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This blog is an amateur photographer's attempt to show how beautiful the world really is. He is drawn to the colors of nature like a moth to a candle light. What are showcased here are nature's grand display of colors at sunrise and sunset, beautiful beaches and off-the-beaten track locations in his beloved Philippines, waterfalls and some of nature's great sculptures, architectural gems, and other views from around SE Asia that he was fortunate to see at one point.

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July 13, 2009

samal island: a summer day in paradise


Paradise Vinta
colorful vinta in a clear morning
Now that the rainy days are here, its nice to look back at the sunny summer days, the fine beach weather, blue skies and white cotton clouds. We had one perfect day a couple of months ago in an aptly named resort called Paradise in the island of Samal.

Samal island (officially known as IGACOS or Island Garden City of Samal) is a small island (although its the largest there) in the gulf of Davao in southern Mindanao. The island is surrounded with fine white sand beaches and pristine waters, and great dive spots and fish sanctuaries.

I prefer the western side of the island (the one facing Davao city) when ever my family is with me. My kids particularly like Paradise resort because of its shallow waters and a teeming marine life just a few meters from shore. We often go there whenever we are in Davao.

Paradise Transport
Paradise pier

The resort is just a 10 minute boat ride (yes that short!) from their dock in Davao City. They have a parking lot so its OK to leave your cars there.

Sunny Summer Days
a sunny summer day

The place has all the bells and whistles of great resort: well staffed, fine accommodation, clean facilities, sports and playground areas, and great food. Plus a great avairy. I don't really care much for all of these, give me a tent on nice beach and I'd be contented. But the kids love it, they buy ice cream and run into an air-conditioned room when it gets too hot. My kids have ingenious ways of leading me to the ice cream stand and souvenir shops.

Paradise Low Tide
early morning low tide

Low tide was just after sunrise when we were there, its perfect timing for a dip while the sun not yet scorching hot. You won't need to go far to snorkel, just a few feet from the end of their pier and you get to see a whole lot of fishes. If you want to go further and deeper, they have dive equipment for rent and PADI certified dive instructors.

Summer Memories II
cotton clouds on a summer day

What you'll see in Paradise resort is just the "tip of the iceberg", so to speak, when we talk about the Samal island experience. There's a whole lot more in Samal: sea turle sancturies, bat caves, and waterfalls. I'm planning a trip there again sometime in August, this time without the kids in tow.

If you want details on Paradise island resort, you may visit their website here.
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Lantaw
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27 comments:

escape said...

that makes me wish to see the sun again and go to the beach! nice samal island.

Sylvia K said...

Your marvelous captures never fail to take my breath away and today is no exception. I love being near the water and we have lots of beauty here in Washington, but your world is stunning from skies to beaches to the clear, aqua colored water. Thank you so much for sharing the beauty!

Oman said...

never seen an actual vinta on a sea before although i have seen one in a mall (lol). ganda ng beach sarap magswimming. your pics transported me to summer time.

SandyCarlson said...

Gorgeous. Andt hen some.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Paradise looks perfect.

MysLykeMeeh said...

Lovely beach, awesome pictures...what a wonderful place to get away..

erin said...

goreous captures...love the sky/sea contrast. indeed paradise.
have a wonderful week.

J.C. said...

It's my first visit to your blog and I love the photos posted on Samal Island. Wow, lucky you to be living in a paradise like this! How I envy you and family. And I had a good laugh about your kids and their ingenious ways of leading you to the ice cream stand. That reminds me of my little niece who will come up with all kinds of reason to visit the cake shop for her cheese cake treats!

Michelle said...

Beautiful pictures. Love the vibrant colours. Thanks for sharing.

Photo Cache said...

Oh paradise indeed. I'm sure looking back at pics like this you would be wishing it were summertime again.

Unknown said...

WOW !!! Love your photos, they are so vivid...

I really like that first one ..it looks like a travel poster. Wonderful !!

Louise said...

Wow. What an incredible place. Lucky you to get to go there sometimes.

The Nomadic Pinoy said...

Paradise Beach Resort is where we used to go for a quick island experience back in the days when I was still a college student in Davao City. I'm surprised to find a vinta there...never associated this with Davao (more like Zamboanga right?).

sheng said...

wishing my kids will visit this with us soon!

Jenn said...

Thanks for the info... never really went to Davao for a vacation, always on official business trips. This definitely place Davao on my travel list. Love the vinta against the beautiful blue sky. Great shots as always!

Lessie said...

I can totally understand why the children love this beach -- how child-friendly it is!

Lantaw said...

Dom, naka punta ka na ng Samal bai? lots of places to explore there

Sylvia, You are welcome! I hope you'll be able to visit us one day and see the sights :)

Oman, kaka-miss talaga ang summer now that the typhoons are here

Lantaw said...

Thanks Sandy and Babooshka!

Mys Lyke Meeh, what even great about it is that its just a few minutes from the city

Erin, thanks! have a great week too!

Lantaw said...

Thanks for the visit J.C.! Your niece must be one adorable kid :)

Michelle, Thanks for dropping by...

Photo Cache, Im sure is wishing its summer all over again ^^

Lantaw said...

Karen, that vinta is my fave too ^^

Louise, incredible it is indeed :), a nice place to get away from the city :)

Nomadic Pinoy, yup vintas are more popular in Zamboanga. I guess its a nice way to add color to the horizon :)

Lantaw said...

Sheng, adto na mo didto! :)

Jenn, you should take time to unwind in Davao if you have the chance to one of these days, lots of places to visit and stuff to do like water rafting :). thanks for the visit!

Lessie, yup the lowtide is perfect for kids. the sand is fine and very few rocks :)

NenNen said...

Yay the first picture is perfect paradise! Ganda!

bertN said...

I've been to Davao on job assignments in the mid 60's and I've heard of the place but I did not have the curiosity to check it out. How I wished I had!

Joycii said...

You have an amazing blogsite. Very nice pictures. Makes me want to travel the Philippines more. Thanks for sharing! ;)

Lantaw said...

Joycii, thank you! my pleasure to share.come back here from time to time :)

fortuitous faery said...

looooooove that vinta. very bright!

Lantaw said...

NenNen, thanks for the visit!

bertN, you have to visit Davao again, this time to see the sights :)

fortuitous faery, thanks!

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