Sunset Beach, Samal Island

We were not sure where to go when we decided to go to Samal Island. We just wanted to go to the beach for the day. We ended up at the Sunset Beach Resort. The entrance fee was 30php for adults and 15php for kids. The driver and one person were excluded from the entrance fee. And guess what? My husband got in FREE. Yup, Sunset Beach Resort don't charge foreigners. I thought it was really weird because I have been to a country that charges foreigners more than locals.

We rented a cottage/nipa hut by the beach in the amount of 350php (more or less US$8) which is good for overnight stay already. The cottage doesn't have enough room for everyone so we rented plastic table with 4 plastic chairs which is 100php for the set.

The beach has very fine sand so it's okay to walk bare foot if you want. It was fun, we enjoyed the foods that we brought (they don't charge corkage) and we enjoyed the breeze. My two nephews and niece Belinda had fun in the water. The rest including myself did not go for a dip.

All in all, the place was okay.  We left before sunset. 

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Barge Ride To Samal Island

I took my family to Samal Island yesterday to enjoy the beach. We hired a vehicle and we rode a barge going to the island. The Barge Wharf is located in Sasa, Davao City. It is open 24 hours a day so you can come and leave anytime.

We paid 270php for the vehicle and 10php per head except the driver and one person, to and fro. They said that fees depend on the type of the vehicle that you are driving. Other fees were also collected like road maintenance and environmental maintenance fees when you get to the main island.

We enjoyed the gorgeous view of the sea while riding the barge and it took about 40 minutes to get there.

When you come to Davao, I'd suggest to visit Samal Island too. 

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Jack's Ridge in Davao City, Philippines

It was still closed when we arrived at 10:00 in the morning, the guard tried to collect 20php (more or less US $.50) per head from us but we said we will order something to drink or eat when they are ready so he let us in. We dined out here the other night and there was no some sort of an entrance fee. I am guessing that they collect fees from sight seers only or I'd say, when the place is not yet open for business. 

Anyway, we ordered Halo-halo and scoops of Ice cream. Because there were 14 of us, they collected service fee. Let's say, the Halo-halo was 95php, they charged us 105php. The Halo- halo and ice cream were not bad but the service was, because there was only one staff serving us. It was like a self- service thingy because we were the ones who set the tables and chairs up. I'd recommend not to come to this place early like we did because you wouldn't enjoy it. 

I like this place because it is overlooking Davao city. I have been here 3 times, at the Taklobo Restaurant only. The first time was like 8 years ago. I am not a coffee lover so I have never been to their coffee shop which is located nearby. There is also a videoke bar which I have never been either. 

I was surprised to see that they have a swimming pool here. Also, they have Japanese tunnels and a war plane that were used during World War 2. It was my first time to come to this place during the day and I am glad I did. I learned more about Davao City and the green surroundings made me connected to Mother Nature and made me appreciate how beautiful my beloved country is.

When you are in Davao, you do not want to miss this place. Make it at the top of your list.

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