Samal Island

Samal is a fourth-class city in the province of Davao del Norte, Davao Region, Philippines. Its official name is Island Garden City of Samal (Filipino: Pulong Harding Lungsod ng Samal, Cebuano: Pulong Harding Dakbayan sa Samal) and it is made up of Samal Island and the smaller Talikud Island in the Davao Gulf, making it a part of Mindanao island group. It has a population of 95,874 people according to 2010 census.[3]

Samal is a part of the Metropolitan Davao area and is located two kilometers away from Davao City, the largest city and the primary economic center of Mindanao

2016 

My second coming at canibad
​

           This moment was quite special than the first one dahil dispiras ng bagong taon nang pumunta kami ng bestfriend ko kasama ang kanyang pamilya at kasama ko naman ang aking anak na si AGILA. It's a very peaceful evening nang pumunta kami ng Canibad. By the way pumunta kamin dito kasi bawal sa Davao City ang paputok and hindi parte ng Davao City ang Samal kaya pwede kaming mag-paputok. Pero it's better pa rin na di na mag-paputok para iwas disgrasya. Gabi nang nakapunta kami ng Canibad.
    Ito na yata ang pinaka delikado kong gabi sa buhay ko. Iba talaga pag kasama mo bestfriend mo kasi may magagawa ka talagang di mo inaasahan na magagawa mo. almost 3 hour kami tuloy-tuloy na nagpaputok hanggang nakibahagi na kami sa New year countdown. Masaya ang puso ko at that time considering it was my first time na di ko kasama family ko sa New year. Pero kahit papaano eh kasama ko naman ang anak ko ko na si AGila. 
Pag umaga eh ng timpla agad ako ng kape at tumanglaw agad sa ganda ng blueish na dagat ng Canibad. 
​
    Bagong gising na bata. Hehehehe .,. Mainit ulo natin ah AGILA
       Sayang nga lang is di ako naka talon sa Godzilla Cliff kasi medyo umaakyat na naman ang daga sa sarili ko. Ang sabi ko eh naka talon naman ako dati kaya di nalang ako tumalon sa pangalawang pagkakataon.  By the way, very deceiving ang Godzilla Cliff. Una pag nasa ibaba ka eh aakalain mong malapit lang ang ang tatalunin pero pag nasa itaas kana eh parang mahihilo ka dahil napaka haba ng cliff.

​ 
Madyaw Beach Resort

Before and after with my son Agila

   But the highlights of my second adventure here in Canibad eh inikot namin ang palibot ng Canibad. Ng rent kami ng bangka for 200 pesos and namangka kami. Ang problema is di pala marunong lumangoy ang friend ko kaya medyo nagkaproblema ang palo namin. Ako pa sulong siya naman eh paatras. But in fairness may nakuha kaming kayaman which is kinain lang namin

​
           Ito po yung mga Pictures at Videos when nilibot namin ang Canibad papunta sa makalapit na barangay nito. Di ko lang nakuhaan ang name ng barangay kasi ang layunin namin eh bumili lang ng isda.
​

   

Isla Reta " paradise of samal"

​

            Gaya ng mga salitang sinulat ko sa isang blog na ginawa ko noon. Sa ikalawang pagkakataon ay di pa rin ako binigo sa kagandahan ng islang ito. Nananatiling isa sa mga paboritong dagat ng mga dabawenyo at ng mga turista na dumadalaw sa Davao City.
      Gaya ng isang post ko sa personal FB account ko,"bakit pa pupunta ng boracay eh meron namang Isla Reta". I don't know but isla reta is really a living paradise. Sa tubig pa lang nito na mala crytal ang peg at powder like sand nito. But I will tell you honesty yes totoo ang lahat ng sinabi ko but ito eh applicable lang sa iilang part ng Isla reta. Doon sa banda na kung saan eh doon inibaba ang mga guess eh maganda ang tubig kasi pang GoPro talaga but sa may eastern part nito eh medyo malabo na ang tubig. I don't kung ano ang dahilan maybe dahil sa kung saan nakaharap ang araw or nagkataon lang na ganun. But anyway, I consider Isla Reta as part of top 10 beaches in Mindanao and the second best in Samal. Yung first eh reserve pa po kasi di ko pa na libot lahat sa samal. 
​More Pix:

2015

Canibad

  "It all started here"
They said serenity makes up a good and soul soothing vacation. Sometimes, what’s so ironic about well-known beach resorts is that you came there to relax and unwind yet you end up being annoyed by the filthy noise of vehicles near its vicinity, or because its crowd are too noisy and they are just so insensitive about the peace that they’re unnoticeably robbing from you. If this was the kind of vacation you had last summer, take a twist this coming summer time and visit Canibad Beach Resort. Located in Barangay Aundanao in Samal Island is a secret paradise that would surely spell serenity for you. A good place for meditation as the Holy week is fast approaching. It’s a nice place to commune with the wonders of the Maker. Canibad Beach Resort is less likely an undeveloped resort yet it has a very distinct quality that will surely soothe the needs of a weary traveller. Gifted with a naturally soft and talc like sand plus crystal clear water, every traveler will surely be awestruck with its natural form. from: samalguide.com

