Samal Island

Several days ago, my wife and I were on a vacation and just returned from the Philippines (PI), more specifically; we returned from southern Mindanao in Davao City. Within the city of Davao, there was an island called Samal which left a very impressionable memory during our trip in the PI. To get to Samal Island, my wife’s long time friend, Evelyn, was our tour guide.

In addition, Louie, my wife’s brother, also accompanied us as it was sort of a family retreat. We first took a taxi from the hustle & bustle of Davao City which at that time was a welcomed relief from Manila–which was really congested! When we arrived at the outskirt of Davao City on the shoreline, we then took a twenty minute ferry ride to Samal Island. The commuter boat itself was an amusing transition and a prelude to a very serene and majestic location as I or we were in for a treat. Upon our arrival on the island, our trek had just begun to our final destination.

When we reached the shores of Samal Island, there were several options for transportation as the locals competed for passengers like sharks in frenzy. Needless to say, negotiation was key although we are talking about a difference of a couple of dollars, nevertheless, it was fun as the locals tried to maximized their return on their investment as they too were the victims of high gas prices. When the dust had settled, we were able to rent two motorcycles for 400 pesos or 50 pesos per person–a total equivalent of approximately $9.50! The two wheeled beast transported all four of us–if you can imagine a motorbike with a total of three individuals, one driver and two commuters as we raced through pave, unpaved and side roads. All a while, I hastily hang on for dear life, yet not allowing myself to scream like schoolgirl. At least not in front of my wife as I rapidly hung on to her waist a little more tightly–an option I took to preserve my adulthood. After trekking for twenty minutes but seem like an hour as the back of my chum can truly attest, we stopped at a little cantina for lunch. In the midst of taking all the transition of the scenery from the city to the sea and all the grandeur for it had to offer–we forgot to eat and it was definitely on queue. I welcomed the time to dine number one because I was hungry, number two my adrenaline had to taper a bit and my back side really needed a break. But what truly took me for a surprise was the drivers.

As we ate our rice and some concoctions of Filipino dishes which were forgettable by the way, the drivers were contented to wait as we ate! They did not try to increase our fares or hurried us in any shape of form but is if this was the norm. That was one note I myself have taken but was unbeknownst to no one else…hmmm how odd. Okdokie, lunch is over and it was time to ride the mechanical monster once again.


As we continued traveling, the ride was much more manageable maybe because of the full stomach, little rest or possibly the scenery was getting lush & green as the sound of nature was becoming more the dominant reverberation. The latter definitely had a more profound affect as we were reaching our destination and, shortly thereafter, we did. We had reached the cover of our “retreat magazine”…we had arrived! After a nominal fee at the gate, it was a short hike before the sounds of water rushing over rocks were mildly heard but as we continued to walk, the unmistakable sounds of a waterfall was upon us and, once it grace our eyes, it was truly breathtaking. So much so that I went for a swim at the water’s edge. There were other people there too immerse in the water and, subsequently, more friends or family members joined in which appears to be a party of twenty. It was a typical Filipino gathering as food and picnic basket soon came out from under the table. After drying off, we continued to walk towards the waterway and we had come upon another waterfall. It seems this cascading water was more magnificent than the previous encounter and we continued to be further tantalized. However, the third waterfall was spectacular and majestic as the water traveled through a series of water ways and climaxing into what it look like two separate falls…truly picturesque!

Sure, I’ve experience larger and taller waterfalls but this was undisturbed, rural and a peaceful entity and I can’t help myself to wonder if I may be one of the few westerners to experience this exploitation.  And although it is within ten miles of Davao, Samal Island is a world away from the city. I’m glad I was one of the lucky few and want to thank my wife, Evelyn and Louie not just the tranquil scenery but for the whole day event.

I have a theory! Travelers to the PI normally land and stay in Manila and one forms their opinion on the entire country based on their experience in the capital…big mistake! The rest of the country is unlike Manila. To further exuberate my point, few travelers venture into Mindanao due to the Muslim population and numerous travel advisories. Sure there is some instability in Mindanao but writing off the southern PI is like saying gang issues in LA or Oakland would deem California unsafe. Californians will be the first to tell you that is ludicrous and nothing can be further from the truth; hence, the same analogy can be made for Mindanao…my advice, do some homework and analyze for yourself the risk versus the reward. I saw many foreigners living in Davao and even met one who has been living in the city for over ten years and no known threat ever came across his lips during our conversation.

I recall numerous years ago when I was stationed in Clark AFB and there were, for example, an incident where a spouse was involve in the shooting of a service member for financial gain. But when I vacationed back to the continental U.S., the incident categorized the PI as lawless country with savage rebels running amuck! I remember echoing, I was safer in the vicinity of Clark AFB than in some cities in the US such as New York, LA and Atlanta. And I’m sure the US Department of State of Consulate Affairs would have these cities on permanent travel advisories or restricted if the playing was similar to the PI.