Discovery Samal – One of the things I like best is seeing new places, and discovering beauties in God’s creations. Discovery Samal is one of Samal Island resorts to consider when you want a relaxing stay!
We enjoyed a yummy snack at Tazza.Dvo, so if you’re visiting Davao, make sure to check it out! I especially love their Korean egg sandwich! Learn more here.
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Discovery Shores Samal
Discovery Samal overnight rates might be pricey, and once you see below, you’ll begin to understand why.
Apart from the quality and spacious rooms, Discover Samal owner wants his guests to be relaxed and be able to forget their worries. I like that the place is secluded (you have to ride a boat to get to the island), so there aren’t that much people inside.
Ready to learn more about Discovery Samal Resort? Let’s go!
Samal Island Davao City amenities
I know that Discovery Samal price is a bit pricey, so it’s better that you know what to expect before going there because this will make you understand why the rooms are priced that way.
Let’s dive into what to expect when you’re in Discovery Samal Island Resort!
Airport transfer
After getting our luggages from the carousel, we immediately went out. A Discovery Samal staff was waiting for us, who picked us up, helped with our luggages, and brought us to the shuttle bus.
He drove us to the place where we’ll be riding the boat ride to Samal Island. The boat ride didn’t take long – about 15 minutes. And all we did was hop on the boat and relax.
Samal Island boat schedule: basically 24/7, with travel times that may vary from 30 to 60 minutes
Welcome drink and towel
It was night time when we arrived at Discovery Samal. And there weren’t many people checking in during that time. I liked that we didn’t have to go in with many people, and then there’s a welcome drink and towel for us that’s made ready. It’s like they scheduled everything, and it felt like a royalty.
Beach
One of the Philippines’ pride are its beaches, and Discovery Samal, being one in an island, offers nice beach without you worrying about bumping into the crowd. Because it’s an isolated island, there weren’t many people swimming in the beach.
So you can enjoy the fine sand and salty beach all you want!
Pool
There are 3 pools in Discovery Samal where you can dip into. However, one of the 3 pools is exclusive to the villa visitors.
You can immediately see the first pool upon checking in, and it’s located just outside the breakfast buffet area.
The 2nd pool is found not very far, but is less crowded.
Thanks to the separated pools, people have choices on where to go. The only downside of the 2nd pool is that it’s a hotter there, so don’t forget to drink up! — they have free water dispensers everywhere!
Zumba
One afternoon, we caught a zumba session while swimming in the pool.
Funnily, the guests were also into zumba. So, if you love burning that extra calorie, you can join them! Best of all, you won’t get sweaty since half of your body’s in the pool!
Breakfast buffet
At every hotel or resort stay, something I always look forward to is the breakfast buffet. I mean who doesn’t love breaking a fast with all the yummy goodness?
You’ll be surprised at how extensive Discovery Samal breakfast buffet is even though the buffet table is not that big.
They managed to fill in so much — with Filipino dishes at most. And the menu changes everyday, so you don’t get bored of eating the same thing!
Snacks and sunscreen
A cute small tube is available in our room when we checked in. It’s reef safe so you’re sure that no sea creatures will be harmed if you’re swimming in the beach.
Below it is a mini ecobag so you can carry your stuff easily.
A snack was waiting on the table for in case you suddenly get hungry and forgot to bring snacks with you. And they refill it everyday for free!
Indoor playground
When traveling with kids, it’s always helpful to find an indoor playground when it’s too hot to swim. Discovery Samal has a mini play space for kids — but you have to pay PHP 350 per hour.
Discovery Samal location map: Samal Island, Davao del Norte, Philippines
Discovery Samal reviews conclusion
Many photos on the Discovery Samal website are there to capture the best features of the resort. But just like you, I also prefer hearing from real people what it feels staying at a nice hotel.
If you’re here for the first time, I’d like to invite you to follow me on my socials – Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok so you’re updated on our recent food, hotel, and travel reviews!
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More great resorts
Apart from Discovery Samal, there are many other resorts that I love going back to. If only money is unlimited, then we could go stay at these resorts always!
Jpark Resort and Waterpark
Pororo-themed rooms will surely make any child giddy!
And at Jpark Resort and Waterpark, I know that the whole family will have a great time! Apart from the cute themed rooms, we also loved the Pororo Park — which you can book at a discounted price here.
Learn more about Jpark Resort here.
Solea Mactan
Another one of great Mactan hotels we stayed at is Solea Mactan Resort. Although we didn’t experience the inflatable pool during our visit, we had a lot of fun at the waterpark and indoor playground.
See Solea Mactan’s best features here.
Forest Lodge (Now called John Hay Hotels Forest Wing)
Now known as John Hay Hotel Forest Wing, Forest Lodges is a place we frequent when visiting Baguio. We love the relaxing rooms, but not only that, it’s affordable too!
Know what to expect at Forest Lodge here.
