Isla Reta Beach Resort - Samal, Sta. Cruz, Talicud, Igacos

Its my first time to come to Isla Reta, I have heard of the beach before, but never did consider going there, until now. My wife and her classmates at her masteral classes planned to have a celebration after their comprehensive exam at Isla Reta. After sleepless nights of studying for the exam they plan to relax and have fun at Isla Reta Beach Resort. 

We arrive at Sta. Ana wharf at around 2 pm, our boat leaves at 3 pm that day. Before arriving at Isla Reta, our boat made a stop at Kaputian wharf (the boat stayed there for about 5 minutes, because there were plenty of rice sacks that were unloaded during that trip). After Kaputian the boat then traveled to Talicud Island, we arrive at Talicud's wharf at about 5 pm (the boat going straight to Isla Reta was not available that time around). It only took about a 2 minute walk to Talicud's wharf going to Isla Reta.

When we arrive there the place was already packed with people but not over crowded as some of the well known beaches in Samal. My wife's classmate already reserve an open cottage for us, since we are staying over night and I really need to sleep, I rented a tent (it will cost you 400 pesos for the tent) additional charges if you want to add a pillow, blanket and mattress.

Once we settled in and our bags already placed in the tent, I went strolling around the place just to familiarize the surroundings. The comfort room and bathroom are all in one place, both for female and male. There's also a place were you can wash your utensils, and grilling place to cook your food. 

You can also order food to be cooked in their canteen, the canteen will be closed at 10 pm so better order early. Electricity will be turned off at 6 am in the morning and will be back in the evening. So better charge your phones and cameras, or better yet bring and extra battery pack.

Even though it was already night you can still swim at the beach as there is a spotlight at each end of the resort. Damn it was cold though hahahha, but still enjoyed my swim. It is at daytime that you'll appreciate the beach though and the view of the resort.

So all in all the place was really nice, the sand was white, and the beach a pretty blue. I can't wait to visit the place again.

Here are some photos of the resort.

At Sta. Ana Wharf

Inside the boat going to Isla Reta

This Guys Really love Sleeping at the beach

You can find more reviews of the place at Tripadvisor

Okay guys we are here to swim not to hunt

You can rent the Native Room for 700 pesos

Lets all be civilized people and FOLLOW RULES!! hehehehe

Nice place to play beach volleyball

Better not put your tent below a coconut tree

The green one is the rented tent from Isla Reta

A newbie photographer

Hmm, maybe she's sending this photo to FHM

Our ride back to Davao City - Sta. Ana Wharf

Passig Islet Agro-Eco Park - Barangay Bato Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur

During my vacation we happened to visit some great places here in Davao, one would be the D'Leonor Hotel Inland Resort which I would be telling you in the next post. Today I'm gonna show you a place where you can have fun at the beach at a cheaper price. 

The place I'm telling is the Passig Islet Agro Eco Park. This man-made islet is located at Barangay Bato, Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur. From Davao City you can take a bus going to Digos City, you can tell the driver to drop you off at Barangay Bato, (so before you get on the bus, better ask the driver first if he knows where the place is)it would take about 45 minutes if you ride the bus.

Upon reaching Barangay Bato, the driver would drop you off in Bato Gym (its an open court basketball gym) you make walk about 2 minutes to reach the entrance gate of Passig Islet. Then you would take a short walk on their Foot bridge surrounded by Mangrove trees before reaching the pump boat that would take you the the Islet.

Foot Bridge Leading to the Pump Boats

The view of Passig Islet from the Dock

From the dock you can already see the view of the Passig Islet, the pump boat that you will be riding has a capacity of 6-8 persons (6 persons for me is best suited for this tiny pump boat) the fare would be 20-25 pesos per head, but the fare you'll be paying is already good for back and fourth, but take note guys you better take the pump boats driver cellphone number so you can contact him in case you already want to go back so he can fetch you. 

Once you arrive at Passig Islet you can choose from 3 different cottages there, ranging from 150 (small), 250 (medium) and 500 (large) there is also a function hall that would cost 5,500 pesos plus free generator for electric needs (Yes the place has no electric lines, and electric generators are used for electricity). 

Function Hall - 5,500 pesos

Large Cottage - 500 pesos

Medium Cottage - 250 pesos

Small Cottage - 150 pesos

The place for me is nice, it's clean, I love the fresh breeze of air during my time there. At the time of our visit there were plenty of people, but still it was not crowded, the function hall was even used by a school party. The islet is a white sand although not as fine maybe as beaches from Boracay, but since the price you pay for being in the place is cheaper maybe compared to going to some expensive resort, and that for me was a big plus.

Here are more photos of Passig Islet:

Nearby Floating Cottage

Tourist enjoying the beach