A Southern island paradise for weary urban dwellers and nature-loving adventure seekers

By Roxanne V. Lu

Samal’s coastline stretches 116 kilometers

Most vacationers in search of the perfect getaway settle for the simple pleasures—white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, clean and comfortable cottages, good food and refreshing tropical drinks, and warm smiles from the local people. Others with a more adventurous streak look out for what challenging activities a vacation spot has on offer—mountain climbing, trekking, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, among others.

Whether it’s a relaxed and laidback getaway or a physical and adrenalin-pumping expedition, there is something for everyone among the country’s many holiday destinations. In Mindanao, there is one place that offers the best of both worlds—the Island Garden City of Samal.

Tracking Samal

The Island Garden City of Samal—that is its official name—is a third-class city located in the province of Davao del Norte in Southern Mindanao. It has a total land area of 30,130 hectares and a coastline that stretches 116 kilometers. It consists of nine separate islands, with Samal Island being the largest.

From Manila, the flight to Davao City—the closest and most convenient access point to Samal Island—takes just an hour and a half. Once in Davao, you can choose from four ports from which to cross to the island, depending on your destination and purpose.

From one of the takeoff ports in Davao City, a motorized banca can take you to the world-class Barcelo Pearl Farm Resort...

or to Canibad’s pristine beach

There are three wharfs along Sasa Road where passengers who are headed for particular beach resorts in the island, as well as those who are bringing their vehicles along for the ferry ride, begin their journey. The other wharf, in Sta. Ana Street, is just 15 minutes away from the Sasa ports. This is where divers converge, and there are several pump boats docked at the wharf that transport passengers to Talikud Island, off the southwest coast of Samal.

A 10-minute motorized banca ride, about P10–P20 per person, from one of the takeoff ports in Davao City will bring visitors to such lovely vacation spots in Samal as the Barcelo Pearl Farm Resort, Paradise Island Beach Resort, and the Bluewaters Beach Resort, to name a few. It is also possible to take a banca further around the island to more pristine beaches and secret hideaways, such as the amazing Chemas by the Sea and Canibad. The best way to do this is to negotiate with a boat operator for a four-hour private tour around the island.

Another way of doing the crossing from Davao to Samal Island is by ferry. The large ferry can accommodate two buses and half a dozen vehicles, while motorcycles and bicycles fill the extra spaces on the side. Fifteen minutes later, you can drive off the ferry at the Babak Port and cruise your way to Peñaplata, the island’s city proper.

A land tour of Samal has its advantages, providing a closer look at the island’s life that isn’t possible on a boat tour and by island hopping. All beach resorts are accessible by land, and private parking areas are available, providing security and convenience to car-riding visitors who plan to stay overnight.

One-Stop Getaway

Water sports aficionados have a wide range of activities to choose from in the island

As reflected in its name, Samal is both an island and a city. The vision for the city is to become an “urban center within a rural setting” by 2011, achieving economic sufficiency through the main drivers of Samal’s economy—tourism and agri-fishery. Agriculture also plays an important role in Samal’s economic activity. About 90% of the land is devoted to coconut and corn production, but most of the city’s produce are just enough for local consumption. Perfect gift souvenirs for women are South Sea pearls of varying colors, which are practically sold everywhere and at different prices to suit one’s budget.

Samal also attracts sports buffs, backpackers, and weekend warriors like a magnet. Every weekend, you will see mountain bikers hitting the paved and dirt roads of Samal’s MTBike trail. Hikers are rewarded with the beauty of the island’s hidden caves, natural waterfalls, and scenic mountains. Putting Bato is the highest mountain peak in the island, towering 1,346 feet above sea level. Adventurers who reach the moun-tain’s summit are treated to a panoramic view of Samal and the entire Davao Gulf.

Water sports aficionados have a wide range of activities to choose from in the island, the most popular being snorkeling and scuba diving. There are about 23 popular dive sites surrounding the island, each with its own unique characteristics. Some spots are ideal for discovery diving, but many of the sites are suited for those looking for open-water fun dives and for advanced and extreme-level dives. A famous dive site is the Pearl Farm Wrecks, just 60 meters from the Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Kaputian, Samal. Two sunken World War II Japanese vessels can be found just 130 feet from the water’s surface.

Sunset at the Chemas by the Sea resort in Samal Island

The other aqua sports one can enjoy in Samal include windsurfing, jetskiing, waterskiing, kayaking, and the kids’ favorite, banana boat rides.

For travelers who want to add an educational dimension to their trip, a visit to the Monfort Conservation Park in Babak, the home of the famous Bat Sanctuary, is a must. For a P20 fee, visitors get interesting insights about bats and their importance in the ecosystem, and get to visit a bat cave where scores of fruit-eating bats sleep during the day.

Indeed, the Island Garden City of Samal has everything that one could wish for in a tropical paradise. It is a dream destination that is sure to revitalize a stressed mind and body, as well as deliver a wonderful bonding experience for families and friends.