Golden Bay Beach Resort and Spa

The resort is located at Purok 4 Brgy. Limao Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal in beside Coracay Baywalk Resort. You can reach the resort by riding a single motor or a tricycle which cost 25 pesos per person from the Samal wraft. If you’re a solo traveler or bag packer, you can hire or pakyaw a single motor for 75.00 pesos or a tricycle for 100 pesos to directly take you to the resort.

Amenities of the resort includes air conditioned and non air conditioned close cottage, open cottages, mini bar, function hall and canteen.  The resort also have its own shuttle car (multicab) and tourist boat. If you’re not familiar in Samal and would like to have a hassle free travel to the resort, you can book their shuttle car to pick you at the Samal wraft or their tourist boat to fetch you at Sta. Ana Wharf.

If you’re into water sports or activities, you might want to try their speed boat, jetski, banana boat, water skiing and diving activities. One of the best thing about Samal is the mesmerizing view of nature which will be definitely appreciated  when you tour the island or just try its water adventures!

Kaputian Beach Park Resort

Kaputian Beach Park Resort

Kaputian Beach Park Resort is one of the great Resorts that Samal Island has. This resort is operated by the local government of Samal. The resort is located just with in the Southern coast of Samal Island. The resort takes pride with its authentic talc like sand and crystal clear blue waters that stand among the many resort in this island.

Samal Island is dotted with so many scenic spots good for photo shooting, diving, snorkeling and many other water sports. One of the good spot around it’s vicinity is “Kaputian Beach Resort”. This resort has its natural touch up to this day. Surely nature trippers will enjoy its natural touch.

Price matters when you decide an escapade. This resort offers good amenities in very minimum price, one escapade that you will surely enjoy without actually piercing your tight budget for holidays.

There are few restaurants outside the resort that will surely fill your taste buds with mouth watering sea food delights. And don’t worry about the corkage’s if you plan to bring some of their delicious foods and drinks inside the resort. There are no extra charges, so just feel free to bring it inside.

This is a must try resort; with its strategic area located just within the vicinity of Samal’s Poblacion, this one will surely trim down an unexpected expenses and will leave enough for some souvenirs and extra food. Don’t you like that budget safe kind of resort? Where else will you go for cheap yet soothing and natural getaway? It’s only here at Kaputian Beach Park Resort.

The Kaputian Beach Resort offers both native bungalows and dormitory for those who wish to stay overnight at a very reasonable price. The structures of all cottages are facing in the west side to give a breathtaking view of the nearby Talicud Island.

One will surely have an amazing stay in this resort. It’s a safe haven since it’s the local government of Samal who manage this resort.

Summers is near and if you plan to visit a perfect summer getaway this summer, take this resort into your consideration.

Hiking Trails: Mt. Puting Bato

When you hear Samal Island, you would probably immediately think of beaches and resorts. However, you’d be surprised (just as we were), that this island is also covered with mountains. It isn’t as tall as you probably expect it to be but just enough to provide among the best views of the island.

Getting to the peak of Mt. Puting Bato isn’t very easy. In fact, it forces you to endure a long and bumpy habal-habal ride to get to the jump-off point. The grueling ride takes around 30 minutes to an hour (if I remember it right) and I highly suggest you leave your huge packs with you as it will be difficult to ride on the motorcycle with it.

After what seemed like forever in the unpaved roads, we were finally able to reach the jump-off area where our rides and drivers took a rest under the shade of the trees.

From the jump-off, it takes around 30 minutes to get to the peak, depending on your pace.

The trail is pretty straightforward so you wouldn’t have a hard time finding your way. A big plus is that a majority of the trail is covered so you don’t have to worry about walking there under direct sunlight.

While the ride was not smooth sailing, the trek there is. So even if you are just new to hiking, this trail is something you can do quite easily.

Of course, my partner and daughter had a fun time following the trail. Don’t be fooled because that is actually an ascending road.

Up ahead is a tiny signage which will tell you which road to take to get to the peak of Mt. Puting Bato. We later realized that the roads are all interconnected so you will still be able to find your way regardless of which one you choose to take.

Just a little after the point of the signage is the breathtaking view of the Island Garden of Samal. However, this isn’t quite the peak just yet. If you feel breathless from the walk, you could just stop here for a while and admire the unobstructed view. Let me tell you though that this is still around 10 minutes away from the actual peak.

