An awesome thing about major cities in the Philippines is that excellent island getaways are just a short land/sea trip away. It was my last full day in Davao and I just couldn’t pass off the opportunity to visit Samal Island. The Pearl Farm Resort comes to mind with a mention of Samal but I wasn’t in any mood to splurge … so I fired up google maps and scoured for other potential (cheap) places to visit. I eventually saw an interesting islet located south of mainland Samal called “Talikud.” Saw photos of its beautiful white sand beaches and I inevitably got hooked!

Waiting for the “Talikud Island” ferry to depart from Santa Ana Wharf in Davao City.

At the time, I wasn’t able to find detailed information online about ferry schedules going to Talikud. Undiscouraged, I hopped on a taxi to Santa Ana Wharf in Downtown Davao and hoped for the best.

Ramon Magsaysay Park

The driver dropped me off at the Ramon Magsaysay Park located just beside the Santa Ana Wharf. Took a quick stroll around the park while trying to find before heading to the “Talikud Island” ferry booth.

Ramon Magsaysay Park

Obelisk / Monument in the middle of the park

Tree-lined pathways

Bayside Boulevard

Not a good swimming beach, probably because it’s so near a busy seaport

Santa Ana Wharf Davao

Santa Ana Wharf is located within the Chinatown district of Downtown Davao City. It is one of two ports with daily ferries crossing over to Samal Island, the other being Sasa Wharf located further up north. Ferries going to Talikud Island / Kaputian depart from Santa Ana Wharf while the RORO (slow) ferries destined for Babak Wharf in Samal depart from the Sasa Wharf.

Santa Ana Wharf

Talicud Island and Kaputian Ferry Schedule

The ferry booth within the port compound was easy to spot because of the groups of local tourists gathering in front of the counters. It was a relief knowing I was still able to catch the last boat trip going to Talikud Island. Paid P50 for the one-way fare.

Kaputian Motorboat Association Ticket Booth

There are basically two daily direct trips (10am and 12:30am) from Santa Ana Wharf to Sta. Cruz Wharf in Talikud Island. As an alternative, commuters could also hop on the more frequent ferries going to Kaputian and take a 15-minute boat trip to Talikud Island. Kaputian is located at the southernmost tip of mainland Samal.

There’s only one afternoon trip (3pm) to Santa Ana Wharf from Talikud Island. I had a feeling I’d have too little time in Talikud Island if I were to catch the 3pm return trip.

So I’d have enough time exploring the island, I planned on making my way to Babak Wharf, where there are a lot of ferries crossing the channel even after sundown, and then take a slow (RORO) ferry back to Davao City.

Ferry to Talikud Island, Samal

The ferry ride from Santa Ana Wharf to Sta. Cruz Wharf in Talikud Island took approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes.

While cruising off the coast of the Davao City, I was able to see the emerging skyline of this rapidly growing metropolis.

Marco Polo Hotel

At the same time, the island of Samal came clearer into view. Seen from the boat were a number of white sand beach coves including the recognizable sight of Pearl Farm’s luxurious seaside villas.

Pearl Farm Davao in Samal Island

Closer view of Talicud Island

Small village along the coast of Talicud Island

Sta. Cruz Wharf in Talicud Island

Arrival in Talicud Island

Arrived in Sta. Cruz Wharf at 2pm. It’s crazy good to be able to enjoy the urban comforts of Davao City, then hop on a cheap ferry, and be transported a relatively undeveloped/uncommercialized island like Talikud.

There’s a white sand stretch called “Isla Reta” just beside the pier but I was keen to visit another beach called “Babu Santa” located at the other side of the island.