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Reviews of Rock Island Resort

3 out of 5
Rock Island Resort
Barangay Cambatong, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 41 reviews" "

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Emelita

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

2/10 Terrible

Erich C

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

4/10 Poor

Jorn

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Rich on 12 Apr 2023
Sorry we're renovating now....nice to meet you.

8/10 Good

Mary Ann

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My rate for this place is pleasing only because, it was brownout. No electricity in the Island. Management should take care of the Generator. This is a beautiful place, there is a plan for more beautification of the resort per the owner Mr. Smith,Rich that I meet with his Filipino wife. They are very kind couple and the staffs were amazing. We booked 1 night because is very near to Enchanted River. There are so many Hidden beautiful beach resorts near by that traveler should check it out. This is not a 5 star hotel & please don't expect to much, you are in the small island surrounded with water, and no credit card, everything here is cash, but the rate for the money to stay here is affordable and worth it if you want an adventure. lastly, we have a free breakfast. In the future I would love to go back.Thank you so much guys and nice to meet you all!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from Rich on 12 Apr 2023
See you soon, going solar by 2024! ;-)

8/10 Good

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay at Rock Island Resort. Short boat taxi ride to a little island paradise. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. Short distance boat taxi to the the Enchanted River. This resort was so relaxing and calm. Just what we needed. I would recommend to anyone needing a nice getaway and enjoy the beauty of the Philippines.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from Richard on 27 Oct 2022
Thank you David and family, so nice to meet you all. See you next time!!Richard and Jeyza

10/10 Excellent

jorge

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice 👍 location, very quiet, very nice restaurant
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Response from RT on 27 Sept 2022
Thanks for the thumbs up and hope you keep exploring the world!

6/10 Okay

DR. GERALD A., Tarlac City

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Staff & service
The property is an island so access is thru a banca that charge Php 200 per way. You park your car at the Barangay where a tanod will look after it (for a fee). The room is small, bed and mattress are uncomfortable, bathroom is small, has no hot shower, not even a place to hang your clothes, but with free basic toiletries. Aircon however is adequate, but electricity is unreliable. Free breakfast is OK with danggit (makunat), hotdog, egg, rice, coffee or Milo. Lunch or dinner however is quite pricey and not much choice of food. There are small floating outdoor cottages but the beach is uninviting and is full of sea weeds. The resort is near the Enchanted River and Sibadan Fish Cage for close encounter with Brenda the Manta ray. The American owner (a one-time basketball player) is unsociable. There were only a few guests, maybe because tourism is still opening up.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022
Response from Richard on 15 Jun 2022
Thanks for the feedback, and correct, we do not have any illegal marine life in cages. See the DENR Codes.

8/10 Good

Rodolfo Go

Travelled with group
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
Response from Richard on 23 May 2022
Thank you Rodolfo...Happy you had a great vaca!

4/10 Poor

Aiza

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
Nice place to stay, but disappointed some of the staff in restaurant not really must be friendly to the guest....
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

ludy rose

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This Resort is super clean and the staff is friendly. But go for the peace and ocean views, sunrise, snorkling...so cool!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Liked the fish. Some of the food was good. The staff was terrible. Treated us poorly until the owner showed up and they were a little nicer. Staff charged us substantially more for meals then the owner. Same meal different price. Probably putting the extra in their pockets. Also staff was going to charge more for the boat rides and life jackets then what the actual charge was. The staff was not good. I had my fiancé and some her family go here for a few days for some relaxation. They weren’t expecting a lavishly fancy place. But it would have been nice for them to be treated good by a friendly staff. Probably won’t ever go here again. Going to try Britannia next time we visit Mindanao. I haven’t been to this area of the Philippines yet. But if my Filipino family wasn’t impressed I’m sure I wouldn’t be either.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Di, Quezon City, Philippines

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It is an excellent place to relax and temporarily free yourself from stress. Highly recommended!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020
Response from RT on 3 Dec 2020
Yes, we are so happy to meet you both....stress free, covid free....lol :-)

