The Island Explorer

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 gras

I've realized that I still haven't posted some destinations in this blog. One is Boracay. I was surprised I haven't written about Boracay! Well, I hope I can visit one of my favorite islands soon. But for now, let me take you to another favorite of mine: the island of Talicud beside Samal. Talicud Island is near the Southern tip of Samal, hence the name, Talicud. The island can be reached via ferries that dock at Sta. Ana pier in Davao City. The ride takes an hour, and the boat leaves every hour and a half. Make sure you check the schedules though. The first time we went to Talicud, we took the 12:30PM ferry. So I have been to Talicud Island three times now, and one of its famous destinations is Babusanta Beach, which you can see int he pictures below. Babusanta Beach is usually a stopover for lunch for tour groups, especially divers. The white sand coral beach has crystal clear waters, especially at high noon. I call this beach one of the most photogenic beaches, since it

A trip to Davao is also a trip to the Island Garden City of Samal for me. The neighboring island province makes a Davao trip just complete and more worthwhile since I am a beach lover. When people think of Davao, people think of Pearl Farm, when it is actually in Samal. I have been to Paradise Island Resort twice, being the most accessible beach from Davao City. It's so near, you could have lunch there and go back afterwards. This time, we had the time to explore more of Samal. We didn't make any plans, so after staying at Paradise, we went back to the city to catch a ferry to Talicud Island off Samal as our ultimate destination. It was described as a rustic island paradise, with white sandy beaches and fantastic coral life. We took a ferry to Talicud Island from Sta. Ana Port in Davao City. The boat left at 12 noon, and arrived in Talicud an hour and a half later. We were supposed to stay at Isla Reta so we took a stupid 2 minute boat ride from the port to Isla Reta, which tur