The Islander's Guide to Samal Island - the Largest Resort Island in the Philippines! - CDO Rent a Car (2023)

Posted on January 2, 2023 by admin

The Islander's Guide to Samal Island - the Largest Resort Island in the Philippines! - CDO Rent a Car (1)

At the center of Davao Gulf lies the largest resort island in the Philippines – Samar Island. It is also famously called as the Island Garden City of Samal – this tourist location is peppered with white glistening shores and verdant tropical forests. It is the perfect escape for anyone that wants to take a break from the stressful city life.

Aside from having more than 30 resorts, it is also a prime location for snorkeling and diving. Beach and water lovers will be ecstatic with a vacation in Samal Island! If you’re worried about typhoons coming on your trip, rest assured because it is one of the safest parts of Davao that is not frequented by typhoons!

This charming haven is a perfect mix of nature and modern in one – teeming with wildlife and natural wonders while also having the right facilities to accommodate tourists! Have your bikinis ready and your sunscreen on because this island is the perfect getaway for you!

The Islander's Guide to Samal Island - the Largest Resort Island in the Philippines! - CDO Rent a Car (2)

(Video) Priority projects sa Siargao Island, tinututukan

How to get to Samal Island?

Easiest way to get to Samal Island

Don’t bother with the hassle of public commute, and avail yourself with driver service from us! With this, you can relax on our back seat while we deal with sending you on your island getaway!

Wherever in Davao you may come from, you will be picked up and sent to Samal! With this rental, you can save a lot of time and also money.

It does not matter if you need a small vehicle or a big van – with our distinguished collection of rental units, your travel needs will be accounted for and accommodated!

Book with us now through our Booking Page.

Get in touch with us for all of your car rental and transportation needs:
[Globe]: 0965 129 6777; 0955 872 3883
[Smart]: 0907 931 8778; 0907 931 8774
Email: info@rentacardavao.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davaorentacarph

From Davao City to Samal Island

1. From Davao City Airport, ride a jeepney heading to Downtown.
2. From there, take a jeepney and head to either Sta. Ana Wharf or Sasa Wharf.
2. From either port, ride the ferry heading to Samal Island.

The Islander's Guide to Samal Island - the Largest Resort Island in the Philippines! - CDO Rent a Car (3)

Things to do at Samal Island

1. ISLAND HOPPING
– To visit the smaller islands surrounding Samal is a must when visiting this island. Popular spots are Coral Garden, Isla Reta, and Starfish Island.

2. VISIT HAGIMIT FALLS
– This is a group of waterfalls that rests in the forests of Samal.

3. SCUBA DIVING
– Don’t miss the chance to explore the many scuba diving spots in Samal Island.

4. HIKE AT MOUNT PUTING BATO
– Take a breather from all the water and go for this panoramic and easy hike.

5. EXPLORE THE ISLAND IN A MOTORCYCLE
– It is heavily recommended that you fully explore the island with a motorcycle so rent one!

6. GO SPELUNKING
– Trigger your inner Indiana Jones alive by exploring the cave systems found in Samal!

7. JET-SKIING
– Some resorts offer this service so make sure your resort has one!

8. BANANA BOAT
– Don’t pass up on the group fun by riding a banana boat to pump the adrenaline.

9. KAYAKING
– On a calm island such as Samal, it is best to enjoy the waters with a relaxing kayak ride.

10. VISIT MAXIMA AQUAFUN
– Don’t pass up on the 40 meter slide at Maxima Aquafun Resort, they have water blob, canopy walk, overnight camping, and banana slide.

11. CATCH THE VANISHING ISLAND
– Wait until the sea level is low so that you can walk over the fine sands of this location.

