When we planned our travel to Davao, I know I should never missed the visit to Samal Island. As much a I know that I will enjoy the noise and vibrant life of Davao City, I know that Samal will give me more relaxing and intimate time. Therefore even on a limited time, I booked a night at Samal Island with my husband.
GOING TO SAMAL
Samal Island is located off the cost of Davao Del Norte. From the Davao City Airport, we took a taxi to drive us to Sasa Wharf. There are few entry point to Samal but we chose to go thru Sasa Wharf via a Roro because I think it was more economical. We only paid P20.00 for the both of us. As I can remember, we were just standing all through out the ride on the side of the boat with an open view of the sea and cars behind us (there were seats on upper level of the boat but we didn't go up). The ride was a short 5-10 minutes so it didn't bother us at all. We arrived at Babak Wharf at Samal Island shortly.
Our boat going to Samal Island
From Babak Wharf, we rode a tricycle going to the resort I booked. The trike driver asked for a P300.00 fare. I was shocked and told him it was too much. He said that the resort was far, almost at the end of the island and he will come back without passenger. Though I was thinking that he was taking advantage, I agreed on it since there was no other choice. We drove on the the large, no traffic concreted road. After almost 15 minutes, we were still on the road. And I was so guilty thinking that the driver was taking advantage. It was really that far.
We arrived at Secdea Beach Resort after 30 minutes. The resort is located at San Isidro, Babak, Igacos, Samal. We were welcomed in a gate and asked for the details of our reservation. Then the resort shuttle took us to the lobby. The resort was big, and the arrival gate is almost a kilometer away from the reception area. It was lunch time and since the check in time is 2:00 PM, we waited at the restaurant and had our first lunch at Samal.
I N S I D E S E C D E A R E S O R T
I had prepare itineraries for Samal but it was never used. A night and two days at the island was just enough for the amenities of the resort. I'm excited to show you all the photos here.
L O B B Y A R E A
T H E D I N I N G / R E S T A U R A N T
The restaurant have an enough size that extends until the outer side which has a view of pool and the sea. It was clean and comfortable.
We ordered fish and pork. Turned out they have big serving which was a plus point. And the taste was good.
Outer part of the restaurant that has the swimming pool view
(Those plants provide division to the restaurant and pool area.)
T H E I N F I N I T Y P O O L
Secdea has two large main pools that has the view of the sea. The first pool is the one in front of the restaurant which was larger than the other one.
The mirror shot though. <3
Pretending I knew how to swim. But I'm not. :D
View of the beach from the pool area.
View of the pool from the beach.
Second pool..
T H E R O O M
We were fetched by resort's shuttle to go on our room which I thought was because of our luggage. Turned out we really need a ride because our room was located almost near on the front area of the resort. The building where our room was located has two floors which I'm not sure of how many rooms it composed. It has an own lobby which was vacant of people at that time. There was only the two of us occupied the whole building which surrounded by trees and garden. Really peaceful and I didn't mind at all.
The lobby has a water dispenser that is free to use by every guests which I found really nice rather than having one complimentary small bottle of water for each guest.
I booked for Talisay Room at P4,000.00. We have a nice simple room with two beds, one single and one double size. The room was equipped with one small window that has the view of a garden, one chair and table, television, mini refrigerator, and enough size of cabinet for the clothes. The bathroom was large, too large it looked like a shower room beside the pool that can occupied by few people at the same time. I don't know if it's good or bad.
(Not our room. These rooms are facing the pool and the beach. I didn't saw it when I booked our room. It should had been a nice location.)
T H E S E C D E A 'S C H A R M
T H E G A R D E N
The resort has a lot of greens around and I'm overjoyed with it. Tress, plants and grass are all well maintained. That was why despite the heat of the sun, going out of the room was a treat in the eyes and mind.
They have kids area also. Thinking we should have brought our little one with us. Next time Xander!
