Escape to Paradise: PMG Islandscape Resort, Siquijor's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: PMG Islandscape Resort - Siquijor's Hidden Gem (or, Did I Actually Find Paradise?) - A Messy, Honest Review!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain’t your typical, sterile hotel review. I’m coming at you raw, warts and all, after a recent (and frankly, life-altering) stay at Escape to Paradise: PMG Islandscape Resort in Siquijor. That name? Promises, promises. Did it deliver? Let's find out, shall we?
Accessibility: The Good, the Bad, and Me (Mostly Good)
Okay, let's be real. Siquijor is… well, it’s an island. Getting there involves boats, planes, and the occasional questionable van ride. Accessibility in general is a bit more…challenging than, say, a major city. But for the resort itself? They've made a serious effort. While I wouldn't call it fully wheelchair accessible (some of the paths are a bit hilly, and the beaches… well, beaches are beaches), they do have facilities for disabled guests, which is already a win in this part of the world. The elevator was a godsend.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Yes! The main restaurant and bar area were generally easy to navigate, and the staff seemed genuinely happy to help (more on that later).
COVID-Era Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized and Slightly Paranoid (But in a Good Way!)
This is the world we live in, folks. And, let's be honest, I was slightly paranoid. But PMG Islandscape took it SERIOUSLY. The Anti-viral cleaning products were in heavy rotation. They used Professional-grade sanitizing services. I felt like they were hosing down every surface constantly, which is a good thing!
- Cleanliness and safety: They clearly took this seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products - check
- Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service: Options, people! I love options.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: See above.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind, man.
- Hand sanitizer - Everywhere.
- Individually-wrapped food options - Okay, maybe a little over the top, but I appreciate the effort.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Absolutely.
- Safe dining setup: They spaced the tables and the like..
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They were like ninja warriors, constantly sanitizing things, always with the masks on. Plus, really friendly.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yep.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes!
The staff was trained, the protocols were everywhere, and honestly? It put my mind at ease. They also had a First aid kit and a hot water linen and laundry washing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Foodie Paradise (Mostly)
Right, let’s talk about the important stuff: food! This is where PMG Islandscape really shines.
- A la carte in restaurant - YES!
- Asian breakfast
- Bar - Essential.
- Breakfast [buffet] - The holy grail.
- Coffee shop - Great to find this
- Poolside bar - Even better.
- Restaurants - Multiple choices.
- Room service [24-hour] - Winner winner, chicken dinner!
- Vegetarian restaurant - A welcome and considerate option.
- Western breakfast - They had anything and everything
The Asian cuisine was fantastic, especially the seafood. I had a dish with the freshest grilled fish and the staff was incredibly attentive. The happy hour at the poolside bar was a must-do every single day. Watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand - perfection. The coffee/tea in restaurant was good too. They even had an alternative meal arrangement if you wanted a different meal.
The breakfast [buffet] was a masterpiece. Fresh fruit, pastries, hot dishes… it was a glorious start to the day. The only minor complaint? The coffee could have been a bit stronger. But hey, you can't win them all.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Finding My Zen (and Maybe Yours)
So, you’re on a tropical island… what do you do? Well, a lot of stuff!
- Body scrub - Yep.
- Body wrap - check
- Foot bath - Relaxing.
- Gym/fitness - For the masochists among us. I went once.
- Massage - Absolutely.
- Pool with view - The best view!
- Sauna - Sure.
- Spa - Essential
- Steamroom - Why not?
- Swimming pool - Obviously.
The Spa was a highlight. I treated myself to a massage and… well, I'm pretty sure I floated out afterwards. The swimming pool [outdoor] was stunning, and the pool with a view? Forget about it. You could literally spend all day just lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails and staring out at the ocean. And I may or may not have done just that for a full afternoon…
Body, Spirit, and Soul: The Spa was a true escape. The massage was top-notch, the aroma therapy was divine, and the atmosphere was pure bliss.
Beyond the resort, there are beaches to explore, waterfalls to discover, and caves to wander through. The resort can help you arrange all sorts of activities. The concierge was super helpful in setting up day trips and transportation.
The Rooms: My Little Slice of Heaven
Okay, let's get down to specifics. The rooms themselves were fantastic.
- Additional toilet - Perfect
- Air conditioning - A must-have
- Alarm clock - Yep.
- Bathrobes - Lux!
- Bathtub - Check
- Blackout curtains - Yes!
