Hours away from the metropolis of Davao City lies a premier ecotourism and wellness destination known as El Don Resort.
Surrounded by lush greenery and Mediterranean architectural design facing the blue horizon of Davao Gulf, El Don Resort is a five-star resort nestled in the verdant terrains of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
This 21-hectare premier resort is located in Brgy. Pundaguitan. It offers world-class, sophisticated accommodation as well as a top-notch ecotourism experience that can only be found in Mindanao.
For this week’s travel guide, we are e-touring you to this first-class resort. Without further ado, here are the top reasons why you should visit El Don Resort.
1. Five-star experience at a very affordable price
Hours away from the metropolis of Davao City lies a premier ecotourism and wellness destination known as El Don Resort.
Surrounded by lush greenery and Mediterranean architectural design facing the blue horizon of the Davao Gulf, El Don Resort is a five-star establishment nestled in the verdant terrains of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
This 21-hectare premier resort is located in Brgy. Pundaguitan. It offers world-class, sophisticated accommodations, as well as a top-notch ecotourism experience that can only be found in Mindanao.
For this week’s travel guide, we are e-touring you to this first-class resort. Without further ado, here are the top reasons why you should visit El Don Resort.
2. Road trip like no other
Getting there is an experience in itself. First, pass by the beautiful coastal road. The 206-kilometer drive will take you south, mostly along the coast, providing many photo opportunities along the way.
The amazing part of the drive starts after turning south at the junction of Manikling Road, which takes you through Governor Generoso along the coast.
Mount Hamiguitan will be off to your left, creating a beautiful mountainous view, especially when clouds form around the top.
The breathtaking view offers a perfect saturation and blast of colors, with mountains on your left and crystal clear water on your right.
Finally, witness the panoramic view of the calm waters of the Davao Gulf as you pass by the local fishing villages. The air is immaculate, adding to the soothing experience of your drive to El Don Resort.
3. Swim on their powdery, white sand beach with crystal clear water
Walk on the white sand beach of El Don as if you were in a movie. The view of its shoreline is Instagrammable, and no one will stop you from posing and showing off your swimwear.
If you are not in the mood to swim in the sea and want to feel the breeze coming from the Davao Gulf, you can meditate or relax in one of the cabanas lined up in the resort.
Surely, the stunning view, relaxing ambiance, and the orchestrating sounds of the waves crashing on the shore will soothe your body and soul.
4. Experience a relaxing walk in their mangrove forest
One of the highlights of your trip to El Don is visiting and taking a little trek through their mangrove forest. Let a simple walk help ease anxiety, depression, and negative moods. Be mesmerized by the view of the flourishing forest. Reconnect with nature. You wouldn’t want to miss this.
In addition to the serene walk, you can learn about the vital role mangroves play in coastal ecosystems. The forest teems with wildlife, offering birdwatching opportunities and a chance to see various marine species. The peaceful environment, coupled with the calming sounds of nature, makes this an unforgettable experience. Feel rejuvenated as you immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of the mangrove forest.
5. Experience water sports activities
El Don also offers watersport activities to enhance your stay at the resort. You can rent a jet ski, go kayaking in the mangroves, or enjoy snorkeling while swimming in the sea. You can also simply rent a floater and swim in relaxation.
Below are the watersport activities and their rental fees:
- Jet ski with a floater – P4,000 for the first hour and P1500 for the succeeding hour
- Floater – P500
- Kayak – P500 for the first hour and P300 for the succeeding hour
- Snorkeling gears – P500 for the first hour and P200 for the next hour
6. Experience on-site leisure activities
The resort also offers activities for kids and the young at heart. These include billiards, ping-pong, football, darts, and basketball.
One thing we loved is that the equipment doesn’t have to be checked out. It is all right there, ready for you to use anytime.
Your stay will be worthwhile because you will have the chance to bond with your loved ones through the leisure activities the resort offers.
7. Appreciate the promise of El Don Resort
El Don Resort remains true to its promise of being a solid ecotourism destination. From its impeccably maintained grounds and well-manicured gardens to its flourishing mangrove forest, their commitment to conserving natural resources is truly commendable.
One of the most amazing things we discovered almost immediately was the giant webs with giant spiders. At first, they were intimidating. However, when we asked why they left them up, they said it was their habitat and we were only visitors. They are right.
