London Beach Resort, GenSan

London Beach Resort is one of best destinations for Generals who want to go to the beach and have fun. This black-sand resort is situated at Tambler, General Santos City. One-way fare from the city proper would cost around Php25. The entrance fee/person would cost Php50 and the cheapest cottage costs Php300/day. If you want to stay for the night, you will pay additional Php300 for the cottage. You also have the option to rent one of their rooms. But if you are really on a tight budget, you can bring your own tent. There would be additional charges if you bring appliances such as rice cooker and sound system. Each cottage has its own barbecue grill stand which is convenient for those who want to cook. When my friends and I went there, the pools are under renovation. Compared to my previous visits, London Beach Resort is now cleaner and offers more facilities and amenities like volleyball and basketball courts. The good thing about this resort is that there is no corkage fee. If you are concerned about security, there are security guards and lifeguards on duty 24 hours a day.

Sunrise.High tide. Still waters.

Friends. Cottages as backdrop.

If you want to feel the sands on your toes and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without spending a fortune, this resort would be a good place to go. 

Lemlunay, Maasim, Sarangani Province

When my ex-roomies went back home, they treated me to an all-expense paid Lemlunay trip. Lemlunay allows you to enjoy the magnificence of the sea or take a dip in the infinity pool. 

Lemlunay's infinity pool.

Lemlunay Dive Resort in Maasim, Sarangani Province can be reached after 30 to 40 minutes drive from General Santos City proper. If you don't have your own car, you can take advantage of public vans or jeepney going to Maasim. One-way fare would cost less than Php100. Upon reaching the resort, a Php300 fee will be required. This includes the entrance fee, the use of the infinity pool and a sumptuous meal.

The resort is situated on a cliff overlooking the beautiful sea of Sarangani. Lemlunay is also the home of South Point Divers. As soon as you leave the last step of the stair, you can already have a taste of the deep underwater beauty because of the sea's rich marine life and owing to the fact that the resort's front is the Tinoto Wall. You can rent snorkeling gears, dive gears, or you can enroll on a dive course for a certain amount of fee.  

A breathtaking view from the cliff.

Their menu offers a wide range of food choices and although I haven't tasted all of them, I'm quite sure they're all delicious. These are some of the foods that we ordered. 

Garlic Chicken

Fish Fillet with Chips

Pork Liempo

Grilled Fish

Kids can also enjoy the resort's playground while you enjoy the nice ambiance resting on a hammock. If you wish to stay for the night, they have rooms for you to check in. One room costs thousands of Php per night.  

Trying out the seesaw.
(Photo courtesy of my friend)

Lemlunay rooms facing the infinity pool.
(Photo courtesy of my friend)

Nice backdrop.
(Photo courtesy of my friend)

We did try dipping in the sea but hadn't gone too far due to unbearable surface waves.

When we went there the place is still under its renovation phase. Regardless, the resort is one of the best in Sarangani.