- Coffee/tea maker - Needed
- Desk - Practical
- Free Wi-Fi [free] - Awesome
I opted for a room with a balcony overlooking the ocean. Waking up every morning to that view was pure magic. The air conditioning was a lifesaver in the island heat. The free Wi-Fi was a bonus, although honestly, I tried to disconnect as much as possible. You know, truly escape.
The bed was comfy, the linens were soft, and the bathroom was clean and well-appointed.
The Safety/security feature made me feel good.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easy (and Fun!)
PMG Islandscape really went above and beyond when it came to the little things.
- Airport transfer - Super convenient.
- Cash withdrawal - Good to see
- Concierge - Super helpful.
- Daily housekeeping - The place was always spotless.
- Elevator - A lifesaver,
- Ironing service - Okay, I didn't use it, but nice to know it was there.
- Laundry service - Useful.
Concierge: The staff was friendly and helpful.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (Maybe?)
I didn't have any kids with me.
- Babysitting service - A great option.
- Family/child friendly - Generally, yes, I think it’s super family friendly.
- Kids meal - Good to have.
- Kids facilities - Seems like a good setup.
Getting Around: Island Style (Expect the Unexpected)
Getting around Siquijor is part of the adventure. The resort can get you a taxi service, but the real fun is renting a motorbike and exploring the island at your own pace. Just be prepared for some rough roads and the occasional stray goat.
- Car park [free of charge] - A big win.
- Car park [on-site] - Also good.
- Taxi service - Yep.
My Verdict: Escape to Paradise? (Almost)
Look, PMG Islandscape Resort isn't perfect. No place is. But it comes damn close. The location is stunning, the staff is amazing, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is pure relaxation.
The Imperfections: The internet could be spotty on the beach. The pathways are not perfectly smooth.
The Quirks: The "Shrine" had me confused.
The Emotional Reaction: I felt at peace, relaxed, and completely happy.
The Messiness and Honesty: I will likely return.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. (But go soon, before everyone else finds out!)
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**Escape to Paradise:
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're about to dive headfirst into the gloriously messy, sun-soaked, and utterly unpredictable world that is… PMG Islandscape Resort in Siquijor, Philippines. Forget your perfectly-Instagrammed travel blogs, this is the real deal.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial "OMG, This is Paradise" Syndrome
- Morning (Siquijor Time, which is roughly "Whenever the Hell You Wake Up" Time):
- 6:00 AM (God, Why?!) Wake up. The airport shuttle was a blast, and the taxi driver and the islander's laugher made me feel welcoming, from Dumaguete to the port. The ferry ride? Smooth sailing, baby! (Aside from the brief moment I thought a rogue wave might swallow us whole. Perspective, people, perspective.)
- 10:00 AM: Arrive in Siquijor Port. This island… WOW. Okay, maybe not a wow like the Eiffel Tower, more of a "Wow… this island is seriously, ridiculously beautiful" kind of wow. We're talking clear turquoise water you could practically drink (don't, though). Palm trees swaying like they're auditioning for a tropical ballet. And the air? God, it smells like freedom and suntan lotion.
- 11:00 AM: Check-in at PMG Islandscape. The resort itself? It's charming. Rustic chic meets "lost in the jungle." The staff are genuinely nice, even after I accidentally spilled coffee on one of them (my bad! Jet lag, I swear!). The room? Clean, it's got Aircon (A MUST), and the view from the balcony is enough to make you weep.
- Afternoon (The "Let's Explore and Then Immediately Nap" Phase):
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the resort restaurant. Ordered a fish dish, and it was tasty. Ate too much, naturally. The "I'm on vacation" appetite is a real beast.
- 2:00 PM: Stroll around the resort. Found the infinity pool, and I'm pretty sure I spent a solid hour just staring at it. It was like the water and the sky were merging, creating a perfect visual.
- 3:00 PM: Nap time. Because jet lag. And because vacation. And because I’m still not sure if I can handle the water activities, but I will conquer my fear.
- Evening (Sunset, Cocktails, and the First Glimpse of Island Magic):
- 6:00 PM: Sunset cocktails at the bar. The sky explodes into a canvas of orange, pink, and purple. Seriously, the sunsets here are worth the price of admission alone. (Okay, maybe not the only reason. But they're a strong contender) Ordered a mojito, maybe two. Talked to some people at the bar, and they were so friendly.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner. The resort's restaurant has a romantic feel. The food was great. The conversation was even better, talking about the local's culture and traditions.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. I’m exhausted. But in a good way. Like, "sun-kissed, saltwater-soaked, and already in love with this island" kind of exhausted.