T H E F I S H I N G L A G O O N
The lagoon was just beside our room and stretched until almost near the lobby area. There were wooden bridge and nipa huts around it. Such a nice area for relaxation.
We caught the feeding time for fishes. And the were a lot of them . Wow!
Walking here was really refreshing.
T H E T R E E D E C K
The tree deck is located at the far end of the lagoon, before the entrance to the mangrove area. This was their version of the modern tree house, though it was not a house but just a viewing deck that encircled on a tree's body. The deck was not really attached to any part of the tree. It has its own foundation and support. Absolutely safe and stable.
We went up and saw the view around. It's main view is the road and lagoon.
T H E M A N G R O V E
The mangrove area was a long walk. And the path walk is all concrete, not hassle to walk into. I think this is one of my favorite spot. They have mangrove on both sides of the resort. This one is from the tree house and extends until the beach area.
The other Mangrove side..
This is on the other side where it directly have an access to the helipad and floating cottage of the resort.
T H E C H A P E L
How nice it was knowing there was a chapel inside the resort. Every time we travel, we make sure to drop by on a church first . Our stay was really had been complete because of that.
T H E O V E R L O O K I N G D E C K
As stated on the board, the deck was 124 steps. Tiring but we were not rushing so we have a lot of time to rest. When we reached the top, we saw that there was a large flat lands that is waiting to be developed. That was unexpected because I thought we will be seeing a small viewing point only. There was even a guard and a guardhouse on top and the house of the owner was also located there.
They have wall climbing too! Didn't tried though. :D
Do you think this view is 124 steps worthy of climb? Because I do!
T H E K O I P O N D
It was not the first time that I have seen a koi fish, but this were the 1st huge koi that I have ever seen. Photos may not justify their size but they were really HUGE. I was scared a t first to come closer, but since I know they are harmless, I sat there and had the photo ops.
T H E F L O A T I N G C O T T A G E
One of the best view point to be at the sea while having the view of the resort and surrounding.
I obviously love it!
I loved the look of the resort from the floating bridge. It looks tiny but in reality, you need a whole one day to be able to enjoy all their facilities. Glad we stayed for a night.
There was nothing more in this area but the resort itself, the sea and the mangroves.
This is one of my favorite shot. Two of my favorite colors in one photo. Blue and green combined.
Swimming looked safe. There were barriers around.
There were bench and sofa in the cottage. You can also sit on the floor if you want, really doesn't matter what you pick.
T H E B E A C H
Secdea has a nice white sand. It was not as fine as I expected but it was always clean which is what matters most to me. Though the shore was short, it gave a feeling like it was because the intention was for privacy. As if it was made just for you. And honestly, I love the intimacy it gave. We got the beach all for ourselves most of our time that we stayed and sit there. I love it. It's my favorite part of the resort. Ah no, I'm confused. Everything in this resort is my favorite. It's hard to choose.
Warning, I will be flooding you with my photos. Don't judge! :D
Serenity in the afternoon.
These photos were from the next morning. We went back to the shore though we only swim at the pool.
If only time stops when you are on a vacation, maybe I can sleep in the beach for hours.
When hubby captured how I look when I was taking all my selfies. :D
Hubby is my personal photographer (he doesn't have a choice). Hahaha. But i'm happy he's been so supportive of my kaartehan. That is why we don't always have a photo together. I'm happy we got a lot from this trip, thankful for the selfie stick.
They have also kayak activity.
It doesn't always happens to find a place where all the things you want to see and experience are all there. And we were lucky to find it in Secdea. It's an all-in-one Resort and would highly recommend for everyone at any age. This was two years ago and surely their rates may not be the same anymore. It will be quite a luxury if you are on a tight budget, but if you want peace and serenity with a beautiful surroundings and activities, it's worthy to spend with. And maybe after 2 years, there are more additional amenities that you will love.
I directly had my booking at the resort's website. You can check it here. --> SECDEA BEACH RESORT
X O X O
Faith
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