Category: Tagum

  • Rufina’s Leisure Center

    Rufina’s Leisure Center

    Great care is taken to ensure guests experience comfort through top-notch services and amenities. Remain linked during your visit by utilizing the complimentary internet access available. Prior to your check-in date, you can arrange airport transportation services, guaranteeing a seamless and efficient experience for both arrival and departure.Discovering Tagum becomes even more accessible through the car hire and shuttle amenities provided at the hotel. The hotel offers complimentary parking for guests who arrive with their own mode of transport.Effortlessly plan your daily activities and travel requirements with luggage storage and safety deposit boxes provided by the front desk services.Securing top-notch tickets and reserving prime dining spots become effortless through assistance from the hotel’s tours. Repeatedly enjoy your best-loved attire with the aid of the laundry service available at Rufina’s Leisure Center. During leisurely days and evenings, in-room amenities such as 24-hour room service, room service and daily housekeeping enable you to maximize your stay in the room. The hotel is completely smoke-free.In limited designated zones, smoking is exclusively permitted. Crafted for coziness, every guestroom provides an array of features, guaranteeing a tranquil night’s sleep while maintaining the level of comfort. For a more enjoyable stay, select rooms at hotel are equipped with linen service and air conditioning.At Rufina’s Leisure Center, a selection of rooms can be found that showcase unique design elements such as a balcony or terrace. For certain chosen rooms, guests can enjoy in-room amusement like television and cable TV as a part of their stay.Maintain your cleanliness and feel revitalized using toiletries available in select guest restrooms. Begin your holiday mornings right with your essential cup of coffee, offered daily at the cafe on-site.During your visit, indulge in a range of delightful culinary choices at hotel to enhance your experience. Experience a fantastic evening effortlessly! Relish an entertaining night without venturing beyond the confines of the bar. Indulge in the numerous pursuits available at Rufina’s Leisure Center.Begin your holiday perfectly by taking a plunge into the swimming pool.

  • Hijo Resorts Davao, Tagum, Philippines

    Hijo Resorts Davao, Tagum, Philippines

    Hijo Resorts Davao is a sprawling 760-hectare plantation estate in Tagum City that offers a rare blend of industrial history, eco-tourism, and coastal relaxation. Whether you are looking to walk through lush banana and coconut groves or lounge by a quiet infinity pool, this resort provides a secluded sanctuary away from the urban bustle of Davao City.


    Travel Guide and Tips

    Hijo Resorts is more than just a hotel; it is an active plantation. To make the most of your stay:

    • The Mosquito Strategy: Because the resort is nestled within heavy foliage and plantations, mosquitoes are active at dusk. Pack high-quality repellent.

    • Activity Booking: Tours like the River Cruise or Forest Safari can fill up or be subject to weather. Inquire and book these at the front desk immediately upon check-in.

    • Day Tour vs. Overnight: If you are short on time, the resort offers day tour packages that include pool access and lunch, which is a great way to experience the grounds without the overnight cost.


    Nearby Attractions

    While the resort itself is a destination, Tagum City and the surrounding area offer:

    • Banana Beach: Located within the Hijo estate, this is the world’s only beach resort nestled inside a banana plantation.

    • The World’s Largest Rosary: Located at the Christ the Eucharistic King Church in Tagum City (about 15-20 minutes away).

    • Energy Park: A popular local spot for biking and evening strolls.

    • Tagum Night Market: A must-visit for affordable street food and local culture, located in the city center.


    Transportation Tips

    • From Davao City: The resort is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

    • Private Car: This is the most convenient option. Use Waze or Google Maps to navigate toward Brgy. Madaum.

    • Public Transport: Take a bus or van from Davao’s Ecoland Terminal heading to Tagum City. From the Tagum terminal, hire a tricycle or “habal-habal” (motorcycle taxi) specifically to “Hijo Plantation.”

    • Pro Tip: Coordinate your return trip with the driver or the resort concierge, as finding public transport directly outside the plantation gates can be difficult.


    Best For

    • Nature Lovers: Those who enjoy bird watching, forest walks, and eco-tours.

    • Families: The spacious grounds and kid-friendly pool make it a solid choice for reunions.

    • Corporate Retreats: With plenty of space and team-building activities, it is a favorite for local companies.


