Sublime, Stirring Siargao

Oct 6
07:22

2010

Rich Quiambao

Rich Quiambao

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Cradled in a gulf, protected from storms, shines a truly topographical gem that is the island of Samal. So much in fact, that its official name is the Island Garden City of Samal.

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Deep in the heart of the Davao Gulf,Sublime, Stirring Siargao Articles almost seemingly cradled in the waters and surrounding land mass that is Mindanao, lies Samal.  Formed out of the three municipalities of Babak, Peñaplate and Kaputian, the Island Garden City of Samal, its real official name, is one of the prime destination places in the country.But what sets it apart form other tropical islands and tourist attractions in the Philippines are the remarkable conditions that make it a flawless attraction in the south.First of all, Samal Island unsurprisingly is a seaside island, boasting of a more that a hundred kilometers of coastline. Crystal clear waters tapering of majestic blue is a sight that is home; it is very common here. It is also blessed with enough mountain ranges, hills and trails, although physically unattached to the rest of the Davao del Norte province.And the weather condition is always perfect.  A mean annual temperature of  26.9C saves the island from typhoons and monsoons. While other other travel spots are plagued by occasional storms, ruining the trip of most vacationers, Samal is relatively storm free. The Island Garden City of Samal or most commonly called IgaCoS, is home to two animal sanctuaries, and visiting them is a must. IgaCoS has recently entered the Guinness World Record for the Largest Colony of Geoffrey's Rousette Fruit Bats. Barangay Andanao, a coastal town, is a fish sanctuary that is now banking on its features as a beach town and underwater wildlife tourist spot.And with all that shoreline, beaches are not in short supply. All 46 or so commercial resorts, not including private ones, are all there to offer water activities. There is Kembali Coast Samal, a Balinese-inspired residential and resort project while there is also the celebrated Buenavista Island Resort  and the Pacific Little Secret. The Barcelo Pearl farm in particular is famous for its luxurious accommodations. It is consistent to being to being one of the best resorts in the country, with architecture by famed architect Francisco Manosa, who also designed the famous Amanpulo in Palawan. The Samal Casino Resort is soon to open soon, a million-peso enterprise that can offer casino adventures to tourists who will come. For those who wants to get away and find a different sort of water spot, the Hagimit Falls is a spectacular view hidden in the woods and surrounded by rock formations.Add to that all 7 surrounding islets, then island transfers via a boat ride is definitely a must in this typhoon sheltered haven. Scuba diving is a given. Prepare for all the sights the reefs have to offer. The Sanipaan shoal, an 80 hectare sandbar that disappear on a higher tide, is a marvel to visit. It is almost as if you are living in the middle of the ocean.Spelunking is a side of IgaCoS that is sometimes overshadowed by the light-bountiful beaches. The island has over seventy known travel caves of different sizes and difficulty, so spelunkers would be in much awe over traveling here.For adventure lovers, Samal is a paradise. They have recently made efforts to be environmental friendly and green, so much that there is a small charge in visiting just to sustain this green development. Green Tourism is a government-pushed strategy to simultaneously attract tourists and preserve the treasures nature bestowed them.The Island City is so confident n the name that it is depicted in their logo, official documents and tourism materials. It is one of those places you have to see- an incomparable tropical paradise.