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property’s location is beautiful and unique, built on a small island just a short boat ride away from the famous Enchanted River. It’s almost like staying on a ship or yacht, with a restaurant and long pier built over the coral reef extending from the island. Great value for your money. Rooms are simple and small. The bathroom has no toilet flush, and water needs to be poured into the toilet from a side bucket (Filipino style, that many international tourists find difficult to get used to). Anyhow, the purpose of this location is to spend time outside of the room.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from Richard on 23 Jan 2020
Thanks so much, and so happy you enjoyed your visit! Yeah, being from California....we never used buckets of water in the bathrooms (CR), but, it is great to SAVE water while taking a Bucket Shower also! Our Rain and Ground Water is very precious! ;-) Happy Travels!

6/10 Okay

Marc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Bathroom without warm water and small toilet without reservoir !!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Richard on 5 Sept 2019
Hello Marc, yes, we only have rainwater reclamation on our Island, and no water heater due to low flow pressure...we do have larger toilets in other rooms for guys like us....:-) Hope you had a nice vacation...See ya, Richard

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed here in March with my fiance and again last week. It is a very beautiful hidden gem in the Orient and a bargain. The fried garlic peanuts are wonderful as are the staff. She had fish and I had curry chicken, amazing food
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Richard on 31 Aug 2019
Fun having you here! See you again.....

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great staff .. we had problems initially with our confirmed hotels.com reservation due to delayed communications from hotels.com to the resort that almost left us without a room, but the resort accommodated us graciously. Great small island rustic resort as long as one does not expect more than basic lodging facilities and amenities. Make sure to contact resort directly before you arrive to ensure your reservation and further instructions for getting there.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Yumi on 22 Jul 2019
We appreciate the thoughtful feedback! We will surely pass this along to our team. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave this excellent review. We look forward to having you with us again.

8/10 Good

Kirsten Joy

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Enjoyed Rock Island
We did enjoy our stay. Food is ok and affordable. We enjoyed their service especially in assisting us for the island hopping tour. They are very accomodating especially when we request for glass and coke. Need improvement in the CR.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Response from Richard on 23 Jun 2019
Thank you Mam....we are improving each week! See ya! :-)

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Family Bonding @ ROCK Island Resort
Nice place, foods are good, well-accommodated staffs, air is fresh and very solemn place except communication signal is weak, no WIFI and no TV in the room.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Response from Yumi on 30 May 2019
Thank you very much for taking a moment to share your experience here. Our apologies for the weak signal as this is beyond our control but we have contacted our service provider regarding this matter. We have no televisions in our rooms, this is to encourage our guests to go out, enjoy the scenery and have fun during their vacation. We appreciate your feedback and we can not wait for your return! :)

10/10 Excellent

Jocimaconro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Peace and quite
The best getaway place for the family
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019
Response from Richard on 26 Apr 2019
Thank you...so nice to meet your entire Group! See you in the future....Aloha!

10/10 Excellent

DBCooper, Seattle

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Food good and not pricey but misleading. A sign for Shakes CLEARLY says 60 PHP but inside the restaurant ANOTHER sign says 70 PHP. Very nice manager, the ladyboy servers were so-so in the restaurant, actually rude to my lady. They said breakfast was at 6:30 and not 6 am. So she went to the buffet intended for the Muslim conference and got us a plate. One morning we were not served coffee and eggs, they said they did not have any. Yeah sure The next day coffee and eggs were included. This place despite restaurant issues was indeed amazing. It takes a boat to get there from the enchanted river. 150 PHP about $3 USD Island Hopping for 2 was 500 PHP. I swam with a shark and Stingray for only 20 PHP (about 20 USA Cents!) I cannot wait for the Zipline to come through. I will be back because this place is magical, well kept and very beautiful!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Richard on 31 Mar 2019
We apologize for the Breakfast mishap! Sometimes Island living is a little challenging....but come on back for your FREE Brewed Coffee and Choco Cake! ;-)

