The Philippines has over 7,000 islands, and one of these is the so-called Island Garden City of Samal. Located off the coast of Davao del Norte in the southern part of the country, the island is the ideal destination if you ever feel the need for some time away from the big city. Popular activities on the island include beach hopping, snorkeling, checking out the fruit bats at Monfort Bat Sanctuary, and circumnavigating the entire island by motorbike. Additionally, since this island is near Davao City, don’t miss top local attractions, such as Davao Crocodile Park, the Philippine Eagle Center, Museo Dabawenyo, and Lake Agco. If you’re up for a more challenging activity, test your mettle and climb Mount Apo. If you’re itching for a short but energizing break from city life or looking for someplace new to discover, check out the best island resorts in Samal, Davao, below.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and island location. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Lorelei Beach Resort (from USD 56)
Boasting a private beach, this chic resort offers a memorable and fun holiday. Stay in shape during your stay with access to the gym and take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool. You can get a soothing massage in the spa and savor delectable cuisine in the onsite restaurant. Stream movies and keep in touch with your loved ones with free wireless internet.
You don’t need to pack up your entire wardrobe thanks to the laundry facility available. Rise and shine with a hot and delicious breakfast free of cost. You can choose to spend a relaxing afternoon at the poolside bar or have a barbecue.
Lorelei Beach Resort
Address: Circumferencial Rd, Babak District - Samal Island, Davao City, Philippines, 8119
2.41 km (1.5 mi) from Peñaplata Freedom Park
2. Chema's by the Sea Beach Resort (from USD 145)
Enjoy a relaxing getaway at this gorgeous beachfront resort that comes with an outdoor pool for your leisure. Swim in the crystal-clear water of the ocean and sunbathe on the loungers available on the secluded beach. You can indulge in exciting activities such as snorkeling and golf. Take advantage of the spa facility and rejuvenate yourself with a relaxing massage. Furthermore, you can enjoy delicious cocktails and premium drinks at the in-house bar and mouthwatering meals in the onsite restaurant.
Chema's by the Sea Beach Resort
Address: Limao, Babak District - Samal Island, Davao City, Philippines, 8000
5.5 km (3.5 mi) from Peñaplata Freedom Park
3. Island Garden Resort in Pangubatan (from USD 14)
A tranquil retreat awaits you at this opulent resort that features a private beach and garden. Stay entertained and up-to-date thanks to complimentary Wi-Fi access. With many gourmet dining establishments located on-site, you are sure to find something delicious to eat. The in-house bar also promises an enjoyable evening. Cool off in the water by engaging in non-motorized water sports to beat the heat and get a calming massage in the spa to unwind at the end of the day.
Island Garden Resort in Pangubatan
Address: Bgy. Pangubatan, Kaputian, Igacos, Kaputian District - Samal Island, Davao City, Philippines, 8000
17.69 km (11.0 mi) from Peñaplata Freedom Park
4. Holiday Oceanview Residences and Resort (from USD 45)
The stylish resort offers a wide range of amenities, including an outdoor pool and a private beach, so you can relax and take a much-deserved break. The accommodations are equipped with cable TV for your entertainment indoors. To enjoy the scenic sea view, you can choose a room with a balcony.
Explore a range of delectable eating options at the resort during your stay. For your convenience, the resort offers a takeaway breakfast service.
If arriving via private vehicle, you can park for free on the premises.
Holiday Oceanview Residences and Resort
Address: Ilihan Babak Island Garden City of Samal. please apply this to get the QR before going to Samal Island To secure your QR CODE ID, you may apply online and provide the necessary, Babak District - Samal
13.71 km (8.6 mi) from Peñaplata Freedom Park
5. Seascape Inland Resort
Located further inland, Seascape Inland Resort promises a great stay with its string of resort amenities, stunning location, and five-star service. Perched on a hill, it’s a little more secluded compared to other accommodations. There are only five rooms spread across the resort, guaranteeing peace, privacy, and a feeling of exclusivity.
The best spot in the resort is the outdoor pool area, where you can cool off and enjoy refreshing views of the sea at the same time. To start your day right, treat yourself to their continental breakfast.
