Want to get away from the demanding life of the metropolitan and immerse yourself in a relaxing and charming atmosphere just near the outer reaches of Davao City? Then now is the perfect moment to visit and explore Island Garden City of Samal.

Isla Reta Beach in Talicud Island

If you long to have a comforting overnight stay by the beach, Isla Reta should be on top of your list in visiting Samal Island. During daytime you can take pleasure in Isla Reta’s clear waters and white sand beach, enjoy snorkelling in its remarkable underwater sanctuary. Nonetheless you can complete your stay in Isla Reta more if you book an overnight stay with you loved ones and have quality time with them in a beautiful beach setting.

How to get there:

From the heart of Davao City, head to Sta. Ana wharf situated just alongside Magsaysay Park. From the entry point of Sta. Ana, inquire on where to pay for your ticket for the Talicud-bound boat. More often than not payment is positioned close to the office of the coastguard. Fare is Php 80.00 per adult person. Travel time is around 1 hour- 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Babu Santa / Dayang Beach In Talicud

Recognized as one of the tropical havens in Samal Island are Babu Santa and Dayang Beach in Talicud Island. The resorts are exceedingly ideal for people who would simply want to experience nature’s beauty at its finest. Babu Santa and Dayang Beach have safeguarded the splendour of its environment by not commercializing the resort; just plain pristine waters and picturesque landscapes conducive for enjoyment.

How to get there:

Ride any of the five boats from Sta. Ana Warf, Davao City ( Jessa Boat, Shirly Boat, hof Gorei Boat and Pacific Boat) from 10am- 3pm. However, if you are in for a more exciting trip, you may ride the barge from Sasa Wharf to Samal Port, then ride a single motorcycle or hire a multicab that will take you to Penaplata Warehouse to Kaputian, then ride a boat to Talicud. From the town proper of Talicud you can take a few minutes motorcycle ride to Babu Santa.

Secdea Beach Resort

Secdea Beach Resort at present is probably dubbed as one of the fastest-rising, crowd-drawing resorts in Samal. Secdea boasts of its charming beach ambience, high- class cottages and posh-designed furniture. Not to mention it offers a modern infinity pool with an awe-inspiring overlooking view of the ocean and a striking restaurant which serves sumptuous culinary. Undeniably, Secdea is one of the promising vacation destinations to look forward experiencing in Samal Island.

How to get there:
From Babak, the trip may take 30-45 minutes since the roads are not yet totally concrete. Head to Baranggay San Isidro and just be guided by the signages on the road.
For more details, Secdea can be contacted through: Tel No.  (082) 305-2774 or (082) 305-4028

Pearl Farm Beach Resort

 Likened to the gem from which it is named after, Pearl Farm Beach Resort is considered as a well-loved vacation destination where tourists can truly celebrate the wonders of nature and delight in life’s gifts. Pearl Farm is nestled in a private cove on Samal just off the shores of Davao City. The area was once pearl farm which cultivates different kinds of pearls from Sulu Sea. At present, Pear Farm is renowned for its soothing, classy and well-to-do vacation spot that can cater to your meticulous taste.

How to get there:

Dotted on the tranquil region of Samal, Pearl Farm Beach Resort can be reached thru a 45-minute boat ride from Davao Marina Wharf. Trips to Pearl Farm are scheduled at 8am, 1:30pm, 4pm and 6pm while trips from Pearl Farm to Davao Marina are scheduled from 6:45am, 10am, 1pm and 4pm. Special Boat Transfers can also be arranged exclusively for your own time preference at Php 6,500 for day trip and Phip 7,000 for night trip.

Davao Marina is situated at Km. 7 Davao Boat and Leisure Club Compound # 12 Lizada Drive, Davao City.

Canibad Beach Samal

Canibad Beach Resort in Baranggay Aundanao Samal is perhaps one of the most undeveloped yet most naturally-beautiful resorts to visit in Samal. For the longest time, Canibad has been adored for its laid-back and secluded atmosphere. There are no classy restaurants constructed nor are there first-class room accommodations situated in the area. So if you want to spend a night at Canibad then you have to bring your own tent and your own food.

