There are a huge number of islands in the Philippines that you may choose from. This summer my family and I went to Davao mainly to attend my cousin’s wedding. The supposedly wedding date of my cousin was moved from May 4 to May 5 leaving us with only May 4 to enjoy Davao. That’s one freakin’ day in Davao.
One Day in the Garden Island City of Samal
My shift ends at 12MN. I just went home to fetch my bag and then go straight to the airport. If you’re from Makati, I suggest that you take the Skyway going to NAIA Terminal 3 ’cause it only took me less than 15 minutes to get to the airport.
My flight is at 3.45 AM and at 6 AM I landed at Davao City safely. I then rode a taxi going to Sasa Wharf. Before leaving the airport, the security guard asked my last name. I asked the taxi driver why are they asking for my last name. The taxi driver told me that if you left something in the taxi and you can’t remember the plate number just go to the guard stationed at the airport and they will be able to track the taxi and retrieve your things. I felt secured instantly.
Another thing that I love about taxi in Davao is that the taxi driver will give you the exact change of your fare. For example, the meter says I have to pay for Php85. I give a hundred bucks and the taxi driver give me Php15. In Manila, if you give a hundred you’ll not receive any change as it is considered a tip even if you’re not happy with the service. In addition, the taxi driver in Davao will take the fastest route as possible to get to your destination.
Upon arriving at Sasa Wharf, you need to pay for only Php10 to get to the barge going to Samal Island. We enjoyed the 5 to 10-min trip going to Samal while sunrise watching.
First Stop: Monfort Bat Cave
Entrance fee: Php100
The Monfort bat colony holds a Guinness World Records for largest colony of Geoffrey’s Rousette Fruit Bat with an estimated 1.8 million population.
Second Stop: Blue Bird Viewing Deck
Entrance Fee: Php20
This is the perfect place for catching up and talking anything under the sun.
Third Stop: Kaputian Beach
Entrance Fee: Php20
This is a public beach in Samal Island where most family spend their time bonding at the beach.
Fourth Stop: Sabang Cliff
Entrance Fee: Free
This is where my Dad, brother and cousin took all the courage and jump in the cliff. Moreover, this is also where our boat is waiting for us for our island hopping.
Island Hopping in Samal Island
Boat Fee: Php2500
This is the greatest experience ever! There are three sites for snorkeling and best site is the Taclobo giant clam site (entrance fee: Php100; GoPro rental fee: Php300). There is another tour guide at Taclobo where they will explain first what kinds of giant clam is in their conservation. While snorkeling at Taclobo another guide is there to accompany you while snorkeling so as to not stress the clams. I also suggest to test your action cam prior to the activity as we were not able to capture the moments when we were snorkeling.
In the two other snorkeling sites, you’ll see corals and fishes and the waves are a bit rough in other sites.
Fifth Stop: Hagimit Falls
Entrance Fee: Php15
The rain from last night is the major cause why the water at Hamigit falls turned into brown. Our guide notified us but we insisted of going. The water at the falls is super cold and the rocks are slippery. Despite the brownish-colored water, the scenery is amazing and we still managed to enjoy our visit.
Where to eat at Samal Island?
Mik-mik Fried Chicken sold Php25 fried chicken with rice. It’s super cheap that it’s alright to eat up to four chickens by yourself.
Samal Tour Guide
Behind this wonderful trip is our amazing tour guide Kuya Igo. Tour guide fee is Php800 for two people and the mode of transportation is thru habal habal. Kuya Igo is an amazing guide plus life guard plus amazing photographer. You may contact him at +63 948 927 6108.
Life Under the Suitcase 