Samal Paradise Island: Beach Resort Guide, Day Trips and Tips
Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort is one of Samal's classic day-trip beaches. Here is how to get there, what to bring and what to expect.
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Samal Paradise Island, officially Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort, is a long-running beach resort on the Island Garden City of Samal, just across the Pakiputan Strait from Davao City. It is known for its white sand, calm water, shady grounds and easy access, which make it one of the most popular day trips for Davaoeños and visitors. You can reach it in well under an hour from the city by a short boat crossing.
Samal Paradise Island at a Glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Location | West coast of Samal Island, facing Davao City |
| Best for | Families, barkada day trips, first-time Samal visitors |
| Getting there | Short boat ride from the Davao City side |
| Stay options | Day use and overnight rooms (check current offers) |
| Facilities | Beach, cottages, restaurant, pools and grounds; amenities vary |
| Typical visit | Half-day to full-day trip, or one to two nights |
Facilities, rates and transfer arrangements change, so treat the details here as a guide and confirm with the resort through its official channels before you go.
What to Expect at Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort
Paradise Island has a relaxed, garden-like feel. Coconut and shade trees line a sandy beach, and the water in front of the resort is generally calm because Samal's west coast is sheltered by the mainland. That makes it suitable for children and casual swimmers.
Over the years the resort has also been known for its small animal collection and landscaped grounds, which gave it the "Park" in its name. Families often spend the whole day there, renting a cottage or table, swimming and having a picnic or a seafood lunch.
Expect it to be busy on weekends, public holidays and during the summer school break (roughly March to May). Weekdays are much quieter.
Day trip or overnight?
- Day trip: the most popular way to visit. You pay an entrance or day-use fee, then add cottage rental and meals.
- Overnight: the resort offers rooms and cottages. Staying the night lets you enjoy the beach in the early morning before day-trippers arrive.
How to Get to Paradise Island Samal
Paradise Island sits on the side of Samal closest to Davao City, so the crossing is short.
- Get to the jump-off point on the Davao City side. The resort has traditionally arranged its own boat transfers from a private wharf in the Sasa/Lanang area. Ask the resort for the current pick-up point and boat schedule when you book.
- Alternatively, use the public ferries. Ro-ro (roll-on, roll-off) ferries cross from Sasa to Samal's Babak area, and pump boats and ferries also run from Santa Ana Wharf downtown. From the Samal side, ride a tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to the resort.
- Enjoy the crossing. The boat ride itself is short, often around 10 to 20 minutes depending on the route.
For full ferry details, see our step-by-step guide on how to reach Samal Island from Davao City.
What about the Samal bridge?
A bridge linking Davao City and Samal, the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC), has been under construction. Until it is open and running, boats and ferries remain the way across. Read our Samal bridge explainer for the background.
Paradise Island Davao Rates (Approximate)
Rates vary by season, day of the week and package, and the resort updates them periodically. Use the ranges below only as a rough planning guide and get current prices directly from the resort.
| Expense | Approximate range |
|---|---|
| Day-use entrance (per adult) | A few hundred pesos |
| Cottage or table rental | Several hundred to a few thousand pesos, by size |
| Overnight room | Varies widely by room type and season |
| Meals at the resort | Roughly ₱300 – ₱800 per person |
| Ferry or boat transfer | Low hundreds or less per person, depending on route |
Our trip budget calculator can help you total up a day trip for your group.
Paradise Island Davao Contact Number and Booking
We do not publish phone numbers here because they change and old numbers circulate widely online. To book or ask about rates, look for the resort's official website or verified Facebook page and use the contact details listed there. Be cautious with unofficial pages offering discounted packages and asking for upfront payment through personal accounts.
Tips for a Great Day at Paradise Island
- Go early. Arriving in the morning means cooler weather and a better choice of cottages.
- Bring sun protection. Reef-safe sunscreen, hats and rash guards help in the strong midday sun.
- Pack water shoes. Some parts of Samal's shoreline have coral or rocky patches.
- Bring cash. Card and e-wallet payments may be accepted, but signal and terminals can be unreliable.
- Check the weather. Davao is outside the main typhoon belt, but heavy rain can still affect boat trips.
Paradise Island vs Other Samal Resorts
Samal has dozens of resorts, from budget beaches to luxury islands.
| Resort type | Example | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Classic day-trip beach | Paradise Island | Families, easy access, first-timers |
| Luxury island resort | Pearl Farm Beach Resort | Special occasions, couples |
| Quiet island stay | Talikud Island resorts | Snorkelling, getting away from crowds |
Compare more options in our guide to resorts in Davao and Samal and our review of Pearl Farm Beach Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Paradise Island in Samal?
Take a short boat ride from the Davao City side, either through the resort's own transfer or the public ferries from Sasa or Santa Ana Wharf. Confirm the current pick-up point with the resort before your trip.
How much is the entrance fee at Paradise Island Samal?
Day-use fees are generally a few hundred pesos per adult, with cottages and meals extra. Rates change, so check with the resort for current prices.
Is Paradise Island good for kids?
Yes, its generally calm water, shady grounds and family-style facilities make it a popular choice for children. Always supervise kids in the water.
Can I stay overnight at Paradise Island?
Yes, the resort offers overnight accommodation. Book ahead for weekends and holidays, when rooms fill up quickly.
