Salvacion > San Frans > Davao Sasa Wharf > Samal Island
Ride a Van from Salvacion crossing going to San Frans, travel time is approx 45 min. From San Frans Terminal, transfer to another Van going to Davao City, travel time is approx 4-5 hours depending on the driver. Alight in Panaca and them ride a jeep going to Sasa Wharf. Boats in Sasa Wharf run a 24 hours transfer to and from Samal. Travel time is approx 10 minutes.
Samal Island
The travel time from San Fran to Davao took longer than expected because the driver had to fill the van so he makes a stop in every town terminal that he passes. It was irritating at some point but we cant complain because its not a private van and the guy was just making a living. We alighted in Panaca and then had dinner in Edong's restaurant before heading to Sasa Wharf.
Boat transfer to Samal Island
Bluejazz Resort
I booked our stay in BlueJazz while travelling to Davao from San Frans. We stayed in their Dormitory Non-Aircon room for P400/pax which I think is a good deal for budget travellers. The room was clean and tidy. The downside was it doesn't have an indoor bathroom. You have to go outside to use the resorts public shower and restrooms.
I was looking forward to our stay here because they have different pools and their very own giant slide but to my dismay it was all under construction. I guess I won't have an infinity pool in this trip. Sigh. We were just glad because during the evening they had a local band performing good music and then after that was a fire dance.
The beach is clean and white but there are sea shells and pebbles so its kinda hard to walk around barefoot.
Maxima Aquafun
This was the highlight of our Samal trip. It was so much fun and although our bodies were sore from all the falling and heavy splash we'd still want to do it all over again.
A very unique tranfer to get to the waterpark
Maxima Aquafun is a must-visit when you're in Davao, especially if you're into extreme-fun water activities. They have 2 giant slides (but only one was working when we visited), 2 levels for Cliff jump and their famous Blob where you jump off the cliff to a big inflattable and then you move to the other end of the inflattable then someone else jumps so you can take off in the air. This is more fun if two guys jumps at the same time so you'll be thrown away really high up in the air. My brother and I, we did this and he soared really high and fell to the water gracefully. Whereas for me, yes I was high up there but landed on the water with my face first. It was really painful to the point I was having a hard time breathing but I got myself back together and swam back to the surface. The Blob is a bit risky so you need to be extra careful.
The slide
Cliff jump
Its a must in Maxima that you wear lifevest everytime you try their water activities which is good to avoid accidents. They have lifeguards everywhere so feel safe to swim around and they're really nice. They will cheer you when your too scared to jump.
His first time.
Love my sibs.
Hagimit Falls
The falls is a short distance from Maxima. We made a quick stop just to see what it looks like and took a few photos. We didn't get to swim because we needed to check out from our hotel. The are two falls and both looks clean and well maintained.
A few constructions are made that time to better the falls sorroundings and make it more attractive to tourist.
After our check out we stayed a few hours at the resort to freshen up and then we boarded the boat transfer back to Davao City
10 pax minimum passenger.
