Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio
With more than 7,100 islands, it’s not surprising that beaches are one of the big draws of the Philippines.
“Whatever your mood, there’s something to suit (your tastes): from kilometers of fine white sand with a not a soul in sight, to party strands, to spectacular water-sports beaches, to tiny, sandy isthmuses in the lee of tropical islets,” wrote Lindsay Bennet in her globetrotter island guide book to the Philippines.
Some of the country’s fine beaches can be found in the coastal waters of the Davao Gulf, which has an area of 308,000 hectares that cuts into the island of Mindanao from the Celebes Sea. It is surrounded by all four provinces in the Davao Region.
The largest island in the gulf is Samal Island. Davao City, on the gulf’s west coast, has the largest and busiest port on the gulf. Davao Gulf is surrounded by seven cities namely: Davao, Tagum, Panabo, Samal, Digos, Panabo, and Mati.
As a journalist who loves to travel, I have been fortunate to visit some of the best beaches in the region. Here are some of my favorites:
Island Buenavista in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte: Used to be known as Little Ligid Island, it is Davao’s version of Palawan’s Amanpulo. The good thing about Buenavista is that you can have it all for a night for you and nine others. This island gives a new dimension to the words privacy and exclusivity.
Kopiat in Mabini, Compostela Valley: It is located on an island of about 87 hectares, that is full of coconut trees and wild fruit trees. The sea water is a known breeding ground of the hawksbill and leatherback turtles. Sea travel around the island takes about 20 minutes by motorized boat, while in-land tour takes about 45 minutes. A portion of the island encircles a seven-hectare lagoon.
Malipano in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte: The beach is located a hundred meters off Samal Island. The island is actually part of the Pearl Farm Beach Resort and is the site of the seven executive villas. The island offers three holes of golf and a west facing white sand beach.
Bonhomie in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental: It is a very clean area and with well-maintained surroundings. Near its infinity pool is the powdery-white cream beach. Visitors and guests can request to be brought to the one-hectare Burias Islet, located at the boundary of the Maputi and the Puntalinao Rivers. Just 12 minutes away by boat, it has a white sand beach and is good for diving and snorkeling. The place, just along the highway, is about 12 kilometers from the poblacion of Banaybanay.
Magnaga Waters Beach Resort in Pantukan, Davao de Oro: It was established in 1998. Sitting on a 12-hectare beachfront, its 500-meter shoreline, wide expanse of green foliage and open spaces, and unique architectural designs incorporating local materials make the resort truly one of a kind. It has an infinity pool where you can relax anytime.
Dahican in Mati City, Davao Oriental: “A South Sea dream come true” was how a foreigner described the beach. Walking barefoot on its white sand is a pleasure. Its serene and tranquil shores make it a great escape from strenuous busy life. It is located about a 15-minute ride from the heart of the city.
Banana Beach in Tagum City, Davao del Norte: Ever wonder why it is named as such? The reason: it is located in what is touted as the world’s only beach resort within a banana plantation. Its coastline beach spans 4.5 kilometers of a flat and even seabed, which provides guests with popular water activities such as kayaking, skimboarding, banana boat riding, beach volleyball, water trampoline, Frisbee throwing, or simply building sand castles. It may be reached after a 15-minute drive from the heart of the city.
Pujada in Mati City, Davao Oriental: If your thing is going on nature trips at its best, then Pujada is it. Located on an island, it has no huts, kiosks, or commercial establishments. What you have are only the talisay and coconut trees that provide cover against rain and sun.
Go to these beaches sooner than you plan, because most of them are now being developed. By that time, they may be accessible but will be expensive to visit. – ###