Seascape Inland Resort
Address: Circumferencial Road, Purok 3 Barangay Catagman, Babak District - Samal Island, Davao City, Philippines, 8119
2.9 km (1.8 mi) from Peñaplata Freedom Park
6. Secdea Beach Resort
Posted by Secdea Beach Resort on Thursday, January 10, 2013
If you don’t want to leave your resort while in Samal, check out Secdea Beach Resort. A sprawling development located in the neighborhood of San Isidro, this island resort has everything, including an inflatable obstacle course right off the beach, a string of private huts in front of the white sand beach, and a mangrove forest you can explore.
The resort offers various rooms for all types of travelers. There are family rooms that can fit as many as 12 people and 2-bedroom lodging, to name a few. Room rates are inclusive of breakfast.
Secdea Beach Resort
Address: San Isidro, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal
Price: from 4,000 PHP (79 USD)
Star Rating: 3 Stars
7. Hof Gorei Beach Resort (from USD 110)
Tucked in a quiet cove on the western coast of Samal is Hof Gorei Beach Resort. This boutique-style establishment is best known on the island for the royal treatment it offers. This comes in the form of an on-call butler service for everyone staying in the island resort and cozy beach accommodations, such as waterfront cabanas, “buddy houses” that are great for large groups, and Salzburg-inspired chalets up in the hilltops with breathtaking views of the ocean.
Facilities include boat charters, a hydrotherapy outdoor pool, an on-site bar, and function rooms.
Hof Gorei Beach Resort Davao
Address: Kaputian Disctrict, Adecor, Island Garden of Samal, Davao del Norte
8.97 km (5.6 mi) from Peñaplata Freedom Park
8. Club Samal Resort (from USD 148)
Club Samal Resort is one of the more secluded lodgings on the entire island, featuring a distinct air of exclusivity and privacy. It also occupies a great location— a boat ride away from SM Lanang Premier and within walking distance from Monfort Bat Sanctuary. There are only 54 guest rooms and suites in this resort, most of which feature pool views, balconies, and air-conditioning, perfect for staying cool in the Philippines’ hot weather.
On-site amenities include an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a bar and lounge, and free Wi-Fi in common areas. Overall, this resort is the perfect off-grid hideout.
Club Samal Resorts Development Inc
Address: Purok 7, Brgy Caliclic Babak District
6.45 km (4.1 mi) from Peñaplata Freedom Park
9. Pearl Farm Beach Resort (from USD 304)
Pearl Farm Beach Resort is undoubtedly Samal’s crowning jewel. This expansive island resort features Islam-inspired guest rooms and suites perched high up on a hilltop, surrounded by dense greenery. However, if you want to stay in a room closer to the water, check out their stilt shelters. If privacy is what you really want, book a room in their private island, Malipano, and stay at a villa that comes with butler service.
Feast at Maranao restaurant, take pictures in their iconic boardwalk, and sign up for water excursions at their activity center.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Address: Adecor Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal
7.67 km (4.8 mi) from Peñaplata Freedom Park
10. Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort (from USD 55)
Located right on the beach and steps from the crystalline waters that surround the island is Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort. It offers authentic Filipino-style beach accommodations with private balconies and terraces, comfortable linens and beds, and more. There’s an on-site restaurant that serves an array of cuisines, including Asian and American dishes. Previous guests have noted the warm reception they received from the resort’s staff— a hallmark of Filipino hospitality.
Just 25 km (15.5 mi) from this property is Philippine Eagle Center.
Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort
Address: Barangay Caliclic, Babak District - Samal Island, Davao City, Philippines, 8119
5.99 km (3.8 mi) from Peñaplata Freedom Park
It's a breeze getting to Samal
Although it’s an island, Samal is perhaps one of the most accessible island destinations in the Philippines. You can access the island from Davao City multiple times a day through the network of boats that ply the established waterway. Some resorts also offer charter boat services so you won’t have to wait for other passengers.
For a wonderful experience here, stay in one of the above island resorts in Samal, Davao.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to