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Samal Island Philippines |
Samal Island Philippines is located just about a couple of kilometers from Davao City and is easily accessible by ferry. Because of this close proximity, Samal Island is one of the most popular destinations among travelers visiting Mindanao. It is blessed with pristine beaches and amazing snorkeling and diving sites, from luxury resorts to budget resorts that make the best tropical getaways.
Samal Island is immensely popular yet it is not overcrowded, this is the biggest plus point about this fascinating tourist destination. For those planning to visit the Philippines as soon as the lockdown restrictions are eased, this post will be highly useful for the water babies!
In this comprehensive post, I'm gonna cover the following:
- When to Visit Samal Island
- Things to do and see in Samal Island
- How To Reach Samal Island Philippines
- Getting Around In Samal Island
- Where to Stay on Samal Island Philippines
- FAQs Regarding Visa Requirements
- FAQs Regarding Travel/Visitor's Insurance
- FAQs Regarding Missed Flight Compensation
- FAQs Regarding International SIM Card For High-speed Internet Connectivity
So, it's gonna be one of the most power-packed and comprehensive posts on Samal Island Philippines. Keep reading till the last!
Without further ado, let's get started!
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When To Visit Samal Island Philippines
Things to do and see in Samal Island Philippines
1. Go, Island Hopping
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Starfish on a beach in Samal Island Philippines |
Like other popular destinations in the Philippines, island hopping is a popular activity in Samal. To explore the island, you can rent a boat, probably the best option!
Coral Garden, Isla Reta, and Starfish Island are some of the islands you should definitely visit whilst at Samal Island. Beach lovers will definitely enjoy Samal Island hopping as the sand is clear and white and the water is clear.
2. Drench Under Hagimit Falls
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Hagimit Falls in Samal Island Philippines |
Hagimit Falls has to be there in everyone's Samal Island itinerary! It has multiple falls and pools ranging from 3 to 7 feet deep, a depth that once expects in our neighborhood pools. There is nothing quite like taking shower in the pristine falls. It's gonna be a memorable time here with the family or friends. Hagimit Falls is also circled by a luxuriant forest cover, which gives you the option to enjoy nature to the fullest.
> Samal Island Philippines hotels are offering some amazing deals, check them out right here on TRIVAGO!
3. See Monfort Bat Cave Sanctuary
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One of the Montfort Bat Caves in Samal Island |
At Monfort Bat Cave, you will get the opportunity to see thousands of fruit-eating bats in their natural habitat closely. Not to worry, since you will be visiting during the daytime, you will find them hanging from the cave walls in deep slumber. If you're traveling with family and kids, you've got to keep Monfort Bat Cave sanctuary on your bucket list!
4. Spend a Day in Pearl Farm Beach Resort
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Pearl Beach Resort in Samal Island |
Pearl Farm Beach Resort is one of the most expensive Samal beach resorts. But don't worry, even if you're traveling on a budget, you can visit the pearl farm on a day tour. Relax on the nice white sand beach and try water activities like jet skiing, banana boating, diving, and kayaking.
> Samal Island Philippines has some of the most exotic accommodation options. Check the BIG discounts on the hotels right here on TRIVAGO!
5. Travel Talikud Island
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Talikund Island in Samal Island |
6. Visit Vanishing Island
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Vanishing Island in Samal Island |
Vanishing Island should be on your priority list when visiting Samal Islands Philippines. Vanishing Island is located off the coast of Tambo in Babak in Samal. It is better to visit the island when the sea level is low, so you can walk on the island's fine white sand and swim in the surrounding crystal waters.
The island has several floating houses for visitors to stay at night. Other activities include snorkeling for clear views of colorful coral reefs, seaweed, and other underwater marine life. Don't leave without buying fresh sea urchins from local fishermen.
7. Go Cliff Diving
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Don't Miss The Diving Experience in Samal Island |
Another popular adrenaline-packed activity on Samal Island is cliff diving. Visitors overcome their fear of jumping by going to the Sabang Cliff in Kaputian. This location offers 3 cliff diving altitudes from 14 feet up to 40 feet.
After a thrilling jump, you can explore the nearby Giant Clam Exploration site, which is also a snorkeling and diving spot with over 3,000 different types of shellfish.
8. Discover Astonishing Underwater World Through Scuba Diving
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Scuba Diving is a Must in Samal Island |
Samal is not just about pristine white beaches, but it has a stunningly beautiful underwater life that no one should miss! And what better way to discover the great underwater world than scuba diving?
Don't worry, you will have detailed training by the locally licensed scuba diving operators. Once you are good to go after the brief training, you will see a new mesmerizing world! From colorful coral reefs and fish to sunken ships dating back to World War II, Samal Island has it all!
Many package tours include Scuba diving in their packages, you also have an option to opt for one of the amazing package tours.
9. Go Hiking
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Hiking in Samal Island |
If you're someone who has been missing hiking from your Samal Island itinerary, Mt. Puting Bato is the place you should explore. Standing at 1,755 feet, this mountain offers beginner's friendly hiking opportunities.
Once atop Mt. Puting Bato, you'll be able to have a panoramic view of the stunningly beautiful Samal Island.