Mount Puting Bato

More info at Climbing Assault Page

Hagimit Falls

The alluring mystique of Samal isn’t only filled with white sand beaches. Face to face with its enigmatic and glorious beauty, you will be awestruck at its looming waterfalls. At Penaplata, an area within the island garden city of Samal you’ll find the Hagimit Falls. In about 2 km from Penaplata proper you’ll find one of Samal’s nature pride The Hagimit WaterFalls. A ride from Penaplata proper with car or jeepney adds another thrill to your adventure experience, but it’s not a long and creepy road though. It will only take you five minutes ride to experience its mystique. Seeing its facade, you’re expectation will be paid off vigorously. Upon getting there you can just sit and be amazed by the magnificence of the falls. Surely its’ running water will give you a relief from the tiring travel you had. The Hagimit Water Falls is quite small, but it all falls naturally. The pool that catches the cool water is all preserved in its natural form giving the visitors a delightful dive spot. Recently the locals’ added some cottages for the visitors comfort and for an income for them as well. Though the locals had set up cottages for the visitors, the place is perfect for campers. Visitors can just pitch in their tents on the tent site for a cold camping night at this waterfall. Campers will surely enjoy a green-culinary adventure as the water falls is filled with full-grown trees and different kinds of vegetables that grows along the riverbank. You will not only let your feeling be allured by its surroundings but also your palates. Guess vegetarians will have a great meal just around this waterfall. The water falls was not solely exploited as it is still untouched. There are no big souvenir shops around the area so if you plan to visit this waterfall anytime soon, bring a good camera to capture every perfect moment with your family or loved one in here. Or maybe just document your adventure here. Upon entering the Hagimit Waterfalls, the local community collects P20 for the development and maintenance of the place. Not bad to enjoy a wondrous gift from above! - FROM: samalguide.com

Kaputian Beach Resort

Kaputian Beach Park Resort is one of the great Resorts that Samal Island has. This resort is operated by the local government of Samal. The resort is located just with in the Southern coast of Samal Island. The resort takes pride with its authentic talc like sand and crystal clear blue waters that stand among the many resort in this island. Samal Island is dotted with so many scenic spots good for photo shooting, diving, snorkeling and many other water sports. One of the good spot around it’s vicinity is “Kaputian Beach Resort”. This resort has its natural touch up to this day. Surely nature trippers will enjoy its natural touch. Price matters when you decide an escapade. This resort offers good amenities in very minimum price, one escapade that you will surely enjoy without actually piercing your tight budget for holidays. There are few restaurants outside the resort that will surely fill your taste buds with mouth watering sea food delights. And don’t worry about the corkage’s if you plan to bring some of their delicious foods and drinks inside the resort. There are no extra charges, so just feel free to bring it inside. This is a must try resort; with its strategic area located just within the vicinity of Samal’s Poblacion, this one will surely trim down an unexpected expenses and will leave enough for some souvenirs and extra food. Don’t you like that budget safe kind of resort? Where else will you go for cheap yet soothing and natural getaway? It’s only here at Kaputian Beach Park Resort. The Kaputian Beach Resort offers both native bungalows and dormitory for those who wish to stay overnight at a very reasonable price. The structures of all cottages are facing in the west side to give a breathtaking view of the nearby Talicud Island. One will surely have an amazing stay in this resort. It’s a safe haven since it’s the local government of Samal who manage this resort. Summers is near and if you plan to visit a perfect summer getaway this summer, take this resort into your consideration. From: samaguide.com
Monfort Bat Cave

Montfort Bat Sanctuary has been the home of a large colony of 2.3 million Rousette fruit bats since recorded history. They cover 75% of the ceilings and walls of their 245 ft (75 m)-long cave.The sanctuary is located on Samal Island, about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) east of Davao City, Philippines. According to Guinness World Records, it is the largest single colony of this kind.
The Indigo-Monfort family has maintained the area since the 1900s. Norma Monfort is the current owner of the 57 acres of land including its 1.8 million fruit bats. She enclosed the property to discourage any possible bat hunters. Additionally, she hired 24 hour guards to protect the bats. Norma Monfort was named 2011 Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Hero.

I came here with my son as part of my 3 days itinerary samal escapade.
Tips: 
1. Prepare towel or handkerchief just in case you are sensitive by this place smell.
2. Bring your children here. It will educate them about the misconception about bats and this will give them awareness of this bat's contribution in our place.
3. If you have any question regarding the bats, don't hesitate to ask the guide. ( They are very helpful and smart too)
Sabang, Kaputian District 

Picture
Next nako mu-ambak

Tips sa Hoy:
1. Don't jump if you have no companions. It's more fun here if you are with your friends
2. Bring foods and drinks
3. Bring slippers
Perfect place if you want to have a Batanes view like scenery. I did't expect that the view of Sabang would captivate me because all I know before I went there was just to jump. I guess less expectations gives you more.

See Some Examples