Club Kalsangi by Dole Philippines, Inc. — Restaurant in Polomolok

Let me address first the extremely big ELEPHANT in the room before you visit this private hidden gem of a place located in the middle of the DOLE Pineapple Plantation, which is:

"You can not enter if you are not a Club Member or an Employee of DOLEFIL. If you want to enter the place so badly, you have to have an executive of DOLE to endorse you or someone who works at DOLEFIL to accompany you when you visit."

I got there via a motorcycle together with a friend (who works in DOLEFIL), as we reached the entrance the guard on-duty prompted as to stop for inspection, in which we complied. He then asked us to park our motorcycles in the parking lot located near the entrance gate and told us that we can only get to the clubhouse by foot from there.

As we walk towards the Clubhouse, I was amazed by what I found inside;

1.) A whole street system like on a subdivision but with better pavements, street signs and road markings.

2.) Residential buildings boasting 80s spanish home architecture (which was well-preserved that they very much look like they were just built months ago!)

3.) A SCHOOL! (DOLE Philippines School -- A fully functioning private educational institution with complete and better facility than most schools can offer..)

4.) Internet Facility! (I was surprised to see FOC Cabinets placed strategically around the place! This means the whole of Kalsangi has Fiber connection!!!)

After more than half a kilometer walk we finally got to the clubhouse which has a large empty parking area for cars and motorcycles alike, tho I wonder why we had to take the walk to get to the club when we could've just rode our motorcycles in less than 5 minutes to get to the place. Anyways, I whipped out my camera and took a ton of photos around the parking area and proceeded to order lunch.

The staff was hospitable, the guy that waited us catered patiently to my questions. The Clubhouse menu was comprehensive, it's more than ten pages long and has a lot of different kinds of american, italian and filipino cuisines. The prices, if you're an ordinary filipino salaryman can be on the expensive side, but I tell you this.. The serving is abundant and a heft! And no, I kid you not, a serving can feed atleast 2-3 pax.

The Clubhouse apparently has guest rooms for DOLE sponsored guest, a tennis and basketball court, children's playground and of course their prestigiously exclusive golf course (which are for members only).

That being said and out, The Club Kalsangi by DOLE Philippines is painfully hard to get into but not impossible. The exclusivity and the strict unshared wonders of the entirety of Kalsangi is for it's own good. It's not only a clubhouse nor a golf course or recreational spot that people can come and go visit; After all, there is an entire community, families and school that resides within. The Club Kalsangi's strict private policies is the key to its world class golf course and its preserved and...

This place is amazing and that it's exclusive only to people living here or working for DOLE Philippines, what's great is that they have their own golf course, a clubhouse, a beautiful neighborhood with slightly cold atmosphere and a nice view of Mt. Matutum and the pineapple plantation of Polomolok at the top of the hill plus the very delicious food at the clubhouse and tourist spots for picture taking and spending time with your family here. The only problem will be is that you cannot get inside easily as it is quite far and hidden plus you now need to be accompanied by the person you know that works or lives in DOLE. But trust me, it would be...

Kalsangi has its reputation and it's for the best. Up to date, I don't think other exclusive club can match its reputation. It still is the primary choice for businessman down here in the south for their weekly golf gatherings. Of course, the only way to visit is to have someone from Dole of at least managerial level to sponsor you. The course is well-maintained, and the restaurant, although dated, still speaks the classy vibe. One thing that I find lacking though would be the coffee selection. They have fantastic pastries, but its such a downer that you can only have brewed coffee to...