Travel Blog #6: Getting Drowned By The Beauty Of Samal Island

kneelyrac (65)in #travel • 6 years ago (edited)

Samal is officially named as Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCOS), Davao del Norte. It is made up of Samal Island and the smaller Talikud Island in the Davao Gulf. It is considered as the only city in the country that encompasses two entire islands making it also as the largest resort city in the country.

The island boasts its pristine beaches with fine white sand, abundant reefs, and marine life. The tranquil water is very alluring and tempting.

GETTING THERE

Samal is just two kilometers away from Davao City, which is just 10-20 minutes sea ride from Davao City. From Sta. Ana Wharf, it will take 45-60 minutes boat ride to the Isla Reta. Since Talikud Island is part of Samal Island, then our first destination was Isla Reta of Talikud Island and to the other beautiful spots of Samal.

THE BOAT

The boat was enough for the ten of us, excluding the three crew. It has a very decent comfort room, a mini kitchen where you can prepare and grill some fishes and seafood. Life vest and goggles are hanged and displayed where you can just grab and then wear it. Moreover, the boat has a well-surrounded Bluetooth speaker such that the loudness and the choice of our music was definitely a head turner.

THE STOP-OVER

As mentioned, Samal Island is composed of one big island, Samal, and the smaller island, Talikud Island. Our first destination was Isla Reta at Talikud Island. After that, we had one whole day via motorboat to visit the rest of the destination/stopover in Talikud Island and Samal Island.

1 Babu Santa Beach Resort

Babu Santa Beach Resort is located at Talikud Island which is a good spot for free diving and snorkeling. The resort has no entrance fee, so the tourist who enters the resort via boat is very much welcome to enjoy freely the clear turquoise water, a milk powder like sand and the biodiverse marine ecosystem in the area.

2 Coral Garden

That pool like water is really something. Well, the model too, Johnsan. Haha

Coral Garden is a home to soft and hard corals, anemones and different species of fish. The water is like a pool which is really tempting to have some plunging! You will definitely be amazed by the spectacular beauty of the corals and the school of fishes lay before your eyes.

3 Angel's Cove

If you didn't get enough with what you saw in the Coral Garden and what more of it, then worry not for the Angel's Cove is also a place where you can see how the rich and diverse the marine environment is. The sea green water of Angel's Cove is shallow but still, schools of fishes are present in the area. Both the Angel's Cove and Coral Garden have a rich marine ecosystem.

3 Sabang Cliff

Source

Don't think twice and just take a leap of faith in Sabang Cliff situated near the center of Katipunan. For a thrill seeker with a mermaid and merman soul then better include Sabang Cliff in your destination. The Sabang Cliff has three levels for you to choose from. The first level is 14 feet above sea level, the second is at around 21 feet and the third is 40 feet.

4 Wishing Island

Wishing Island is one of the many islets that surround Samal Island. This rock islet is adorned with mangroves and surrounded by clear blue waters. It is a good spot for a picnic but one should observe silence when at the islet itself. Over the years, Christianity has taken over the islet. With the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary anointed in the year 2014, Wishing Island became a sacred ground.

The surrounding water is very clear and shallow but still rich in marine life. Sea cucumbers, corals, starfish, and school of fishes are present in the area. But be careful since the sea urchins are swarming over the area.

SUMMING UP

Samal completely released my mermaid soul from being chained. I love the water but my fear of drowning because of shortness of breath or an attack of muscle cramps keeps me from not swimming without the use of a life vest. But this time, I let myself to conquer by jumping off the boat and swimming to and fro knowing that the water is deep.

A one day getaway in Samal Island is enough to relax and find solitude within yourself, however, a one-day island hopping in the Island Garden City of Samal is not enough to visit all the spots that are waiting to be visited. Out of the 25 possible spots in the coastal area only, we were able to visit four destinations.

If my schedule permits, I would definitely love to go back to Samal Island and spend my 2 days or 3 days to tour both the coastal and the tourist spots in the island.

Samal Island is elegantly beautiful and captivating. It's a must-visit place in Davao where you can forget your work and other stressful things in life.

EXPENSES

Boat from Sta. Ana Wharf to Isla Reta - Php 80
Boat Rental Fee with life vest and snorkeling gear (excluding food) - Php 9500

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