Seagull Inland Resort Revisited - Guihing, Davao del Sur

We first visited Barangay Guihing's Seagull Inland Resort a couple of years ago and we were pleasantly surprised to find such an establishment of its kind in Davao del Sur. When we were finally able to explore Davao del Sur, we made sure we dropped by Seagull Inland Resort to check it out once again.

The place doesn't seem as well maintained as it used to. The cobbly road going to the main hall was lined by grass that needed weeding, but the rest of the facilities looked exactly the same. The pine trees have grown, casting a shadow on the pavement. There was a single family waddling in the swimming pool waters. There was no one else there. Several edifices near the entrance have mushroomed; they weren't there the last time we visited. The huge white tourist cart was nowhere in sight so it must have been decommissioned.

Yup, there's no entrance fee for visitors, but if you plan for a dip in the pool, a cheap fee is to be paid at the counter. The sun was bearing down its wrath, but when we ordered for a cold diet coke, we were told they only had the regular coke (which was fine by me).

We walked towards the fenced ostrich farm and saw several of those long necked creatures, each one looking menacing. I do not like ostriches. They seem to charge forward without due intimidation. I am fearful of their beaks. Grrr...

This is the Eye in the Sky.

Frangipani aka calachuchi

Children's Playground

Here's our post for our first visit/basic information: http://eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com/2008/05/seagull-inland-resort-and-spa-pleasant.html

Wonderspotting at Leling Beach - Hagonoy Davao del Sur

We love just sitting quietly beside the rushing of the waves, watching the few people walking along the peaceful promenade by Leling Beach. Quiet is such a luxury these days and we appreciate these moments of serenity. It clears my mind, and seems to blow away all the negative energies that pile up as our everyday activities shake our soul.

Location: Leling Beach, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, Mindanao Island

This is the Eye in the Sky!

Fry collecting fisherman

Washing away the sand

Abandon

Dawn's early light adorns the horizon as she
lends her warmth to the storm-ravaged sea.

Tempestuous waves of the fore-night, now tame,
roll their way to the shore, then in silence recede.

I stand alone with bare feet in the sand and seek
comfort from the cold ocean water's caress.

By turns, my troubles I cast to the surf and then
pray that this time they, too, will regress.

The salt of my skin meets the cool ocean spray;
they unite as warm tears stream down my face.

I walk away quickly, leaving behind sorrow and
my memories for the sea to erase.

- Tanya Lee

Watching the colors of the sky change... is like experiencing autumn in the skies.

Leling Beach as the night takes over.

Details on our visit to Leling Beach - http://eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com/2010/06/luxury-of-serenity-at-leling-beach.html

The Luxury of Serenity at Leling Beach - Hagonoy Davao del Sur

Along the eastern coast of Hagonoy, Davao del Sur is a resort not often visited even by the locals. They call it Leling Beach (pronounced Lee-ling).

This serene enclave is part of the municipality of Hagonoy, Davao del Sur which has seen a glimpse of growth under the stead of newly re-elected Mayor Calida. From Digos City, Leling is some 20 kilometers left turn from the main highway. The road may not be asphalted, but it is serviceable (though I'd imagine a rather muddy journey when it rains).

We passed by a smattering of shanties that slid by into placid stretches of fish ponds at both sides of the road. Not long after, there was an entrance block that collected a measly PhP10 per vehicle. Then we were ushered into a row of pink colored cottages (PhP100). You could park from the small spaces right in front of the cottages or find your way closer to the beach, though it's going to be crampy between dwarf coconut trees.

The promenade directly facing the beach is well planned - a side railing has been in place, as well as a concrete breakwater - which must have cost a lot. (The government of Hagonoy is said to be footing the bill for these improvements.) I was told that this used to be a neglected hole in the wall, with very few visitors. But this has to change very soon. The concrete promenade is not quite finished but the paucity of people is a pleasure to behold!

During our visit, the waves were harsh as they slapped hard against the breakwater. From a distance, you could see the docked cargo ships from Malalag Wharf. There were fishermen trying to collect bangus (milkfish) fries that they collect for culture. I was in awe of their ability to do so. How do you really spot 2-5 cm "baby fish" from a raging sea. That has to require talent and expertise. Leling Beach was one of my favorite places in the province of Davao del Sur.

This is the Eye in the Sky!

The promenade

Pink cottages

Mad rush of ocean water against the breakwater.

Placid waters of fish pond

The road to Leling Beach

A new resort beside Leling Resort is almost ready to open.

New resort beside Leling Beach

Up next: More images from Leling Beach.