Things to Do in the Island City of Samal
The Island City of Samal or locally known as Igacos is a 4th class city in the province of Davao Del Norte located just 15 minutes away from Davao City. The city's economy is dependent mainly on agricultural and livestock production that is primarily sold in Davao City. Samal Island was tag by many travel goers as exotic and unspoiled with the priceless scenic beauty of surroundings.
The beaches and other spots are indeed magnificent, attracting thousands of visitors every summer that contributes to the job opportunities of the locals. In fact, there are more than 37 registered resorts around the island and marked as the most visited tourist destination in the Davao Region.
Choices of Beach Resorts
- Isla Reta Beach Resort (Talicud Island) - Day tour from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for less than 1,000 budget with an inclusive meal package. Infant below 2 years old is free of charge. Enjoy the water activities like Jetski, Banana Boat Ride, Whitesand Beach, the Swimming Pool, and their Restaurant. For those who stay overnight, the room accommodations range from 4,000 up to 4, 800 pesos per day during weekdays and 4,300 to 5,300 pesos per night from Friday to Sunday and the time of holidays.
- Pearl Farm Beach Resort (Barangay Adecor, Kaputian) - this luxurious beach resort will take you away from your usual urban living and unwrapping the culture of Mindanao. It has an Aqua sports center and signature houses while two swimming pool has refreshing water. try their famous Spa, the Gaming room, and enjoy their best servings at Maranao restaurant. another spot is the Parola bar, Gazebo, Butik, and weaving center. A night stay costs from 10, 000 - 50, 000 pesos.
: @ninjarod
- Dayang Beach Resort (Talicud Island) - if you want peaceful, clean, and soothing water, then, this beach should be put on your bucket list. enjoy the turquoise clean beach water with a simple beachfront and a common type of accommodations. Considered as under development beach, there is a cellular phone signal but the internet connection is weak but there is a restaurant that could order meals from 140 pesos upward. A place to escape the hustle-bustle of the city.
- Kaputian Beach Park - If you wish to enjoy the priceless experience with a backpacking style of touring in Samal Island? then, head on to Kaputian Beach Park. this place is one of the most visited public beaches in Samal Island featuring the powdery mixed white-greyish sand and its clear turquoise water. The entrance fee is only 25 pesos per visitor.
- Secdea Beach Resort - one of the best resorts in Samal Island for a family at a reasonable price for the package of choices with enjoyable beachfront and infinity pools; less crowded on weekdays. Meals served a buffet except at night which offers the ala cart. Enjoy the night in the poolside while the band performance went alive.
- Cavanico Il Mare Resort - located in Barangay Camudmud in Babak district, this specialty lodging resort offers an affordable day tour package in just 250 pesos from 8:00AM to 11PM while the room accommodations range from 2, 200 to 11,600 pesos per night.
- Canibad Cove - is considered as the hidden paradise by the local people of Samal Island, beneath greenery forestations with a beautiful coastal beachline and incredible rock formation on the other side. If you have extreme activity and are very fascinated by conquering your fears, push yourself to be in and jump off to the highest cliff (40feet) of Sabang.
- Paradise Island Resort is one of several beaches in Samal Island which is easy to go to. Located in Barangay Caliclic, this resort features their mini zoo, fish sanctuary, classy room accommodations, excellent food served in the restaurant, live band in the evening, and; the 800-meter beachline
Kabasan Festival is celebrated in May each year in commemoration along with the founding anniversary of Babak. Awaited activities: fireworks display, street dancing, street parties, motocross events, and beauty pageant.
Hugyaw Madayaw Festival is a yearly celebration full of activities such as games, music fest, dance, and cultural presentation acted from the Sama culture and other organization's performance with the purpose of preserving the culture and tradition of the Sama tribe.
Igacos festival is three days of festivity celebration every March and the grandest amongst festivals on the Island. the highlight are; a fluvial parade of boats, Banca (boat) race, beach sports, mountains tours, trade fair, street dancing, sculpture competition, and; mascot competition
White Nights Festival is a cultural celebration and way of preserving the historical heritage held in the district of Kaputian.
Enchanting Hagimit Falls
Hamiguimit falls is naturally beautiful and unique among the waterfalls I visited in Mindanao. Small but amazing as to experience to dip in its Icy water which gave a more relaxing feeling and to refresh from the hustle-bustle driving experiences.
Monfort Bat Cave
Located in Barangay Tambo, Babak District, Monfort Bat Cave is the home of warm-blooded and dark night creatures with more than 1.8 million refugees can be found in four major caves in which both holes have different roles in their multiplication. This type of species will live for 40 years before they are buried in the final home.
Samal Island's Island
Have you been to an Island which truly vanishes? Well, there is one in the Samal Island; locals called it, the Vanishing Island. Not because of myths or legendary happenings but this Island disappears during high tide.
This is a perfect place for snorkeling, diving, island hopping, and other sea creatures encounter. The white sand only appears when low tide while the mangrove trees will serve as a lounge from the heat. best time to visit in the early morning.
HOW TO GET THERE
Book a flight from the airport near you bound for Davao City International Airport. At Davao City, hire a taxi to reach Sasa 11 ferry station, or; head to the Sasa Wharf, the gateway for those bringing their private vehicle.
You may also reach Samal Island from General Santos City (4 hours), Cagayan De Oro City, Surigao City, and Butuan City.
From General Santos City
Catch Up a Non-stop Bus at the Bulaong Terminal bound for Davao City; it is less than four (4) hours commuter drive, then, get off to Davao City Integrated Bus Terminal.
From Cagayan De Oro City
Catch a non-stop Bus at the Agora Integrated Bus Terminal bound for Davao City, travel time take 8 hours with a 30 minutes rest in Buda, Bukidnon. Then, Get off to Davao City Ecoland Terminal.
At Ecoland Terminal; hire a taxi to reach the Sasa 11 ferry station or Sasa Wharf.
From Surigao City and Butuan City
Catch up a Bus bound for Davao City at Surigao Bus Terminal/ Butuan Bus Terminal. It takes 8 hours to travel from Surigao City while 6 hours from Butuan passing the AH26 highway. At Davao City, Get off to Panacan (Depo Bus stop), an intersection going to Buhangin and Sasa. Then Hire a Taxi to reach the Sasa 11 ferry station or Sasa Wharf.
At the Sasa 11 ferry station / Sasa Wharf (Davao City)
Get a ferry ticket and wait for the boarding schedule. ferry boat departs every 15 minutes