12. CLIFF DIVING
– Overcome your fear of heights by going to Sabang Cliff in Kaputian.

The Islander's Guide to Samal Island - the Largest Resort Island in the Philippines! - CDO Rent a Car (4)

Rates and Fees

Environmental Fee: ₱ 40 per pax

Boat Entry for Island Hopping:
20 pax and lower – ₱ 500
21-30 pax – ₱ 1000
31-50 pax – ₱ 1500
51-100 pax – ₱ 2000

Scuba Diving Fee – ₱ 500 per pax

Snorkeling Fee – ₱ 500 per pax

ACCOMMODATION:
Casas Con Vista – room starts at ₱ 10000
Club Samal – room starts at ₱ 7500
Hof Gorei – room starts at ₱ 3500
Holiday Ocean View Resort – room starts at 2500
Bali-Bali Beach Resort – room starts at ₱ 7000
Villa Amparo – room starts at ₱ 3500
Chemas by the Sea – room starts at ₱ 7500
Secdea Beach Resort – room starts at ₱ 7000
Paradise Island – room starts at ₱ 5000
Leticia by the Sea – room starts at ₱ 12000
Costa Azalea – room starts at ₱ 7500
Cavanico il Mare – room starts at ₱ 2500
Pearl Farm Beach Resort – ₱ 9500

The Islander's Guide to Samal Island - the Largest Resort Island in the Philippines! - CDO Rent a Car (5)

Interesting Facts

– You can check the entire category of resorts in Samal Island at this website: https://www.samalguide.com/
– In the whole month of May, Samal Island celebrates the Summer Saya sa Isla festival.

How to Contact

You can contact the Casas Con Vista through these:
Mobile: 0966 880 2063
Address: Brgy. Pangubatan, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Club Samal through these:
Mobile: 0917 622 4967
Address: Caliclic, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Hof Gorei through these:
Mobile: 0917 711 3868
Address: P-7 Tambang Adecor, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Holiday Ocean View Resort through these:
Mobile: 0933 618 2176
Address: Sitio Ilihan, Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Bali-Bali Beach Resort through these:
Mobile: 0917 700 9529
Address: Brgy. Catagman, Samal District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Villa Amparo through these:
Mobile: 0917 123 0225
Address: Sitio Dasag, Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Chemas by the Sea through these:
Mobile: 0917 123 0225
Address: Limao, Samal District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Secdea Beach Resort through these:
Telephone: (082) 295 7912
Address: Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Paradise Island through these:
Address: Caliclic, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Buenavista Island Resort through these:
Telephone: (082) 299 2992
Address: Buenavista Island, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Leticia by the Sea through these:
Mobile: 0936 062 7988
Address: Talicud Island, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Costa Azalea – Crusoe Cabins and Aqua Water Park through these:
Mobile: 0919 076 2182
Address: Limao, Samal District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Cavanico il Mare through these:
Mobile: 0961 416 6584
Address: Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Isla Reta Beach Resort through these:
Mobile: 0998 991 6690
Address: Talicud Island, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal

You can contact the Pearl Farm Beach Resort through these:
Telephone: (082) 285 0601
Address: Adecor, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal

The Islander's Guide to Samal Island - the Largest Resort Island in the Philippines! - CDO Rent a Car (6)

To bring when visiting Samal Island

1. Bring cash as One Network Bank (ONB) is the only local bank in Samal. Not all resorts accept credit card or debit card payments.
2. Bring coral-friendly sunblock.

Reminders when visiting Samal Island

1. It is not allowed to bring mango fruit and seedlings on the island.
2. Pork is also banned due to swine fever.
3. Here are some useful Cebuano phrases you can use to converse with residents:
“Maayong adlaw” – Good day
“Maayong buntag” – Good morning
“Daghang salamat” – Thank you very much
“Palihug” – Please
“Tagpila ni?” – How much is this?
“Unsa ang imong ngalan?” – What is your name?
“Lami” – Delicious
“Usa ka tubig, palihug” – One water, please
“Asa ang___?” – Where is___?
“Manga-on ta” – Let’s eat
4. Dispose of your trash in their proper bin.
5. Do not take seashells or sand.
6. Make sure to ask first before you take photos of local stalls and people.

FAQs

What is the largest island in the Gulf of Samal Island? ›

The largest island in the gulf is Samal Island. Davao City, on the gulf's west coast, is the largest and busiest port on the gulf. The Bagobo and the Kaagan / Kalagan, who are the indigenous lumad tribes endemic in Davao, are known inhabitants of the said gulf.

