Samal Island
Davao's island playground: white beaches, cool waterfalls and a cave of more than a million fruit bats.
Quick answer
- Where: the Island Garden City of Samal, across a narrow channel from Davao City.
- Getting there: ferries and barges from Davao, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- The bats: the Monfort Bat Sanctuary has a Guinness record for the largest colony of Geoffroy's rousette fruit bats.
- Also see: Hagimit Falls, beaches like Kaputian, and the Vanishing Island sandbar.
- Weather: south of the main typhoon belt, so visits work most of the year.
Why it is a wonder
The Island Garden City of Samal lies just across a narrow channel from Davao City, so close that ferries cross in minutes. For Davaoeños it is the weekend beach; for visitors it is an easy taste of island life with a few surprises.
The biggest surprise is in a cave. The Monfort Bat Sanctuary shelters what Guinness World Records recognised as the largest colony of Geoffroy’s rousette fruit bats, estimated at around two million. At dusk they pour out to feed, pollinating fruit trees, including Davao’s famous durian, across the region.
Elsewhere on Samal are the cool pools of Hagimit Falls, white beaches such as Kaputian, and the Vanishing Island, a sandbar that comes and goes with the tide.
Beat the crowds
- Visit on weekdays. Weekends bring families from the city.
- Go to the bat cave in the morning, before tour groups arrive.
Getting there
Take a taxi or jeepney to Sasa Wharf in Davao City for barges to Babak, about 10 to 15 minutes, or to Santa Ana Wharf for boats to the south. On the island, hire a tricycle or multicab. See our Davao guide.
A perfect day
- Cross to Babak after breakfast.
- Visit the Monfort Bat Sanctuary.
- Swim at Hagimit Falls.
- Finish on a beach and watch the sunset towards Davao.
Through the seasons
- All year: Davao lies south of the main typhoon belt, with rain spread across the months.
- August: the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City.
Respect the place
Keep quiet near the bat colony, don’t use flash, and never disturb the bats. Avoid touching coral at snorkel spots.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
How many bats live in the Monfort cave?
Estimates are around 1.8 to 2 million Geoffroy's rousette fruit bats. They help pollinate fruit trees, including durian, around Davao.
What is the Vanishing Island?
A sandbar between Samal and the mainland that appears at low tide and disappears at high tide.
Can I visit Samal on a day trip?
Yes, easily from Davao City. Stay longer if you want a beach resort holiday.
Which port should I use?
Sasa Wharf for Babak, the bat cave and Hagimit; Santa Ana Wharf for direct boats to Kaputian in the south.
Aliwagwag Falls
A giant staircase of white water pouring through untouched forest on Mindanao's Pacific side.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
