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Voykit pocket guide · Philippines
Samal
Isla 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.
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.
- Country
- Philippines
- Local name
- Isla ng Samal
- Best months
- Dec–May
- Avoid
- Jun–Nov (rainy season)
- Stay
- 2–3 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PHP
- Money
- Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
- Daily spend
- Budget ₱1,200–1,800 excl. bed · Mid ₱2,000–3,500 excl. bed · High ₱4,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
- Emergency
- Police 117 · Fire and ambulance 117
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
- Toilets
- Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.
Get in
By air
- DVO · Davao International Airport
- Nearest airport; take a taxi or bus to Sasa Port, then ferry to Samal (≈30 min).
Typical fares
- Davao → Samal ferry
- ≈ ₱300–₱500 per person, 30 min (check schedule)
- Motorbike rental
- ≈ ₱500–₱800 per day
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get 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 and do
Known for
- Maxima Aqua Fun water park
- Hagimit Falls
- Monfort Bat Sanctuary
- Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monfort Bat Sanctuary | Hire a motorbike or join a tour from Kaputian, about 30 min drive | ≈ 1 h total |
| Hagimit Falls | Motorbike from Kaputian, 20 min; hike 10 min to falls | ≈ 45 min |
| Davao City | Ferry from Sasa Port, 30 min; bus or taxi in Davao | ≈ 1 h 15 min |
| Talikud Island (Babusanta Beach) | Local boat from Samal port, 15 min | ≈ 45 min |
Sleep
- 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.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| How much is the fare? | Magkano ang pamasahe? |
| Where is the ferry terminal? | Saan ang pantalan ng ferry? |
| I would like a room for two nights. | Gusto ko ng kwarto para sa dalawang gabi. |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
- Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
- Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
- Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
- Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass
Scams and watch-outs
- Ferry schedules vary by season; check times before travel.
- Rainy months (Jun–Nov) can make waterfalls inaccessible and roads slippery.
Samal is generally safe for tourists; petty theft is rare but keep valuables secure, especially on ferries and in crowded markets.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Samal yet. Suggested stay: 2–3 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Maxima Aqua Fun water park
- Hagimit Falls
- Monfort Bat Sanctuary
- Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikidata – Samal City: www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123456
- Wikivoyage: Samal, revision 5256995 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5256995
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/samal). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.