Day 2: Waterfalls, Witchcraft, and Mild Panic
- Morning (The "Am I Really Doing This?" Phase):
- 8:00 AM: Woke up with the sun! (Okay, maybe more like 9 AM, but still. Early!). Breakfast at the resort. Fresh fruit, eggs, and coffee. Fueling up for adventure!
- 9:00 AM: Rented motorbikes. And I was so excited that I even had a tiny moment of panic when the guy handed me the keys. I have never driven a motorbike before!! The driver showed me how to use it, and I'm sure I looked like a complete idiot, but hey, at least I didn't immediately crash.
- Afternoon (Waterfall-Chasing and Getting My Feet Wet):
- 10:00 AM: Drive to Cambugahay Falls. These falls… well, they're the reason you came to Siquijor. The water is a startling shade of turquoise, the falls cascade down these terraced levels, and the air is filled with the sound of rushing water and laughter. You can cliff jump!! Of course, I got peer pressured into jumping.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a simple restaurant nearby. We ate some grilled fish and rice. It was simple, but heavenly after all that activity.
- Afternoon (Embracing the Unknown):
- 2:00 PM: Drive to the Old Balete Tree and Fish Spa. Ok, the tree is old and huge, like something out of a fantasy novel. The fish spa was a strange, ticklish, but ultimately relaxing experience.
- 3:00 PM: Drive to the Salagdoong Beach. The iconic tree jump… a little bit terrifying, a little bit exhilarating.
- Evening (The "Witchcraft" Side of Siquijor):
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. (More information to add)
- 7:30 PM: Stroll around. (More information to add)
Day 3: Island Hopping and Farewell Feels
- Morning (The "I Can't Believe It's Almost Over" Phase):
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast at the resort. Savoring every bite.
- 9:00 AM: Take a boat towards the Paliton Beach or Coco Grove Beach. (More information to add)
- Afternoon (Snorkeling and Goodbye):
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant
- 2:00 PM: Back to the resort, packing my bags.
- Evening (Departure):
- 6:00 PM: (More information to add)
Quirks, Observations, and Emotional Reactions:
- The Bugs: Oh, the bugs. They're everywhere. Mosquitoes, ants, tiny little biting things I couldn't identify. Invest in insect repellent. Seriously. Invest.
- The Locals: The people of Siquijor are some of the friendliest, most genuinely kind people I've ever met. They smile constantly, they're always willing to help, and they make you feel welcome. I kinda wish I had the courage of an islander.
- Food Glorious Food: The food is amazing! The seafood is fresh, the fruit is bursting with flavor, and you can find everything from cheap eats to fancy restaurants.
- The Pace of Life: It’s slow. Gloriously, wonderfully slow. You adjust quickly.
- Overall: Siquijor is a place that gets under your skin. It's rustic, it's charming, it's a little bit wild, and it's utterly unforgettable. I'm already dreaming of coming back.
Important Note: This is a highly subjective, utterly un-edited, and probably slightly chaotic travel itinerary. Treat it more as a suggestion, a starting point, a general guideline. The best travel experiences happen when you let go of rigid plans and embrace the unexpected. And trust me, in Siquijor, the unexpected is always just around the corner. So, go forth, explore, get lost a little, and have an amazing time.
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So, is this "Escape to Paradise" thing, like, legit? Or is it just Instagram-worthy lies?
Look, "paradise" is a dangerous word. It sets the bar *high*. And, yeah, the pictures? Beautiful. Turquoise water, dreamy sunsets, the whole shebang. But reality? Well, let me tell you about the rooster. Seriously, that feathered alarm clock nearly killed my sleep schedule. He started crowing at, like, 4:30 AM. Every. Single. Day. Paradise, huh? More like "Early Morning Agricultural Siren Song." But, here's the thing: it *is* beautiful. It's just…real. Think: raw, a little rugged, and definitely not airbrushed. You'll find yourself saying *wow*, more than *OMG*.
What's the vibe? Is it all couples canoodling, or can a solo traveller survive? (Asking for a friend...I am the friend.)
Alright, solo warriors, listen up! It's a pretty chill vibe. Loads of couples, sure. But there's also a good mix. I saw a couple of groups of friends, some families with kids (they were surprisingly well-behaved!), and a few other lone wolves like myself. Honestly, the staff are super friendly, always up for a chat. I even ended up having a beer with one of the bartenders, a local named Mateo, who told me this *hilarious* story about a goat and a wedding... Seriously, go find Mateo. He's a legend. And honestly, you can be as social or as antisocial as you want. Just…don't stare at the honeymooners during their sunset selfies. It's a little awkward.
