We decided to hold our family bonding at Passig Islet located in Bato, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. From Davao City, we ride a bus going to Digos City at Ecoland Transport Terminal. We told the driver to drop us at Bato Gym / Passig Islet. After around 45 minutes travel from Davao City, we arrived at Bato Gym, Sta. Cruz.
We just walked following a cemented road going to the direction of the sea. After few meters of walking, we read a signage of Passig Islet. We then walked into a wooden walkway where mangroves are a plenty, shading the way.
Walkway going to Passig Islet
Boats fetching passengers going to Passig Islet
Wooden walkway when you arrive at Passig Islet
Passig islet on a lovely Sunny Day
Medium-size cottages which costs Php250.00
Closed cottage for those who want to stay overnight
Pavillon at Passig Islet where you can hold group parties
Huge tires serve as rip rap on the side of the islet to avoid erosion
Boat fare going to Passig Islet is Php20.00-Php25.00 depending on the number of passengers. That payment is already back-and-forth so you have to get the cell number of the boat driver you ride including the boat number so that it is easy for you to contact them when it is time for you to leave Passig Islet.
Entrance fee at the islet is 20 pesos. Since it is owned by the provincial government of Davao del Sur, expect that all payments are with receipts.
There are a number of cottages to choose. Small cottages that can accommodate 10-12 people is Php150.00. Medium-size open cottages that can accommodate around 24 people is at Php250.00. The closed cottages is Php500.00.
If you are a large group, you may use the pavillion at Php5,500.00 including the use of generator since there is no electricity at Passig islet. There is no restaurant at the resort so you have to bring with you your foods. It is also not allowed to do cooking and grilling at the resort so all your foods must be pre-cooked.
The resort is not that huge but it is beautiful. However, do not expect a fine powdery sand on the beach like that of Panglao in Bohol or Boracay because it is just a man-made islet.
I think, there are still a lot to be improved in Passig Islet. It would be cool if they have a restaurant at the place and they have an electricity. I think they also need to add the number of their restrooms which currently they only have 1 for male and 1 for female. Sometimes people have to queue just to go to the restroom especially when 5pm is approaching when most people are preparing to leave at the islet.
Other than those concerns, Passig islet is a lovely place to relax and unwind. You can feel the cold breeze against your skin and the sight of school of fishes jumping and parading when seawater gradually recedes due to low tide is a sight to behold. The lovely mountains of Davao del Sur forming at the backdrop is just perfect.