Over the years, the outstanding Philippines tourism has turned into a popular tourist destination and with the government’s efforts in developing such industry and attracting people from across the globe, it has made its place in the major tourist spots of the world. With its aesthetic beaches, grounded cultural community and modernized and developed infrastructure, it is among the top places in a traveler’s book. One such underrated and aesthetic place is the Samal Island in the province of Davao del Norte, Philippines.
Samal Island or the Island Garden City of Samal is a part of the Metropolitan Davao and is 2 kilometers away from the Davao city. The island is an ideal place to visit if you want to get away from the fast pace and hustle bustle of the city as you would not find any taxis here and only motorcycles known as “habal-habal” are popular. This is an island inhabiting nearly 80,000 people and is pollution free and peaceful. Life goes on at a leisurely pace which is not the equivalent of boring as there are numerous activities to do here such as mountain climbing and even diving and exploring the coral reefs.
There are many places to visit and things to do in the Samal Island. There are certain sanctuaries such as the Giant Clam Sanctuary where you can see the various sea creatures in their natural habitat that are preserved by the marine authorities in Samal. You can rent boats and snorkeling masks and it is an experience you will remember for the rest of your lives. The Monfort Bat Sanctuary is another informative tour that helps you witness the bats in their natural habitat and realize how they are beneficial to the environment. Do not be put off by the smell as it is a wonderful experience.
Likewise, you can rejuvenate yourselves with the fresh waters of the Hagimit Waterfalls. The people and guides of this island are friendly and you can get the maximum from this experience. There are cottages nearby for you to rent so that you can enjoy the view and the fresh waters regularly and the stairs enable you to reach the top of the waterfalls. These adds up to the unique and flourishing Philippines tourism industry.
The Coral Garden Marine Park is also a must visit place in the lists of the tourists. Be sure to take a dip in the waters and witness the beautiful corals in their natural habitat. The diving sites are clean and gorgeous and the guides are friendly who make sure to enhance your diving experience. The place is just a 15 to 20 minutes boat ride from the main island and has a marketplace nearby to collect souvenirs. The fish life is good and the corals are not tampered with. Make sure that you do not exploit them.
Other small and yet equally amazing places to visit is the Vanishing Island and you will not be disappointed by the view and experience. The main attraction of this place is its white sand and simplicity. It is a serene place to best relax and enjoy. Another famous tourist spot is the D’Bone Collector Museum. It features all the animals across the world from underwater animals to the tallest birds. Presently, the museum has over 650 specimens with more being added almost every week. Samal Island is an important destination of the Philippines tourism with it gaining even more popular among the tourists.
Transportation from and to the place is so convenient. Likewise, you have a lot of choices on where to best stay in Samal, Davao del Norte.
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