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
The place was overrated
The place was overrated, there are other hostels in Hinatuan town proper that can give comfort and ease with a much lower price. The staff were not so accomodating and approachable (except for the personnels in their restaurant) I would not recommend this place especially if you’re only staying overnight and has plans visiting Enchanted River and other tourist spots for the whole day. P.S. this resort is a boat ride away from Enchanted River, one way ride cost P150 good for 5pax. So imagine the additional costs if you’re travelling alone or has only 2-3pax in your group.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from Richard on 17 Feb 2019
We hope generally that you enjoyed your vacation. Most of the pumpboat operators were fishermen a few years ago, but not they support their families with tourism, which has helped build the local economy. Most of our visitors place a very high amount on our environment and beautiful views....hope you enjoyed.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great experience, only issue was rhat they had wifi but so slow it could never be used.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Response from Richard on 26 Jan 2019
We got our new upgraded Wifi now! But a Wifi is only as good as the Satellite Signal from Hinatuan....

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Okay budget place - good location
Pros Super close to enchanted river - 5 mins via boat On an island so great views and very peaceful and beautiful surroundings Most of the staff and owner seemed friendly Can organise island hopping tour for 500ph which is cheap Cons The rooms are very basic - uncomfy bed, horrible toilet with no flush, had ants in the room, no hot water. Need to pay for boat to hotel (150/200 each way) - not a big deal really I arrived at night and it was a bit confusing - after I checked in there was no staff and I was really thirsty and couldn’t find anywhere to buy water - maybe they could leave an a4 paper in the room explaining all the details for the resort WiFi said connected but didn’t work for me - and then there was a power cut. Ofc power outage isn’t their fault but it’s not ideal On the island hopping tour I did the two young men who took me out didn’t smile or say a single word to me - which made it a bit unpleasant and awkward as I was the only guy in the tour. Even if you don’t speak much English you can smile and be friendly through body language So overall I’d say the location is good and if your looking for a very basic place to crash and be in nature and see the natural sights then it’s good but just don’t expect luxury
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
Response from Richard on 8 Jan 2019
Thank you for your feedback....we will improve our late arrival info.....Beds have double or triple foam now......I will double check.....private local boaters.....yeah, hard to manage independent people....but we will discuss Wifi on an island is difficult...but some data plans work. We are looking for options.....but no Fiber Cable coming our way.....lol

2/10 Terrible

Rosie

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Rock island and enchanted river is a disaster
The food was raw pork uncook nothing o pick from my husband doesn’t eat sea food. We left after two days. No balcony no tv no no running hot Water. The drain. Can smell sewer no WiFi enchanted river wasn’t impressive. The place is run down shack. They have long way to go to rebuild the resort no the sand bar wasn’t clean no room to swim. Weeds all around No activities. No private driver We want a full refund. We was trapped at the island lucky we found a driver who dropped us off the island he came and drove is six hours to suraiago city. Four hours from airport. 11,000 pax wAsted on transportation and time wasted at resort. It looks good on picture. When get there different. Story. When that island is rebuild it will be nice. Not worth four hours drive to see rock island and enchanted river. For Seeing fish s it has sting rays. Not really pleasant. Experience. When I make requests they laughing at us because we are deaf travelers. And I m am a Filipino. Not good adventurous time there
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Response from Richard on 4 Jan 2019
We are sorry for you experience at the River.....our menu items are cooked to order...Our natural beauty will always be a NO TV zone, except in our Restaurant. Data plans and FB work pretty well here, but internet connection is based on Hinatuan tower, 30 minutes away....We anticipate our Water Park and Water Sports jet skis in 2019. Thank you

8/10 Good

Ailyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay
We enjoyed the island hopping..
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Response from RT on 15 Nov 2018
Thank you...see you and your friends soon!

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was great. The staffs are awsome they alwayz greet you with a smile.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
Response from Richard on 18 Oct 2018
Thank you Michelle.....;-)

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a wonderful time here and never did I miss the Internet. Food was awsome and fresh. Owners and staff were welcoming and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018
Response from Richard on 27 Sept 2018
Great you could unplug and unwind and relax! See you again!

