Why You Should Head to Samal Island Now

Why You Should Head to Samal Island Now

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Bring out your sun block and sun glasses and relax at Samal. 

La dolce far niente  is an Italian phrase that encapsulates what I like about spending time on a beach: The happiness of doing nothing but enjoying the beauty around you. For me, seeing an endless horizon of blue while lying on soft, white sand is bliss. Fortunately, the beaches of  Samal Island in Davao Oriental still offer that simple pleasure.

But maybe not for long.

This March, the local government, together with the Department of Tourism and the Samal Island Tourism Council, launched the Visit Samal  campaign. To encourage travelers to make the "Island Garden City" their summer destination, the months of April, May, June and July have been designated as Visit Samal months. Various activities highlighting Samal's attractions and local festivities are in store for visitors.  The campaign will kick-off on April 21 and will run until July 15. 

This tourism highway map will give you an idea of
the location of resorts and other attractions at Samal.
A larger image can be found here.

So if you're like me and you want to enjoy uninterrupted time on a beach, make your way to Samal soon. Samal has more than 70 resorts: Some of those resorts cater to the masses, some have facilities for those who seek adventure while some offer luxury and seclusion for those willing to spend a little more.

Now if you want more than an opportunity for blissful oblivion, then go to Samal  during the later months. The white sandy beaches isn't Samal's only attraction. You can also explore:

• Hagimit Falls- see its beautiful cascades then take a refreshing dip in its waters
• Montfort Bat Sanctuary - home of the largest colony of fruit bats in the world 
• Mount Puting Bato - hike to this mountain and enjoy a view of Davao, Mount Apo and the Davao Gulf 
• Talicud Island - famous for its dive spots
• Vanishing Island - a beautiful sand bar that 'disappears' during high tide .

Samal is accessible through Davao City. From Davao City, you can take the Island City Express bus, ride the public ferry at Sasa Port, head to Sta. Ana Wharf for a boat ride to Talicud Island or Kaputian, or charter a  motorboat from the private wharf of select resorts to reach Samal Island.