This charming little resort gets its name from the Latin for the travelers’ tree “ravenala.” It is tucked away on the magnificent white sands of White Beach, 15 minutes from the famous Panagsama Beach of Moalboal. It blends all the necessary elements that guarantee a relaxing holiday: privacy, a pleasant architecture, a beautiful landscaped garden, crystal clear waters and a superb 50-meter deep ridge running parallel to the shore. Even children can swim here in complete safety.

You are warmly greeted upon arrival by the resort’s owners: Eddie, a Dutchman and Teresita, a Filipina. When they constructed the resort a few of years ago, the owners were also its architects and landscape artists. Passionately fond of their property, they were pioneers in developing diving in the Philippines over 20 years ago and have trained instructors who have now settled in the region. Concerned about environmental protection, they will tell you about the damage wreaked by the terrible typhoon that swept through the beach of Panagsama in 1984, the return of the whale sharks were mercilessly massacred on Pamalican Island and the absolute necessity of eliminating the starfish with poisoned spikes that devour the corals.

The rooms are in two big bungalows apposite each other, perpendicular to the beach. These have been designed, furnished and decorated by the owner and have a comfortable “cottage atmosphere.” They have imposing nipa rooftops, stone walls, and many semi-octagonal lattice windows. Two rooms have more recently been added, facing the beach and especially suitable for children.

The guestrooms on the ground floor have neat and harmonious interiors, with pink and green as he main colors. The furnishings include an imposing bamboo bed with a brightly colored floral bed covers, armchairs and low tables. Beside lamps, mirrors and cone-shaped hats complete the decor. Deck chairs on the terrace invite you to relax, while you enjoy the breeze.

A lovely stone staircase on the outside leads to the apartments on the upper floors meant to accommodate close friends.

The restaurant is very well ventilated — a magnificent, octagonal, bamboo structure from a stone pillar in the center. The food is delicious. In the evening, you will see in the distant dark horizon a chain of lights formed by the countless tiny lamps on the fishing boats out at the sea.

How to get there

By air and land, 75-minute daily flights on Air Philippines Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit or PAL from Manila to Cebu. 3 hours by car from Cebu Mactan Airport to the resort. Two possible routes: (1) through Carcar and Barili, and (2) through the Transcentral Highway which starts at Nivel Hills (the road going to Cebu Plaza Hotel) going to Busay Hills then to the mountain roads of Taptap, Sibugay and Catimpla.

More photos here

Contact:

Teresita S. Schaap, Owner
Ravenala Beach Bungalows
Moalboal, Cebu Island
Tel: (63) 9173248680
Email: tsschaap@yahoo.com