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Poor facilities - no internet access at all.
Originally scheduled for 2 nights, but when I stayed for the first night, at 7:30 on the second day, I fled. I would rather waste a night.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Common Sense on 19 Sept 2018
As we tell all of our guests, the internet is dependent on the Satellite in Hinatuan, 20 minute drive away. If that service happens to be good, our wifi and FB, Smart Data plans work. An island is for a vacation and relaxation. But, it is your choice to give us a 1, when others give us 3,4, and 5's.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Reception staff is very helpful and nice ❤️ The place just need some updating but if u are not looking for anything fancy the place is good enough to relax and enjoy the view
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Response from Jeyza on 5 Sept 2018
Thank you Po

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Family Outing
amazing experience
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018
Response from Jeyza on 7 Aug 2018
Thank you Mark....tell everyone!

8/10 Good

KatzC, Iligan City, Philippines

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean and Simple The hotel although literally in a rock in the middle of the sea has clean water available and has comfortable beds (double deck). No hot shower. Their staff is also accommodating. Phone signal varies - sometimes you get 1-2 bars, other times none. Don't expect data connection. They don't have wifi too. Food is okay taste-wise and price-wise.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2018
Response from Jeyza on 1 Aug 2018
Thank you! Yeah, wifi comes and goes.....and goes....on islands in the PH......maybe it will get better in the future....

8/10 Good

Joy, New Jersey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice island resort with a lot of potential
Concept of waking up and seeing sunrise in middle of water is awesome! This small island has its own sewer system which is commendable, environment friendly. Main opportunity is water source which owner is working on. Owner is very nice couple. Staff are also nice & helpful. Overall, stay was relaxing, just some discomfort in room condition bec there’s only a schedule for water.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018

6/10 Okay

Don, Guam

Don't expect to much
The hotel was ok, the room was fine,the only problem was the lack of WiFi trying to communicate outside is hard I don't blame them..just wish the WiFi was able in rooms and wish they stay up longer the restrauant for late dinner.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018
Response from Jeyza on 17 May 2018
Thank you Don for the suggestions...we are at the mercy of the 1990's internet in the Philippines. ;-( I will talk to the staff about keeping the restaurant open an extra hour until 10 pm... but breakfast starts about 5 am for early travelers......hope you loved our Seafoods!

8/10 Good

Maribel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
If you're looking a buget hotel and peaceful place.its your place to be.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from Jeyza on 12 Mar 2023
Thanks much! See you in the future....

8/10 Good

Masashi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
エンチャンテッドリバーからボートですぐ。
エンチャンテッドリバーからボートですぐ。綺麗な海、ゆったり静かに流れる澄んだ空気、満天の星空、現代人が喪ったものがそこには在るので、雨水利用のシャワーの水量や温度は問題では無いが問題に感じる人は来るべきではない。
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Response from Richard on 26 Jan 2020
Thank you! Happy travels....

10/10 Excellent

Rheza

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
die Lage ist super toll,aber das Zimmer Ausstattung konnte noch verbessern,sonst alles wunderbar
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from Richard on 4 Jan 2020
Thank you! Always improving the rooms.....:-)

6/10 Okay

Takehito

Disliked: Room comfort
約束や時間を気にしない人向け
孤島で移動手段はボートのみ。前日に翌日の移動やアクティビティ、時間等、何を約束しても忘れられるので注意が必要。英語も理解した顔をしている様子で、全く理解していませんので大切な約束はエビデンスを取得しない限り信用できません。
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Richard on 16 Aug 2019
We hope you enjoyed our Island Paradise! Happy Travels.....Mabuhay!

10/10 Excellent

T

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
アメニティがあったら良かったです。
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Response from Richard on 19 Apr 2019
Thank you! See you again soon....

4/10 Poor

ANDRUSHCHENKO

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Очень очень грязно! Мне кажется не убирают номера никогда!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
Response from Richard on 4 Jan 2019
All rooms are cleaned after check out...but we will double check staff Thank you

6/10 Okay

YANGYI

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2018
Response from Jeyza on 1 Aug 2018
Thank you