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Marpoon
Helsinki, Finland

Sandingan Island Dive Resort is a great combination of style, quality and functionality.

5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed Jan 10, 2018
Rather new and compact resort situates on the sidelines of villages or services. Sandingan Island Dive Resort is a great combination of style, quality and functionality. Interiors are decorated with good taste, outdoor spaces are homey and smart at the same time. Restaurants terrace is a great frame to the see and palm trees. That is a view we will miss. This is a place were you see and feel that everything in made with heart and great taste.

Resort has 8 rooms. We had a beautiful family room. Room is spacious, kids had bunk bed. There was a TV in room, no fridge. One wonderful surprise was that we had greenhouse in our shower! While showering you can feel nature and sun from greenhouse’s window.

Resort has medium-sized pool. On the other side is tiny pool for toddlers or kids who can’t swim yet. Bigger part of the pool is deep and planned to scuba lessons, but you can swim there. Resort don’t have a beach to swim, you need shoes to swim. Next to pool is small but amusing playground with two swings and ”pirate ship”. There is also kids club with lots to do. You don’t have to bring you own swimming toys, because they have things to play with. We borrowed a kayak from resort and paddled to make some snorkeling.

Our family (2 adults & 2 kids) enjoyed a lot in Sandingan. We stayed there 5 days. When we came there, we were welcomed warmly and with ice tea. Owners were kind and helpful. Also staff was friendly. We had breakfast. Our breakfast was traditional: toast, jam, eggs, juice and tea or coffee. We also ate many other meals in Sandingan, because there is none other restaurants nearby. Food was ok, some meals were good. There were many possibilities, and we ate almost all menu through on our stay.

We made one day trip to see tarsiers and Chocolate Hills and had lunch cruising in Loboc river. Resort arranged us a driver.
Date of stay: January 2018
Trip type: Traveled with family
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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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.
Richelle G, Owner at Sandingan Island Resort, responded to this review
Responded May 4, 2018
Thank you for your kind review. We're very happy you enjoyed your stay with us. Hoping one day we may welcome you back at our resort.
kind regards
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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    Reviews (53)
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    15 - 20 of 53 reviews
    Reviewed January 2, 2018

    This is an excellent find for anyone wanting to dive around Cabilao or complete dive training. The resort is very well run and offers clean, comfortable and relaxing facilities. This is really a hidden gem. It's difficult for me to think many places that I can recommended to anyone, whether you are a solo diver, couple, or family.
    The resort itself is small and intimate. There are only 8-10 rooms on the property, so you will receive individual attention from the staff. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The whole property was recently built and the owners clearly put a great deal of care and effort into the design. Rooms are uniquely furnished, bright, and comfortable. The entire property was well maintained and kept with an attention to detail.
    The staff made this resort stand out. From the owners, to the dive staff, to the service personnel, they all will do everything reasonable to make sure you are satisfied and comfortable. I can't speak highly enough of the warm and friendly hospitality during my say. The food at the resort was very good. Although priced slightly higher than I had expected, meals were delicious and portions were filling. There is plenty of variety on the menu but I hope to see some expanded local and regional choices when I return.
    I completed a dive certification with Erwin, one of the owners, during my stay. Instruction was through SSI, which offers excellent online/electronic learning. Erwin's experience through the practical portion of the course really made it an informative, yet enjoyable experience. The dive center maintains a very high standard of safety and has knowledgable staff and guides. Quality rental gear is available and maintained in excellent condition. Cabilao has some fantastic diving and is only a short (15-20 min) boat ride. The main boat is spacious and comfortable; I don't see it ever being crowded since this is a smaller dive resort. My stay here was great and I can't wait to return!

    Date of stay: December 2017
    • Trip type: Traveled solo
      • Location
      • Rooms
      • Service
    1  Thank charlieflys
    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.
    Richelle G, Owner at Sandingan Island Resort, responded to this reviewResponded May 4, 2018

    Thank you so much for your super kind words Charlie! We can't wait for your return and Erwin is looking forward to diving with you again.
    It is great to see guests come back, and trust us: we will make a special Philippines dinner feast next time you come and visit!
    Until we meet again,

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Reviewed December 18, 2017

    This hidden pearl on Sandingan Island will give you an unforgettable stay and experience! From the first moment you arrive, you'll be pampered by the warm hosts and staff of the resort and they'll provide you a smile till the end of your stay.

    As a couple, we stayed in one of the most beautiful rooms they have, which we enjoyed a lot due to its comfort and tasteful design.Moreover, it was super neat and clean! During our stay, we also enjoyed a boat trip to the diving spots. The diving spots the friendly staff brought us to, is a-ma-zing for divers, but also for snorkelers.
    We also enjoyed the food in the restaurant of the resort, because they offer a wide range of types of meals.

    All in all, we love to come back in the future, and maybe for some dive lessons. In other words, the resort is able to convince you to come back again!!

    Date of stay: December 2017
    • Trip type: Traveled as a couple
      • Rooms
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    Thank janicab2015
    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.
    Richelle G, Owner at Sandingan Island Resort, responded to this reviewResponded December 24, 2017

    Thanks so much for your kind words Janica. I hope we can meet again!
    Have a sunny day!,
    Richelle - Sandingan Dive Resort

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Reviewed December 18, 2017 via mobile

    This resort is the best I've been in the Philippes! It is a beautiful place with so much comfort and the best, most friendly staff you can wish for.
    I would definitely advise everybody to come see for them selves.
    It is perfect for young couples like myself and my fiance and divers.
    The owners know the best places to dive and they facilitate in everything! The resort is kid friendly and the view is breathtaking.
    The rooms are comfortable, luxurious and clean.
    I will definitely be coming back soon!

    Date of stay: December 2017
    Trip type: Traveled as a couple
    Thank ramonk296
    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.
    Richelle G, Owner at Sandingan Island Resort, responded to this reviewResponded December 24, 2017

    Thank you so much for your kind words. We're so happy you had a great experience.
    We hope to see you back soon!
    The staff of the Sandingan Dive Resort

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Reviewed December 3, 2017 via mobile

    This is a great modern comfortable resort.
    Great rooms. Great owner operators. Great diving facilities and locations.
    Small intimate resort.
    Food was good.
    Prices great.
    Staff couldn't do enough for you.
    Totally enjoyed our stay.
    Will be back....

    Date of stay: December 2017
    Trip type: Traveled with friends
    Thank Shatter611
    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.
    Reviewed November 23, 2017

    On my travels around the Philippines it’s nice to find a resort that has both clean high standard accommodation along with friendly staff. A recently built resort where the owners have paid attention to detail along with western standards. Perfect swimming pool for diver training, the dive center was equipped with new equipment and well laid out with facilities to support diver’s individual requirements. To use an old cliché I arrived as a guest and I felt I left as a friend.

    Date of stay: November 2017
    • Trip type: Traveled on business
      • Location
      • Sleep Quality
      • Service
    Thank Mark d
    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.
    Shanghaidutchy, Owner at Sandingan Island Resort, responded to this reviewResponded November 24, 2017

    Thanks for your kind words Mark, it was a pleasure having you stay with us. Look forward to seeing you again!
    Richelle & Erwin

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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