How to get there:

If you want more convenience then it is highly recommended for you to bring your personal vehicle from Davao City and just take it to Sasa 11 barge. There are two options to get to Canibad it’s either you take the babak baranggay highway to Aundanao or Penaplata. But Penaplata is the best route to choose. Travel time may take around 2 hours from the city proper.

On the other hand if you can’t bring your own vehicle, you may still ridge the barge then rent a multicab or a single motorcycle to take you to Canibad Beach.

Maxima Aqua fun

Longing for an extreme and exciting outdoor adventure by the beach? Then Maxima Aqua Fun is the ideal destination to visit and explore. Maxima features several water sports activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and fishing that will truly give you a of adrenaline rush. Apart from that, Maxima is also well-known for its challenging canopy walk and gigantic slide which leads you straight to the deep waters.

How to get there:
You may take a bus from Sasa Wharf to Penaplanata then take a motorcycle ride from Penaplata Public Market to Maxima Aquafun or you may also opt for a different route via Sta. Ana Wharf which can take you directly to Maxima Aquafun Resort.

 Paradise Island

Paradise Island can truthfully boast of its humble phases of development from being just an ordinary picnic spot way back in 1970’s to an island escape spot for individuals from all walks of life, who wish to insert fun and relaxation in their very busy schedules at a place that is very accessible. Paradise’ white sand beach and its environment are well-maintained the entire day, offering only a clean and relaxing setting for its tourists and visitors.

How to get there:

From the Paradise Island Jump off point in Sasa, Paradise Island is just a 5-10 minutes ferry boat ride from the city, Paradise can be reached easily thru a ferry boat ride. For those who wish to bring their cars with them you need not to worry since Paradise has a huge parking area that can accommodate a huge number of guests.

The first regular boat trip leaves the port at 5:00 am and last trip is at 5:00 pm. Special trips may be arranged with the Management but with a different price quotation.

Vanishing Island

Vanishing Island is a little narrow piece of white sand lying just near the coasts of Tambo, Babak in Samal. The island can be only viewed during low tide and can be visible from afar due to some houses afloat on the surface of the sea. The floating cottages are created for tourists who would opt to spend a longer time in the island. With Vanishing Island’s clear waters and scenic sub aqua view of the coral sanctuaries, the island is deemed as one of the finest diving and snorkelling spots in Davao Region.

How to get there:

You may take a boat ride from Baranggay Tambo of Babak which is reachable thru a 15 minute trip from Km 11, Sasa Warf. From Babak, you may take a single motorcycle to lead you to Marex Resort. Round trip transfers to Vanishing Island for a huge group costs around Php 500 while for smaller crowds, a smaller boat can be also hired at around Php 250.

Monfort Bat Cave

Planning to add more spice in your Samal travel itinerary? Then Monfort Bat Cave should be included in your getaway plans. Monfort Cave has been recognized by Guinness World Book of Records for achieving the largest colony of Geoffrey’s Roussette Fruit Bats in the globe. An approximation of 2 million bats was hanging in the cave which can offer visitors mixed emotions the moment they enter the cave. In addition to that there is also a camping area to be found just across the park with a stunning view of the sea.

How to get there:

The bat shelter can be reached thru a short habal-habal ride from the port of Babak.

Hagimit Falls

If you do not want to include visiting the beach in your vacation getaway then Hagimit Falls may suit your taste. Hagimit Falls takes pride of its small cascading water curtains with natural puddles of water forming at its basin. Moreover, Hagimit is also a perfect site to camp since campsites are provided within the area.

How to get there:

From the downtown area of Davao City, ride a bus that heads to Samal Island with a Peñaplata route. Don’t forget to inform the driver or conductor to drop you at the closest jump off point to Hagimit Falls then hire a single motorcycle to drive you to the entrance hall.

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