Punta del Sol, Samal Island

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Davao is my most frequently traveled place in Mindanao. And I’m already sick of it. Who would not, when all the way from Surigao you have to let yourself stuck in the bus for 11-hours tiresome land trip? The only thing that keeps me looking forward to Davao is its adjacent island that always tickle my curiosity. Perhaps because of the overly publicized Davao Pearl Farm that boasts a world-class appeal. 

I am talking about the Island Garden City of Samal or IGaCoS as the island residents called it.

Punta del Sol, Samal Island

My wish was finally granted on December 10, 2008 when it was chosen as the venue of one of the activities where I was invited to participate. Yes, on official business. But not bad for an official business. In fact I consider it a vacation (with a serious twist). :D

Warning: Escape this part if you dont want to read a rant: 

When I first learned about the event being held in Samal, I feel like celebrating. I was full of anticipation and mindmapped the plans like go to this place, photograph this, and be photographed with this. But poof, coco crunch! I was stuck in Punta del Sol Resort. And to talk about how far I have gone in the island, I was only given the chance to travel its circumferential road to and from the Samal Wharf. I underestimated the island, I thought it was just a small one.

The lesson learned: dont set expectations. So instead of titling this entry in honor of Island Garden City of Samal, the spotlight goes to Punta del Sol Resort.

Going there, I dropped off first at Panacan in mainland Davao from my Agusan-Davao highway ride. Then took a taxi from there to Sasa Wharf which is just almost a kilometer away. I must have taken a cab in going there if I knew the location of the wharf. Anyway, the taxi only costs me 34.00 so it is not bad after all.

Sasa Ferry Wharf

From the Sasa Ferry Wharf in mainland Davao, I rode aboard the common transport facility to the island, a large barge. Punta del Sol Resort has its own established port in Santa Ana Wharf in Magsaysay Avenue but I prefer the Sasa Wharf since it is much closer from my point of arrival in Davao. Magsaysay also serves as the terminal for Island City buses, the local bus serving the Davao-Samal transport. Since I was looking for an adventure, I did not take the bus on my way to Punta Resort, I simply took a seat lined up on the mezzanine of the barge. I thought riding the barge for almost 20 minutes is free. But when I arrived at the exit gate of Babak Samal Wharf, I was asked for a toll fee of P10.00. This only goes that there is no such thing as free in this world today.

Babak Samal Wharf

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Outside the Babak Samal Wharf Gate is the motorcycle terminal that caters the commuting adventurers. Fares vary upon the distance and good leveraging. For Punta del Sol which is a 7 kilometers rough road shortcut ride, the fare ranges from P50.00 to P60.00 (commensurate to fare rates that Island City buses imposes plus the motorcycle transit that one has to take from its drop off point in Central Warehouse).

And so enough for the blah blahs.. presenting the Punta del Sol Resort.



-->Things I loved about Punta del Sol.. fresh kinilaw and warm welcome presentations of energetic dancers.





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Dramatic sunset comparable to our Mabua Beach (in Surigao City).

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Like what our organizers said when I requested for an island tour, “We’ll reserve it for the next time”. I just hope there will be some other time. I was really anticipating seeing the bat cave and some of the island’s waterfalls.