Top Places to Visit in Samal Island, Davao del Norte 2024

Samal island is brimming with natural marvels ranging from its highest peak, magnificent waterfalls, eco-tourism attractions and sanctuaries, diverse array of marine life and more. It promises an ideal retreat and a peaceful respite from the bustle of the nearby city. If you desire to experience what this tropical island has to offer, here are the top places to visit in Samal Island, Davao del Norte this 2023!

Places to Visit in Samal Island During an Inland Tour

Kaputian Beach

Majority of the breathtaking inland beaches on Samal Island are situated adjacent to beach resorts. Although certain beaches may be exclusive and costly, there are also a few options that offer an affordable opportunity for a refreshing saltwater experience. One of such is Kaputian Beach, situated on the southwestern side of Samal Island, with views extending towards Talicud Island. For less than a hundred pesos ($2), one may enjoy a whole day of basking in the sun and swimming into its clear waters. Kaputian beach is also among the best places in the island to conclude a day with a gorgeous sunset.

• Address: Brgy. Tambo, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte
• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (for day tourists only)
• Important fees:
  • Day trip Entrance Fee Samal resident Adult – Php 20.00
  • Day trip Entrance Fee Non- Samal resident Adult – Php 50.00
  • Day trip Entrance Fee Samal resident Kids (5 to 9 years old) – Php 10.00
  • Day trip Entrance Fee Non-Samal resident Kids (5 to 9 years old) – Php 20.00
  • Overnight Entrance Fee Samal resident Adult – Php 100.00
  • Overnight Entrance Fee Non- Samal resident Adult – Php 200.00
  • Overnight Entrance Fee Samal resident Kids (5 to 9 years old) – Php 50.00
  • Overnight Entrance Fee Non-Samal resident Kids (5 to 9 years old) – Php 100.00
  • Tent Pitching Fee – Php 100.00
  • Tent Rental – Php 200.00 to Php 300.00
  • Folding Bed rental – Php 100.00 – Php 150.00
  • Picnic Shed rental (Day trip) Php – 100.00
  • Bahay Kubo – Php 350.00
  • Table rental – Php 100.00
  • Chair rental – Php 10.00
  • Kayak: Php 150.00 per hour

Monfort Bat Cave/ Sanctuary

The Monfort Bat Sanctuary is a 247 feet-long cave with four sink holes that serve as homes to an extensive colony of more or less two million Geoffrey Rousette fruit bats. This Guinness Book of World Record holder that is a key tourism destination site in the region, used to be owned by the Monfort-Inigo family now donated to the Philippine Bats for Peace Foundation (PBPF) for conservation.

These night-shift pollinators leave the cave in the evening to perform their role as seed dispersing key stone specie; hence, help revive and regenerate the forest in their area.

• Address: Brgy. Tambo, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte
• Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entrance fee: Php 120.00/ head
• How to get there: Take a tricycle or habal-habal from Babak. Tell the driver to drop you off the bat cave. Fare is at Php 100.00 per way.

Bluebird Overlooking/ View Deck (C. Formoso Inland Resort)

This view deck offers a panoramic view of the Davao gulf, the nearby islands and islets especially the Pearl Farm Resort nestled in Malipano island. Though there may not be that much to do in the area, it is quite a place to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the Davao.

Entrance fee: Php 20.00
Operating hours: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

New City Hall of Samal

The New City Hall of Samal located in Peñaplata has become among the places to visit in the island. It is way more alive in the evening when all the spectacular lights are on especially during the holiday season with all the festive embellishments.

Sabang Cliff Diving

For thrill seekers, among the best places to visit in Samal island that you shouldn’t miss is Sabang Cliff Diving. Heed to your adrenaline rush and jump off from various level at 14, 20 and even up to 40 feet! While Sabang cliff is popularly known for such an activity, it is also best for snorkeling and skin diving. Make sure though that you’ll bring your gear for the activity.

