Samal Island in Davao

Part of the Davao travel guide — see every topic in All Davao Guides.

Samal Island lies in the Davao Gulf, just across the water from Davao City. Its official name is the Island Garden City of Samal. It has white sand beaches, coral reefs, waterfalls and quiet villages. Because it is so close, many people visit for a day, while others stay at beach resorts for a few nights.

Beaches and resorts

Samal has many beaches around its coast, from large resorts to small, simple places. Most resorts charge an entrance fee for day visitors, which often includes the use of the beach and facilities. The water is usually calm, and many beaches have coral close to shore for snorkelling. Some resorts have floating cottages, pools and water sports. On weekends and holidays, the beaches near the ferry landing get busy with families from Davao. For a quieter visit, go on a weekday or choose a beach further from the port.

The fruit bat cave

Samal is home to the Monfort Bat Sanctuary, a cave that holds a record-breaking colony of fruit bats, thought to number more than two million. The bats hang in huge numbers from the walls of the cave openings. Visitors look down into the openings from a viewing area. The bats are important for nature, because they spread seeds and help forests grow. Keep quiet near the cave, do not use flash and follow the rules of the caretakers. There is a small entrance fee that helps protect the site.

Waterfalls and island trips

Inland, Hagimit Falls is a series of small waterfalls and cool pools in the forest, a popular spot for a swim. Around Samal there are small islands and sandbars that you can visit by hired boat. Some areas have good coral and fish for snorkelling. Ask your resort about boat trips, and agree on the price and stops before you leave. As always, do not stand on coral or take shells, and bring your rubbish back with you. Wear water shoes, because rocks near the falls can be slippery.

Getting there

Ferries and small boats cross from Davao City to Samal in a short time, usually 15 minutes or less. The main crossings leave from the Sasa area, where car ferries also run. Some resorts have their own boats from private docks in the city. On the island, you can hire a motorbike taxi, tricycle or van. Roads are good near the port but rougher in some places. A bridge between Davao City and Samal is under construction. It was about 60 percent built in mid-2026 and is planned to open by 2028, so ferries are still the way across for now.

Samal Island at a glance

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