unexplored depths offer ample opportunities for world-class scuba diving and underwater photography, either for the enthusiastic beginner or the expert diver. Follow the wooden footbridges and walkways as they meander through the exotic gardens of the resort. Island structures are made of natural materials such as bamboo, wood, rope, stone and coral - the better to blend in with the surrounding landscape.