Cresta Del Rio Splash Resort ~ summer get away in Koronadal City

Barangay Concepcion, Bo. 6

Koronadal City, South Cotabato

Philippines

My cousins at Del Rio Resort. It’s one of the popular resort destination all year round in Koronadal City whatever the season maybe. 

When I first met Balong in Manila, one topic we chatted about is where I live. Of course, it’s a ‘getting to know each other’ stage and  I doubt if he is familiar or even heard where Koronadal City is (nakanaks ~ ahahaha!). He lives in Caloocan City all his life and haven’t been to Mindanao yet. I ask him directly about it and mistakenly thought that the city is a part of Polomolok and General Santos City (ahahaha!). Does that mean these two areas are much more popular than Marbel? Well, Polomolok has one of the world’s largest and biggest pineapple plantation administrated by DOLE Philippines Company; thus, it is generally distinguished as ‘Pineapple Country of the South’ while General Santos City find its niche in the map because it’s the ‘Tuna Capital of the Philippines’ aside from of course, it’s where Manny Pacquio lives (hehehe!). I laugh not because of what he thought, but how he said it confidently (ahahaha!). I understand him though, Mindanao is the 2^nd largest islands in the Philippines and it’s logical if he didn’t identify the place.

That's me and Balong, that is the proof that you're free to get inside the resort.  

I am a proud Marbellenos and will remain that way forever. If you have no idea where Koronadal City is, then listen (hehehe!). Koronadal City is popularly known to the locals as Marbel. It is basically positioned in the southernmost point of Mindanao which is a part of South Cotabato province. A melting pot of contrasting ethnic cultures and influences with many dialects and indigenous traditions. Please don’t get confused with North Cotabato because these are two different provinces away from each other. General Santos City International Airport is the closest airfield to the city. Travel by plane will take around an hour and a half from Manila either via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. You need to spend another hour from the airport to Marbel by bus or by car. Travelling from Gensan is an attractions in itself as natural panoramic landscape is truly remarkable amid the presence of the stunning Mt. Matutum, the imposing landmark of the province.

From our house in Barangay Topland, it was just around 20 minutes drive to reach the resort. We usually hire a motorbike for PHP 100.

Koronadal is the capital of South Cotabato and was only acknowledged as a city a decade ago. It’s basically a child in terms of cityhood but an astounding gateway to explore the region’s natural beauty complete with tropical rainforest in the highlands. There are plenty of raw fruit varieties fresh from farm orchards everywhere like durian, marang, lansones, rambutan, bananas, pineapples, and lots more where is only endemic in the south. Because of commendable weather, countless species of orchids can be found in here too along with other fascinating flora perfect for your tropical garden.

Experience the coolness of nature just five minutes away from Koronadal City's downtown. Del Rio Splash Resort is the right place for your occasions be it a wedding, birthday, reunion, corporate affairs and parties of all sorts.

Tourism sector is still underdeveloped if we are going to compare with other cities, fortunately however, it’s a great outlet for a busy mundane life and away from heavy and hard pollution in Manila. Life is simple and the phase is slow; thus far, the village vibes is still apparent with lots of fascinating traditions to enjoy. Despite living in a ‘troubled region’ many different people from all walks of life, different beliefs, dreams, hopes and yearning live united in one place.

Kulitan with my cousins.... IJ were injured at that time that is why she is just lying inside the cottage we rented. 

There are so many attractions that you’ll indulge here but for now let’s visit one of the water parks which is perfect for family escape. If you’re from Marbel, pretty sure you’ll know where Cresta Del Rio Splash Resort is. If you don’t, then set back and relax and I’ll explain what I know about this place (hehehe!). It’s one of the popular resort destination all year round whatever the season maybe. There are so many inland resorts blossoming in the city but given that it’s the closest option from our house, therefore, we always pass-by in here every time that we have an opportunity. Since it’s the first vacation of Balong in Marbel, we make it a point that we maximize most of the time, so staying at home is not an alternative (hehehe!).

The manmade lake at the back is one of the best feature of the resort where you can do boating, fishing or simply enjoying the rural ambiance of the south.

Cresta Del Rio Splash Resort or just Del Rio for short, is located 5 kilometers away from the city center. I’ve been here several times, I just can’t recall how many (hehehe!). There is no problem locating the place as huge signage is visible along Maharlika Highway (GenSan to Marbel highway). If you have a car, it’s just an easy 5 to 10 minutes  drive from Marbel’s roundabout sans traffic. Don’t ask for taxi because you’ll not be able to find one except if you’re coming from GenSan. The most common mode of transportation is via jeepney but preferably tricycle is enough that will direct you straight to the resort’s gate. Try your expertise in haggling as it is still a norm in here. The price per trip varies really depends on how many will get in, usually the charge per person is PHP 15 to PHP 20.  