What is Samal Island known for? ›

Samal Island is also known as the "Island of Festivals" because it celebrates several events such as the Hugyaw Madayaw every August, the Kabasan Festival, a week-long revelry celebrated every month of May, and the Caracoles Festival held during April.

How would you describe Samal Island? ›

Island Garden City of Samal / Samal Island

It is part of the Metropolitan Davao area and is two kilometers away from Davao City, the largest city and the primary economic center of Mindanao. Samal Island is the quick go-to destination of Davaoeños looking for beach time.

How much is the room at the Canibad beach resort overnight? ›

Canibad Secret Paradise Resort

Budget: Entrance fee of P60 for day tour and P100 for overnight stay. Room rates start at P1,000, good for 2 persons.

What is the largest island in the largest lake on the largest island? ›

That makes Ryan Island the largest island on the largest lake on the largest island on the largest freshwater lake in the world. In other words, Isle Royale is a destination.

What is the name of the largest island in size? ›

A visualization designed by mapmaker David Garcia maps the 100 largest islands by size. Each island in the image is color-tinted to reflect its climate. Greenland is the biggest island on the list.

Why Samal Island is the best tourist spot? ›

Samal Island is known to have the best marine life and coral gardens. There are several fishes, clams, and corals that are unique to Samal Island alone. If you want to have a diving experience in this rich marine area, you may work with the Carabao Dive Center in Coral Garden.

Is Samal Island worth visiting? ›

It has many popular attractions, including Samal Island, Kaputian Beach, pangubatan beach resort, making it well worth a visit. Samal Island is a city in Davao, Philippines. It has many popular attractions, including Samal Island, Kaputian Beach, pangubatan beach resort, making it well worth a visit.

What language is spoken in Samal Island? ›

Cebuano is the medium of language of the people of Samal Island, followed by Isama, Boholano and Tausug.

What are the strengths of Samal Island? ›

It is blessed with many unspoiled natural attractions such as crystal waters, caves, magnificent rock formations and a well protected, flourishing fauna and flora. The endless waters surrounding Samal Island are ideal for various water activities, like jet skiing and wind surfing.

What is the culture of Samal Island? ›

The Samal are well known among Muslims of the Philippines for their developed dance and song traditions, percussion and xylophone music, dyed pandanus mats and food covers, and decorative wood carving (ukil ). Death and Afterlife. As soon after death as possible, the body is bathed and shrouded.

What is the cultural background of Samal Island? ›

The island of Samal was originally called as Sama. That was also the ethnic name of the inhabitants living in the island before. They were ruled by Datu Taganiyug, a native of Peñaplata. The island was already an established community, with regards to trade, as it joined the trading with China.

Do beaches resorts have room service? ›

Room service is available, but it is only available to guests staying in Butler-serviced suites. This is a really unique spot and definitely our favorite location of any of the restaurants on the resort.

How many rooms does the beach Club resort have? ›

Disney's Beach Club Resort
Guest Overall Rating: Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 based on 314 surveys. (See our Ratings and Research page for details.)
WebsiteURL
Opening DateNovember 19, 1990
Num. Rooms583
9 more rows

How many rooms does the beach Club have? ›

What is the largest private island? ›

The Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic feature a number of private islands, typically run as sheep raising family farms and tourist destinations. Prominent among these is Weddell Island, one of the largest private islands in the world, with a surface area of 265.8 km2 (102.6 sq mi).

Which is the largest island of water in the world? ›

Greenland – Is a correct answer because Greenland is the largest island in the world.

What is the largest fresh water island in US? ›

Manitoulin Island is the “Largest freshwater island in the world." Lake Manitou on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron is the “Largest freshwater lake on an island in a freshwater lake in the world.

What is the 2nd largest island? ›

2. New Guinea. New Guinea is the 2nd largest Island in the world, with an area of 785,753 sq km.

What is the first largest island in the Philippines? ›

The country can be divided into three main areas: Luzon (the largest, northernmost island, which includes Manila); a group of islands called the Visayas (including the major islands Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, and Masbate); and Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, found at the southern ...

