🛏️Residencia de Palo Maria
About this place
On Maniwaya Island in Santa Cruz, Residencia de Palo Maria is one of the more equipped resort options — a hotel and beach resort offering big and cozy rooms, a private pool, and on-call kayak and island-hopping services. For travelers who want a Maniwaya stay with proper resort amenities rather than a basic beach hut, this is one of the names worth knowing.
What's On Offer
- Big and cozy rooms — the consistent visitor descriptor - Private pool — useful given the seagrass-affected beach - Kayak services for paddling around the bay - Island hopping — Palad Sandbar and Ungab Rock Formation are the standard destinations - Beautiful, secluded beachfront location
A practical note from honest reviews: the resort's beach itself may not be ideal for swimming due to seagrass. The pool exists for exactly that reason — and travelers wanting daily swims should plan to use it as their primary water option.
Pricing
- Additional bed/person: PHP 200 per - Kubo (Bamboo Hut), overnight (24 hrs): PHP 1,500 - Special package rates available — check Facebook posts for current promotions
Booking and Contact
- Phones: +63 956 832 6357 / 0919 237 5633 / 0922 867 0312 / 0917 954 0495 - Landline: (046) 517 2189 - Emails: rdpmbeachresort@gmail.com / residenciadepalomaria@yahoo.com - Facebook: Residencia de Palo Maria - TripAdvisor: Residencia de Palo Maria Reviews
Why to Consider It
Among Maniwaya's resort options, Residencia de Palo Maria sits in the more-amenities, more-equipped tier. The on-site pool is a real differentiator for the seagrass-beach reality, and the kayak/tour services keep activity options on the property rather than requiring additional boat coordination. For travelers who want a higher-comfort Maniwaya stay, this is a strong pick.
Best Time to Visit
Dry season — November through May — for safe banca crossings. June through October the seas can turn nasty fast and crossings get cancelled mid-trip. If you must go in the wet months, plan with a buffer day on either side so a cancelled boat doesn't derail your travel home.
What to Bring
How to Get Here
Maniwaya is reached by banca from Buyabod Port in Brgy. Buyabod, Sta Cruz — that's the standard launch point. NOT Balanacan Port — Balanacan is the RoRo terminal where the Lucena ferry lands, on the opposite side of the island. Full route: Lucena → ferry to Balanacan → jeepney/van to Sta Cruz Centro → tricycle to Buyabod Port → banca to Maniwaya. Confirm boat pickup with your resort directly, especially with heavy luggage; the bancas are small and porters aren't standing by. Allow a full half-day for the trip from Lucena.
⚠️ banca only — book in advance
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.
Local Verification
For questions about access, local advisories, or whether this place is currently operating, contact the local LGU before you go.