It is one of the best summer destination in the south. The vicinity is complete with basic services to make your stay worthwhile.

When we arrive in the vicinity, friendly and accommodating uniformed security guards that maintains the equanimity of the place greeted us right away. They encode our cars’ plate numbers for protection reason and a minimal car entrance fee of PHP 20 is collected. The place is landscaped with tropical flowers and enclosed with iron fence. I don’t know exactly how many hectares are covered by the resort but it’s huge enough for family to enjoy.

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The highlight of the resort is of course the 2 swimming pools areas made separately for children and adults. There is a separate entrance fee of PHP 20 per adult and PHP 10 for kids. The adult vicinity is composed of two (2) giant slides around 10 to 15 meters high with manmade bridge that connect to the center island where a waterfall is located. Lifeguard is always on the lookout securing the welfare of the visitors. The children’s pool is just a few walks away from the large swimming pool with a much smaller slide and a spew shower in the center.  

Pool Cottages made of nipa (dried cogon leaves and bamboo) are scattered around the resort with a rustic tropical touches. Cottage prices do varies depends on the sizes: the smaller one cost around PHP 150 that can accommodate 10 to 15 persons and since we were more than 20 we choose the bigger one that cost us around PHP 250. Electricity is included in the payment of the cottage, thus, you can bring your own stereo if you wanted too.

There is a wooden bridge in the middle of the pond that will bring you straight to the other dike which has a good view of the river nearby. Boats are available in the area just in case you wanted to have a moment to yourself while encircling the manmade lake.

Bringing of food inside the resort is allowed and greatly advisable for you to save some cash, although they have a restaurant pavilion that caters wide variety of Filipino cuisine at a very affordable price, but that is only suitable for a few number of guest. However, if you have enough money to spare then you’re free to do so (hehehe!). They even have a grocery store outlet that sells mostly what you need for.

The highlight of the resort is of the course the 2 swimming pools areas made separately for children and adults.

The resort used to have a zorbing/wazzoo ball facilities but just don’t know why we haven’t seen it. I supposed to ask the receptionist but I forgot all along as right after we arrived, we dipped in the pool instantly (ahahaha!). Well, am surrounded with my cousin who are mostly teenagers, so what do you expect? Their hyperactive attitude is just over the top (ahahaha!). By the way, do you know what is meant by zorb? Hmmmmm it’s a large inflatable sphere that allows a person inside to walk across the surface of a body of water. It’s usually made of transparent plastic with zipper entrance to allow for easy entry and exit. As much as I wanted to show the picture of zorb, it’s better if you’ll google it though (ahahaha!).

Bringing of food inside the resort is allowed and greatly advisable for you to save some cash. The biggest cottage is just PHP 250 for the whole day.

If fishing is your thing then you’re in the right place. They have a pond at the back that housed tilapias and carps. It’s beautifully landscaped area where guest are allowed to get some bait and catch some fish. You can capture as much as you could as long as you pay what you have caught. There is a wooden bridge in the middle of the pond that will bring you straight to the other dike which has a good view of the river nearby. Boats are available in the area just in case you wanted to have a moment to yourself while encircling the manmade lake. We wanted to rent the swan-shaped boat near at the raft but the staff said that it’s only for decoration.

The children’s pool is just a few walks away from the large swimming pool with a much smaller slide and a spew shower in the center.

If you have plan to stay overnight then better ask the receptionist early for reservation. There are several deluxe cabanas with reasonable prices at PHP 1,200 for two that includes breakfast. It has a glass windows and door which gives you a full view of the manmade lake. Dormitories are available too for those who are budget friendly as it only cost PHP 500++ per night, should you like an extra bed then, additional charge of PHP 150 is required. I don’t know if the price varies every season but when we visit the resort that is their package.  

We will be back that is for sure. Seeing my cousin happy is just PRICELESS!!!

For a bigger celebration it has a function hall that can accommodate 400 to 500 guest which is ideal for conferences, business meetings, wedding receptions or birthday parties. My classmate in high school even held her wedding in here but unfortunately, wasn’t able to attend to. I just don’t know how much is their package per gathering but the best thing you can do is visit the resort to avail a good discount. For further information, please contact (083) 228 8998 or you can email them @ delrio@gmail.com.

You can stay until 8:00 PM but if you're guest of the resort then it's open 24 hours. They have a karaoke unit where you can drop PHP 5 coin to play. If your good into singing then show it off here. (hehehe!)

So there you go, once you’re in Marbel better tag along your family in here, they have comprehensive amenities that caters all your needs with a 24 hour room service and security. There are few inland resorts around the city but wasn’t able to visit it yet, thus, I have nothing to compare. If I visit one,  promise that I will feature it in here.

Have a great day and night everyone… 

Cherrrrriiiiiiiiioooooooooooooooooooosssssssss!!!

SMILE. :)

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