Oh Yes, I’ve Been to Lemlunay!

You went to a dive resort in Sarangani and you didn’t even dive? What were you thinking?!

This was my friend’s reaction when I told her that I and a group of blogger friends visited Lemlunay Dive Resort, Sarangani’s Paradise, as part of my SarGen escapade. She dives regularly so she hates me for having passed up on an awesome diving experience.

Of course, I emphasized that the dive resort I visited is not just any other dive resort. It is Lemlunay Dive Resort, a gem of a resort located in Maasim, Sarangani Province. Lemlunay (translates to PARADISE in B’laan and T’boli), owned and managed by Paul Partridge, has a lot to offer to its visitors. You can dine al fresco, snorkel, swim (err, skinny-dip?), bask in the sun, and for the adventurous, a guided diving experience ably handled by the dive masters of South Point Divers.

Paul Partridge has grand plans for Lemlunay and judging by the sublime beauty of the place, Lemlunay Dive Resort could easily become the most sought-after diving destination in the Philippines. They already have rooms and suites perfect for out-of-town divers or for those who simply want a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life and experience Sarangani at its finest.

While I opted not to dive because I’m not the outdoorsy type, I did enjoy that sunny afternoon I spent at Lemlunay Dive Resort. I had a very delectable lunch of steamed pompano, grilled chicken, and grilled gindara at Lemlunay Dive Resort’s clubhouse, which was hosted by Vice-Governor Steve Solon and her beauteous wife Michelle Lopez Solon. Michelle, like Paul, is a very engaging conversationalist so you can already appreciate the beauty of Sarangani by just listening to her talk about the place.

Grilled Chicken and Gindara

Avel and Blogie with Michelle Solon

Alas, it was time for us to leave Lemlunay and although I was a bit sorry that we had to leave such a beautiful place, I didn’t leave with a heavy heart. I made a solemn promise to myself to be back and perhaps be more outdoorsy during my next visit and embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Paul Partridge with Davao and GenSan Bloggers

My heartfelt thanks to the following: Avel Manansala for organizing that unforgettable weekend in Gensan and Sarangani, Vice-Governor Steve and Michelle Solon for the great company and for hosting our lunch at Lemlunay, Paul Partridge for sharing the beauty of Lemlunay with the rest of the world, and lastly, dive master Joel Sarenas for bringing Lyle and my blogger friends back from their enviable underwater adventure. Tee-hee!