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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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September 8, 2009

canibad: a samal hideaway


Canibad Solitude
paradise found

It was empty, much to our liking.

My wife and I had a couple days to spare before we head out to the highlands of Lake Sebu for an assignment and we decided to check out some the places in Samal island (Island Garden City of Samal), a paradise island just a couple of minutes boat ride from Davao City.

One of our destinations is Canibad, a "secret" cove on the far side of the island, facing the shores Davao Oriental (lots of white sand beaches there too). During the course of my research I learned that Canibad has become sort of an "open secret" these days and is a favorite destination for those seeking rustic solitude. A dozen or more folks thinking the same thing like "lets go to Canibad for some peace and quiet" and you got yourself a crowded cove.

So we chose the date to go there very carefully: a day after the biggest festival in Mindanao - Davao's Kadayawan festival. I figured most folks would already be on their way home that day, and those who aren't are still probably nursing a hangover from last night's festivities and would not enjoy the very bumpy ride to the cove. And it paid off.

Canibad Western View
view of the south western end of the cove

After a scenic habal-habal (motorcycle) ride along Babak and Peñaplata's paved coastal road and down really rough backroads of central Samal we finally caught glimpse of the cove's azure waters.

From the main road its a 5-minute hike down to the beach. There are no high end resorts there, just simple huts and cottages you can rent. No electricity, no air conditioning, no electric fans. Cellphone signal is sporadic.

Canibad Hut
accommodation in Canibad

What Canibad lacks in amenities it makes up with its natural beauty and the hospitality of the folks there.

Canibad View from a Hut
open cottage with a view

While for most folks the place is boring and is devoid of the beach fun they are after, we like our beaches empty, and quiet, with lots of shaded nooks where you can read a good book or catch up on your sleep.

Canibad Cool Shade
cool shade

If you are into snorkeling, there is a fish sanctuary on the rocky north-western end of the cove. Its also a perfect place to catch the sunrise if you can get up early enough.

Canibad Rocks
fish sanctuary

It was exactly what a getaway should be (at least in our book): plenty of open space and beautiful scenery, with the sound of nature to lull you to sleep.

where to stay in canibad
There are about 5 or so private resorts in Canibad all with just a couple of rooms or cottages for rent. You can pitch a tent on the beach for a minimal fee, at least would be able to use the facilities of the resort. No restaurants, so you'll have to bring your own supplies. You can buy fresh catch in the morning and have it cooked.

We stayed at Canibad Secret Paradise resort. They only have 3 cottages for rent at Php 500.00 (10 USD) per night. They have a generator set which they turn on at 6PM to 9PM only, but they are no electrical outlets in the cottages. You'll have to go to the caretaker's house if you want to charge your batteries.

If you want to reserve a cottage you may contact Lyn-lyn or Jun at +63-906-903-2749
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Lantaw
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19 comments:

Leonard Pe said...

wow nice! thanks for the info

Photo Cache said...

What a wonderful post. I love the accommodations too. And while I'm not really a big beach fan, those beaches you featured are fantastic.

I posted mine here: http://ewok1993.wordpress.com

atto aryo said...

wow! it is such a beautiful beach! ganda talaga ng Pinas!

Sylvia K said...

Absolutely gorgeous and just my kind of place! Thanks so much for your gorgeous shots -- as always!

Have a great week!

Sylvia

sheng said...

Hmmm, i'd love to have a getaway here too!

Lantaw said...

@Leonard - nus-a ka adto didto bai? :)

@Photo Cache - thanks! beaches are what we have here in plenty, probably why I feature them more often than others :)

@r-yo - Yup, super ganda ng pinas!

@Sylvia - My pleasure!

@Sheng - I'm sure mag enjoy din dun si Ric :)

Gwendolyn L said...

Beautaiful. Thanks for sharing. This would truly be a great get-away vacation spot.

SandyCarlson said...

Much to my liking, too. What wonderful images.

Lantaw said...

@Gwendolyn - My pleasure sharing these images :)

@Sandy - Very glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for dropping by

bertN said...

Beautiful! I wish I had known this place when I used to go to Davao on job related trips.

Sidney said...

Wow...paradise indeed... I particularly like your first picture !

Ishmael F. Ahab said...

Very nice. :-) I went to Samal once and travelled around it for a mapping project but I failed to see this place.

What I like about this Island is that its coral reefs are still very much alive.

Lantaw said...

@bert - you should go there if you have the chance to next time, overnight is recommended

@Sidney - thanks!

@Ishmael - Medyo out-the-beaten track kasi yung location bro, next time I'll visit Talicud, maganda raw ang coral dun

Anonymous said...

a beautiful plcae indeed! the first time we've been there was 8 years ago and at that time we fell in love at first sight with the beach.. such a paradise! since then we frequently visit the place until so many people have also found it and it's so full especially during lenten season and summer ofcourse...

Lantaw said...

@Anonymous, yup I heard the place is too crowded during the lenten season. you are lucky to have found the place at a time when not many people go there yet :)

Anonymous said...

wow! talagang natameme ako! ang ganda ng Canibad ah! hehe

Tiffany said...

Hi. How do we get there from Davao City? Thanks.

Anonymous said...

punta kami this weekend or next

Anonymous said...

naa xah corkage?

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