A Little Island Escape Worth Remembering
Just a short trip from Davao City, Samal Island has always been a lovely place to escape the busy city and spend time by the sea.
Over the years, we've had the chance to stay at different resorts on the island, each for a different occasion. One was part of our honeymoon, while the others were memorable getaways with friends.
In this travel journal, we're sharing what we enjoyed, what you should know before booking, and what made each experience special.
Letecia by the Sea A Peaceful Honeymoon Getaway
Back in 2022, during our honeymoon, we spent a night at Letecia by the Sea. It was a wedding gift from my husband's company, which made the experience even more special.
From the private boat ride to our cozy seaside villa, everything felt peaceful and romantic. It was exactly the kind of getaway we wanted to celebrate the beginning of our married life.
Our Journey to Letecia by the Sea
Our trip started in Davao City, where we took a ferry from Sasa Port to Babak Port on Samal Island.
From Babak Port, we rode a tricycle for approximately 50 minutes to Kaputian Port, where the resort's boat was waiting for us.
The boat ride was one of my favorite parts. It was just the two of us on board, making the experience feel even more private and romantic.
Just the two of us on the boat ♡
Our Stay at Seaside Villa II
We stayed at Seaside Villa II, a beautiful rustic-style villa with wooden details that created a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
The high wooden ceiling, cozy lighting, and natural furniture made the room feel inviting. Our bed faced the ocean and was surrounded by an elegant mosquito net, giving it a romantic touch.
Even the bathroom and shower area were spacious and comfortable.
But my favorite part was our private veranda overlooking the sea. We could sit outside, listen to the waves, and enjoy our meals with a beautiful ocean view.
Aside from Seaside Villa II, the resort also offered other accommodations, including Garden Villas, Molave Rooms, and Seaside Cabanas during our visit.
A Quiet and Relaxing Escape
During our stay, there were very few guests. Aside from us, we only noticed one family. It almost felt like we had the entire resort to ourselves.
"Sometimes, sitting quietly by the ocean and enjoying each other's company is already enough."
There were no big crowds or noisy activities, just the sound of the waves, the fresh sea breeze, and the beautiful surroundings.
Delicious Full-Board Meals
Our accommodation package included full-board meals, so breakfast, lunch, and dinner were already covered.
We had heard that the people behind Letecia by the Sea were also connected with Tsuru Japanese Restaurant in Davao City, so we were excited to try the food.
Every meal was delicious and satisfying. What made the experience even better was having our meals served right on our private veranda overlooking the sea.
It was such a simple experience, but one we really appreciated.
Kayaking and Exploring the Clear Waters
Of course, we couldn't leave without enjoying the water.
One of the activities we tried was kayaking, which was already included in our stay at no additional cost.
We paddled along the calm, clear waters surrounding the resort. We could even see corals beneath the surface and small, colorful fish swimming around.
It was a lovely experience because we could explore at our own pace without rushing.
A Honeymoon Experience We'll Always Remember
Looking back, our overnight stay at Letecia by the Sea remains one of our favorite memories from our honeymoon.
We loved the privacy of our villa, the delicious meals, the beautiful ocean views, and most importantly, the peaceful atmosphere.
We're also incredibly thankful to my husband's company for giving us this wonderful wedding gift.
If you're looking for a quiet and romantic place on Samal Island for a honeymoon, anniversary, or simple getaway with your partner, Letecia by the Sea is worth considering.
Club Samal Resort Our Overnight Stay with Friends
Earlier this year, my friends and I spent a night at Club Samal Resort on Samal Island. It was a short getaway, but we had such a wonderful time together.
From the relaxing boat ride and beautiful sunset to the delicious food, live music, and comfortable accommodation, it was a getaway filled with lovely memories.
How We Got There
One thing I really liked about Club Samal was that the boat transfer to the resort was already included in our overnight accommodation.
If you're bringing your own car, you can park at Garden Bay in Lanang, Davao City. From there, you'll need to wait for the scheduled boat departure.
While waiting, you can grab something to eat at Garden Bay. They serve delicious food, and the place has a lovely view overlooking Samal Island.
The boat ride took approximately 20–30 minutes. Once we arrived, the resort staff welcomed us and guided us through the arrival process.
Travel note: Confirm the current boat schedule, parking arrangements, and transfer inclusions directly with the resort before your visit.
Beach and Swimming Pool
After checking in, we headed straight to our room to settle in. We didn't waste much time because we were already excited to go swimming!
But before jumping into the water, we had to take some photos and videos for TikTok. You know how it goes when you're traveling with friends!
