Welcome to THE ISLAND BUENAVISTA! An idyllic 4-hectare paradise you can call your very own. A private getaway, The Island Buenavista is surrounded by sparkling blue waters teaming with colourful sea life and exotic coral reefs. Above the waves, the island is ringed by stretches of fine white cottony sand that reflect the brilliant tropical sun. Laze the hours away under coconut trees swaying to the gentle sea breeze and meet glorious sunrises and pastel sunsets or sit back and enjoy a cocktail while gazing up to a velvet canopy of brilliant stars and silvery moon.
We just went for a day tour of the Island and we immediately regretted it! It was such a wonderful experience from the time we landed to the time we left. We were pampered by the professional staff and were fed till we dropped!!! Being on an island with the beach and the beach facilities but also being comfortable and housed in delightful cottages. First class facilities. We went in December of 2016 and had to take a van from the City, the van got on a ferry, and proceeded to the Anamarina Resort in Balet. From there, a boat took us to the Island. The island has white sand! Today, one can take their private boat to the island from the Sasa Port of Davao! That means more time for beach activities or just enjoying the island!
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Date of stay: December 2016
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Â All rooms face the sea!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Buenavista I, Marketing at The Island Buenavista
Responded Sep 20, 2018
Thank you so much Ma'am. We hope to see you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Me and my friend got the chance to book a day tour last Sunday amidst our hectic schedule. Its a day tour promo for which we grab and thinking its our last hurrah for the summer. And, indeed, t'was one of the best. So here it goes: THE TRANSACTION: I've seen there advert in FB so I contacted or texted their number. After few minutes of exchanges of texts and calls, I was still undecided due to schedule of my suppose companion. Then after a day, we sealed the deal. Instructions for payments were given so as the statement of account. Done. The staff, which is a she, is very helpful, friendly and nice during the transaction period. VERY NICE..
THE BOAT TRANSFERS This is one of the best thing about the staffs of the Island Buenavista because everything was coordinated and well organized. Free water is given during the boat ride. The only problem we encountered actually are those insensitive local tourists that happens to be in our tour also. They came in late so we were almost an hour delayed of our ETA. Kudos to the girl staff (who happens to call me by my first name and she's so friendly and nice) for being so patient even other passengers are quiet mad with those tardy people. Shame on them!! Now back to the boat transfers, the boatmen were friendly, chatty and nice. The boat is huge enough for the intended capacity, clean and with foam on its seat for a comfy travel. VERY NICE..
THE ISLAND When we arrived at the island, we were greeted by the welcome entourage of around 3 staffs and 2 security guards. The welcome us with seashell necklaces, a clean wet fragrant towel and the coconut drink. The island was literally ours during the entire time, so my friend and I, rest a bit, take some pictures, tour the pool, rooms and the gazebo before changing for our swimming gears. Started snorkeling, swimming, lunch, rest, pictures then swim again. It was heaven. The sea level by the way when we arrived was low and it was high after lunch so we enjoyed swimming the other part of the island. Free snorkeling gears and kayak if you want. Then we take a shower to prepare for departure. It is really like you own the place for the whole day tour. And I like it so much that its quiet, peaceful, clean, no big waves and you can really relax. VERY NICE..
THE STAFF They are good, helpful, friendly and accommodating. VERY NICE.
THE FOOD Buffet lunch was served and it was heaven. Menu for that day was "native chicken tinola", grilled tuna belly and pusit, humba, seafood pasta, salads, fruits and desserts with ice tea, juice and coffee. So we helped our selves and was very full. Everything was perfect. VERY NICE.
OVERALL VERY NICE, it was worth it and more. If only I have the money for an overnight stay, I will do that. Surely, I will go back soon.
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Date of stay: May 2018
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Buenavista I, Marketing at The Island Buenavista
Responded Sep 20, 2018
Thank you so much Miler. We hope to see you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
With my son's family and my daughter's, too, visiting for only 5 days in Davao, I had to ensure I could bring my family to Island Buenavista! ( Remember, weekends are the discounted rates for a day tour if you are planning to book.) However, we had to go on the Monday because of the tight schedule and the staff were so accommodating.to organize a day tour for Monday.
We left the pier of Waterfront, where the Big ferry boat of the resort with padded seats was docked, on time promptly at 8. The 45-minute ride was so pleasant, we were allowed to go on the second floor of the craft for a site seeing tour of the Davao Gulf with Davao City on the left and the Samal Island on the right, with the sun in our face and the wind blowing our hair! It was exciting to see the island looming in front during the final minutes of our comfortable ride.
We were welcomed by the island staff and were given necklaces of shells. I must warn though that our infant of only 6 months whom I was carrying scratched his face just below the eye by the necklace given to me. It was sharp! And when he went swimming, he cried from the pain of salt water on his wound.
Apart from this, everything else was perfect. We had our welcome coconut drink while watching the kids kayak. We had a private hut which was very comfortable with its own rest room and a huge bed with a canopy and netting and an overhead fan. Perfect for our little infant to take his naps!
We swam in the sea as well as the resort pool which was very relaxing. None of the other guests joined us in the pool so it was peaceful too. My little grandchildren really enjoyed themselves. Swimming, playing in the sand, and exploring the island.
The meal was also deliciously native and very generous in proportions as it was served in a buffet. The staff were very attentive and were eager to provide for our needs.
We were only too sad when it was time to go home since the water could get choppy if we left after 4 pm.
We will be looking forward to another visit in the future,
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Date of stay: June 2019
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Samal Island area.
LOCATION
PhilippinesMindanaoDavao del Norte ProvinceSamal Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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