Escape to Samal Island

A fast pace life in the city sometimes feels very suffocating. All the stress from work combine with the responsibilities at home would make you feel like hiding yourself in a far away land out of reach by everything and everybody. After few months of being entirely focused with work I feel like my concentration is slipping away so my husband and I decided to escape to the isolated island of Samal . 

So what makes Samal Island our place of choice?

1st: It's easily accessible.

2nd: There are plenty of resorts to choose from

The Island Garden City of Samal is accessible via domestic & international flights directly to Davao city or public bus from any point in Mindanao. There are 2 wharves to get to the Island - SASA wharf and Sta Ana Wharf. We choose the later because it's conveniently located near Magsaysay Park. 

Note: Boat fare PhP 50/head

Fig 1: Boats waiting for passengers

Fig 2: Captain Jack Sparrow?

Fig 3: The representative  in white T-shirt waiting  for our arrival by the docks.

We arrived at the resort with only the Manager and few staff present. They are very friendly and accommodating and they truly look up to their client's need. They prepared our meals on time and promptly delivered our snacks.

Well, this is not surprising since we went there during OFF-season and we literally own the resort during our stay. It is picture-time unlimited! Anywhere we went, anything we do ... Nobody was there to bother us. Isolation to the highest level, awesome!   ☺☺☺

We arrived at the resort with only the Manager and few staff present. They are very friendly and accommodating and they truly look up to their client's need. They prepared our meals on time and promptly delivered our snacks. 

The resort has 24/7 guards on duty, so security is never an issue. There is no WI-FI connection in the resort and cell phone signals is limited to some areas - but no one would need internet access during honeymoon, right?☺☺☺  

Fig 4: Our room

Fig 5: Our home for the duration

Fig 6: The open cottages

Samal Island is a haven for those who are looking for underwater adventure like scuba diving, wake-boarding & snorkeling. The place is abundant in coral reef and marine life, in fact some parts of the island is known to cultivate sea pearls thus the name pearl farm was made.  

  

Fig 7: The rocky shore

Fig 8:  Instead of white sand, its corals!

Fig 9: Close cottage intended for large group

Fig 10: Food, food and more food

Fig 11: Punta del Sol resort @ night.

On our last day, we toured the whole Samal Island and make a quick visit to Maxima Aqua Fun resort. The resort entrance is PHP 200 which includes the use of the 40 meter giant slide and banana boats, tables etc.

Overall, our sojourn to Samal Island was unforgettably relaxing and thoroughly satisfying. I would definitely come back to Punta del Sol for a much needed reprieve in the future when the need arrives.

Punta del Sol Tariff or you check their website for latest update: 

Resort email: puntadelsol_samal@yahoo.com

website: www.puntadelsolsamal.com