We spent the afternoon swimming, relaxing by the pool, and enjoying the beautiful beach.
After swimming for a while, we ordered pizza and drinks to enjoy by the pool.
A Beautiful Sunset by the Beach
One of the highlights of our afternoon was the beautiful sunset.
There's something really relaxing about swimming while watching the sun slowly disappear over the horizon.
We stayed in the water until the evening, although the resort does have designated swimming hours for the beach.
Afterward, we went back to our room to shower, change, and get ready for dinner.
Golden hour by the sea ♡
Good food, music & friends ♡
Dinner with Live Music
Dinner was another enjoyable part of our stay.
The food was delicious, and the prices were quite reasonable. I think it's even better when you're traveling with friends because you can order different dishes, share everything, and split the bill.
We spent the evening enjoying our food, chatting, and listening to the live band performing at the resort.
This is one of the experiences I miss about being in the Philippines. There's something special about having dinner while listening to live music.
The resort was also quieter in the evening. During the day, there were more visitors because Club Samal accommodates day-tour guests, but the atmosphere became more peaceful once they left.
Our Room and Accommodation
After such a fun and tiring day, we had a really good night's sleep.
Our room was spacious, comfortable, and well-maintained. It had the amenities we needed, and I particularly liked how clean and nice the bathroom was.
Overall, I didn't have any complaints about our accommodation. We were comfortable throughout our stay, and everything went smoothly.
A delicious start to our morning ♡
Breakfast Buffet at Club Samal
The next morning, we started our day with breakfast at the resort.
Breakfast was served buffet-style, which I really enjoyed because there were plenty of food choices.
For me, it was definitely worth it. We could choose from different dishes and enjoy a satisfying breakfast before another day of swimming.
After breakfast, we went back to our room, changed into our swimwear, and headed out again.
We wanted to make the most of our remaining time, so we enjoyed both the swimming pool and the beach.
The seawater was clean, and the beach area appeared well-maintained during our visit.
A Short Getaway Filled with Beautiful Memories
Our overnight stay at Club Samal was such a lovely experience, especially because I got to share it with my friends.
From the relaxing boat ride and beautiful sunset to the delicious food, live music, and comfortable accommodation, we genuinely enjoyed our time there.
If you're planning a short getaway to Samal Island with your family or friends, Club Samal is definitely a place worth considering.
"Sometimes, one night with good friends is more than enough to create wonderful memories."
Kembali Coast A Relaxing Beach Getaway with Friends
We had the chance to visit Kembali Coast when one of our friends celebrated her birthday with her family.
We were lucky enough to be invited, and it turned out to be such a lovely getaway. From our spacious beachfront vacation house to the beautiful views of Talicud Island, it was a wonderful place to relax and spend time together.
Our Stay at Kembali Coast
Our friend booked a spacious beachfront vacation house, which made our stay even more convenient.
The house was huge and could accommodate at least 15 people, making it perfect for a big family gathering or a group of friends.
What I loved most was its location. We had a beautiful view overlooking Talicud Island, and the surroundings were peaceful and relaxing.
It was the kind of place where you could simply sit outside, enjoy the sea breeze, and forget about your busy schedule for a while.
Our Beachfront Accommodation
A few memories from the lovely house where we stayed with our friends.
Exploring Kembali Coast
We arrived at around noon, had a quick lunch, and then went out to explore the property.
One thing that surprised me was how spacious Kembali Coast was. The property covers a large area, with vacation houses, open spaces, and beach access spread across different locations.
Although we were fortunate to stay close to the beach, not every accommodation is within easy walking distance of the shoreline.
Some vacation houses can be quite far from the beach, and depending on their location, you might need to walk around 20 minutes.
Beach and Swimming Pool
Of course, one of the highlights of our visit was spending time by the beach.
Relaxing by the Beach
The beach area was lovely, and we enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and beautiful sea views.
It was a great place to relax, take photos, and spend time together.
Swimming Pool
Kembali Coast also has a swimming pool, which is another nice option for guests who prefer swimming in a pool rather than the sea.
However, during our visit, pool access wasn't included in our accommodation. Guests had to pay an additional fee.
Important Things to Know
Kembali Coast is a beautiful place, but here are a few things I recommend checking based on our experience.
Distance to the Beach
Some accommodations are far from the shoreline. You may need to walk around 20 minutes.
Ask for the exact house location.Transportation
During our visit, there were no tricycles operating inside the property that we could rely on.
Having your own vehicle helps.Food and Dining
There wasn't a convenient restaurant inside the property during our stay.
Bring food and drinks in advance.Swimming Pool
Pool access was not included in our accommodation package during our visit.
