Skip to content
Voykit
Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. How we verify
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Major city · Philippines

SamalIsla ng Samal

Spend 2–3 days on Samal for beaches and nature; arrive via Davao ferry, stay near resorts, and explore water parks and bat sanctuary.

Not yet checkedSourcesWhat these labels mean

Samal Island, part of the Davao Gulf, offers water parks, waterfalls and the world‑record Monfort Bat Sanctuary. A short stay (2–3 days) covers the main attractions and leaves time for beach relaxation. Access is by ferry from Davao City, with optional day trips to nearby islands.

basic guide: no trip line yet
More
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
PHP
Best months
Dec–May
avoid Jun–Nov (rainy season)
Airport
DVO
Nights
2–3

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide for Samal: no airport-to-bed path, walking clusters or day plans yet. Fares and schedules here are unverified. What this page does cover
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
  • Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
  • Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
  • Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
  • Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
  • Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.

Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide

Checking your follows…
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Samal117 ▾
  • Police117
  • Fire and ambulance117

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Samal, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Maxima Aqua Fun water parkHagimit FallsMonfort Bat SanctuaryPearl Farm Beach Resort
Airports
DVO Davao International Airport (Nearest airport; take a taxi or bus to Sasa Port, then ferry to Samal (≈30 min).)

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Best

    32°C (90°F)

  2. Feb

    Best

    32°C (90°F)

  3. Mar

    Best

    33°C (91°F)

  4. Apr

    Best

    33°C (91°F)

  5. May

    Best

    33°C (91°F)

  6. Jun

    Avoid

    31°C (88°F)

  7. Jul

    Avoid

    30°C (86°F)

  8. Aug

    Avoid

    30°C (86°F)

  9. Sep

    Avoid

    30°C (86°F)

  10. Oct

    Avoid

    31°C (88°F)

  11. Nov

    Avoid

    31°C (88°F)

  12. Dec

    Best

    32°C (90°F)

Best: Dec–May. Avoid: Jun–Nov. Month by month →

Warmest Mar (33°C (91°F)), coolest Jan (24°C (75°F) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Samal: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

32°C (90°F)

24°C (75°F)

2 rd

Feb

32°C (90°F)

24°C (75°F)

2 rd

Mar

33°C (91°F)

25°C (77°F)

3 rd

Apr

33°C (91°F)

25°C (77°F)

5 rd

May

33°C (91°F)

25°C (77°F)

7 rd

Jun

31°C (88°F)

24°C (75°F)

12 rd

Jul

30°C (86°F)

24°C (75°F)

13 rd

Aug

30°C (86°F)

24°C (75°F)

13 rd

Sep

30°C (86°F)

24°C (75°F)

12 rd

Oct

31°C (88°F)

24°C (75°F)

8 rd

Nov

31°C (88°F)

24°C (75°F)

4 rd

Dec

32°C (90°F)

24°C (75°F)

2 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

Ferry from Davao (Sasa Port) runs several times daily; rent a motorbike or use tricycles on the island. Walks to nearby attractions are 10–30 min.

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

Monfort Bat Sanctuary

go

Door to door: ≈ 1 h total

Hire a motorbike or join a tour from Kaputian, about 30 min drive

World‑record bat colony; check opening hours.

Hagimit Falls

go

Door to door: ≈ 45 min

Motorbike from Kaputian, 20 min; hike 10 min to falls

Waterfall; may be slippery in rainy season.

Davao City

caution

Door to door: ≈ 1 h 15 min

Ferry from Sasa Port, 30 min; bus or taxi in Davao

Day‑trip for markets or museums; ferry schedule varies.

Talikud Island (Babusanta Beach)

go

Door to door: ≈ 45 min

Local boat from Samal port, 15 min

Quiet beach; limited facilities.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Beachfront, mid‑range; good base for water‑park visits.

Captain Hook’s Red Parrot Inn

Budget option near Kaputian, easy ferry access.

Paradise Island Beach Resort

Family‑friendly, near main beach strip.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
₱1,200–1,800 (≈ US$25–35) excl. bed
Mid
₱2,000–3,500 (≈ US$40–65) excl. bed
High
₱4,000 (≈ US$75)+ excl. bed

Watch out

Safety

Samal is generally safe for tourists; petty theft is rare but keep valuables secure, especially on ferries and in crowded markets.
  • Ferry schedules vary by season; check times before travel.
  • Rainy months (Jun–Nov) can make waterfalls inaccessible and roads slippery.

Emergency numbers

Police
117
Fire and ambulance
117

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

SamalIsla ng Samal

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

Pakidala ito sa address na itoTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police117
  • Fire and ambulance117

Embassy

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • Davao → Samal ferry: ≈ ₱300–₱500 per person, 30 min (check schedule)
  • Motorbike rental: ≈ ₱500–₱800 per day

Say or show

  • Magkano ang pamasahe? — How much is the fare?
  • Saan ang pantalan ng ferry? — Where is the ferry terminal?
  • Gusto ko ng kwarto para sa dalawang gabi. — I would like a room for two nights.

Check ferry times especially during rainy season.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Samal. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: Dec–May · avoid Jun–Nov (rainy season) · month by month →
  2. 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 4 day-trips, door to door
  6. 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
  2. Walking clusters with bag rules
  3. Day plans checked against opening hours
  4. Field-verified times and fares

Meanwhile

Back to Philippines

Sources

Ask about Samal

Loading…

Was this useful?