Top Things to do in Samal Island
Top 10 Things to do in Samal Island, Philippines
Discover the best top things to do in Samal Island, Philippines including Monfort Bat Sanctuary, Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort, Giant Clam Sanctuary, Hagimit Falls, Vanishing Island, Kaputian Beach, Maxima Aquafun, Coral Garden Marine Park, Samal Watersports Center, Mt. Puting Bato.
Restaurants in Samal Island
1. Monfort Bat Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By pancit_canton - Cavite Province, Philippines
I have never seen that many bats in my entire life. The guide was great, she spoke to us before we went to see the bats and its very informative and she's very smart and funny.
2. Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By streeteasy55 - New York City, New York
went for a day trip. The experience was beyond relaxing. Best for day trips and beach swimming. They actually have cottages/reservations for guests who want to spend the night in the resort. There is a 200php/pax entrance fee. The yhave their own boat to transfer people from Mainland to the resort and vise versa. You have an option, to bring your own food and drinks ( but have to pay corkage for soda, and some food), or enjoy their delicious selections of menu for the right price. Great for friends and family.
3. Giant Clam Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Rravrav - Manila, Philippines
The best part of our Samal Tour! It's so amazing to see life in those big clam shells.. . Seeing them upclose with wonderful colors of violet orange and a lot more!!
Besides the clams, there were corals and anemones, so you'll find fishes, schools of small fishes and starfishes while snorkeling.. .
Entrance/environmental fee is P100, you can also rent snorkeling gear for P100 and GoPro action camera for 300.. .
Please dont forget to give some tip to your guide.. its a way of supporting our tourism industry.
4. Hagimit Falls
Overall Ratings
4 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By Richee Genesis T
P15 entrance fee which is really really worthy. The place is really beautiful. I suggest to go early because at around 10am, people starts to go there and it would be not okay on pictures. Haha. If you're gonna swim, you are required to rent a cottage which ranges from P150-400. Everyone should try the cave hidden at the falls. Quite an experience.
5. Vanishing Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By jeckli - Cebu City, Philippines
This attraction is in its simplicity. Electricity is limited to lights & water is plenty due to their stocks of barrels of water.
The accommodation has two verandas, two comfort rooms & three bedrooms.
As to food, you have to bring cooked or for cooking since there is a stone-age stove there.
Despite the lack of luxury, the surrounding waters & mangroves will compensate and appreciate the beauty of nature at its simplicity.
6. Kaputian Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By IceQueen2013 - San Francisco, California
Beach was okay, but there's a deep drop from the beach line so be sure to watch your children when swimming, they might wade too far into the drop and drown easily. Also, there's some strong currents by the drop, so generally not safe for children to be unattended when swimming here. Other than that, it is a good public beach. Probably the only one left on the island as everywhere else is already fenced by resorts. Enjoy while it is still accessible to the public.
7. Maxima Aquafun
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By Cza C
I was expecting a bit more good customer service .... the people there helping the customers with the safety jackets are choosy in helping people... they are rude , catcalling people. The place , you can't even expect a decent food to be served in this place everything is expensive!
8. Coral Garden Marine Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By JustJyv - Makati, Philippines
When we're in Kaputian Beach we visited this Coral Garden as part of our island hopping destination.
It was an amazing experience as it is a big area with lots of different corals and it's addicting. You just want to stay a little longer to see the awesome creatures and the coral reefs underwater.
9. Samal Water Sports Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By DrunkenDugong - Davao City, Philippines
I've loved snorkeling ever since I was a kid. So discovering Samal Watersports' snorkeling tour was a real find for me. This outfit runs dive and boating tours around Samal Island and its neighbors Talicud and Ligid, and I have to say Belgian owner PJ Vererfven runs the ship and crew I'd trust my own guests with.
The boat is clean, with a decent toilet, and is well-equipped with life vests and life rings, and the masks and snorkels they provide are new and seal well; my wife Cathy and I never had problems with ours. All the crew know how to dive, are courteous and welcoming, and proactively look out for your safety. My wife got tired out by the current on one dip, and before she even thought of asking for help one of the boatmen had already thrown her a life ring. PJ is also a good guide and genial company, pointing out the good spots and regaling us with stories of his previous tours over lunch.
The boat tour, whether for diving or snorkeling, comes with lunch and it's a generous spread. On our second trip with them, with five of our guests, we had grilled marlin steaks, barbecued chicken, sweet and sour pork, salad, and fresh pineapples and mangoes. Lunch was grilled fresh on the boat, and you can either eat on board or ask to be taken to a beach.
Samal Water Sports Center definitely gets my recommendation for facilities, safety, service and food.
10. Mt. Puting Bato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Kates A - Cavite City, Philippines
For hiking aficionados or views and mountain lovers, then don't miss this in your Samal visit.
You can hire a local to be your guide. You can call it a minor trek and you will pass by fruit bearing trees in the first leg. It has trails and once you are near the peak, there is a house where you can camp and ask for water.
Then after few minutes of walking you'll see a crack where you need pass across (picture posted). A wooden hanging house can be found, pass that and you'll reach a mini garden with huts.
The peak is breathless. You will see a 360 view of Samal when you hike Mt Puting Bato. Depends on your capability, you can just complete this in less than 5 hours. Maybe 3 hours.
Ask the locals around for the possible drop off points. The mountain is not commercialized yet. There is a trail in the other end where you would end up in Canibad Cove, another less visited place in Samal.
TAGS