Ask about additional pool fees.Food and Other Things to Know
Another important thing to consider when staying at Kembali Coast is your food.
During our visit, there wasn't a restaurant inside the property where we could conveniently order meals.
Because of this, I highly recommend bringing your own food, snacks, drinks, and other essentials, especially if you're staying overnight with a large group.
You can also dine at restaurants outside Kembali Coast, but they aren't necessarily close to your accommodation.
If you're planning a family gathering or birthday celebration, arrange your meals ahead of time and check whether your rented house has a kitchen, refrigerator, cooking equipment, and dining utensils.
- Food for your entire stay
- Snacks and drinks
- Drinking water
- Cooking ingredients, if needed
- Swimming essentials
- Personal toiletries
- Transportation arrangements
Check with your accommodation owner about the facilities and amenities available.
Our Overall Experience at Kembali Coast
Overall, we had a wonderful time at Kembali Coast.
The vacation house was spacious, the beach was beautiful, and the peaceful surroundings made it a great place to unwind.
But what made the trip memorable was spending time with our friends and celebrating a special occasion together.
We didn't encounter any major problems during our stay, and we genuinely enjoyed the experience.
If you're planning to visit Kembali Coast with a large group, I think it's a lovely option for a relaxing getaway on Samal Island.
"Choose your accommodation carefully, prepare your food, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings."
Which Samal Island Beach Resort Would We Recommend?
We've visited these three places for different occasions, and each one gave us a different experience. Letecia by the Sea was part of our honeymoon, Club Samal was a fun overnight trip with friends, and Kembali Coast was where we celebrated a friend's birthday.
If you're planning your own getaway, here's how we would compare them based on our stays.
01
Letecia by the Sea
Our favorite experience for a quiet, romantic escape. We loved the private veranda, beautiful ocean views, delicious meals, and peaceful atmosphere.
02
Club Samal Resort
A lovely choice for a short getaway with friends. We enjoyed swimming, the sunset, delicious food, live music, and a comfortable overnight stay.
03
Kembali Coast
A lovely option for a large group. Our beachfront vacation house was spacious, with beautiful views overlooking Talicud Island.
A Quick Resort Comparison
Here's a simple comparison based on what we personally experienced.
| Experience | Letecia | Club Samal | Kembali |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our trip | Honeymoon | Friends' getaway | Birthday celebration |
| Atmosphere | Quiet & romantic | Fun & relaxing | Peaceful & spacious |
| Accommodation | Seaside villa | Resort room | Vacation house |
| Dining experience | Full-board meals | Resort dining | We brought food |
| Activities we enjoyed | Kayaking | Beach & pool | Beach & exploring |
| Our recommendation | Couples | Friends & families | Large groups |
Note: These are our personal experiences. Resort amenities, inclusions, fees and services may change, so always confirm the latest details before booking.
A Few Things to Know Before Visiting Samal Island
Based on our trips, these are some things worth preparing before your island getaway.
Plan Your Transfers
Transportation depends on where you're staying. Some resorts arrange boat transfers, while others require traveling through Samal Island first.
Confirm departure points and schedules.Check the Location
Some accommodations are farther from the beach than you might expect. This was particularly important at Kembali Coast.
Ask for the exact accommodation location.Arrange Your Meals
Check whether your package includes meals or whether restaurants are available near your accommodation.
Bring food if dining options are limited.Confirm Resort Inclusions
Ask about swimming pool access, activities, boat transfers, and any additional fees. Inclusions can vary.
Check the latest rates directly with the resort.What to Bring for Your Beach Getaway
Here's a simple packing checklist to help you prepare for your trip. Tap each item as you pack it!
Samal Island Beach Resort FAQs
Which Samal Island resort is best for couples? +
Which resort would you recommend for friends? +
Is Kembali Coast suitable for large groups? +
Are boat transfers included in resort bookings? +
Are swimming pool fees included? +
Do I need to bring my own food? +
Three Beautiful Stays, So Many Lovely Memories
Looking back at our trips to Samal Island, I realized that each of these resorts holds a different memory for us.
Letecia by the Sea will always be special because it was part of our honeymoon. Club Samal reminds me of the fun times we shared with friends, while Kembali Coast brings back memories of celebrating a special occasion together.
Each place has something different to offer, and I hope sharing our experiences helps you choose the right place for your own trip.
"Sometimes, it's not just about the place we visit, but the people we share those moments with."
Wherever you decide to stay, I hope you enjoy your time on Samal Island as much as we did.
More from Our Travel Journal
Planning another trip? Here are more stories from our travels.
