Haven of Fun Resort – Update March 2009
Dalupiri Island – San Antonio
Don’t let the cheesy name put you off – “Haven of Fun” is really a great place to hang out on a laid back, peaceful and friendly little island in northern Samar.
Dalapuri Island – San Antonio Island – youtube video
Pumpboats in Victoria, Samar will bring you over from the mainland for 30 pesos. You might get your feet wet getting off on the beach, but what way to get there! I usually take along my motorbike because I don’t want to leave it at the dock where a few spare parts might come up missing. but it is not necessary for this sweet little island.
Local habal-habal (motorbike-taxi) drivers are available for trips around the perimeter of Dalupiri. The 25k trip takes between 1 and 2 hours.
I just went snorkeling this morning and am now typing away on the veranda of my little cottage. (no internet)
There is a sandy beach out front and a good stand of staghorn coral off the beach where the fishing boats are lined near the city dock.A brisk current runs parallel to the beach and there are some small jellyfish. (nothing to get alarmed about)
Samar doesn’t get much recognition as a great place for visitors, but San Antonio – Dalupiri is a great place to rest up for a few days. If you are taking the bus form Luzon down through Samar and Leyte, this would be an easy side trip. Just get off the bus at Victoria (on the north side of the river at the bridge) and make your way to the dock.
Just ask, San Antonio? and people will point you in the right direction. Wait for the next boat and pay the local fare of 30 pesos per person. (a bike will be an additional 30 pesos plus 20 pesos to the porters to help you get it on the boat).
Figure that the last public boat from the mainland will leave around 5pm. If you arrive late, you will have to organize a “special trip” for 350 – 400 pesos.
The local markets do have fish and bananas but you can order reasonably priced food from the cafe on the grounds. The electrical power is off in the mornings but comes on around noon.
The cozy huts on the beach run 400 pesos. Ones with a cr (inside bathroom) cost 500 and the bigger rooms start at 800 pesos, with indoor cr, tv, and electric fan. (ac is also available).
For those needing peace and quiet, it might be best to arrive mid-week.
There are very few mosquitoes on the grounds and the island people are super friendly. I think that this is the best resort in Samar for the price.
Have a great time on this sweet little island!
Dalupiri Island
Climbing Mount Apo
General Santos
Growing Orchids
Judy's Resto Bar
Logging with Motorcycles
Mount Mayon
Balabac Island
Biri Island
Calbiga Cave
Capul Island
Mangrove Swamp Palawan
Mikes's Resort
How is a reservation made? Do you have any further information on the accomodations. Iam planning to be in Samar sometime probable in July
Hi Jay,
Usually customers just “walk in” at the Haven of Fun. It is only a short walk from the landing place on the beach where the pumpboat lets you off.
For the return trip they might pick you up right at the beach in front of the resort – all this for 30 pesos!
My suggestion is to arrive mid week, that is, not on a weekend. Local tourists come on the weekends.
This place has not yet been discovered by the Lonely Planet crowd, and is a real gem.
dp
panu an pagap reserve???
maka2 kunta kmi.. panu pag pa reserve??? tnx
Hello Aleh Grey,
Sorry that I don’t have the contact number for this resort. They are often busy on weekends with tourists form Catarman and the resort can fill up.
There is another resort right next door that has cheap lodging as well.
cheers
dp
Hi!
I would like to thank you for helping us promote our beach resort. You’re such a blessing to us.
For those who willing to visit our place you may call/send a message @ 09173276594, 09274814985 or visit our website for more info.
Thank you so much.
Hello haven of fun beach resort,
“dutchpickle” is always eager to get the word out about really fine gems hidden in the sand.
Dalupiri Island, also known as San Antonio Island is one of those budget places that travelers dream about finding.
Your resort is also first rate and a good value.
Thanks for putting up your phone number!
dp
hi ,ask ko lang kung may diving shop (scuba diving)ba dyan sa northern samar or dyan sa haven?thanks
Hello jho,
I don’t think there are any dive shops on Dalupiri Island now. There was at one time, but it is no longer in operation.
There are scuba enthusiasts on Biri Island, but there are no dive shops there that I am aware of either.
I suspect that someone will get something going on Biri Island soon because it is just too good.
dp
ang ganda talaga ng haven beach>kaso nga lang hndi pah ako nakapunta jan
wonder if you can send me information abt rates of transpo, rooms ad foods. thanks
heard lots of beautiful comments abt the beach..just have to see it for myself…soon i hope…
Hi Carmen,
The cozy huts on the beach run 400 pesos. Ones with a cr (inside bathroom) cost 500 and the bigger rooms start at 800 pesos, with indoor cr, tv, and electric fan. (ac is also available).
dp
Haven….. If we can only convert the name to heaven of fun, i will.. I really really love the place,, me and my friends just visited the place last weekend.. Super hospitable, solemn, nice people, and nice place to unwind and relax.. Thank u so much for accommodating us, i will recommend ur resort s lhat ng friends nmin.. Thanks Again!!!
heaven_taga samar ako sa catarman pero hindi pa ako nakapunta dyan..andito ako ngayun sa state.last year nagplano kami na pagumuwe kami dyan sa pinas sabi ko punta tayo sa heaven of fun parang maganda ang place.so! ok.but nagumuwe na kami totaly forgot,na kakatawa nga ei kasi na alala na namin na sa manila na kami uuwe dito sa state.but anyway maybe this coming year again were plano to go there and i hope matutuloy na to.i always looking all your picture sa online,i really love it.all my friend said its really nice.
please send me every thing the info.about your place and next years how much every thing pagpumunta kami dyan..ang matutulogan lahat na.salamat