A 10-minute boat ride from Samal Ferry Terminal at Davao City side is an island known for its long white sand shoreline, pristine beach and numerous resorts – the Island Garden City of Samal.

December is surely the perfect time us Filipinos to spend time with our loved ones and the place to go? The beach! As for us, we wanted a short overnight stay to relax and unwind after a busy Christmas celebration so we started scouting for resorts in Samal which we haven’t been to yet at least maybe a month earlier. After doing researches and asking suggestions from our friends, we decided to go to Club Samal Resorts.

From the terminal in Davao City, Samal Island can be reached through barge. We paid 200 pesos for the barge ride which included us with our car – in excess of 3 adults, you have to pay extra. You can also take a regular barge ride for 20 pesos if you don’t want to bring a vehicle with you. The barge will just take you across Samal Island for maybe under 10 minutes where you will arrive at Samal Ferry Terminal. Note though that the waiting will take more time than the actual travel itself and the interval in between barges will be 15-20 minutes. Better be early and bring some snacks with you because sometimes the queue can be very long especially on weekends and holidays.

From Samal Ferry Terminal, the resort is on the right side. You can reach Club Samal Resorts for about 2 minutes by car – that near! You can even reach it by walking or ride a tricycle otherwise. The resort is easily recognisable with its towering white façade. The building itself is remarkable for being modern and obviously new.

Club Samal Resorts recently opened August this year, currently in soft opening stage, and already making a buzz all over social media. Because of its modern architecture and inviting pool, it easily captures the heart of many including us who love photography.

The resort consists of 3-storey building with restaurant on the second floor and function halls on the third. The great thing about it also is that it has a lift or elevator – very convenient for PWDs for using wheelchairs.

Further, the rooms are spacious, clean, and what we loved is the comfortable bed. We had a poolside room for 4,980 pesos inclusive of overnight accommodation for two guests, usage of pool and beach amenities, and breakfast (buffet) for two. Extra person will cost 1000 pesos per head. There is also an option for day tours for 600 pesos inclusive of pool and beach usage; 950 pesos for Saturdays and holidays with lunch available from 8am-5pm. Rates may differ in the future so better check their Facebook page for updates and maybe you’ll get lucky and catch some promos.  

We loved the atmosphere of the resort. The pool was fantastic and we got fresh pool towels with prompt response from crew upon request. One side of the pool was dedicated for kids. There were also lounge chairs great for those who want to relax or sunbathe after a swim. There were plenty of tables and chairs as well surrounding the pool to snag some snacks or drinks. They occasionally provide bean-beds too! The colourful floaters (on rentals for both adults and kids) were just too cute not to be ‘selfie-d’. The place is so ‘instagrammable’.

The beach side was clean and well kept. You can rent kayak, aqua cycle, jetskis and vests. The beach shoreline was not a long stretch but you can still enjoy the pristine waters and white sand. There is also a mini bar near the beach front where you can buy some drinks and enjoy videoke.

Since the resort is still new and on its soft opening, expect that you will notice some areas that still need improvements. The function halls, for example, are currently under construction which looks promising for those big events. Food is okay considering the price (just about 200-300pesos for an item in the menu which is good for sharing of 2-4 persons).  Nevertheless, we had fun and will consider coming back in the future! 

*photos were taken using iphone and nikon dslr*