If you dont have your own car it would be uncomfortable to go there. Commuting in PUVs would seem forever. The barge trip is okay, not really clean but that's okay if you stay inside the car. Samal island hopping is a must-try. The water is clean and clear.

We had a recent class reunion in Samal Island in the private beach resort of a former classmate in Davao City. I was amazed to see a big improvement in the island, compared to what I saw 20 years ago. Samal Island is the biggest island among of a group of nine islands bounded by the Davao Gulf. There are... More

No hordes of tourist unlike Boracay. Beaches are clean. The locals are courteous and friendly. Do stay at Pearl farm resort.

We went there early morning and rented a nipah-hut. Nice place to hang out, relax bbq and drink beers ;-). Not really good for snorkling or even diving. Swimming there is great though. Afterwards I heard you could visit waterfalls on the island. They looked nice on the picture, but I haven't seen them myself.

Great place to stay, the employess were all very friendly, stayed in the Samal house, great room with excellent view and a/c works great. The food and drinks were the best in Davao.

My kids and I stayed in Blue Jazz along with some family members,Everyone enjoy everything. The water was clear the food was great and the service was good.Over all everyone had a blast! it's was fun.

There are lots of places to visit in the Island but it does not have any first class facilities except for Pearl Farm. But still snorkeling here is not as good as what Palawan has to offer.

In one of their ads, Samal hosts are saying that they don't want to become a second Boracay island. They can relax, it won't happens. They simply don't have what it needs even though they have few interesting sites. It is simply a place to relax far from the crowd whille staying very close of Davao City. Better for you... More

There are so many things to see and do in this island. But for a day tour we opted to try snorkeling at Paradise Island Resort which is near Ro-Ro port. Entrance fee is P200(include P50 consumable). The resort is superb. Very clean and well staffed. White sand beach is not that big although not crowded. Sand is fine but... More