A SERENE dose of “vitamin sea” will surely satisfy your getaway craving from the bustling city of Davao on the shores of the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos).
Well, it’s definitely a no-brainer to go to Samal for the beach, but looking for a “low-key” destination with the pristine image of the blue sea, sure is an awesome adventure to take. You may list Samalan Camp and Sea Resort as part of your destination.
Samalan is located at Barangay San Remegio, Kaputian, Samal. Geographically at the tip of the island, you will be welcomed by the shades of the blue sea.
With the set-up of the place, it will be best to get there with a personal vehicle with family and friends. Or if not, riding the habal-habal can also be a good option to take. Prices may range from 100 to 200 depending from which part of Samal you will be taking the ride.
To reach Kaputian, taking a boat ride from Sta. Ana Wharf will be a good choice. And riding a habal-habal from the port to Samalan will cost you about P150.
If you wish to take a joy ride from the Samal port through Sasa Wharf, then it will take you about an hour drive to reach the other side of Samal. But seeing the rural side of the island and the picturesque overview of the Davao Gulf will surely take your breath away, and you might end up for a short pull-over to take a selfie.
Once you get at Samalan, the perfect scenery also matches the warm accommodation of locals who also serve as resort personnel. The entrance fee is pegged at P100. If you wish to stay a little longer overnight fee is at P200. Rental for the hut is at P800 for two. If you are with your family, you might want to opt for the nipa huts at P2, 000 good for six persons.
For your meal, having a freshly caught fish for a treat will definitely make you want to live the island life. For P280 per kilogram (kg), a grilled matambaka fish is already up for lunch.
“Ang nakanindot man gud diria sa amoa kay dili kaayo daghan tao jud kumpara sa uban lugar (What’s beautiful is that there are lesser number of tourists who come here),” said An Remedio, Samalan resort personnel adding that the almost 24 hectare area will surely bring a memorable experience.