ISLA RETA BEACH RESORT
If Kaputian Beach Park has clear waters and fine sand, wait till you see Isla Reta Beach Resort. Just beside Samal Island, Davao del Norte is an island called Talikud. Never heard of this place before but what I’m about to see will surprise me. It is a hidden gem in the south of the Philippines.
To continue my backpacking adventure in Davao. I left Kaputian Beach Park early in the morning. I rode a boat from Kaputian Port to Sta. Cruz Port in Talikud Island not knowing what I will see there in person. I only saw or heard about Isla Reta on the internet so there are no expectations. From the port, I walk through a small village going to the resort. When I got there, I was captivated by the clear waters of the sea, the very fine sand of the beach, and the tall Talisay trees. The place is picture-perfect.
But the heat of the sun kept me from the beach so I rented a room first, ate lunch, and rested for a while before exploring the area and taking a dip to the sea. After resting, I explored the back of the resort where I saw a flock of sheep grazing underneath the coconut trees. The resort is huge and peaceful.
I was excited to swim and take a video of the clear sea. Hurriedly, I bought my phone in a waterproof casing and took a dive. I was fascinated by what I saw there, a galaxy of starfish. This is the first time I have seen a group of starfish located in one area. Then, I sat on the beach and felt its fineness. It is the finest sand I’ve ever touched. I also looked up and felt grateful for the Talisay trees with their wide cover acted as a shade for me. I also met some local teenagers who approached me and asked me, why I was alone and where I came from. It was fun meeting strangers.
That time, I was very happy and thought that it was right that I pushed for my first solo backpacking experience. It was scary at first but it was all worth it. That place is very special to me, it was like reaching paradise from a challenging journey.
If you are exploring Samal Island, don’t forget to also visit Talikud Island and experience its wonders.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MORE DESTINATIONS IN DAVAO CITY, YOU CAN ALSO CHECK MY DAVAO, SAMAL & TALIKUD TRAVEL GUIDE.
TRAVEL GUIDE & TIPS
LOCATION:
Barangay Sta. Cruz, Talikud Island, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines
HOW TO GET THERE:
a. BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
- From Francisco Bangoy International Airport, take a taxi going to Sasa Wharf. (Travel Time: 15 Minutes)
- Ride a ferry/RORO going to Babak Port. (Travel Time: 30 Minutes; Travel Fare: ₱10.00)
- Charter a habal-habal or a tricycle going to Kaputian Port. (Travel Time: 40 Minutes)
- Ride a boat from the port going to Talikud Island. (Travel Time: 30 Minutes; Travel Fare: ₱60.00)
- Then walk to Isla Reta Beach Resort. (Travel Time: 5 Minutes)
b. BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (DIRECT):
- From Francisco Bangoy International Airport, take a taxi going to Sta. Ana Wharf. (Travel Time: 25 Minutes)
- Ride a boat going directly to Isla Reta Beach Resort. (Travel Time: 1 Hour; Travel Fare: ₱200.00 per person)
c. BY TRAVEL TOURS:
- KLOOK SAMAL ISLAND TOUR
- From Kaputian Port, ride a boat going to Talikud Island. (Travel Time: 30 Minutes; Travel Fare: ₱60.00)
- Then walk to Isla Reta Beach Resort. (Travel Time: 5 Minutes)
THINGS TO DO:
- Swimming – guests will surely enjoy the clear waters and white sand of Isla Reta Beach Resort.
- Snorkeling – see the rich animal kingdom under the sea of Isla Reta.
- Camping – tents are available for rent.
- Overnight Stay – accommodations are available for overnight guests. See rates below.
- Picture Taking – take photos of the paradise in Talikud Island.
RATES:
- Entrance Fee (Day Tour – Adults): ₱200.00
- Entrance Fee (Day Tour – Kids ~ 4-10 Years Old): ₱100.00
- Entrance Fee (Overnight – Adults): ₱400.00
- Entrance Fee (Overnight – Kids ~ 4-10 Years Old): ₱200.00
- Entrance Fee (Kids ~ 3 years old and below ): FREE
- Environmental Users Fee: ₱50.00 (For Non-Samal Residents)
- Pitching Fee: ₱100.00
- Tent Rental: ₱400.00
- Soft drinks and Liquor Corkage Fee: 25% of resort price per bottle
- Lechon Pork Corkage (Whole): ₱250.00
- Projector and Sound system: ₱350.00/hour
- Power Generator Rental (6 A.M. to 3 P.M.): ₱150.00/hour
ACCOMMODATIONS:
- Concrete Cottage (Good for 2 Persons): ₱900.00 per night
- Long House (Good for 3 Persons): ₱800.00 per night
- Dormitory (Good for 22 Persons): ₱6,500.00 per night
- Picnic Hut (Open Cottage): ₱400.00 per night
- Tent (Good for 2 Persons): ₱400.00 per night
*Bedding’s Rental per night:
- Foam Set: ₱90.00
- Foam Set (Small): ₱80.00
- Foam: ₱50.00
- Foam (Small): ₱40.00
- Pillow: ₱20.00
- Blanket: ₱20.00
OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS IN DAVAO:
- ANONANG CLOUD NINE – SAMAL ISLAND
- SAMAL ISLAND KEMBALI CONDO RESORT
- VILLA PRIVE SAMAL ISLAND
- SEDA ABREEZA
- PARK INN BY RADISSON DAVAO
- WATERFRONT INSULAR HOTEL DAVAO
- DUSITD2 DAVAO HOTEL
- ACACIA HOTEL DAVAO
- SANS HOTEL AT THE LUXEBRIDGE SUITES DAVAO
- RED PLANET DAVAO
POWER PACK:
CHECK OUT THESE DISCOUNTED/PROMO RATES FROM KLOOK:
- Samal Island Day Tour
- Malagos Garden Resort Day Tour Pass
- Nature Tour in Davao
- Highlands Tour in Davao
- Davao City Tour
CONNECT:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IslaReta.Beach
- Email: islareta@gmail.com
- Contact Number (Mobile): 0928 214 1487, 0998 991 6690, 0995 213 0942
NOTES:
- Operating Hours: Opens Daily from 6:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Day Tour); 3:00 P.M. to 12:30 P.M. (Overnight)
- Facilities: Pavillion, Open Function Hall, Tables under Talisay Tree, Volleyball Court, and Grill
- Use of own electrical appliances like rice cooker, heater, etc. are not allowed.
- Bringing pets is not allowed.
- Walk-ins are allowed but for those who are planning to get rooms, do a reservation prior.
©CHASEJASE
