Santa Cruz·Accommodation·Beach Resort

🛏️Donalyn Beach Resort

4.4· 8 reviews·on Google

Brgy. Maniwaya, Santa Cruz, Marinduque

About this place

Donalyn Beach Resort is a DOT-accredited beach resort on Maniwaya Island, Barangay Maniwaya, Santa Cruz — one of Marinduque's most popular island-hopping destinations, known for its long white-sand beach and the nearby Palad Sandbar and Ungab Rock Formation. Reviewers describe it as a clean, friendly, genuinely hands-on family operation, and it earns a steady stream of five-star ratings for both overnight stays and day-tour lunches.

What It Offers

- Beachfront rooms described as clean and cozy, with clean toilets - A kitchen turning out fresh, delicious food sourced from local suppliers — the day-tour lunch is a favorite - Private boat transfers: guests are encouraged to book Donalyn's own boat from Santa Cruz rather than wait for the public ferry - Island-hopping arrangements to Palad Sandbar, Ungab Rock Formation, and Mongpong - A quieter stretch of beach than the busier Wawie's side

Owner and Service

The owner, Lynlie, is repeatedly singled out as super accommodating and hands-on, and guests praise the whole team for making stays memorable — "super babait ang staff at owner," as one Filipino review puts it.

The Beach

Know what the shoreline is like before you go: several guests note seagrass near the shore, which makes it less ideal for swimming but supports lots of small fish and a healthy ecosystem. The move most reviewers recommend is to go island-hopping for swimming and snorkeling, then come back to the resort's calm, peaceful base.

What Visitors Say

Google reviews average 4.4 across roughly 8 ratings, and recent reviews skew strongly positive — clean rooms, delicious and affordable food, and warm hospitality are the recurring themes.

Location and Contact

- Maniwaya Island, Barangay Maniwaya, Santa Cruz, Marinduque - Coordinates: 13.5269565, 122.1127962 - Mobile: 0917 106 9106 - Email: donalynbeach@gmail.com - Facebook: Donalyn Beach Resort (facebook.com/donalynbeachresort) — Book now enabled

Practical Notes

- DOT-accredited (Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office list, July 2026). - Message Donalyn directly to book your room and arrange the boat from Santa Cruz; coordinating the crossing when you reserve saves you waiting for the ferry.

Best Time to Visit

Maniwaya is at its best in the dry season, roughly November to May, when the sea is calm and the Palad Sandbar shows at low tide. Weekends and Holy Week get busy and boats fill up, so book your room and your crossing well ahead.

What to Bring

Bring your booking confirmation, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and plenty of cash — there is little to no ATM access on the island. Pack drinking water and mosquito repellent, and arrange your boat transfer with the resort when you book.

How to Get Here

From the Port of Balanacan, take a van to Santa Cruz, then a tricycle to the Port of Buyabod. From Buyabod, an outrigger boat crosses to Maniwaya Island in about 30 to 45 minutes. Coordinate the boat with the resort when you book, especially outside peak season when trips are less frequent.

Nearest hub

Port of Buyabod

Transport

🚐 Jeepney + 🛺 Tricycle + ⛵ Banca / boat

Local routes, fares, and ferry schedules can shift without notice — and travel times depend on weather, traffic, and tide. Confirm fares and timing with the driver or locals before you set out.

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