DiscoveringDavao: ISLA RETA BEACH RESORT, Island Garden City of Samal ☀🌊🏊

We became inquisitive of the beach resort since we had been hearing from different people how tranquil and how white the sand of the beach is. So we decided to visit. Isla Reta is located in Talicud Island which is encompassed by Samal Island and Davao Gulf. Talicud means “back” in English which actually describes its location. Talicud Island lies on the southwest edge of enormous Samal Island.

What you can see above is the itinerary or route from Sta Ana Pier along Magsaysay Road to Isla Reta Beach Resort. We had to be on the boat 10 minutes before the departure. The one-way trip cost us 30 Philippine Pesos per head. When we were already on the boat, we waited for almost an hour for those late passengers or maybe the workers waited for more passengers to occupy the vacant seats which really tested our patience and an unpleasant experience to start the trip.

Another thing I will never forget is when I handed the life jacket to my husband; we saw a cockroach on it that shocked both of us. However, we remained calm and act like nothing happened. It was a turn off especially in cleanliness. Staffs should also focus on maintaining the cleanliness of the transport especially there are more tourists who visits the beach most of the time.

The views and sea breeze were amazing which we enjoyed the most during the trip. But, we smelled some fuel and the motor of the boat was loud that’s a bit annoying. After an hour, we finally arrived!

WELCOME TO ISLA RETA BEACH RESORT!

This privately owned resort has an entrance fee that every visitor has to pay for 100 Philippine Pesos per head for Day Tour at the reception area. If you want to stay overnight, it costs Php200. They also have Picnic Hut or Cottages that cost Php250 per night. If you would prefer to sleep in a tent, you can rent a Camping tent for Php400. They also have room accommodations available, depending what type you want—from Concrete, Native or Dormitory Type ranges from Php800 to Php6,500—which varies how many persons the room can accommodate.

Our first impression was WOW. At that time, it is the best cream-colored sand, deep-blue, turquoise beach we had ever been. The water is crystal clear and we could really say that it’s still wild. There were a lot of people at that time so we decided to go to an area that is more tranquil. We walked and walked and finally found a spot. Our excitement veered down again when we saw more garbage at the rocky side that obviously made us think that the resort’s cleanliness is not maintained properly and also the beach-goer’s responsibility.

We spent approximately 3 hours there to swim and walk to explore the resort. What also made us enjoy our stay is the Talisay Trees few meters from the shoreline. It’s like a natural cottage that gave enough shade and cooler air in the midst of summer. (It was 32 degrees Celsius at that time).

What you can see at the other side is San Isidro in Kaputian District. I heard that Kaputian Beaches are also a must-see destination. If you’re an expert swimmer or love to dive and do snorkelling, this is a good place to do because Isla Reta is acclaimed for its untouched sea kingdom.

After 3 hours of swimming and walking around, we decided to go home. While waiting for the boat, we still had a great time relaxing in these hammocks. (This is what I miss so much). I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like it. It’s just so relaxing having this at the beach enjoying every second of it.

Bon Voyage! Finally we’re going home! I think we got on the same boat again.

The sunset scenery is marvellous that I couldn’t take my eyes off it.

In the midst of our journey, the boat gently stopped and we were stranded for almost 30 minutes in the sea. My husband was just laughing but I wasn’t. I started thinking of possibilities that would have happened. But, after 30 minutes, the problem was fixed. I guess it has something to do with the motor or any engine under. If you want to see what happened, just click the video.