Costa Marina Resort
- July 4, 2007
- Rated 3 of 5 by
manlalakbay from davao, Philippines
Paradise Island is the possibly the most popular resort in Samal Island. But Costa Marina comes close, both in proximity and reputation.
While Paradise is about being in the middle of a swarm of people with friends, Costa Marina is more about dealing with people less, and lounging by the beach.
The beach area has plastic lounge chairs for those who want to sprawl on the sand. With lush trees to provide you with shade, you can move your chair here and there to avoid direct sun contact, or arrange it for the perfect tan. There are also tables and monobloc chairs to have your lunch on.
Another level of the island has the restaurant and the dining area. The furnishings are more classy than plastic this time, as the tables and chairs are made of varnished scrap wood. The trees around the area are almost tangled with each other, thus providing enough shade to shield you from the intense sun. A net overhead keeps the rain from falling in the eating area.
Farther away is another portion of the beach without chairs or tables. This is the best place for a quiet spot. A mat or picnic blanket would come in handy so you can lay on the soft light brown sand. There are also a lot of trees that can shield you from the sun.
Like Paradise Island, people are free to bring their own food, but drinks other than water have a corkage fee. So when going to Costa Marina, load up on food and just buy drinks instead. The entrance fee, by the way, is P100.00. This allows you the use of one table and one lounge chair.
If you are going to order, I recommend the grilled pork and chicken. Some mango enchilada would be a great side dish with the meal. And of course, cold soft drinks to quench your thirst.
Honestly, it isn't much of a swimming beach. Between 11am to 3pm, there isn't much water to swim in. You can walk for 500m and the water will still be up to your shin. But once the water comes in by 4pm, the aquamarine is quite inviting.
Costa Marina is actually perfect for a lazy day at the beach. Instead of swimming, I'd rather lay on the lounge chair, reading a book while listening to some music, occasionally staring at the panorama of the city and Mt. Apo, sipping my ice cold Coke. At least I don't have to go through the hassle of changing from wet clothes to dry ones. Plus, it's the true form of relaxation of just resting and surrounding yourself with nature.
From journal Samal Loving