Who can enter Samal Island? ›

Any valid government-issued ID would now be the sole requirement for entry. The city also anticipates increased tourist traffic from its neighboring city of Davao and nearby provinces due to the lifting of some documentary requirements.

Who is the owner of Samal Island? ›

The resort owners Rodriguez-Lucas Family supports the SIDC Project.

What would be the best for a day trip in Samal Island? ›

  • Canibad Beach. Beaches. By JMfashionstyle. ...
  • Hagimit Falls. 234. Waterfalls. ...
  • Giant Clam Sanctuary. Nature & Wildlife Areas. By graceababan. ...
  • Monfort Bat Sanctuary. 176. Nature & Wildlife Areas. ...
  • Vanishing Island. Islands. By prettyprof74. ...
  • Kaputian Beach. Beaches. ...
  • Coral Garden Marine Park. Reefs. ...
  • Samal Watersports Center. Sports Complexes.

How much is the entrance fee to Samal Island? ›

ENTRANCE FEE: PHP 40.00 Adults and PHP 20.00 for Children

It just shows that this is another famous tourist destination on the Island of Samal. The place is so lush and I love that there are little pools that everyone could enjoy.

How much is the entrance fee in Samal Island? ›

Ma'am, Good day! Entrance fee: -Day Entrance @ Php200/person, from 5:30 AM until 5:00 PM -Beach Overnight @ Php350/person, from 1:00 PM until 12:00NN the next day Entrance fee is inclusive of tables and chairs by the beach. Area is on “first come, first serve” basis. Children 1 year old and below are free of charge.

Do i need QR Code to enter Samal Island? ›

Individuals without QR Code shall not be allowed entry.

What religion is Samal? ›

"Samal" is a covering term for Muslim Samalan speakers. One of the many ethnic-minority groups in the Philippines, they are one of ten Islamic groups presently living in the southern Philippines.

What is the ethnic in Samal Island? ›

Bisaya/Binisaya which comprises of 19.60% of the total population followed and Sama/Samal tribe with 18.41% of the total population respectively. There are more than 100 types of Pilippines ethnic groups such as Boholano, Davaoweno, Tausug, Ilonggo, Waray and foreign nationals also reside in the city.

Is Samal Island a floating island? ›

The Island Garden City of Samal floats and thrives at the heart of Davao Gulf, separated from the vibrant mainland Davao. It is a 15-minute boat ride away from the city, and as travelers go en route to this magnificent island, the scenic herbage surrounded by the azure waters unfolds.

How deep is Samal sea? ›

The deepest part is near the mouth at 2,800 m. Only a thin strip near the shoreline is shallow, with a depth of less than 100 m, where mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs may still exist. Inside the bay is Samal Island, a conservation and tourism island and ...

What is the new name of Samal Island? ›

Samal, formally known as Island Garden City of Samal is a city in Davao del Norte, is made up of Samal Island and the smaller Talikud Island in the Davao Gulf, making it a part of Mindanao island group.

How big is Samal Island? ›

What are the Beliefs of Samal? ›

Religious Beliefs.

Except for the Abak, all Sama-Bajau speakers are Sunni Muslims of the Shafi school. The Five Pillars of Islam are acknowledged: confession of faith in Allah and Mohammed, his prophet; the five daily prayers; the fast during Ramadan; the pilgrimage to Mecca; and the payment of religious tax.

Who are the indigenous people in Samal? ›

The Sama is considered the early settlers of the Samal Islands. According to most Samaleños, they are indigenous people belonging to the bloodlines of the three former clan leaders: Datu Dawang (Babak leader), Datu Taganiog (Samal leader), and Datu Budas (Kaputian leader) (Arig et al., 2009).

Is Samal Island a green city? ›

The Island Garden City of Samal was chosen as a candidate City to the SMART ASEAN Green Cities Programme dedicated to foster the development of funding and financing solutions to implement smart green city projects.

What tribe are in Samal Island? ›

Samal Island was settled by indigenous people coming from the northern and eastern coasts of the undivided Davao Province. A large mixed population of Mansakas, Mandayas and Muslims composed the identification of the now so called Sama Tribe.

