The place is ridiculously gorgeous. ASEMCO Hilltop Resort is literally what it says- a paradise on top of a hill (or mountain). Peaceful, calm, overlooking, soothing, and relaxing. 

If you fall in love with the images you’ve seen on social media, wait till you get a whiff of the fresh mountain air, the gentle warmth of the sun, and the panoramic vista unfold before you.

Spoiler alert: Fancy delicious desserts? You can find here the best halo-halo in Biliran Island while enjoying the burning sunset.

Where is Asemco Hilltop Resort?

Positioned 300 meters above local mean sea level (LMSL), Asemco Hilltop Resort is located in Brgy. Sampao, Almeria, Biliran. 

Sampao is one of the highest barangays in Almeria in terms of elevation and is a perfect place for unforgettable retreats. It was even part of the La Routa Adventure Race held last November 2023.

This elevated vantage point not only provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding islands and sea but also ensures a refreshing climate. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking both tranquility and a cool mountain breeze.

If you are in for a vacation hopping, a day in Sampao is not enough. Asemco Hilltop Resort is also close to neighboring attractions like Erika’s Garden which is on the other side of the fence, Ulan-Ulan Falls, Owings Mountain Resort, and Pondol Falls.

How to get there

There are two main roads that lead to Asemco Hilltop Resort, and depending on where you’re coming from, you should be able to get there very easily.

These two roads are via Brgy. Tamarindo if you’re coming from the north like Almeria and Brgy. Talustusan if from the south, like Calumpang.

Oh, and if you’re coming outside of the province, here’s a link to a guide on how to get to Biliran Island by following these key routes.

After that, check out the best route going to Asemco Hilltop Resort using these methods.

From Almeria

There’s no direct road leading to Asemco Hilltop Resort from Almeria proper or nearby places due to the terrain. Your best route is to head to Brgy. Jamorawn and find the road leading to Brgy. Tamarindo and eventually to Sampao.

Your GPS should take you there very easily.

From the main highway in Brgy. Jamorawn to Brgy. Tamarindo is about 2.1 kilometers. Tamarindo to Asemco Hilltop Resort is about 2.6km.

From Naval

I’ll be flat-out straight on this one. From Naval, the best route for you to take is via Tamarindo using the diversion road in Brgy. Sabang. 

Naval to Asemco Hilltop Resort using these roads should only be around 9 km.

This may look counterintuitive since Talustusan and Sampao are just a stone’s throw away, but this isn’t the case if coming from Naval.

Naval to Asemco Hilltop Resort via Larrazabal and Talustusan is longer since it’s 10.5 km to 11 km away.

In a nutshell, here are the distances going to Asemco Hilltop Resort from different starting points:

• Agpangi (via Tamarindo): 5.56 km
• Agpangi (via Talustusan): 7.9km
• Naval (via Larrazabal and Talustusan): 10.5 to 11 km
• Naval (via Tamarindo): 9 km
• Calumpang (Via Larazzabal and Talustusan): 8.94 km
• Jamorawn (via Tamarindo): 4.7 km
• Almeria (via Jamorawn and Tamarindo): 7.5 km

After exiting the national highway going to these routes, the roads will be steep since you’ll be climbing 300 meters above local mean sea level.

You’ll be navigating on concrete roads so make sure your vehicle is ready for the slopes.

Best time to visit

Asemco Hilltop Resort is open every day from 9 am to 10 pm, and their cut-off order is until 9 pm. That being said, any day between those hours is a good time to visit.

But if you’re chasing sunsets, then March and April should burn the sky with gold at sundown.

Summer, with its warm weather, introduces an added delight—indulging in the refreshing taste of the resort’s iconic halo-halo.

While occasional scattered rain may grace the island, this phenomenon transforms the panoramic views into a captivating spectacle. Witness how clouds shower some parts while others bask in the sunny glow, offering a unique and dynamic perspective of the island’s beauty.

Venturing into December and January presents another enchanting facet of Asemco Hilltop Resort. If you relish cool weather, a mystical fog may delicately blanket the resort, creating an ambiance that is nothing short of magical.

Amenities in Asemco Hilltop Resort

The resort is not just a place of attraction though that’s a part of the highlight. You also have many things you can do and discover here, whether alone, in pairs, or in a group.

Here are the amenities that create a diverse and enjoyable experience for you.

Accommodations:

• Cozy stay with discounts.
• Beautiful scenery of the province and greenery landscape.
• Two Family Rooms – good for 5 persons with three beds and free breakfast for Php2,500.00
• One Barkadahan Room which could accommodate 13 persons at 500 per head.

Canteen with Overlooking Views:

• Shaped like a ship.
• Provides meals with panoramic views of the distant seas, islands, and shores.
• You can charge your gadgets here.

Function Hall:

• Huge hall with multimedia.
• Ideal for various events such as summits, retreats, reunions, meetings, and work immersions.
• The 2023 Regional Coop Summit was held here.

Nature Park:

• Clean, green, and wide park.
• Carefully decorated walkways with plants and ornamental flowers.
• Features fountains, seesaws, swings, and a well-trimmed grass area.
• Children’s playground.
• Swimming pools.

Special Culinary Offerings:

• Diverse culinary delights such as pancit bam-e, pancit bilao, fresh lumpia, and food packages.
• BBQ grill station uniquely mounted in the field.
• Legendary Dragon Fruit Shake.
• A whole menu of food and drinks

I mentioned that their halo-halo is the best in the province because it really is. I can’t even taste traces of ice in their rich servings.

Green Energy Initiative:

• Operates on green energy.
• Some roofs are equipped with huge solar panels providing 12kW of uninterrupted power supply.

Event Hosting and Celebrations:

• Versatile venue for events like weddings, prenup photo shoots, and various celebrations.
• Huge function hall for different occasions.
• Special surprises during celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc.

Breathtaking Views:

• Positioned 300 meters above mean sea level (AMSL).
• Offers stunning panoramic views of the sea, islands, and the town of Naval.
• Ideal for nature and sunset enthusiasts.

Expected prices

Here are the entrance fees you can expect when arriving here.

• P20.00 – 11 years old and above.
• P10.00 – 3 years old to 10 years old.
• FREE – 2 years old and below

Unless you will be staying here for the night, refer to the accommodation rates I posted above.

Other than that, their canteen offers a variety of foods and drinks.

Depending on your order, their ala carte menu costs around P150 to P540.00. Combo meals start at P140.00, and snacks are around P60.00. 

The best halo-halo? Only at P60.00!

Drinks, on the other hand, range from P18.00 to P130.00 (Beer Grande).

Please note that prices may change without notice so better check out their Facebook Page.

Pack your wanderlust, grab your camera, and book your escape to ASEMCO Hilltop Resort. Biliran Island’s hidden wonders and soul-stirring panoramas are just a heartbeat away.