The park at the top is small but well-maintained. You’ll know that you’re already close by when you see a hint of bermuda grass along the way.

Babu Santa / Dayang Beach In Talicud

Recognized as one of the tropical havens in Samal Island are Babu Santa and Dayang Beach in Talicud Island. The resorts are exceedingly ideal for people who would simply want to experience nature’s beauty at its finest. Babu Santa and Dayang Beach have safeguarded the splendour of its environment by not commercializing the resort; just plain pristine waters and picturesque landscapes conducive for enjoyment.

How to get there:

Ride any of the five boats from Sta. Ana Warf, Davao City ( Jessa Boat, Shirly Boat, hof Gorei Boat and Pacific Boat) from 10am- 3pm. However, if you are in for a more exciting trip, you may ride the barge from Sasa Wharf to Samal Port, then ride a single motorcycle or hire a multicab that will take you to Penaplata Warehouse to Kaputian, then ride a boat to Talicud. From the town proper of Talicud you can take a few minutes motorcycle ride to Babu Santa.

Isla Reta Beach in Talicud Island

If you long to have a comforting overnight stay by the beach, Isla Reta should be on top of your list in visiting Samal Island. During daytime you can take pleasure in Isla Reta’s clear waters and white sand beach, enjoy snorkelling in its remarkable underwater sanctuary. Nonetheless you can complete your stay in Isla Reta more if you book an overnight stay with you loved ones and have quality time with them in a beautiful beach setting.

How to get there:

From the heart of Davao City, head to Sta. Ana wharf situated just alongside Magsaysay Park. From the entry point of Sta. Ana, inquire on where to pay for your ticket for the Talicud-bound boat. More often than not payment is positioned close to the office of the coastguard. Fare is Php 80.00 per adult person. Travel time is around 1 hour- 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Coral Garden Marine Park

Coral Garden Marine Park



One of the highlights one must book is the Island Hopping Boat Tour that will bring you to the nearby different coves of Samal Island- Isla Reta, Angel's cove, Liguid Island & Coral Garden.

Aptly named for what it really is, the Coral Garden is a snorkeling wonder. You jump out of the pump boat into clear cold water & become engulfed with the surrounding corals.

As you wear your mask & look down, the corals display a wide range of species of planktons, tiny school of fishes & camouflaged coral residents of sea snakes, hermit crabs, sea snails & star fish & sea cucumbers.

For that time alone, you savor the quietness of the sea as you submerge yourself into the water world of beauty & wonder.

Then, as all good things have to end at some point, you are forced to climb back into the boat where it will bring you back into the hustle & bustle of city living.

The Vanishing Island: Samal, Davao

Samal Island is the beach center of Davao City. Unlike most other beach locations in the Philippines, however, Samal is more of a peaceful and serene destination. But that’s not what gained the region popularity throughout the nation and even the world. Somewhere out in the island waters is actually a jewel that surprisingly emerges when the tide recedes. It’s the paradise of divers and the heaven of beach enthusiasts – the Vanishing Island of Samal.



The Vanishing Island is just a small strip of white sands located just minutes away from the coast of Tambo, Babak in Samal. The island is visible only during low tides and can be noticed easily from the distance at the sight of houses floating just above the ocean. These have been made for visitors who wish to extend their stay in the island.

During high tides, visitors may roam around the island by foot with waters reaching their ankles only. Other tourists, however, choose to go diving and snorkeling especially when the waters are high. The crystal clear waters make it possible to enjoy the underwater view of sea grasses, corals, fishes and reefs. As such, it has been regarded a top diving destination in Davao City.

A prominent source of livelihood for the island locals is sea urchin. You will see many locals either waiting on their boats just near the coast or walking around the island, enticing visitors to try out their sea urchins. In the Philippines, sea urchins are typically eaten raw and are considered delicious delicacies. Many local vendors may also be seen selling fishes and other seafood varieties.

Samal’s Vanishing Island is just one of the numerous beaches and attractions in the Island of Samal, Davao del Norte. It has just recently been developed to attract tourists and travelers from all over the world. To further support the rich marine life in the island, mangroves have been planted all over the premises and the island itself has been declared a protected marine reserve area. If you are looking for a vacation spot that’s far from traffic, excessive noise, pollution or crowded shopping malls, then this island is definitely the perfect place for you to unwind.