Mati, Philippines

Surigao, Philippines

Talikud Island, Philippines

Did you know that "A grouping of geographically or geologically related islands is called an archipelago, and a perfect example would be the Philippines." :)

I consider Talikud as an Islet as it is a small one within Samal in Davao Gulf. Talikud is a Cebuano term of the “back”; it is so because Talikud Island can be seen at the back of Samal Island.  

How to go here for 100 pesos within 45 minutes? (From Davao City, there are three established entry points)

1.Sta Ana Wharf (near Magsaysay Park, downtown area) where motorboats are available to ferry passengers directly to Kaputian and Talikud Island

2. Sasa Wharf where motorboats are available to ferry passengers direct to Babak wharf.

3. SaSa Km 11 Ferry Boat Landing where passengers will be riding the Island City Express Bus from R. Castillo and Cabaguio St. (satellite terminal) and be transported by a ferryboat to the Brgy. Caliclic, Babak District. 

 We started this adventure in Sasa Wharf, Davao City and while at the boat, something caught my attention. At first I thought it was just a regular small boat but as it goes near me I was kind wondering why the guy is pedaling. I smiled when I found out that it was actually a bike. Bike in the water which is called “Pedalo” for locals or “Paddle Boat” which is a small human-powered watercraft that a person drives by pedaling, which turns a paddle wheel. The paddle wheel of a pedalo is a smaller version of that of the paddle steamer. I just wondered what exactly it does. My thoughts are maybe the guy is just playing around, doing exercise or collecting garbage. 

While waiting for the boat to go, we were entertained by “SISID BOYS” these are kids that will ask for you to throw coins in the water and they will dive for it. I was amused how well the can swim considering the water is not that clear and clean, I think its kind of heavy in a way but I wouldn’t know because I haven’t tried diving in a Port, there was a directive from Alaminos Tourism Office (ATO) to them as it is a health hazard for the small kid’s bodies and asked assistance from the tourist to stop throwing coins.  DSWD officer Elizabeth Rado told the media that it should be the parent’s responsibility to stop their kids from doing this and instead work for their children.  But I got to be honest with you I don’t think this directive will be followed at least in Davao Wharf. 

After about 30 minutes,we had a stop at “Kaputian Beach” to drop off some passengers and was surprised that this resort is not bad at all if you want a quick trip to a beach. A 30 minute ride from the port is not bad as you can stay and build your tent, chill and stay overnight. 

After more than 1 hour of boat ride we reached Isla Reta Beach Resort. And it just signals everyone to bring out their cameras and take their welcome photos. Trip Advisor, a travel website providing directory information and reviews of travel-related content that also offers forums for bloggers do have their own banner here. This only means that this resort has been recognized by travelers.

Now it’s time to explore the island. A small island situated off the south-west coast of the larger Samal Island Davao Del Norte. You can also check out “Coral Garden” in the west side of the island for hopping. Make sure you have your goggles on as you will be amazed by its little coral sanctuary. But this side of the island may be a bit scary when high tide.

If you’re planning to go here with your special, you just found the right place.  A social or romantic appointment or engagement is the definition of "Date" but you can include Talkud in that, Look below to imagine what kind of romantic conversation you can have in this place considering the background and the sheeps, Sweet!

Time for lunch and we didn't have idea where to buy food, So we walked from a near small group of houses as we don't like the idea of buying from the reception because of the costs. We found a mini store who sells fish  and luckily I saw one of my favorites, the Pacific blue fin tuna and bought one.

Let me tell a little you  bit of a trivia about my favorite fish, Pacific blue fin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) is a predatory species of tuna found widely in the northern Pacific Ocean, but it is migratory and also recorded as a visitor to the south Pacific. “Did you know” that Japan is both the biggest consumer and the leader in tuna farming research? Kinki University of Japan first successfully farmed already-hatched blue fin tuna in 1979.

And here you go! How do you like my spot? Even though I wanted to have my tent set on the sand I couldn't help but put this here as I love the view of it having the water below and above that tree. 

And guess what I have by my right..

They say counting sheep is an aid to be an aid to sleep, and some ancient systems of counting sheep persist today. Sheep also enter in colloquial sayings and idiom frequently with such phrases as "black sheep". To call an individual a black sheep implies that they are an odd or disreputable member of a group.

Jesus is depicted as being "The Good Shepherd", with the sheep being Christians. Astrologically, Aries, the ram, is the first sign of the classical Greek zodiac and the sheep is also the eighth of the twelve animals associated with the 12-year cycle of in the Chinese zodiac, related to the Chinese calendar.

If you’re going to the Talikud for a romantic getaway, the island has a great suggestion for you. 

Thank you for reading and please forgive my self portrait photos. See you in my next trip