Samal Island Adventure: From Davao City to the Refreshing Hagimit Falls

Sometimes, the best family memories are just a short ferry ride away.

For our latest adventure, we took the Montero out of the city and over the water. Our destination? The clear, cascading waters of Hagimit Falls on Samal Island. This trip was a great reminder that you don’t need to drive for hours to find a tropical paradise; you just need a plan and a bit of that island spirit.

Crossing the Water: The RORO Experience

Our journey began at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City. If you’re planning to bring your vehicle over to Samal, the RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) ferry is the way to go.

• The Fare: For our Montero, carrying 4 adults and 4 kids, the RORO fare was 375.
• The Transit: It’s a quick and relaxing 20-minute ferry ride. There’s something special about seeing the Davao skyline fade as the shores of Samal get closer.

Once we rolled off the ferry at the Samal wharf, it was a smooth 15-minute drive through the island’s winding roads to reach the falls.

Arriving at Hagimit Falls & Casa Tanaw

Hagimit Falls has always been a favorite because of its natural, tiered cascades. Upon arrival, we settled the entrance fees:

• Hagimit Falls Entrance: 50 per head.
• Casa Tanaw Resort Entrance: 150 per head.

To get to the heart of the action, we headed down the stairs that follow the original path leading directly to the falls. It’s a scenic walk that builds the anticipation as you start to hear the sound of rushing water.

A Day of Family Fun

Once we reached the water, we set up base at one of the tables (available for 150). From there, it was all about the water.

The kids and adults alike had a blast swimming and wading in the pool-like basins formed by the waterfalls. The water is cool, clear, and perfectly safe for the little ones to splash around in. It was exactly the kind of “reset” the family needed: simple, active, and fun.

Why This Trip is Perfect for Families

As The Montero Guy, I highly recommend this Samal run for a quick getaway:

• Budget-Friendly: The fees are straightforward and affordable for a large group.
• Accessible: The short ferry and drive time mean you spend less time in traffic and more time in the water.
• Natural Beauty: Even with the resorts nearby, the falls maintain that “hidden jungle” feel.

Ride Along with Us (POV Video)

We’ve documented the entire trip, from lining up at Sasa Wharf to the moment we hit the water at the falls. You can see the RORO process and the beautiful stairs leading down to the falls in the video below.

Watch the full Samal Island adventure here:

If you enjoyed this island trip, I’d love to have you follow along for more! We’re always looking for the next best family spot in Mindanao.

Samal Island never fails to deliver. Whether you’re navigating the RORO or walking down the steps to Hagimit, the journey is always worth it when you’re with family.

Pack your swimsuits, load up the car, and take that short ride to the falls. You won’t regret it.

This is The Montero Guy, and I’ll see you on the next family adventure.