    Pros and Cons

    Pros:

    • Unmatched Privacy: The massive size of the estate ensures you never feel crowded.

    • Unique Activities: The forest safari and river tour are distinct from typical Philippine beach resorts.

    • Hospitality: Staff are widely praised for their warmth and “probinsyano” (provincial) charm.

    Cons:

    • Maintenance Issues: Some older casitas and amenities (like Wi-Fi) can be inconsistent.

    • Remote Location: Limited dining options outside the resort; you are essentially tied to their restaurant.

    • Food Pricing: The on-site restaurant is considered expensive by local standards for the portion sizes.


    Pricing Observations and Comparison

    • Current Rates: Rooms typically range from ₱2,800 to ₱6,500 ($50–$115) depending on the season and room type (Deluxe vs. Casita).

    • Comparison: Compared to city hotels like Big 8 Corporate Hotel, Hijo is more expensive but offers a “resort experience” that city hotels lack. However, compared to high-end Samal Island resorts (like Pearl Farm), Hijo is significantly more affordable, serving as a mid-tier “eco-luxury” option.


    Local Food and Tourism Tips

    • Try the “Hijo Pizza”: Their wood-fired pizzas are a guest favorite.

    • Tagum’s Kakanin: While in the city, look for local stalls selling bingka (rice cakes).

    • Seafood in Tagum: Head to the city center for fresh, affordable tuna panga (grilled jaw) which is often half the price of the resort’s menu.


    First Person Review

    “Driving into Hijo felt like entering a different world. The canopy of trees over the road immediately dropped the temperature by a few degrees. We stayed in a forest casita, and waking up to the sound of birds instead of car horns was exactly the reset I needed. The river cruise was the highlight—calm, educational, and very ‘Instagrammable.’ Just a heads up: the Wi-Fi is spotty in the further units, so treat this as a true digital detox. Bring a power bank and plenty of bug spray, and you’ll have a fantastic time.”

  • Big 8 Corporate Hotel

    Big 8 Corporate Hotel

    Big 8 Corporate Hotel provides flawless service and all the necessary facilities for visitors. Remain linked during your visit by utilizing the complimentary internet access available.Prior to your check-in date, you can arrange airport transportation services, guaranteeing a seamless and efficient experience for both arrival and departure. The hotel offers complimentary parking for guests who arrive with their own mode of transport. Effortlessly plan your daily activities and travel requirements with concierge service, luggage storage and safety deposit boxes provided by the front desk services.Securing passes to the city’s top attractions is simple with the hotel’s ticket service and tours.For extended visits or whenever required, the dry cleaning service and laundry service ensures your preferred travel garments remain clean and accessible.During leisurely days and evenings, in-room amenities such as 24-hour room service, room service and daily housekeeping enable you to maximize your stay in the room. In limited designated zones, smoking is exclusively permitted.Crafted for coziness, every guestroom provides an array of features, guaranteeing a tranquil night’s sleep while maintaining the level of comfort.For an elevated experience at hotel, select rooms are equipped with air conditioning to improve your stay.For certain chosen rooms, guests can enjoy in-room amusement like television and cable TV as a part of their stay. Rest assured that your hydration needs will be met, as some guestrooms are equipped with a refrigerator, bottled water, a coffee or tea maker and mini bar.It is worth noting that certain guest bathrooms feature a hair dryer, toiletries and bathrobes for your convenience. Each morning at Big 8 Corporate Hotel, a scrumptious, homemade breakfast kick-starts the day.Begin your holiday mornings right with your essential cup of coffee, offered daily at the cafe on-site.During your visit, indulge in a range of delightful culinary choices at hotel to enhance your experience.Enjoy an entertaining evening alongside your fellow travelers at hotel’s very own karaoke rooms and bar. Do you possess exceptional culinary skills? Prepare your meals personally within the hotel at its BBQ facilities.During your stay at hotel, an array of engaging activities and amenities guarantees a delightful experience.Treat and spoil yourself by stopping at massage, hot tub, spa and sauna for a memorable experience. Begin your holiday perfectly by taking a plunge into the swimming pool.At the hotel, enjoy a laid-back beverage experience by the poolside bar, sipping on a soothing cocktail. Eliminate those holiday calories by stopping by hotel and making use of their well-equipped exercise amenities.