Woodland Beach Resort

The location is ideal, with the whale shark tourism information center an easy walk away. This could work for a one-night stay if whale shark interaction is your only reason for coming, but keep your expectations low. For the price, I didn’t think it was worth it: the rooms were very outdated, had bugs, and didn’t feel fully clean. We had to wait outside the resort for a tricycle to the legazpi van terminal. The trike was 100 pesos, and the van cost 120 per person.

The pool and gardens were lovely and well kept, and the view from our room made the sunsets a real highlight. Even a typhoon passing through added to the atmosphere and feeling of escape. We visited in the off season, but the staff still kept the full menu available and gave us attentive service. There was a great range of Filipino and Western dishes, all prepared to a high standard. The staff also helped arrange local activities and shared useful suggestions. The scenery, service, and hospitality made for a relaxing, enjoyable stay.

The rooms are simple and practical, and the restaurant serves good Filipino food. Annie was great with service, arranging our airport transport and advising us on how to get to Legazpi. The resort is right next to the Donsol tourism center, where you can book whale shark trips.

The kids loved the pool, and the adults could enjoy the bar. It’s close to the whale sharks, with good food and friendly staff who went out of their way to help us with everything.