Do you bring towels to a resort? ›

Towels. You don't need towels, as the resort provides these to all guests, and you can exchange them for clean dry ones at any time.

Do you have to tip at resorts? ›

While tipping is allowed at some resorts, it is optional, so you won't have to worry about staff pressuring you to do so. You don't have to feel bad about not being able to or wanting to tip everyone.

Do you tip room service at a resort? ›

Recommended tip for room service: 15 to 20% of your total food bill.

How many people does a beach club villa sleep? ›

The Deluxe Studios at Disney's Beach Club Villas can accommodate up to five guests. Each room features a queen-size bed, double-size sleeper sofa, and a single pull-down trundle bed.

Do beach Club Club Level rooms have balconies? ›

Most 2nd floor rooms have balconies.

How big are the rooms at Yacht Club? ›

Disney's Yacht Club Resort has 630 rooms with an average room size of 380 square feet. To further enhance the nautical theme, these rooms are decorated with white furniture and blue carpeting and bedspreads, with ship's wheel motifs on the headboards of the bed.

What is the oldest beach club in America? ›

Atlantic Beach is home to the oldest beach club in the United States, the Lawrence Beach Club. During the summer months, the population swells by thousands as people flood the beaches and the summer residents move in.

Does Beach Club share a bus? ›

Bus service is shared by Disney's Beach Club Resort®, and Disney's BoardWalk Resort® as well.

How many floors does Beach Club have? ›

But just like 'Samneric,' they have their own identities, themes, and even price tags. The Beach Club is a five-story deluxe resort and is themed around the casual vacation getaways of the New England beach cottages.

What is the largest country island in the Gulf of Mexico? ›

Tiburón Island is the largest island in the Gulf of California and the largest island in Mexico, with an area of 1,201 square kilometres (464 sq mi). It was made a nature reserve in 1963 by President Adolfo López Mateos.

How many islands are there in Samal Island? ›

The Island Garden City of Samal is composed of main island and 7 islets with a 118.5 kilometers of long continuous coastline and 30,130 hectares of total land area that lavishes an ample mountain ranges, a number of isolated hills and uneven distribution of lowlands.

What is the second largest island in the Gulf of Mexico? ›

In second place is the 209 square-mile island located in Texas, Padre Island. This is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico that has been split in two by the Port Mansfield Channel, constructed in 1964. The sections are referred to as the North Padre and the South Padre Island.

What are the two largest islands in the Fiji island group? ›

It covers about 1.3 million square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

Where is the largest island in the world? ›

Madagascar

The Island is also home to several unique species and unusual wildlife, which is found nowhere else in the world.

What country owns the biggest island? ›

Greenland is officially the world's largest island that is not a continent. Home to 56,000 people, Greenland has its own extensive local government, but it is also part of the Realm of Denmark.

What is the largest island in the United States? ›

Hawaii Island

What is the 2nd largest island in the world? ›

New Guinea

New Guinea is the 2nd largest island in the world and the largest island south of the equator. The island is separated from the Australian mainland by the Torres Straight, which itself contains 274 islands.

What is the first largest island in the world? ›

Greenland

What is the 2nd largest US island? ›

At 3,588 square miles, Kodiak Island is the second largest island in the United States, second only to the island of Hawaii. The city of Kodiak is 250 air miles southwest of Anchorage and is the seventh largest city in the state.

Do you need a passport to go to Fiji? ›

To enter Fiji, you will need: A passport valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure date from Fiji. Proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Fiji.

Which Fiji island is Survivor filmed on? ›

Since 2016, the islands have been the filming location of the television series Survivor. One of the islands, Monuriki, was made famous as the anonymous island that featured in the 2000 Robert Zemeckis film Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks.
...
Mamanuca Islands.
Geography
Major islandsMatamanoa
Administration
Fiji
4 more rows

What is Fiji best known for? ›

Called the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” by legendary undersea explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau, Fiji is brimming with dazzling diving and snorkeling sites. Go underwater to explore shallow lagoons teeming with marine life, mysterious caves and canyons, and cool coral-covered walls.

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