That attitude towards the environment and ecosystem is really at the heart of El Don Resort. They are truly committed to their principles.
8. Visit nearby tourist destinations
About a 10-minute drive south of El Don Resort, you will find the famous Parola, or Cape of San Agustin.. We have blogged about this before, so make sure to read it first before heading to the Parola.
To get a peek at how majestic El Don is, watch this vlog by our friends at Sailing SV Matahom on YouTube. See the video below. Give them a like too and subscribe!
How to get to El Don Resort
To get to El Don Resort, you have two choices: take the public transportation or rent a private vehicle.
1. By bus or van
Let’s say you are a tourist from the north, the starting point will be at Francisco Bangoy International Airport, commonly known as Davao International Airport. From here, you may ride a taxi and tell the driver to take you to Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT). Upon arrival, head first to the ticketing booth and ask for a bus or van bound for Lavigan, Governor Generoso.
Keep in mind that bus and van trips from Davao City to Governor Generoso will only stop at designated terminals.
Picking-up or dropping off passengers other than the designated terminals is extremely prohibited at the moment due to travel restrictions to lessen the COVID-19 community transmission.
Travelers and commuters are required to present identification cards and fill out their embarkation form upon entering Governor Generoso.
Travel time from Davao City to Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental usually takes an estimated time of 4 hours. Upon arrival at the terminal, take a habal-habal to El Don Resort.
2. By rental vehicles from Car Rental Davao
If you don’t like to experience the hassle of long hours of land travel, transferring from one mode of transportation to another, and with a high risk of getting COVID-19, the best option for you is to reserve a rental car from us. It is way safer than public transportation.
Renting a car is also best for travelers who are planning to have a family or group outing to ensure your and your loved ones’ safety. You will also save a huge amount of money as well. It is more convenient and practical.
What’s more, you will enjoy your trip to El Don Resort if you opt to rent a car from us because there are many photo opportunities along the way. Renting a car will give you complete control of when and where to stop to take photographs, videos, or simply sight-seeing the beautiful sceneries on your way to the resort.
For tourists outside Davao, we can arrange an airport car rental for you. Choose a rental car unit, and we’ll have it delivered to the city airport upon your arrival. If you are already in Davao, we can also have it dropped off at your exact location.
Sedan, SUV, and vans, we have the rental car units you need, and we are available to take your car bookings 24/7. If you need one for your trip, for a short or long-term car rental basis, contact us directly, and we’d be glad to entertain you.
We are available through the following options:
- Our Book A Car page
- 0939-972-9846
- sales@carrentaldavao.com
If you plan to stay in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental for long, we can also offer special car rental deals for you. Just let us know ahead of time.
Room Rates
Weekend Rates (Friday and Saturday) inclusive of breakfast, access to the swimming pool, and one-hour use of Entertainment/Activity Building
- P6,000.00 suitable for two persons
- P9,000.00 good for three persons
- P12,000.00 good for four persons
- P2,000.00 is charged to every person exceeding the required number of guests
If you plan to stay overnight at the resort, children 8 years below can share the same bed and bedding set-up with an adult for free. Prepare P350.00 additional charge for breakfast on the next day.
- Weekday Rates (Wednesday and Thursday) inclusive of breakfast and access to the swimming pool
- P5,000.00 suitable for two persons
- P7,500.00 good for three persons
- P10,000.00 good for four persons
- P1,500.00 is charged to every person exceeding the required number of guests
If you plan to stay overnight at the resort, children 8 years old and below can share the same bed and bedding set-up with an adult for free. Prepare an additional charge of P350.00 for breakfast the next day.
Please note that guests share the view decks, verandas, and common living rooms in Casa Jardin and Casa Del Mar unless a villa or the entire resort has been exclusively rented by other guests.
El Don Resort will not accept walk-in guests for day tours and overnight stays from Sunday to Tuesday to sanitize the whole resort. This is an obligation and initiative of El Don Resort to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
How to contact El Don Resort
Brgy. Pundaguitan, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental
Mobile No.: 0917-722-1506 / 0919-001-9294
Email Address: reservations@eldonresort.com
Website: http://www.eldonresort.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElDonResort/
Booking Office:
El Don Resort Office
Roadway Inn Mezzanine Floor, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City
Monday-Saturday from 9AM to 6PM