Samal Island and Talikud Island: Spectacular Twin Destinations in Davao

Let’s get things straight – Samal Island and Talikud Island are increasingly becoming popular as the spectacular twin island destinations in Davao. Yes, this statement is so straightforward as there is no other water attractions near Davao City as sensational as Samal Island and Talikud Island for both local and foreigners alike. Need proof? Read on. =)

I’ve been to Davao City of Davao del Sur province for more than five times now for various reasons – work, leisure, personal visit or adventure travel -but I’ve never set foot into its neighboring island city. With its stunning spectacles, it got me wondering why I never came sooner!

Good thing about Davao is that side trip destinations are just near the metro, not just one but two! So, if you’re looking for a great 2-in-1 escapade over the weekend, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then head to Samal, also known as the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) in the province of Davao del Norte. It is composed of the main Samal Island and a smaller island located southwest where it got its name Talikud.

Before you take off, a little reminder though. Book your Samal Island tour with a trusted tour agency only. There are a lot of tour service providers in Davao, but I only engaged with the guaranteed legit services of Way Philippines. I joined both the inland tour and island hopping tour of Wayph over the weekend and it didn’t disappoint! See unbiased review, rates and contact number at the end of this post.

For a visual guide, here are some photos I personally took in various places I visited in both Samal Island and Talikud Island.

DAY 1 (INLAND TOUR)

Samal Island is an offshore island located two kilometers away from Davao City. It boasts world-class natural wonders scattered around the island worthy of exploration.

Monfort Bat Cave

Monfort Bat Cave in Samal Island holds the Guinness World Record for the largest colony of Geoffroy’s Rousette Fruit Bats. An indescribable ecological treasure, marvel at millions of hanging nocturnal mammals in a protected sanctuary over broad daylight. If you’re wondering where Batman’s hideout is, Monfort Bat Cave could be the answer. Who knows?

If you need some fresh air away from the pungent bat chambers, then head east. Just beside Monfort Bat Cave is a coastline blessed with towering coconut trees, perfect for a tropical selfie backdrop. Bamboo-made docking area for boats can also be observed in the vicinity.

Hagimit Falls

Not all islands are the same. Some are blessed with a natural scenic spot like waterfalls. Some boasts a hidden gem remotely located deep in the wild. Samal Island has both.

A visit to Samal Island is never complete without chasing the beautiful Hagimit Falls. What I love about Hamigit Falls is that there is a basin wherein you can jump off and enjoy its cold water.

Blue Bird View Deck

You’ll soon find yourself at the highest view point in Samal Island wherein you can get a glimpse of the nearby Malipano Island, exclusive for guests in the island’s most luxurious beach resort.

When you try island hopping, you’ll get another vantage point of this beauty.

Kaputian Beach Park Resort

Bask in the beautiful Kaputian Beach where sands are powdery white and the surrounding waters are perfect for swimming. This is the go-to beach destination in Samal suitable for travelers on a budget.

Operated by the local government of Samal, don’t miss in taking a photo of this well-preserved dugong (sea cow) at Kaputian Beach Park Resort.

DAY 2 (ISLAND HOPPING)

Pristine beaches dot the island’s shores. Needless to say, it’s best to visit majority of Samal’s water destinations via island hopping. And oh, don’t forget to bring a sunblock!

Wishing Island

The first destination of the island hopping tour is Wishing Island. From afar, it seems like a giant boulder with natural vegetation that’s untouched by society but when you got nearer, you’ll observe some visible man-made structures like shed and slide.

What’s in store for you in wishing island? Sacred images wherein you can make a wish (more like pray!). It’s a no brainer! Well, I prayed for a good weather and a safe island hopping tour that day and gracious heaven, He heard and answered my prayers.

Before you leave the island, you may want to pose and have your picture taken framed by the opening of the “cave-like” entrance. It’s so instagram-able!

Taklobo (Giant Clams Sanctuary)

When our guide informed us that our next stop is Taklobo, I thought it’s the name of the resort or swimming area. But no, it’s deeper than that.

Taklobo is the local name for giant clams. And yes, there’s a sanctuary of giant clams underneath the waters near the floating cottages. If you’re amused with the Monfort Bat Sanctuary in the chambers in Samal, there’s more beautiful treasures under the sea worthy of exploration.

Taklobo watching is actually optional. This is part of the tour route but not part of the package. In short, you have to pay Php 100 for rental of snorkel and additional Php 100.00 for the entrance fee that will go to the development and maintenance of such eco-tourism project managed by the AdeCor United Fisherfolks Organization (ACUFOR) in partnership with the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) LGU. It’s totally one for the books!

Pearl Farm Resort

We’ve passed by a popular luxurious beach resort along the coastline of Samal Island. You’ve probably heard so much about the exclusivity of Pearl Farm Resort. Well, I wish I could stay there for a night or two and just have a grand vacation in its prime location and high-grade amenities.

