Minimalist Goes to Davao-Samal Island

Journey to Davao-A Land Trip from SOX

After my SOCCSKSARGEN (SOX) adventure trip, I traveled from Koronadal via a land-based van to exit to my next destination—Davao City. The ride took approximately 3–4 hours, offering beautiful countryside views and a relaxing journey before reaching the city to continue my adventure!

My journey continued to Davao City and Samal Island, where I enjoyed myself on the island, nature, mindfulness, adventure, and communicating with the locals. From city explorations to beautiful island moments, this trip perfectly blended relaxation and discovery.

Where I Stayed: My Perfect Davao Accommodation

Finding a strategic and comfortable place to stay was essential for me since I needed accessibility to Sta. Ana Wharf (for Samal Island trips), amusement parks, and the city’s main attractions. I booked through Agoda and found 2 great accommodations:

📌 I will link my Agoda Affiliate Partner links here once I get my website verified! Stay tuned for exclusive accommodation recommendations.

1. The Central District Hotel Davao

I featured this hotel in a short clip on my reels, as it was a convenient choice during my visit. It offered easy access to the city, making my explorations hassle-free. Perfect for solo travel!

2. Daylight Inn – My Favorite Stay!

This was my absolute favorite! I fell in love with its calming teal blue/green ambiance, which felt so refreshing. Plus, the strong WiFi connection was a huge plus, as I needed reliable internet for my online work. If you’re a digital nomad or a traveler looking for a budget-friendly yet cozy stay in Davao, I highly recommend this place.

Exploring Davao City: A Vibrant Gateway

Davao City is known for its cleanliness, safety, and the towering Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines. Davao: The Durian Capital of the Philippines

Davao City is famous for its durian, earning the title "Durian Capital of the Philippines". Thanks to its ideal climate and rich soil, the city is the country’s top producer and exporter of this unique and beloved fruit. Whether fresh, candied, or turned into ice cream, durian is a must-try when visiting Davao!

During my trip, I couldn’t miss out on this local delicacy. I got to try Durian ice cream at Roxas Night Market.

While in the city, I made sure to experience:

1. Jack’s Ridge – A Scenic City View

This famous spot offers a panoramic view of Davao, especially breathtaking at night. It’s a great place to reflect and enjoy a peaceful moment with nature.

2. People’s Park – A Green Oasis

Walking through this park was a refreshing break from the busy city. The lush greenery, Durian-inspired structures, and indigenous sculptures added a cultural touch to the experience.

3. Roxas Night Market – A Food Haven

Of course, no visit to Davao City would be complete without experiencing the vibrant Roxas Night Market! tasting its local flavors! This bustling spot is a paradise for food lovers, offering a variety of delicious street food, grilled seafood, and local delicacies.

Of course, I couldn’t resist trying Durian ice cream, and wow, it was an experience! The rich, creamy texture with that distinct durian flavor was truly unique. I also tried Ube cheese ice cream, which was just as delightful, with its smooth, sweet, and earthy taste. Both flavors were a must-try, and they perfectly wrapped up my night market food trip!

A Note on Durian Season & Festival

When I visited in February, it wasn't durian season—so while Davao is renowned as the "Durian Capital of the Philippines," the best time to experience the fruit at its peak is in August. Outside of this period, durian can be quite expensive due to limited supply. For durian enthusiasts, Davao also hosts a Durian Festival in August, celebrating the king of fruits with tastings, competitions, and cultural events. If you're planning a trip as a durian lover, timing your visit during the festival is the ultimate experience!

Samal Island: A Tropical Retreat

After exploring the city, the next morning marked the start of my much-awaited Samal Island adventure! I headed to Sta. Ana Wharf for the meetup, feeling so excited because this was going to be one of the best island-hopping experiences ever! The anticipation of exploring beaches, islands, and crystal-clear waters made this trip even more special.

Samal Island Hopping Adventure – The Best Tour Experience!

To fully explore the beauty of Samal, I booked the Samal Island Hopping tour by Jtours, and it was the best decision ever! Our tour guide, Miss Cathy, was incredibly accommodating, making sure we had the best experience. The food was fantastic, and I’m giving them a 10/10 positive review for their excellent service. I highly recommend booking with them for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure!

Our Island-Hopping Itinerary:

✔ Talikod Island – A serene island with beautiful coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

✔ Coral Dayang Beach – A peaceful spot with clear waters and white sand, ideal for relaxation and a refreshing swim.

✔ Sabang Cliff – A must-visit for thrill-seekers! One thing I didn’t get to do? Cliff diving! My friend was so brave and actually did it, she even tried to convince me, but I was just too scared! 😂 Instead, I settled for diving straight from the boat, which was still a fun experience! Next time, I’d love to go back and challenge myself to finally try cliff diving and, of course, experience the thrill of fun freediving!

✔ Little Vanishing Sandbar – A stunning sandbar that disappears with the tides, where we enjoyed a beach walk on the soft white sand.

✔ Sightseeing at Pearl Farm – While we didn’t check in, we enjoyed sightseeing at the famous Pearl Farm Beach Resort, known for its luxurious accommodations and stunning coastal views.

✔ Little Vanishing Sandbar – A stunning sandbar that disappears with the tides, where we enjoyed a beach walk on the soft white sand.

✔ Wishing Island – A charming island where we paused to take in the peaceful scenery and made wishes.

A Sweet Treat Before Leaving: Happy Ice Cream Durian 🍦

Before leaving Davao, I made sure to stop by Happy Ice Cream Durian because I just had to try their Durian ice cream! And let me tell you—it was the best experience! The creamy texture and rich durian flavor were absolutely delicious. If you're in Davao, this is a must-try treat for all durian lovers (and even those who are trying it for the first time!).

Heading Home: My Last Night in Davao

After an amazing time exploring Davao and Samal Island, it was time to wrap up my trip. I spent my last evening in Davao City relaxing and preparing for my flight back to Manila. The trip was short but truly fulfilling. I soaked in the last moments of my Davao-Samal experience, appreciating the balance of adventure and mindfulness throughout my journey. That evening, I flew back to Manila via Davao International Airport, bringing home wonderful memories of this amazing adventure! I would definitely go back to explore more and finally try the fun freediving experience that I missed this time!

A Mindful Reflection

This trip wasn’t just about exploring, it was about being present in every moment. Whether it was listening to the waves at Samal’s beaches, feeling the ocean breeze at Talikod Island, or enjoying a quiet moment overlooking Davao City, I embraced each experience with gratitude.

If you’re looking for a mindful travel experience, I highly recommend this Davao-Samal trip. It’s a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural appreciation.