Sabang Cliff Diving is also a popular picnic spot for locals. During low tides, you’d find few Dabawenyos out on a picnic with families and friends near the waters down the cliff.

Entrance fee: None
Operating Hours: None, but it’s best to visit it during daytime for safety as there are no lifeguards present nor stationed around the area.

Giant Balete Tree

This Giant Balete Tree located in Peñaplata is a natural marvel, presenting itself as a colossal banyan tree thought to have surpassed the age of 200 years. This natural landmark is considered to be among the region’s oldest and largest tree.

Entrance fee: None
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM only

Vanishing Island

Vanishing island sits off the shore of Brgy. Tambo in Babak district with the view of Davao city on the other side. During low tides, this narrow stretch of white sand appears. This island extends beyond being merely a stretch of sand off the coast. Though one may enjoy basking in the sun and beach bumming in its shallow waters on low tides, you may also enjoy snorkeling and skin diving around when the tides are high. For those who’d like to spend a little bit longer in the island, there are stilt houses on the southern end that can accommodate tourists.

Entrance fee: Php 20.00 per head
Boat fee: Php 400.00 (good for 5 persons)
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM only

Hagimit Waterfalls

Another famed attraction in the district of Peñaplata is this magnificent cascade tucked in a lush forest away from poblacion. The waterfalls itself is more than just a sight to see. This tiered waterfall has its refreshing water cascading down to a naturally electric blue catch basin.

Since the attraction is managed, there are facilities and amenities like toilets, souvenir shops, cottages, rooms, tables and chairs available for the visitors’ use and convenience. Despite these developments, the waterfalls itself remain untouched to preserve its natural beauty.

Hagimit Falls has been CLOSED TO PUBLIC for a while now for development. For updates, you may check on their Facebook page.

Mt. Puting Bato

Mt. Puting Bato is considered to be the highest peak in Samal island at 1,345 MASL (Meters Above Sea Level). The mountain offers two trails with one being a beginner friendly (Tayapoc Trail) and the other a challenging one (Guilon Trail); the latter being quite a training ground for those who would like to hike Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines. To get there, make your way to Peñaplata where you can take a habal-habal to Sitio Tayapoc. From there, you may get a guide who would take you to the peak. Guide fee is at Php 500.00 for four (4) persons.

Places to Visit in Samal Island during an Island-Hopping Tour

Giant Clam (Taklobo) Sanctuary

Among the top places to visit in Samal Island that you should definitely not miss is the Giant Clam or Taklobo Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a project put up and kept going by the Local Government Unit of Adecor, LGU Island Garden City of Samal Island and Davao del Norte State College. They aim to promote biodiversity conservation, tourism and livelihood. As of time of writing, takes care of more or less three thousand giant clams of at least 6 various species including the largest living bivalve mollusk called Tridacna Gigas.

The entrance fee to the Giant Clam (Taklobo) sanctuary includes a brief orientation, guided snorkeling and use of mask and snorkel. Take note that diving especially when wearing fins is strictly NOT allowed by the management. It is also mandatory for the visitors to wear life vest at all times.
Entrance fee: Php 200.00/ head
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Wishing Island

This island has its own charm. Unlike the others with fine white sand beach on its shores where one can run or sun bathe on, Wishing island would rather get you enjoy the view in its decks or swim into the clear waters around it. The island has coral patches around that may be a sight to see, too, but there’s no snorkeling gear available for rent in the island. Thus, make sure you’ll rent one or bring your own before departing for the island hopping tour.

Entrance fee: Php 100.00 (not included on the boat and guide fees for DIY tours)
Operating hours: None. However, the boatmen need to return to the port on or before 5:00 in the afternoon or else, they will be reprimanded by the coast guard.

