A separate island but still is a part of Samal. This island is known for its powder-like white sand beach.
An hour ride on a boat from Magsaysay Port, Davao City. These boats have specific time slots and would travel back and forth the island from 9 AM to 3 PM. They cut the ride off on that time in the afternoon because the waves would start to get big. You would feel safe to travel with these boats as the coast guards keep track of the headcount and names of those who crosses the island. It would cost you 1.5 dollars for the boat fare.
Yeah. Its a bit far, but when you get there, satisfaction guaranteed. This island is perfect for relaxation.
You are new to the island and you don't know where to go. No problem. There are a few resorts you can check in to. But the go to place here for tourists is the Isla Reta Resort. 4 dollars entrance fee for an overnight stay. This is where my girlfriend and I stayed. This resort has a few of their own boats that travels back and forth the island and it will get you directly to their own port.
Isla Reta's Port
But if you happen to ride a boat going to Talicud Island port, just ask people around and they'll get you to the resort. It is a 5 minute walk from the Talicud port. Main means of transportation there is motorcycle. Drivers would welcome you and would ask for your destination upon arrival.
Isla Reta has rooms, cottages, and tents you can rent. Their food is good, most likely Filipino local dishes like adobong manok, inihaw, kinilaw and more. Yum. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. You need to be conscious of the time though. Their canteen closes at 6 PM. You need to ask them to cook food for you before they close out. Drinking water here taste a bit different. You would have to bring purified water or buy at their canteen if your tummy is somewhat sensitive. Their water taste a bit salty.
Rooms are affordable. 16 dollars and you'll have a room for two. But they are not air conditioned. Its not warm at night though. 14 dollars for a bamboo cottage good for 5 people. If you bring a tent with you that would be better. That would just cost you 2 dollars. If you dont have your own tent, you can rent from them for 8 dollars. That'd be good for two people. You can set up your tent where ever you want, best would be near the beach.
Down side is, this is an island, and it is difficult for them to have a stable source of power. Tendency is total black out in the whole island if power comes short. Isla Reta has their own power generators that powers the resort, but not the whole of it.
You can scuba dive for 16 dollars. Or you could just go snorkeling for 12 dollars. You could go for a helmet dive, walk underwater and take some pictures with the fishes for 8 dollars. The beach here is very nice. And they are still on the process of making it more fun here. Development in progress. I'm talking about banana boats and alike.
Talicud is not that big of an island. But it has a lot to show. Isla Reta is part of getting this island developed and discovered together with the owners of some parts of it's land area. They developed an inland tour which would showcase the beauty of the whole island, not just the beach. A series of destinations. You just need to make a booking at their canteen.
This inland tour is worth 14 dollars per person. It includes a few destinations. They have a vehicle to get you to those destinations. If there are only a few people joining the inland tour, you will ride a motorcycle and the driver will serve as your guide. And riding the motorcycle is better, I think. You'll experience the fresh air, beautiful sceneries, and the beauty of nature.
First stop, Mangrove Sanctuary. You'll be registring here for the inland tour. Mangrove is termed as Bakawan in Filipino. They say these trees are tough. They serve as shelter for some animals. Crabs, for example.
Next, Baga Cave Park. A cave that has a natural pool at the bottom. They said that the water down there is crystal clear. Tour guides said that the path is a bit tight and you would have a hard time breathing. It would take about 4 hours to get into and another 4 hours to get out of that part of the cave and that would be another transaction. 50 dollars per head for the permit and the guides. We never had the chance to get inside the cave as our tour was limited up to a certain point and it was already late to try the 50 dollar package. This part needs preparation. Our outfit was not fit for the occasion. We didn't expect this place to exist here. Haha.
An interesting story from the residents and care takers that lives around the cave. A giant snake once lived inside it. In what year, I don't know. They couldn't be specific about the date or year. They just said that it's body is as big as a full grown coconut tree. Cows and sheeps has gone missing at that time. Nobody knows where it is now. All they know is that it hasn't been seen for a long time. I don't know if I would believe it or not. Thing is, they couldn't be specific about it in the first place. But who knows?
Friendship Road is the next one. I got curious the first time I heard about it's name. And then when I saw it, yeah, I figured it out. Trees were touching each others branches accross a road. It's as if they were connected. Well thought of a name for a road.
Next, another cave. The Dadatan Bat Conservation Cave. You'd walk a hundred meters from their entrance. As you get near, you'll hear them. Thousands of bats will welcome you. I couldn't get a clear picture though as it was dark at that part where there's a lot of bats.
Last stop, Giant Balete Tree. This tree has always been a part of the Filipino's superstitious beliefs. Most of the people here believe that the story about this tree is true. If you are quite interested, try to read the story on the picture.
In our two days and one night stay here in this island, I can say that what we've seen and heard was just about 10 percent of what it has to show me.
I mean, two days and one night is not enough. I wasn't able to enjoy all of the ammenities that I wanted to try. It was more of a discovery than relaxation for me, which was still a good thing. That's what I came here for.
Some stories, I don't know what to say. But I totally respect the people here and what they believe in. All of us have our own stories to tell, and this island wouldn't run out of those. I admit, I was fascinated and at the same time amazed. I thought this was just another island that has a beautiful beach. It was more than that. It became more mysterious for me. It is making me want to come back. I want to try the natural pool inside that cave. What lies inside it and what is there to tell everyone. I am excited. And I hope I would have a chance to experience that.
And to wrap things up, our stay here was good. We were well accommodated. We didn't have that much of a problem aside from the water and electricity. If you are planning to visit here, you know what to bring.
Breakdown of our expenses per person:
Boat fare back and forth - $3
Entrance fee - $4
Inland tour - $14
Room - $16
Food for three meals - $12