Fun Things to Do in Samal Island

Are you looking for another island (or two) to help you cross off your list of visiting all 7,507 islands in the Philippines?

Davao del Norte features a hidden gem that’s becoming increasingly popular with local and foreign tourists for its unspoiled beauty. Check out all the fun things to do in the Island Garden City of Samal, the country’s largest resort city.

Visit the Monfort Bat Cave

The four large holes within the sanctuary serve as the bats’ homes and are connected by a single tunnel. It takes a lot of courage and special equipment to get inside the caves because of the pungent smell and heat from the poop.

Take a dip at Vanishing Island

This protected marine reserve is full of mangrove trees and is best seen at low tide. At high tide, you can walk around in ankle-deep waters and go snorkeling or diving.

Swim in Haguimit Falls

Take a cool, refreshing dip at Haguimit Falls, with beautiful rock formations, numerous small cascades, and natural swimming pools. You can even camp in any of the camping grounds within the area.

Ride the habal-habal or bike around the island

The habal-habal is the fastest and most common way to get around the island, though buses also run from Davao City to the island. The island’s lowlands, mountains, and hills are also very popular among biking enthusiasts.

Quench your adrenaline thirst at Maxima Aqua Fun

Maxima Aqua Fun is best known for its 40-meter super slide which brings you plunging into 120-feet of the deep sea. Other water sports include the water blob and the banana slide. If water activities aren’t your thing, you can always do the canopy walk or camp overnight.

Go spelunking

Samal Island has more than seventy natural caves, including the Balete and Mangongawong Caves, known for exciting trails, and the Baga Cave, which looks like an underwater tunnel.

Camp at the most popular public beach

Samal Island is a very friendly place for campers, backpackers and budget travelers. The best place to camp on the island is Kaputian Beach, named for its white sands.

Conquer your fear of giant slides

Another recommended place for adrenaline junkies is Bluejaz Beach Resort and Water Park, which features two 130-meter-long rides that drop you to a 30-meter-deep pool.

Get a great view of the island at Mt. Puting Bato

At just 1,755 feet, Mt. Puting Bato is quite an easy trail even for beginner hikers. You’ll need to endure a long, bumpy ride in a habal-habal, but the covered trails and unobstructed views of the island are totally worth it.

Check out the island’s only rice granary

You might be surprised to find picturesque rice fields similar to those in Ifugao and Bali right in the middle of the island, in Barangay Aumbay.

Spend a day at the world-famous Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Pearl Farm Beach Resort is one of Samal Island’s best places for a luxurious stay. Spend a lazy day on its white sands or walk under the trees; whatever you choose, you are guaranteed to have a great time.

Also Read: Samal Island Beach Resorts with the Highest Traveler Ratings

Visit the nearby Talicud Island

If you have had enough of Samal Island (one day isn’t enough, definitely), head over to its next-door neighbor, Talicud Island. The island is named so because it sits just off Samal Island. It is covered with numerous resorts that are great for camping, perfect for the adventurous traveler.

To get to Samal Island, fly from Manila or Cebu to Davao City. You can then take a 15-minute RoRo ride from Sasa Wharf or a 45-minute ride from Sta. Ana Wharf.

Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels and Resorts in Samal Island, Philippines via Agoda, or see available Airbnb properties in the city.

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Also Read:

• Samal Island: A tiny secret island in the South Pacific
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