Samal Island, Davao Adventure!

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Samal Island

 If it is that time when you begin to yearn for your feet in the sand, remember Davao City is just an hour and a half travel by plane from Manila. You can pack a bag for a day or two and come enjoy its eye-catching beaches. The City will make it worth your while with their water activities. It is also called the city of Durian - the notorious fruit. It's smell could be far different on it's taste. Some might disagree, but I personally like Durian Shake!

How to Get to Samal Island


There’s no direct flight going to Samal Island. Hence, it is accessible via Francisco Bangoy International Airport also known as Davao Int’l Airport. 1 hr & 30 mins travel time if you are coming from Manila, and 1 hr & 55 mins from Clark airport.
From Davao Int’l. airport, you have two options on how to go to Sasa Ferry Wharf: one (1) ride a cab which is available in the departure area, or two (2) walk your way out of the airport and look for public vehicles (jeepneys) that will pass by Sasa Ferry Wharf. Travel time depends on the traffic situation.
  • ·     Traffic in Davao City is tantamount to Manila’s traffic, so be ready.
  • ·   I highly suggest to grab your supplies from the nearest malls (SM Mall or Gaisano Mall) if you opt to stay overnight in the island, as prices in Samal is “of course” quite pricey
  • ·   From Sasa Ferry Wharf, ride a ferry going to Samal Island. Fare is 10.00Php, travel time is less than 10 minutes.

Getaway with Family


Like the rest of the Philippines, Davao is hot, its hottest months being April and May when daytime temperatures frequent the lower 34C. Instead, shoot for December to February. It’s the coolest and driest time of the year.

Festival goers will prefer to visit Davao in August when the annual Kadayawan Festival is held. Be warned that this is the most popular time of the year to visit, with the most number of tourists and the highest prices. Reserving a hotel room months in advance is a must.

During our first day in Davao we went to Samal Island where we snorkel and see those giant clams which is also a great tourist attraction of the province. The clams resemble huge colorful flowers. Their colors vary from violet to green, brown, blue and yellow. It is part of an eco-tourism industry and considered as endangered. They are under the security of Davao del Norte.

There are other white sand beach and attractions near Samal Island.  The water is bluish - crystal clear,  the combination of sunny and windy weather made our trip more relaxing. The best part was when we swim in the middle of the ocean, beneath us are different kinds of fish and some big turtles. 

On the next few days we had our city tour, went to museum and learn about the city's cultural heritage, walk down a market to taste dishes from family recipes and walk through acres of wildlife and Eden Nature Park to create lifelong memories. 


Location: Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines

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