Malipano Island

Malipano Island is located few kilometers from Pearl Farm Resort and owned by the same owners of said resort. In fact, world-class villas are built around the island for guests to privately enjoy.

Isla Reta

Thirty minutes cruising around Davao Gulf led us to Talikud Island. Few more turns and we finally got to see the infamous Isla Reta in flesh. I couldn’t believe what I saw – the seemingly fall foliage mood of the beach, the cerulean waters, the snow-white beach, and the beach tents lining up neatly. I was awestruck!

Isla Reta Dos

We finally arrived at our next destination – Isla Reta Dos. Isla Reta and Isla Reta Dos have the same owners, both offering pristine white beach cove but unlike Isla Reta, the vibe here is more laidback. And I think it’s beautiful.

This is actually the destination where we spent most of our island hopping time. Lot of groups who are also on tour normally rest in this area and eat lunch.

In Isla Reta Dos, you can sing karaoke, swimming, boating or cliff jumping – do what you want to satisfy that summer frolic plans!

La Isla Bonita

After lunch, we headed to the other side of Talikud Island and we reached La Isla Bonita. It is not part of the island package but we get to enjoy its beautiful stretch of sand and pristine waters.

Isla Kristina Resort (Pool By The Sea)

Beside La Isla Bonita is actually our next destination – Isla Kristina Resort. Locals call it “Pool by the sea” as the color of the water resembles that of a swimming pool. The water’s so clear you can see starfish lying on the seabed.

In this area, you’ll surely need your life vest! Float like there’s no tomorrow!

Coral Garden

As beautiful as it is way up there… Just explore at what’s waiting below. Be ready with your goggles!

Coral garden speaks true to its name. It’s a famous dive site where divers take stunning shots of beautiful types of corals and colorful fishes. You may stay afloat or dive down there to enjoy the spectacles found under the sea.

Babu Santa Beach Resort

Our last but not the least island hopping destination is Babu Santa Beach Resort. The beach boasts a long strip of white powdery sand, immaculate waters and coconut trees exuding tropical vibes.

Activities in Babu Santa Beach Resort include volleyball, basketball and jet-skiing. Since this is the last stop, you can swim all you want and enjoy the remaining hours of your island hopping experience. Bathrooms and changing rooms are available in the resort if you need to fix yourself.

Samal Island Tour with WAYPH

From easy online booking, hassle-free arrangement, sumptuous tour meals, affordable rate with no hidden charges, and a robust commitment of providing guests with only the best tour service, wayph has got you covered.

Way Philippines offers affordable tour packages from all over the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. If you have plans in visiting Davao anytime soon, don’t miss in booking the Samal Island Tour Package, both inland and island hopping tour packages. You can also customize your group tour, either with accommodation, with food and/or any special tour arrangement.

The tour guide assigned to our team during the island hopping is a licensed pro and knowledgeable about the places we visited (I actually learned a lot from her!) The island hopping team is also composed of a captain who manages to sail the boat around Samal safely, two “resident” boat staff who helped guests for any technical matters, diving assistance and even ready for emergency situations. The boat we boarded on has also a toilet, karaoke machine, life vests and benches for disabled persons, which I really commended! Kudos!

And the food – all mouthwatering! Thanks to the boat chef who’s also part of the team. Rest assured, you’ll never feel hungry nor thirsty in this trip ‘coz sumptuous meals from breakfast, lunch and snacks (both morning and afternoon), water and coffee are also included in the island hopping package. If you’re a joiner in an island hopping tour, you’ll only pay as low as Php950.00 (with food). Snorkel and other water equipment are for rent as low as Php 100. Mobile phone waterproof cases and even cold beers are also for sale at a very low price.

Way PH Contact Details

For bookings and inquiries, follow and contact WayPH via these communication and social media channels:

website: wayph.com
email: support@wayph.com
facebook: Way Philippines
mobile number: 0998-853-1180

How To Get To Samal Island, Davao

The fastest way to get to Davao is via air. There are a lot of airlines with routes to Davao (Francisco Bangoy International Airport) so choose your preferred flight schedule. From Davao Airport, you can take a taxi going to Sta. Ana wharf near Ramon Magsaysay Park. Travel time is 30 minutes. Once you’re in the wharf, ask around where the specific boat you’re assigned is located. Contact ahead your tour operator to confirm the name of your boat for island hopping. Enjoy the tour!

All in all, I had a blast in my Samal Island and Talikud Island tour experiences over the weekend. I would definitely go back and visit other must-see places in such spectacular twin destinations in Davao.

Have you visited Samal Island or Talikud Island? How’s your experience? Do you know other places worth visiting in Samal or Talikod Island that you would recommend? Kindly share your answers in the comment section below. =)

Tags: Davao, Island Garden City of Samal, Island Hopping, Samal Island, Talikud Island, Way Philippines