History
The name Samal was derived from the word Sama, a tribal group found in the island. People used the word Samal because of the Visayans who miscalled the word Sama. The first datu in the island was Datu Taganiyug, a native of Peñaplata, Samal. In the past,the people of Samal name a place about what was the said place known for. For example, the name Peñaplata was derived from the word "piña" or pineapple because of the abundance of pineapple in the area. This, however, is folk etymology as peñaplata literally means "rock of silver" in Spanish. Tagpopongan is the first barangay in Samal which name was from the word "tagpo" or meet. It was called so because in the past, this place is chose by the datus as their meeting place. The word Samal was also known before because it was commonly used as surname by datus. Abu is the national costume of Samal long time ago. The first business transaction in the island was during the Chinese era. Spanish influence was also felt in the island.
Getting Here
For International Visitors, you can fly direct to Davao City, Philippines via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, Palexpress and Zest Air. From Capital City Manila, take a domestic flight to Davao City.
From Davao City there are 3 entry points to the Island
1.Sta. Ana Wharf - (near Magsaysay Park, downtown area) where motorboats are available to ferry passengers directly to Kaputian and Talikud Island.
2.Sasa, Km. 11 wharf - where motorboats are available to ferry passengers direct to Babak wharf.
3.Sasa, km. 11 Ferryboat - where passengers will be riding the Island City Express Bus from Sta. Ana Wharf Terminal and be transported by a ferryboat to the Brgy. Caliclic, Babak District.
Beaches
Here are the List of Beaches
Bali-Bali | Bluejaz Resort and Spa| Blue Waters | Buenavista | Camp Holiday | Chemas | Costa Marina | Dayang Beach |Hof Gorei Beach Resort | Ilihan Beach Resort | Rocky Beach Resort | Isla Reta | Kalinawan Beach and Outdoor| Maxima Aqua Fun | Mayumi Beach Resort | Paradise Island Beach Resort| Pearl Farm Beach Resort | Punta del Sol
Recommended Resorts : Pearl Farm Beach Resort | Paradise Island Beach Resort | Bluejaz Resort and Spa | Chemas | Bali-Bali | Hof Gorei Beach Resort | Maxima Aqua Fun | Kalinaw Beach and Outdoor
Click for more information Samal Island Beaches and Resorts.
Attractions
Hagimit Falls
Multi layered waterfall located in Poblacion Peñaflata. Good for refreshing and escape the heat of the sun.
Location: Poblacion, Peñaplata
Monfort Bat Cave
Philippine fruit bats that roost on Samal Island were officially accorded the Guinness World Record of largest colony of any fruit bat species. On any given day approximately 1.8 million Geoffroy’s rousette fruit bats (rousettus amplexicaudatus) inhabit the Monfort Bat Cave on Samal Island. The Monfort Bat Cave & Conservation Foundation aims to protect the Samal Island fruit bats through research programs that lead to better education and conservation of habitat.
Location: Barangay Tambo, Babak District Samal
Fee:P20.00