Malipano Island

Though usually included in the island-hopping tour in Samal island, tourist boats are not allowed to just dock on the island nor tourists could enjoy the beach like the others included in the itinerary. The only activity in there is to see it from afar as Malipano island is private — under the management of the well-known Pearl Farm Beach Resort. The management only allows the guests of of the resort to enter the said island.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort

This private island has villas with some tucked in its lush green vegetation and the others kissing the turquoise waters of Davao gulf. It even has its own helipad available of course for its guests’ use. Unlike the other one situated at the mainland, the guests staying in the island can enjoy basking under the sun on its bone-white sand beach.

Diaz Island

This small island sits right across Malipano island with a view of Davao city on the other side. The captivating secret of Diaz Island reveals itself beneath the water’s surface, where vibrant coral reefs flourish, creating a stunning underwater landscape. You may also enjoy swimming into its clear, shallow waters.

Starfish Sandbar

Between Diaz and Malipano island sits a long sandbar dotted with sea stars. Be careful then as you walk around especially when the tides are low as you may accidentally step on them. Apart from starfish, you may also try to swim a bit further to explore the underwater scene.

There’s no snorkeling gear rental nearby these islands hence, it’s really a must to bring one before you embark on an island-hopping tour.

Talicud Island

Talicud island is a hidden gem located in the southwestern side of Samal island. This tropical paradise is bordered with teeming reef and probably the most stunning and unspoiled white sand beaches that I’ve seen in Samal. And yes, Talicud (or Talikud) island is still under the Island Garden City of Samal. Among the best places to see in this blessed island are the following:

Babu Santa Beach Resort

Peacefully existing on the Northwestern side of the island, opening up to the other side of Davao City is an idyllic white sand beach called Babu Santa. This long strip of white sand beach is fringed with towering coconut trees with traces of a former harbor standing still amidst the turquoise waters. Babu Santa’s underwater vista reveals a delightful surprise. The shallower waters are adorned with different species of sea stars; and venturing a bit deeper unveils expansive and vibrant coral formations.

Dabawenyos named the beach after a woman called Crisanta to honor her bravery and leadership when she courageously redirected pirates, poised to attack the village, away from the island. The term, Babu, on the other hand was a Moro term is an expression of reverence for elder sister.

Entrance fee: Php 50.00/ head
Cottage rental: Php 75.00

Isla Reta Beach Resort

Among the most popular beaches in Talicud island is that of Isla Reta’s. One thing’s for sure about the island. It is among the well-maintained beaches with the finest, bone-white sand you’ll ever see in the Philippines. It’s even more surreal as it kisses an impossibly perfect gradient and hues of blue. Isla Reta Beach Resort is quite a place in the island to go camping, swimming, beach bumming, snorkeling and of course, disconnecting to connect.

Important Rates:

• Day trip Entrance fee for Adults – Php 200.00
• Day trip Entrance fee for Children (4 to 10 years old, 3 years old and below are FREE) – Php 100.00
• Overnight Entrance fee for Adults – Php 400.00
• Overnight Entrance fee for Children (4 to 10 years old) – Php 200.00
• Environmental Fee (Non-Samal Residents) – Php 50.00
• Tent Pitching Fee – Php 100.00
• Tent Rental – Php 400.00
• Power Generator Rental (from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM) – Php 150.00/hour

Angel’s Cove

Angel’s cove features a bed of hard corals of various species. If you’re able to skin dive, you may also get up close and personal with the fishes living in these teeming reefs. Don’t worry if you’re afraid of the deep! Some corals can be found at the shallows. However, you just need to be careful with the sea urchins.

Entrance fee: None
Operating hours: None. However, the boatmen need to return to the boat docking areas on or before 5:00 in the afternoon or else, they will be reprimanded by the coast guard.

Explore Samal Island

Do take note that most of the attractions in Samal island have operating hours and usually close at around 5:00 in the afternoon. Hence, to make the most out of it, start your tours early so you may have more time cherishing the beauty of these top places to visit in Samal Island.

To make the most out of these places to visit in Samal Island, extend your stay to a day more or two. Here’s our Ultimate Samal Island DIY Travel Guide to help you with that.

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