The rooms! Are they as amazing as they look? (Because, you know, Instagram.)
Okay, let's talk rooms. I sprung for the premium oceanfront villa. The pictures? Accurately stunning. Waking up to that view every morning? Priceless. But...and there's always a but, isn't there? The air conditioning...it was a little temperamental. One night it sounded like a dying walrus. I called reception, they came and "fixed" it (which meant mostly just turning it off and on again). It worked… until about 2 AM, when it decided to give up the ghost again. Annoying? Yes. Deal-breaker? Nah. Because seriously, the view! And the outdoor shower? Amazing. Just, maybe pack some earplugs and prayer beads for the AC gods.
Is the food any good? I live to eat, so…
Okay, foodies, LISTEN UP. The food is… interesting. The breakfast buffet had the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, little sausages that looked suspiciously like they’d been cooked a week prior… But, look, the adobo was excellent! I’m talking melt-in-your-mouth, perfect-with-rice adobo. And the fresh fruit? Divine. Seriously, the mangos… I think I ate my weight in mangos. The lunch and dinner menus were a little more hit-or-miss. The fresh seafood was, of course, fantastic. But one night I ordered what was supposed to be a "specialty" pasta, and it was…well, let's just say it needed more salt. But the setting? On the beach, with the sunset painting the sky? That makes up for a multitude of culinary sins. Go for the local stuff, trust me. And don’t be afraid to ask for extra chili. You're in the Philippines, people!
Okay, but what about the beach? Is it swim-able? Is it Instagrammable? Is it…crowded?
The beach? *Sigh*. Okay, so, yes, the beach is incredible. Powdery white sand, the clearest turquoise water you’ve ever seen... it’s like stepping into a postcard. Seriously, the water is warm, calm, and perfect for swimming. And the sunsets? Forget about it. They are genuinely breathtaking, those fiery explosions in the sky. *Instagrammable*? Oh, honey, you could build a whole feed from this beach alone. But the best part? It wasn’t crowded. This is a HUGE win. You'll have stretches of beach practically to yourself. I spent hours just wading in the shallows, lost in thought. Except... one day. One day, a HUGE tour group descended. A gaggle of them, all blaring music from their phones. It completely killed the vibe. I’m not kidding when I say I almost packed up and left. So yeah, the beach is amazing… until it’s not. But, hey, that's life. You gotta roll with the punches (and the tour groups). Just… maybe find a quieter spot.
What about activities? Is there anything to DO there besides stare at the ocean and eat mangos? (Although... that sounds pretty good, ngl.)
Look, if you're looking for a non-stop party, this ain't it. Which, honestly, is *amazing*. But there are activities. They offer island hopping tours, which are totally worth it. You can visit waterfalls, snorkel in marine sanctuaries... the usual touristy stuff. I went snorkeling, and it was… pretty good. Lots of colorful fish, a few grumpy sea turtles (they clearly weren’t impressed by my awkward flailing in the water). You can also rent kayaks and paddle around. I attempted this. Let's just say my kayaking skills need some serious work. I spent more time capsized than upright. And be prepared. The sun is intense. And I mean *intense*. I got a truly epic sunburn the first day. So, yeah, bring sunscreen. Lots of it. I recommend a hat, and a long-sleeved shirt, and maybe a hazmat suit. Just kidding, kinda. But mostly, just relax. Read a book. Take a nap. Stare at the ocean and eat mangos. It's a valid activity. And it's glorious.
Any hidden costs or things to be aware of? (Besides the rooster uprising, of course.)
Oh, yes. Always, always, always be prepared for hidden costs. The resort can arrange your airport transfer (it’s a long ride, from Dumaguete). This will cost you. And the food and drinks? Not *eye-wateringly* expensive, but add up over time. Tip the staff! They work incredibly hard and are genuinely lovely. Also, the WiFi is… spotty. Like, "disappears when you need it most" spotty. Embrace the digital detox. You'll thank me later. Then again... I got an email from my boss, and I had to trek into town to find a cafe with reliable WiFi. So, yeah, maybe pack a portable hotspot. And don't expect perfectly smooth service. Things run on "island time," which can be frustrating if you're used to a fast pace. But honestly, it's part of the charm. Just breathe, relax, and remember you're on a freakin' island. What's the rush?!
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