Experiencing Samal Summer Quickie

You can ride a boat directly to the resort of your option to easily get there.
Fare is only Php15 gainst RoRo's Php10.

Better late than never. The adage is effin’ shibboleth but the last week of May is indeed not too late to catch-up dating the splendid sea, sun, and sand! Besides, what are you gonna do to spare yourself from boredom while waiting for your flight?

My business trip to Tagum, Davao del Norte allowed me more or less 19 hours to visit and savour the pristine and crystal clear waters of Samal Island.

Right after our training my workmate, college friend, and I had a working snack at around 2 pm. It took us more than an hour to decide if we were to stay at Villa Amparo, Bluejaz, Bluewaters, Paradise Island, or Isla Reta. We were looking for a decent place without harassing our pockets. Our first choice was Isla Reta but given the time and budget we opted for Paradise Island.

Transportation

Tagum to Panacan Port – approx. 1.5 hours-  Bus fare Php90

Panacan to Samal Island –approx. 10 mins- RoRo fare Php10

Samal Port –Paradise Island – 3-5 min – Motorcycle fare Php30

Panacan Port I guess is just 10-15minutes away from the Airport.

Standard room accommodation.

Honestly, I preferred sleeping somewhere under the nipa hut with just a foam on together with fellow travelistas (fun way of meeting people) but we have our gadgets and   bathroom concerns to consider. What we got was the only standard room in the vicinity. In fact it is not even mentioned to be available. Deluxe and premiers range from Php3, 500- Php3, 900 with air conditioner and television of which I think were not essentials in our case.

Accommodation

Standard Room – overnight stay is Php2, 500 (good for two but you could get additional)

Food – dishes ranges from Php150-Php 300

We finally settled at around 5 pm. We agreed to visit the Bat Cave and Hagimit Falls but the three of us were quite drained from the morning activities so we slept for about 30 minutes instead. Our starving tummies dragged us to the restau hall and before we knew it we have devoured curry, ramyeon and gulped smoothies.

There were live acoustic band and fire dancing which I thought to be cool enough. We wished we still had energies to invade the nearby infinity pool (Bluejaz is just a few steps away). I and my friend tripped to the bar for a drink or two while my workmate chose to succumb in slumber.

Morning came and everyone seemed to be oblivious of the white sand outside because the bed wasjust too tempting to let go. If there are schools conducive for learning, this place must be conducive for sleeping. Nevertheless, I got up to catch the sunrise (crossed fingers because it was already 7 am) while both were at the dream land.

After a sumptuous breakfast (their buko juice fresh from the shell is heavenly thirst quenching), the clock began to tick. Oops! We barely had an hour and a half left to wander lust. Kayaking erased. Snorkeling too and all in the list! Time to dive and let our skin taste the salt water.

Lost in water.

I am a bit picky when it comes to beaches. The last time I had a plunged was four years ago. I hate the waves banging my body. More to the sea grasses and shrewd corals that hurt my feet. Thanks to the universe that the beach at that time had less of it. The water was as calm as the pool nestled in ivory ash. It was absolutely a spur of the moment idea. We came just for business and yet despite the limited time we still manage to escape. Never underestimate where boredom leads you!