Samal Island
Upon arriving at the port, we waited for a few minutes before we boarded the big boat that could carry vehicles to Samal Island. It seems like Samal island was a popular destination not only for tourists but also for locals looking for a quick beach getaway. As soon as the boarding call was made and paid the P10 fare, we made our way to the topmost part to get seated.Little did we know that the journey would take longer than expected. We booked a hotel in Captain Hook's Red Parrot Inn for two nights. The resort was located in Kaputian near the farthest tip of the island. If we had only arrived earlier, we could've taken the boat from Sta. Ana Wharf and got to our hotel sooner rather than later. We rode the bus from Babak all the way to Kaputian.
The bus took an hour to get to Kaputian and cost us P50 each one-way. It was already dark when we got to Red Parrot Inn so we eagerly checked-in and stayed in our room to rest.
Island Hopping
The day broke and the sun shone faintly across the blue skies. We booked an island hopping tour around Talicud Island for P1800 all in. Too bad we were only two in the boat so we only ended up splitting the bill between two people. We could've paid less each if there were others who availed the island hopping tour.
Coral Garden
Our first stop was the Coral Garden.
Coral Garden
The water was too deep to see the corals using snorkeling gear. I settled on taking a few pictures and swimming around the water.Starfish Island
The highlight of the tour was Starfish Island.
Starfish Island
The white sand beach was soft to the touch and the different colors were a sight to behold.
Starfish Island
It was the first time I saw starfish that were bluish and black in color.
Starfish Island
There were a lot of starfish scattered all over this small white sand beach island.
Starfish Island
Starfish Island
Starfish Island
Starfish Island
The corals and the multitude of starfish made Starfish Island a good place to visit.Isla Reta 2 & Cristina Resort
We really didn't do much in Cristina Resort besides swim around and look at more starfish at the bottom of the ocean.
Isla Reta 2 was an alternative stop to the more popular Isla Reta Resort on Talicud Island.
Isla Reta 2
The skies suddenly got dark and the wind started blowing which cut our trip short. After, wandering around Isla Reta 2 we finally headed back to Red Parrot Inn.Maxima Aqua Fun Resort
It was still early and we were looking for something to do. After lunch we decided to head out to Maxima Aqua Fun Resort.
The rain was already falling when we arrived in Maxima Aqua Fun Resort. We paid the driver the P200 fare one-way (the trip took 20-30 minutes, it was that far) and paid the entrance fee of P200. The entrance fee included the use of the trampoline, diving board, and slide for the entire stay.
Maxima Aqua Fun is well-known for its 47-meter long slide.
The lady in front of me took almost 15 minutes before she slid down the long slide. When it was my turn, I also took quite a while before I took the plunge. It was a quick and exhilarating ride, I felt like I lost my breath halfway through the slide because of how fast I was going. It was a fast few seconds before I splashed on the 120-foot deep water. I took another few rounds before we decided to call it a day because the weather was getting worse.
Here are the rates for Maxima Aqua Fun resort:
Kaputian Beach Resort
Before we left Samal Island, we decided to drop-by Kaputian Beach Resort. We paid the P10 entrance fee and made our way inside.
Kaputian Beach Resort
I must admit that I was spoiled by the beaches of El Nido and Coron that is why I thought that the beaches I saw on Samal Island were just average. But nonetheless Kaputian Beach Resort was still a good place to relax in.
Kaputian Beach Resort
We could see the droves of people settling on the beach and occupying the cottages. As we were about to leave, we were unable to visit Isla Reta on Talicud Island. You can visit Isla Reta Resort by boarding the public boat on Kaputian Beach for P20.Here are the rates for staying in Kaputian Beach Resort:
There are other noteworthy resorts on Samal Island such as Paradise Island, Pearl Farm, Bluejaz Resort, and others.
I found Samal Island to be underdeveloped because there were no tour agencies that offered group tours to the surrounding islands and tourist attractions, which made it harder for budget travelers to visit the beautiful islands that Samal has to offer. Unless you know someone there or if you are going on a luxury escape, it would be quite expensive and time consuming just to get anywhere. As much as I like getting lost and going on an adventure, there are visitors that would prefer less hassle especially if they just want to relax and enjoy their vacation. Much of the potential that Samal Island offers is untapped. Samal has so much to offer visitors if it was only developed and managed properly.
How to get to Samal Island
Ride the ferry from Sta. Ana or Sasa Wharf for P10. Last trip to Samal from Sta. Ana Wharf is at 4PM and the trip to Samal Island from Sasa lasts till 10 or 11PM (correct me if I'm wrong). You can go around Samal Island aboard the Samal Island City Express or by tricycle.
