It was an unplanned travel to Davao when I was in Cagayan De Oro with my ex way back in 2007. So I had to change my return flight in an instant and boarded one of the vans at the Agora Bus terminal in the middle of the night because all of the air-conditioned bus going to Davao are full. The ordinary buses are packed with people, it’s like a sardines in a form of a bus. That I cannot do because I’m clostrophobic so we opted for the vans available at the side of the terminal. After 6 hours of land travel, we arrived in Davao.
After checking in to our hotel, we hopped in to a jeepney going to Sasa, km 11 wharf, or local calls it Paradise Island wharf where motorboats are available to ferry passengers direct to Babak wharf in Samal island. It’s the direct ride going to Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort since there are three ports that has boats going to Samal Island (check this link). Fare costs P15.00/person. It will only take 7 minutes to get there operating from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort is very proud of its humble beginnings. What started out as a weekend picnic destination back in the seventies, catering mostly to friends and their families has become what it is today as not only the preferred island getaway for families in Davao but is also the byword for those growing impulsive groups who are so busy and yet wise enough to squeeze in leisure in their hectic schedules at the spur of the moment just like what happened to us.
Having a shoreline of almost eight hundred meters, it is the only place in this part of Samal Island that has maintained its shores by feeding the fishes, clean them with having periodic “Scubasurero Activities”, and has placed a “safety net” to ward off jelly fish and rubbish, discouraging anglers from poaching the area and encouraging its visitors to enjoy the marine life and leave the same so that others may also enjoy them. Its white sand beach as well as its surroundings are combed and cleaned throughout the day.
The swimming area is adequately manned by lifeguards all day which makes swimming more enjoyable and worry free even for young kids and a few strokes farther leads you to an area perfect for snorkeling or even diving. Surely, a wet experience beyond compare to a man–made swimming pool. They also have kayaks available for a fee which is one of the nicest activity you can do in the resort.
There are more things to do in Paradise Island Resort aside from swimming at the beach. You can visit their aviary that boasts of a collection of birds such as pheasants, pigeons, parrots, eagles, lories, lovebirds, doves and hornbills. Kids can play at the Park and Playground. They also offer massage inside the comforts of their fully air-conditioned Massage Room. The resort has souvenir shops, Ice Cream kiosk, Business center, restaurant and has rooms for overnight stay. Prices ranges from P2,300.00 to P3,200.00. Entrance Fee to the resort is P100.00/person.
We just had a day tour since it was an unplanned trip. But we enjoyed it and it’s a good place to visit. A lot of families are frequenting the place, mostly locals having picnic. So when you’re in Davao City, do not miss out to have a quick tour in Samal Island.
– Paradise Island Resort was visited last October 2007
“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.”
vonviajero 