I have literally toured and roamed around the whole of Samal Samal – both by sea and by land. Its proximity to Davao City where I live makes it a perfect destination I could run away from the hustle and bustle of city life. When I need to a quite place to loosen up from the fast paced corporate life, Samal Island always comes to mind. When I had the itch for one great island fun, Samal Island’s never fails to amuse me.
Here I listed top 10 destinations in the whole Island Garden City of Samal that made up the reasons why the island is the most preferred destination among many Dabawenyos like me. These are places that also top on my list whenever I think of Samal Island. The next time you plan of visiting Samal Island again, check out this places and make it part of your next visit.
10 DESTINATIONS, 1 ISLAND CITY
MONFORT BAT CAVE
Monfort Bat Cave is home to approximately 1.8 million Geoffrey’s Rousette Fruit Bats and is the Guinness World Record holder of the largest colony of fruit bats in the world! Also known as the Monfort Bat Cave and Conservation Foundation Park, the 24-hectare property is owned by the Monfort Family and is located in Barangay Tambo, Babak District of the Island Garden City of Samal.
THE VANISHING ISLAND
Samal Island’s best kept Island Treasure is the Vanishing Island. The name itself arouses curiosity. But yes, the island actually vanishes during high tide. Best for snorkel, diving, swimming or just plain beach combing. Vanishing Island cab be easily accessed from Barangay Tambo, Babak District of the Island Garden City of Samal.
MOUNT PUTING BATO
At 1,345 feet above the sea level, Mount Puting Bato is Samal Island’s highest point. It has become one of the favorite climbing expeditions of many adventure seekers in Davao Region. It is best for a day trek and pre-climb expedition. Mt. Puting Bato is located in Sitio Tayapoc, Brgy. Guilon, Samal District.
KAPUTIAN BEACH PARK
Located at the Kaputian District, Kaputian Beach Park is probably the most popular public beach in Samal Island. Blessed with pure white sand beaches and serene bluish waters, Kaputian Beach Park is definitely a must visit place while in the Island. Staying overnight there is incredibly cheap!
HAGIMIT FALLS
Hagimit Falls is the most famous waterfalls frequented by most visiting tourists in Samal Island. Endowed with natural swimming pools and different rock formations, Hagimit Falls is perfect for relaxation and adventure.
TALICUD ISLAND
Located at the southeastern tip of Samal and about 45 minutes boat ride from mainland Davao, Talicud Island is home to pristine white sand beaches, excellent diving sites, beautiful palm-lined beachfronts, pristine beaches, vast coral gardens and untouched coves of the Davao Gulf. One of my favorite beaches here is Babu Santa Beach – very laidback, serene and clean. When I have the itch for the beach, this is the place that always comes to mind.
THE CORAL GARDEN
Another jewel of IGACOS is the vast CORAL GARDEN located west coast of Talicud Island. The marine protected Coral Garden is 4 kilometer sanctuary of different corals and coral formations perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. It is famous for its sandy sea floor and base slopes. Rich marine life abounds the sanctuary and strict conservation is being observed. It is a favorite site for snorkeling enthusiasts and newbie divers because of its clear, shallow waters.
BEST RESORTS IN SAMAL
Island Garden City of Samal is home to numerous wonderful and extraordinary beach resorts to choose from. Different beach resorts and even inland resorts are now sprouting in the two major islands of IGACOS – Samal and Talicud. These resorts made Samal Island one of the best visited island in Mindanao and now the fastest growing tourist destination in the Philippines.
PEARL FARM BEACH RESORT
Nestled in the idyllic islands of Samal & Malipano, the world renowned Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a former cultivation farm for luxurious south sea pearls. Now, it carries on its essence of prime luxury as a premier destination in the country and as a perfect refuge for those in search of blissful retreat.
ISLAND HOPPING AROUND SAMAL ISLAND
Island Hopping around Samal is preferably one of the best things to do to appreciate everything Samal Island has to offer as it takes you to the scenic islands, beautiful beaches and lush marine life of the island. This is personally one of my favorites as I got to hop from one beach to another, got to snorkel from dive site to dive sites and or simply bask in the different sands of Samal Island. Whenever I have guests coming to Davao, I always recommend island hopping around Samal.
These are just 10 reasons why I love Samal Island. There are many more to discover and yet to experience in this Garden Island. And sure one day, I’ll be editing this article again adding more reasons why I always come back to the Island garden City of Samal, the jewel of the Davao Gulf.
