Isla Reta: Talicud Island, Samal
Probably one of the best beach destinations in the country, Isla Reta is a modest beach resort facing Kaputian Beach in Samal. It is actually located beside the pier where the ferries from Davao dock, but a wall divides it and transforms it to a beach paradise.
When we first went to Isla Reta two years ago, we were overjoyed with the talisay trees that line the powder white sand beach. Yes, that's powder, meaning, similar to Boracay. It was unfortunate that we couldn't stay overnight there, since their accommodations were very spartan and we weren't prepared to rough it out. No restaurants, no bed sheets, no towels, shared baths. So we had to move on to find another resort. Since then, we yearned to come back to Isla Reta for a day trip. The last time I was there was last December. I found myself back again at the end of April.
Isla Reta is privately owned, and in the two years, nothing has changed. The beach was clean, and the back area was landscaped with green flat grass that contrasted brilliantly with the blue waters. There are actually two beaches, Isla Reta 1 and 2, but I just consider it to be one long stretch, all the way to another resort, Pacific's Little Secret.
The talisay trees give the beach a chill out setting, where you can lay on the sand without being burnt by the sun. There are also rocks that separate the powder sand. If you go a little further into Isla Reta 2, you'll find yourself more and more castaway.
Rocks form secluded coves perfect for hiding out. The water is not as crystal clear as with Babusanta, but is refreshing nevertheless. I really like its peaceful setting.
I could spend an entire day just reading a book in Isla Reta with bottles of beer by my side. For its secluded appeal and powder soft white sand, Isla Reta will always be one of my favorite beach destinations.
When we first went to Isla Reta two years ago, we were overjoyed with the talisay trees that line the powder white sand beach. Yes, that's powder, meaning, similar to Boracay. It was unfortunate that we couldn't stay overnight there, since their accommodations were very spartan and we weren't prepared to rough it out. No restaurants, no bed sheets, no towels, shared baths. So we had to move on to find another resort. Since then, we yearned to come back to Isla Reta for a day trip. The last time I was there was last December. I found myself back again at the end of April.
Isla Reta is privately owned, and in the two years, nothing has changed. The beach was clean, and the back area was landscaped with green flat grass that contrasted brilliantly with the blue waters. There are actually two beaches, Isla Reta 1 and 2, but I just consider it to be one long stretch, all the way to another resort, Pacific's Little Secret.
The talisay trees give the beach a chill out setting, where you can lay on the sand without being burnt by the sun. There are also rocks that separate the powder sand. If you go a little further into Isla Reta 2, you'll find yourself more and more castaway.
Rocks form secluded coves perfect for hiding out. The water is not as crystal clear as with Babusanta, but is refreshing nevertheless. I really like its peaceful setting.
I could spend an entire day just reading a book in Isla Reta with bottles of beer by my side. For its secluded appeal and powder soft white sand, Isla Reta will always be one of my favorite beach destinations.
hi RJ! I'm planning to visit Babusanta and Isla Reta in one day. IS it possible? How much time do we need to alot? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOf course! That's what I always do. Snorkel first at 10AM at the Coral Garden, then go to Babusanta to have a picnic lunch (prepare your food though). Then move to Isla Reta after.
ReplyDeleteI see but actually we really have a tight sched, my plan is to go to Babusanta first (because we'll be arriving at Davao at 10am) then stay at chema's for the night, on day 2 proceed to Isla Reta til Lunch time and do the zip line in the afternoon! Wat do u think? Its our first time in Davao! We have no idea there were good beaches there... until now!
ReplyDeleteyup, that's enough time. check in at chema's before going to talicud. you can do the whole talicud that afternoon. then the next morning, just stay and enjoy chema's. check out and zip line in the afternoon. you can rent a boat from chema's already, P4,500 for a day to talicud. you get a big boat that can fit 20 people!
ReplyDeleteThank u so much RJ! Your site has been very very helpful! I hope I can visit all the places you've been to! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeletehi,, samal is really beautiful..especially its beaches..i have also photos of talicud,,,nice pick RJ...
ReplyDeleteHi RJ, Affordable po ba jan sa ISLA RITA? :D .. tnx
ReplyDeleteIsla Reta is affordable. P50 per person entrance whole day. There are cottages for rent at less than P1000 a night, pero they are very very basic and old.
ReplyDeletehi rj! you mentioned that a private transport/ for an island hopping cost P4,500 in 2009. do you have an idea how much it cost nowadays? our group of 8 may not need a 20-capacity boat. what i mean is, can we get a smaller boat and how much does it cost? thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis may be a super late reply, but for the info of others, there are not much small boats to rent from Davao City to explore Samal and Talicud. Better get these smaller boats from Kaputian, which means taking the ferry from Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao to Kaputian in Samal.
DeleteI was in the place about three years ago, it was not fully developed but we still enjoyed our stay there. The beach is very nice...I would definitely love to go back there and see the improvements!
ReplyDeleteHi Rj! We are here in Davao for 6 months, but have been extremely busy with work. However, we want to make the best out of this beautiful place even though its going to be our last month here. We are planning to Isla Reta this weekend, but are not quite sure how to get there. We have only been to the Paradise resort (and a boat that took us directly there). Whats the route for Isla Reta?
ReplyDeleteThe easiest way is to rent a boat for the day. There is a dock near Waterfront that has all the boats of other resorts in Samal. You can rent from there. If not, take a ferry to Talicud Island or Kaputian in Samal, then take a boat from there. Either way, you still need a boat, so better rent one then explore Isla Reta, Babusanta and even snorkel the Coral Garden.
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