An Unfortunate Incident in Dumaluan Beach Resort

happened on Dec. 11-14, 2015

Just a few minutes from Tagbilaran, this island is the most favorite accommodation for most tourists in Bohol since this is where the beach is. The beach is at par with Boracay's Station 1.  The sand is powdery pristine white.
 

overlooking the calm sea

We stayed in Dumaluan Beach Resort for our 3 nights stay in Panglao. All of my visits here, I've been choosing this place since it resides at the farthest end and with a reasonable pricing. It's not too crowded and the beach is cleaner.  The shore is shallow and it is still rich with marine life.
 

very inviting beach

 I've booked the Kamalig tree house for my friend's family and the deluxe room for ours.  The Kamalig room is big (good for up to 10 people) and fronting the beach, however, it is not well air conditioned and within the busy area.  The ceiling is low. The toilet and bath is located outside so my friend requested for a transfer.
 

the Kamalig is the one with jetski at the bottom

a closer look

the view from the veranda

the room with 2 queen beds with low ceiling

The deluxe room is good for 2-3 people (with extra mattress) and fronting the swimming pool.  I'm quite impressed that the room is renovated since the last time I stayed here, the room really needed a thorough fixing.  It has a bath tub but we were not able to use it since we are always on the beach or pool.  I like that it has a porch for dining and just relaxing while looking over the pool.  It's an advantage when you have kids swimming.
 

the deluxe rooms

the old pool with jacuzzi

our porch

the newly renovated toilet and bath

love the rain shower head



bed for two or three perhaps

 A lot of changes has happened on this resort from the past 7 years that I stayed here.  There are additional rooms and kiddie pool. There is already a souvenir shop and the dining area is bigger.  There is also a live band that performs every night.

the building where the suites reside

at the souvenir shop cum store

the kiddie pool

new building under construction

But the most significant improvement is the food.  The last time we were in Bohol, our group's disappointment is the food.  We had a hard time looking for unforgettable dishes.  But now, Dumaluan serves delectable food.  The accommodation includes buffet breakfast.  Breakfast being served includes two viands, bread, rice and eggs.  It was during our last day that I tasted the bread and I regretted not having it since Day 1.  They really have nice breads.  This is the best move for them, hiring a good chef.
 

breakfast

lunch

we're satisfied with lunch



the outdoor dining area

the kids enjoyed their pasta, too

 

The unfortunate incident...

 

Our stay could have been heaven, but you know the moment when you're having too much fun, you'll sometimes feel that something not nice is bound to happen.  So it happened to us, to my BFF's husband J actually.  On our second night, we decided for a massage room service.  My BFF availed one while J opted not to.  He took a shower and was able to sleep while my friend is being massaged.  My friend awaken when the masseur left to give payment and tip. 

 

Everything is set for a Balicasag tour on our third day but when my J woke up, he found out that his wallet is missing.  No one has entered their room except for the masseur so the only suspect is her.  He immediately reported it the administration but the manager is not yet around during that time.  He also went to the restaurant where we dined the previous night and they said that no wallet was found there.  We waited for about an hour before the manager came.  The masseur was also called upon.  She's already hysterical when she arrived; talking to her well is quite impossible. 

 

We were also disappointed with the owner when she arrived.  She's also hysterical and blaming J for being careless. She's talking in a loud voice and saying senseless words.  We didn't expect this kind of action from the owner.  We are aware of our responsibilities as being guests.  We just wanted to report and this incident be investigated.  So we had no choice but to call the police for help. 

 

Our Balicasag plan must be set aside for this incident.  We went to the police station to report the incident.  No one from the resort even accompanied us.  The police are helpful but too slow in dealing with us.  They said that we can only get the police report the next day which is quite unacceptable to us since we are leaving for Manila the next day.  They said that they will just email it to us.  This is the timing that my hubby is waiting for.  He said that the report be emailed to him and handled his business card.  When they saw that he is working in ABS CBN, suddenly they changed mood; that they will immediately investigate it.  We really didn't want to use this for our own advantage but they left us with no choice.  I really don't understand why you really need to have a good connection to be served well.  Anyways, I still commend the Panglao policemen for helping us.

 

I thought our whole day will be ruined by this incident. It was really a major hassle because we still need to call to the US to report his lost wallet so that his important cards should be immediately deactivated.  Good thing we have completed all of this by 10:30AM. Since there's nothing we can do about it (but wait for a miracle that the wallet will surface), I suggested that we continue with our Balicasag plan.

 

I'm glad that we did since they have enjoyed it somehow.  The snorkeling is the highlight of Balicasag.  We were about to go to Virgin Island when my hubby received a call from the police station that we need to immediately return since the wallet has been found.  It's the best news for the day. 

 

According to them, it was found by an employee of the restaurant where we dined the night before.  This employee decided to bring it home first and just reported it to their manager the day after.  There are some questions on this: (1) the police didn't get the name of the employee so we never met him (2) why did the employee didn't surrender it immediately upon finding it? (3) if my hubby is not working for media company, will this incident be immediately look after? (4) where is Dumaluan representative while this is happening?

 

We would like to know more about the details but we opted just to let it go since the wallet is already found and intact.  No item is ever missing including the dollars.

 

We are just so disappointed in how the resort has handled this incident.  Though the manager is very apologetic but the owner is such an @#$%^&!.  Her behavior during our meeting is unacceptable.  She seems to be uneducated.  She needs a training on customer service.  We also learned that her hubby is running for a government seat.  I really hope he doesn't win because her wife doesn't deserve to be the first lady of Panglao with that kind of rudeness.

 

This is a major lesson learned for us or for anyone - TO BE VERY CAREFUL WITH PERSONAL BELONGINGS, wherever and whenever.

 

Will I still recommend this resort to anyone?  I will still do but with a reminder to be very careful with their stuff and not to avail of the massage room service.

 

As for the owner, I hope she learns a lesson also on how to properly treat their customers.  They must also improve their security, like putting CCTV in strategic locations.  The incident could be easily solved if they have CCTV footage on the area where the rooms are.