You should never miss Samal Island (Island Garden City of Samal or IGaCoS) when you’re traveling in Davao. It’s a great destination if you are looking for tranquility, great adventures and extreme challenges with nature.
Samal Island
Samal island is located in Davao Gulf, just around 10 to 15 minutes away from Davao City. The island is blessed with beautiful white-sand beaches, well-preserved coral reefs, thick mangroves, rock formations and rolling hills. Samal island is an archipelago of nine islands. Its location provides a fabulous site for sunrise and sunset.
How to get there?
Davao City is the jump-off point for Samal Island. For foreign visitors, you can fly directly to Davao City International Airport, and for local visitors, just take a domestic flight to Davao City or you can even take land/water transportation.
Via Sta. Ana Wharf
From the airport, you can take a cab going to Sasa Wharf which is just near Magsaysay Park. These ferry boats will directly bring you to Kaputian Beach Wharf.
Via Sasa Wharf
From the airport, just ride a cab going to Sasa Wharf. If you’re on a budget and you’re doing a city tour first, I highly recommend that you take a jeepney from the City Hall bound to Sasa Wharf. Fare is roughly around Php15 to Php20.
RoRo fare is only Php10 and travel time from the wharf to the island is around 10 to 15 minutes only. Highly suggested that you go there early in the morning as the line could get long especially during weekends.
You could also bring your own private vehicle or you can ride a bus going to Samal. The bus will still be in the barge but you won’t have to fall in line since public transport is a priority. For vehicle fare, you can check the price here.
*This is the option that I took. From my hotel in Davao City, I took a jeep going to Magsaysay Park (for picture taking) and then took another jeepney (Lasang via Sasa Route or Tibungco via Cabagiuo Route) ride from Magsaysay Park going to Sasa Wharf. Without the traffic, the travel time could be just around 35 minutes from Magsaysay Park to Sasa Wharf.
Via Private Boats
Most resorts usually have private boats that transports guests from Davao City to the resort. You just have to arrange it with your resort to know the details.
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Please take note that I didn’t try the other two options and these information were just based from the information available on the internet. For a sample Davao + Samal Itinerary, check mine here.
