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.

Samal Watersports Center

Samal Watersports Center 



is a premier recreational watersports facility located in the exotic Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte that provides a variety of fun-filled watersports for all ages, beginners or professionals alike. It is a perfect weekend getaway for families, friends, or business associates looking for a day of fun and exciting adventure.

This privately owned recreational center for watersports activities has facilities for scuba diving, snorkeling, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, banana boat ride, ski bob, island hopping and other watersports services, assisted by a team of professionals and friendly crew.

Maxima AquaFun

Maxima AquaFun


If you are looking for something more than just swim in the beach or lie around all day long, a trip to Maxima AquaFun in Samal Island is your best getaway! The place isn’t just for those who love the sun, sand and sea but also those who love adrenaline and extreme adventures.

First off, Maxima AquaFun looks very much like a resort floating on the sea and if that is not enough to entice you then I don’t know what else will.



What else will you be enjoying at the resort? .



Well, there’s a 40-meter super slide (made from tarpaulin) that bring you from the top of a hill down to the 120-feet sea. There’s also the water blob, which is pretty much like a trampoline, only that the other person on one end of the inflatable will launch into the water when another person jumps on the other side of it. Of course, they also offer classic water activities such as the banana boat riding, kayaking, snorkeling and jet skiing and diving. .



If water activities are not your thing, there is always the canopy walk where you cross a suspended bridge and rappel your way down.
For 300 pesos, adults can already avail of most of the facilities in Maxima Aquafun..



How to Get There:

Take any of the daily direct flights from Manila or Cebu to Davao City. From the airport, take a cab to Sta. Ana Wharf near Magsaysay Park. You can then take the ferry boat that goes directly to the resort at 9am and go back to Sta. Ana Wharf at 4pm for 150 pesos round trip.

An alternative would be to take the bus going to Peña Plata for around 100 pesos then ride a motorcycle to the resort for 20 pesos.

The Giant Clam Sanctuary in Guinsiliban, Camiguin is located in a bay near Cantaan. In there lies a beautiful white sand beach named Kaliba Beach where a sanctuary of giant clams awaits the visitors. Kabila Giant Clam Conservation and Ocean Nursery homes more than 2,600 clams including the giant clams in which one can find the seven (out of nine) species of giant clams in the world.

Upon going to the sanctuary one can found a notice from the management which indicates that the Kabila Giant Clam Conservation and Ocean Nursery is a non-government project and all proceeds are used in the maintenance and conservation of giant clams as well as the marine sanctuary.

Visitors can roam around the Giant Clam Sanctuary facility and see the different sizes and colors of the clams. On the round pools, baby clams are placed for breeding purpose while the giant clams are placed in a giant pool in which they are expected to reproduce. The facility also houses clams that can create pearls.

Hagimit Falls

The alluring mystique of Samal isn’t only filled with white sand beaches. Face to face with its enigmatic and glorious beauty, you will be awestruck at its looming waterfalls.

At Penaplata, an area within the island garden city of Samal you’ll find the Hagimit Falls. In about 2 km from Penaplata proper you’ll find one of Samal’s nature pride The Hagimit WaterFalls. A ride from Penaplata proper with car or jeepney adds another thrill to your adventure experience, but it’s not a long and creepy road though. It will only take you five minutes ride to experience its mystique.

Seeing its facade, you’re expectation will be paid off vigorously. Upon getting there you can just sit and be amazed by the magnificence of the falls. Surely its’ running water will give you a relief from the tiring travel you had.

The Hagimit Water Falls is quite small, but it all falls naturally. The pool that catches the cool water is all preserved in its natural form giving the visitors a delightful dive spot. Recently the locals’ added some cottages for the visitors comfort and for an income for them as well. Though the locals had set up cottages for the visitors, the place is perfect for campers. Visitors can just pitch in their tents on the tent site for a cold camping night at this waterfall.

Campers will surely enjoy a green-culinary adventure as the water falls is filled with full-grown trees and different kinds of vegetables that grows along the riverbank. You will not only let your feeling be allured by its surroundings but also your palates. Guess vegetarians will have a great meal just around this waterfall.

The water falls was not solely exploited as it is still untouched. There are no big souvenir shops around the area so if you plan to visit this waterfall anytime soon, bring a good camera to capture every perfect moment with your family or loved one in here. Or maybe just document your adventure here.

Upon entering the Hagimit Waterfalls, the local community collects P20 for the development and maintenance of the place. Not bad to enjoy a wondrous gift from above!

Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort

Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort is very proud of its humble beginnings. What started out as a weekend picnic destination back in the seventies, catering mostly to friends and their families has become what it is today as not only the preferred island getaway for families but is also the byword for those growing impulsive groups who are so busy and yet wise enough to squeeze – in leisure in their hectic schedules at the spur of the moment.

Having a shoreline of almost eight hundred meters (800 m), it is the only place in this part of Samal Island that has maintained its shores by feeding the fishes, clean them with having periodic “Scubasurero Activities”, and has placed a “safety pole” to ward off jelly fish and rubbish, discouraging anglers from poaching the area and encouraging its visitors to enjoy the marine life and leave the same so that others may also enjoy them. Its white sand beach as well as its surroundings are combed and cleaned throughout the day giving a pure and clean ambiance for its visitors and workers alike.

Monfort Bat Sanctuary

The world’s largest known population of Geoffrey’s Rousette fruit bats is found in the Monfort Bat Cave located in Barangay Tambo, Samal Island, near Davao City in southern Philippines. The Monfort Bat Cave was officially recognized by the Guinness World Record in 2010 as largest single colony of this kind! And  Ranked #3 of 9 Attractions in Samal Island and a recipient of Certificate of Excellence 2014 by Trip Advisor Philippines.