SAMAL

SAMAL is a small island in the Philippines  also known as Island Garden City. Its nickname is IGaCos. The Province is Davao del Norte. It is about one mile from Davao City via ferry/barge. The Island has an area of 116.3 sq mi populated with over 95 thousand residents with 46 Barangay's. Guilon is where I spent most of my time because this is where my wife is from. I did travel to many other parts mostly by motorcycle which is the most used type of transportation. Tricycles or trikes are abundant too. There is a bus service coming from Davao. For 30 pesos (less then $1) it gets on the barge and you ride it across to IGaCos. I recommend stay on the bus while your crossing or you will lose your seat. Once across more passengers will be picked up. Every seat is usually full and more are standing in the isle holding the rails above. All buses end the route at the central warehouse as the roads at this point are accessible only mostly by motorcycle and a few small cars. If you get hungry or thirsty along the way there are many vendors eager to sell you all types of snacks or drinks. You'll especially get more attention from them than the locals if your a foreigner.  Fishery complexes have been advocated across the island since the demand for meat products can't be fully met.  This is due to no container ports or deep water transport terminals. At the local open market you will find lots of fish, fruits, and vegetables. Chicken and pork is usually brought to market as soon as it is slaughtered. Most meats never get refrigerated since most locals do not have a refrigerator. What is purchased is for the meal that day and is cooked right away. The main source of income on the island is tourism due to its good beaches. I stayed at a few of them with my wife and enjoyed it. A lot of them are simplified giving you just the basic necessities. It will be similar to how the locals live which in my personal opinion is a better experience. If you want high end and fancy resorts it is available as well with both cold/hot water. My last research revails there are over 50 Resorts and 3 were under construction.  Over all a visit to Samal should be a pleasant experience for anyone. The people there are friendly with smiley faces. Foreigners will often be stared at in curiosity. The official website is: www.samalcity.gov.ph.