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A Thoroughly Disappointing Experience: A Review of Playa De Oro
From the very beginning, it was evident that this resort falls drastically short of its advertised standards. The first red flag was the complete lack of functional cellular data. While receiving messages was possible, sending them was not. The resort offered Piso-net as an alternative, but the system was inherently flawed. There was no option to pause the connection, meaning that even during a brownout, the timer continued to run, resulting in wasted money.
The accommodations were shockingly inferior to the images promoted on the resort’s social media pages. The room appeared dilapidated, with clear signs of termite infestation, evidenced by crumbling wooden planks and loose flooring. The bathroom was nothing short of disgusting, emitting an unpleasant odor and featuring a non-functional flush. Basic necessities were absent, and the shower was positioned so poorly that it sprayed directly onto the door and any hanging clothing.
The provided kitchen was filthy, with no evidence of proper deep cleaning. The faucet was loose, kitchen supplies were nearly nonexistent, and the entire area was infested with flies.
The beach was another letdown. Marketed as "child-friendly," it was anything but. During low tide, the shoreline was predominantly rocky, making it uncomfortable and unsuitable for swimming. Even at high tide, the conditions did not improve. The staff further exacerbated the frustration by megaphoning instructions to wear slippers while swimming, an absurd and impractical demand. Additionally, the beach’s rocky nature made it inaccessible for my mother-in-law, a PWD who enjoys swimming.
The staff’s demeanor was underwhelming at best. Despite our polite inquiries, responses were often grumpy and unaccommodating. One particularly condescending exchange occurred when we asked if there were other locations to exchange bills for coins. Rather than offering assistance, the staff member responded with passive-aggressive skepticism, questioning whether we had already tried nearby stores.
At night, we requested an additional mattress and four pillows for an extra fee of ₱300 due to our group size. Shortly after, it began raining, and the roof leaked directly onto the extra mattress. When a brownout occurred, not a single staff member approached to address the situation, my husband had to seek assistance himself. The lack of basic hospitality was astounding. We were forced to manually lower the tarp to prevent the outdoor sleeping area from getting wet, as no staff members offered help.
The absence of a backup generator was unacceptable, especially for a resort that charges guests for its services. Ultimately, the extra mattress was rendered unusable due to dampness. When power was finally restored, the internet remained nonfunctional, and no effort was made to rectify the issue.
The following day brought yet another brownout. Once again, we had to personally inquire, only to be told that the electrical company had already been contacted.
The morning passed without incident, aside from the ongoing fly infestation, forcing us to purchase candles as a makeshift solution. We later learned from locals that the exit road was flooded due to heavy rainfall and the nearby lake. Even at high tide, the beach remained unpleasantly rocky.
The road leading to and from the resort was another challenge, unsuitable for smaller vehicles due to flooding and uneven terrain.
We also noticed that the resort’s Facebook page does not allow guests to leave reviews, a convenient way to avoid accountability. However, a quick check on Google reveals numerous negative reviews echoing the same issues we experienced. This selective suppression of feedback speaks volumes about the establishment’s priorities.
This resort failed on nearly every conceivable level, misleading advertising, subpar facilities, unprofessional staff, and a complete lack of preparedness for common issues like power outages. If given the opportunity, I would rate...
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A Trip Not Worth Taking
We were all excited, thinking we were heading to a hidden paradise a peaceful beach resort far from the noise of the city. But the journey quickly turned into a nightmare. The road was terrifying: rough, narrow, and full of unexpected turns. Our vehicle struggled over sharp rocks and potholes so deep, we feared we might get stuck. At times, we were so close to the edge of steep cliffs that no one dared to speak we just held our breath and prayed we’d make it through. We passed through remote areas with no signs of life, and no phone signal in case something went wrong. The trip took hours longer than expected. It felt like the beach was at the edge of the world. And when we finally arrived, the disappointment hit hard. The beach resort wasn’t anything like what was promised in the photos. There was no electricity, no proper accommodation, and no staff to assist us. The beach itself was full of sharp rocks, with barely any clear spot to swim. The water looked murky, and it didn’t feel safe especially for children. Instead of relaxing under palm trees or swimming in clear blue water, we spent most of the time trying to figure out how to leave. There was nothing enjoyable about the place. It was hot, uncomfortable, and completely unprepared for guests. That trip taught us a hard lesson not all hidden beaches are worth the adventure. Sometimes, the road is just too rough and the destination, sadly, not worth...
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I already knew that Lobo is not a sandy beach like Laiya that's why we were not surprised. Therefore, we left our tents at home because you can't use it here.
Like I always do whenever we go far north or south, I make researches thru YouTube and internet so I can manage my expectations well.
Being on a rough terrain makes me enjoy driving and makes our outdoor adventure complete. Though the road to the accommodation is kinda tough, sedans like Vios and Wigo can do it. Even my brother's GL Grandia made it through.
Though stoney and rocky beach, there are some sandy parts in the shallow waters that you can comfortably stand and enjoy the waves. Snorkelling is also fine.
For communications, mobile and data signal are so weak or sometimes totally gone. Maybe it'll vary depending on the wireless capability of your handset. Though they have this 'PisoNet' vending machine, it is not reliable in my experience.
The beach front accomodations are fine, especially the nipa style huts 'coz you can really feel that you are totally detached from the urban living. Though some huts do not have bathrooms inside, you will still have your dedicated bathroom just nearby.
Will we come...
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