The Islander’s Guide to Samal Island – the Largest Resort Island in the Philippines!

At the center of Davao Gulf lies the largest resort island in the Philippines – Samar Island. It is also famously called as the Island Garden City of Samal – this tourist location is peppered with white glistening shores and verdant tropical forests. It is the perfect escape for anyone that wants to take a break from the stressful city life.

Aside from having more than 30 resorts, it is also a prime location for snorkeling and diving. Beach and water lovers will be ecstatic with a vacation in Samal Island! If you’re worried about typhoons coming on your trip, rest assured because it is one of the safest parts of Davao that is not frequented by typhoons!

This charming haven is a perfect mix of nature and modern in one – teeming with wildlife and natural wonders while also having the right facilities to accommodate tourists! Have your bikinis ready and your sunscreen on because this island is the perfect getaway for you!

How to get to Samal Island?

Easiest way to get to Samal Island

Don’t bother with the hassle of public commute, and avail yourself with driver service from us! With this, you can relax on our back seat while we deal with sending you on your island getaway!

Wherever in Davao you may come from, you will be picked up and sent to Samal! With this rental, you can save a lot of time and also money.

It does not matter if you need a small vehicle or a big van – with our distinguished collection of rental units, your travel needs will be accounted for and accommodated!

Book with us now through our Booking Page.

Get in touch with us for all of your car rental and transportation needs:
[Globe]: 0965 129 6777; 0955 872 3883
[Smart]: 0907 931 8778; 0907 931 8774
Email: info@rentacardavao.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davaorentacarph

From Davao City to Samal Island

1. From Davao City Airport, ride a jeepney heading to Downtown.
2. From there, take a jeepney and head to either Sta. Ana Wharf or Sasa Wharf.
2. From either port, ride the ferry heading to Samal Island.

Things to do at Samal Island

1. ISLAND HOPPING
– To visit the smaller islands surrounding Samal is a must when visiting this island. Popular spots are Coral Garden, Isla Reta, and Starfish Island.

2. VISIT HAGIMIT FALLS
– This is a group of waterfalls that rests in the forests of Samal.

3. SCUBA DIVING
– Don’t miss the chance to explore the many scuba diving spots in Samal Island.

4. HIKE AT MOUNT PUTING BATO
– Take a breather from all the water and go for this panoramic and easy hike.

5. EXPLORE THE ISLAND IN A MOTORCYCLE
– It is heavily recommended that you fully explore the island with a motorcycle so rent one!

6. GO SPELUNKING
– Trigger your inner Indiana Jones alive by exploring the cave systems found in Samal!

7. JET-SKIING
– Some resorts offer this service so make sure your resort has one!

8. BANANA BOAT
– Don’t pass up on the group fun by riding a banana boat to pump the adrenaline.

9. KAYAKING
– On a calm island such as Samal, it is best to enjoy the waters with a relaxing kayak ride.

10. VISIT MAXIMA AQUAFUN
– Don’t pass up on the 40 meter slide at Maxima Aquafun Resort, they have water blob, canopy walk, overnight camping, and banana slide.

11. CATCH THE VANISHING ISLAND
– Wait until the sea level is low so that you can walk over the fine sands of this location.

12. CLIFF DIVING
– Overcome your fear of heights by going to Sabang Cliff in Kaputian.

Rates and Fees

Environmental Fee: ₱ 40 per pax

Boat Entry for Island Hopping:
20 pax and lower – ₱ 500
21-30 pax – ₱ 1000
31-50 pax – ₱ 1500
51-100 pax – ₱ 2000

Scuba Diving Fee – ₱ 500 per pax

Snorkeling Fee – ₱ 500 per pax

ACCOMMODATION:
Casas Con Vista – room starts at ₱ 10000
Club Samal – room starts at ₱ 7500
Hof Gorei – room starts at ₱ 3500
Holiday Ocean View Resort – room starts at 2500
Bali-Bali Beach Resort – room starts at ₱ 7000
Villa Amparo – room starts at ₱ 3500
Chemas by the Sea – room starts at ₱ 7500
Secdea Beach Resort – room starts at ₱ 7000
Paradise Island – room starts at ₱ 5000
Leticia by the Sea – room starts at ₱ 12000
Costa Azalea – room starts at ₱ 7500
Cavanico il Mare – room starts at ₱ 2500
Pearl Farm Beach Resort – ₱ 9500

Interesting Facts

– You can check the entire category of resorts in Samal Island at this website: https://www.samalguide.com/
– In the whole month of May, Samal Island celebrates the Summer Saya sa Isla festival.

How to Contact

You can contact the Casas Con Vista through these:
Mobile: 0966 880 2063
Address: Brgy. Pangubatan, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Club Samal through these:
Mobile: 0917 622 4967
Address: Caliclic, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Hof Gorei through these:
Mobile: 0917 711 3868
Address: P-7 Tambang Adecor, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Holiday Ocean View Resort through these:
Mobile: 0933 618 2176
Address: Sitio Ilihan, Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Bali-Bali Beach Resort through these:
Mobile: 0917 700 9529
Address: Brgy. Catagman, Samal District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Villa Amparo through these:
Mobile: 0917 123 0225
Address: Sitio Dasag, Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Chemas by the Sea through these:
Mobile: 0917 123 0225
Address: Limao, Samal District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Secdea Beach Resort through these:
Telephone: (082) 295 7912
Address: Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Paradise Island through these:
Address: Caliclic, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Buenavista Island Resort through these:
Telephone: (082) 299 2992
Address: Buenavista Island, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Leticia by the Sea through these:
Mobile: 0936 062 7988
Address: Talicud Island, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Costa Azalea – Crusoe Cabins and Aqua Water Park through these:
Mobile: 0919 076 2182
Address: Limao, Samal District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Cavanico il Mare through these:
Mobile: 0961 416 6584
Address: Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Isla Reta Beach Resort through these:
Mobile: 0998 991 6690
Address: Talicud Island, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Pearl Farm Beach Resort through these:
Telephone: (082) 285 0601
Address: Adecor, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal

To bring when visiting Samal Island

1. Bring cash as One Network Bank (ONB) is the only local bank in Samal. Not all resorts accept credit card or debit card payments.
2. Bring coral-friendly sunblock.

Reminders when visiting Samal Island

1. It is not allowed to bring mango fruit and seedlings on the island.
2. Pork is also banned due to swine fever.
3. Here are some useful Cebuano phrases you can use to converse with residents:
“Maayong adlaw” – Good day
“Maayong buntag” – Good morning
“Daghang salamat” – Thank you very much
“Palihug” – Please
“Tagpila ni?” – How much is this?
“Unsa ang imong ngalan?” – What is your name?
“Lami” – Delicious
“Usa ka tubig, palihug” – One water, please
“Asa ang___?” – Where is___?
“Manga-on ta” – Let’s eat
4. Dispose of your trash in their proper bin.
5. Do not take seashells or sand.
6. Make sure to ask first before you take photos of local stalls and people.

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