> Many budget Hotels/Hostels in Samal Island are offering Amazing deals, check them out right here!
10. Spend a Day at Kaputian Beach
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Visit Kaputian Beach in Samal Islalnd |
Tranquil surroundings, white sand shore, and cool blue waters sum up Kaputian Beach. Grab your favorite book, find a shade or shack for yourself and spend a day by the splendid Kaputian Beach.
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How To Reach Samal Island
Flight
Davao City is the nearest airport to reach Samal island. Let's find ways to reach the island via Davao City.
Davao International Airport is well connected to other cities of the Philippines as well as all the major cities across the world. Check the best deals on air tickets here now!
Ferry
Once you reach Davao City, you will need to take a ferry to Sasa Wharf or Santa Ana Wharf. From here, you will need another ferry to reach Samal Island. Covid19 has affected all businesses, you can check the availability of ferries right here.
Bus
Island City Express is the only bus route that operates routes between Davao City and Samal Island. The bus fare is already included in the ferry fare.
The bus will take you from Agdao in Davao City to Sasa Wharf. The bus is then loaded onto the ferry as a RORO (Roll-on, Roll-off) transport to Samal Island. Check the bus availability right here.
Getting Around In Samal Island
As with other small island destinations in the Philippines, the main modes of transport are tricycles and motorcycles. Private or shared van transfers can also be arranged for hassle-free exploring Samal Island.
Motrobike (Habal Habal)
Habal-Habal (motorcycle or motorbike), the most prominent mode of transport in most provinces of the Philippines, is the most common mode of transport around Samal Island as well. It is easy to find Habal Habal drivers on the island.
The island's rugged roads are also easily navigated, allowing you to get to your destination faster through the island's many tangled shortcuts. You can directly browse and book habal-habal here.
Tricycles
Tricycles are the most common mode of transportation when traveling in small towns in the Philippines. You can find it in the market or in a small terminal near the town plaza. Most tricycles can seat up to 4 passengers.
Boats
You can also rent boats from the island's main ports and will take you to other beaches and towns on the island. There are ferries departing Sta Ana Wharf to Kaputian and Talikud several times daily.
Private and Shared Tours
Private or shared tours from Samal Island offer the most hassle-free transportation on the island. There is also a Samal Island excursion package that includes transfers to and from Samal Island and the entire island. Check out some of the best package tours right here.
Where to Stay on Samal Island Philippines
Accommodation For All
Luxury Hotels and Resorts
1. Pearl Farm Resort
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Pearl Farm Resort in Samal Island |
2. Chema's by the Sea
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Chema's by the Sea in Samal Island |
3. Indo Bali House
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Indo Bali House in Samal Island |
4. Punta Del Sol Beach Resort
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Punta Del Sol Beach Resort |
Travel Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About VISA Requirements
What is an eVisa?
How long does it take to receive the Visa after applying?
Where can I apply for Visa online?
What kind of Visas does iVisa process?
- ETA (electronic travel authorization)
- Tourist Cards
- Visa on Arrival pre-registration/approval form
- Tourist Invitation Letters
- Embassy Registration service.
How do I apply?
- Select the country to which you are requesting the visa
- Select the type of visa and read the instructions carefully.
- Select Apply Now
- Fill in the application form
- Pay using a Visa Card, Mastercard, or other debit cards.
- Await approval via email, then download and print the e-Visa from your account.
- Present your printed e-Visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
I need more information, where can I get it from?
FAQs Regarding Missed Flight Compensation
My flight was delayed, can I get compensation?
My flight was canceled, can I receive compensation?
You might be eligible to claim up to £510 (€600) cash compensation.
I missed my connecting flight, am I eligible for the compensation?
Some journeys require connecting flights to reach a final destination. For this type of travel, a passenger needs to board more than one flight to get to the end of their flight journey.
For instance, you can travel from Liverpool to London, then from London to Los Angeles.
However, without warning, flights can be canceled. In other circumstances, a passenger can miss a connecting flight due to the first leg of their journey being delayed or due to denied boarding.
If you qualify under EC 261, an airline is obligated to pay you missed connection flight compensation of up to £510 (€600). Click here to see if you are eligible to receive the compensation.
FAQs Regarding Travel Insurance
Can I buy a Travel Insurance Policy online?
But I am located in my home country, which is outside of the USA. Can I still buy the travel policy?
I am immigrating to a new country, can I buy the Medical policy?
FAQs Regarding International SIM Card For High-speed Internet
Is it possible to buy an International SIM Card online?
What about the rates of calls, SMS, and the internet?
Can I order from my home country before I travel?
But I don't want the physical SIM card, I need a virtual SIM card. Is that possible?
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, if you are a water baby, love sun and sand, there is no need to think twice as the Samal Island Philippines is one of the stunningly beautiful tourist destinations in the world. I am sure, this guide about Samal Island Philippines will help you finalize your travel plans to this exotic location whenever travel restrictions are lifted.
If you have any questions regarding the Samal Island Philippines, do comment below and I will be happy to answer your queries.
If you have been to the Samal Island Philippines before, do share your experiences by commenting below, I would love to hear back!
Happy traveling!
Till then, stay safe!👋
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