Vanishing Island at the Island Garden City of Samal

One luxury we have here in Davao is our proximity to the ocean and the beach. The Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) is around 10 minutes to 1 hour away depending on which part of the island you’re going to and from which wharf you’re coming from. One islet that belongs to IGACOS is the Vanishing Island.

Remember when former Binibining Pilipinas Universe Charlene Gonzales was asked how many island there are in the Philippine archipelago? And she answered with “Low tide or high tide?” I’m not too sure if she was talking about the IGACOS Vanishing Island but it is one of those islands that vanish during high tide. When we went there for the Davao Food Appreciation Tour, it was before lunch time and the tide was still low. Lookie…

Vanishing Island during Low Tide
Image by Renz Bulseco of The Traveling Nomad.

Island Garden City of Samal

A trip to Davao is not complete without a visit to the beach. Why? Because the beach is 10 minutes away. And it’s damn nice! Plus, it’s a 100% typhoon free city so you can visit the beach anytime of the year.

The DFAT 2010 Team took advantage of this. And with ETours, enjoyed the beach and all it had to offer. We availed of the Davao island hopping tour package which included a tour guide, a boat ride around the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), and use of snorkelling sets.

Read the rest of this entry »

A few minutes boat ride away from Davao City is the still being constructed but already open Blue Jaz Beach Resort which boasts of a wide beach frontage, swimming pools, cottages, and water slides.

Read the rest of this entry »

Bali Bali Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal

Tranquility… Serenity… Privacy… These words are written on the brochure of Bali Bali Beach Resort. And that was what exactly what my relatives and I experienced when we spent a weekend there. Bali Bali Beach Resort is a quaint beach resort located in Samal Island a few minutes away from Davao City.

Read the rest of this entry »

Nowadays, traveling does not only mean rest and relaxation. Quite a number of people actually travel with a purpose. There are a few who travel to get that perfect spa treatment; some go on literal food trips. Then there are those who crave to get in touch and explore nature. Many local and foreign tourists have suffered the long way to Sagada and the hassle of flying to Palawan for that elusive chance to experience Mother Nature’s wonders. Thus, the birth of what is called as eco-tourism.