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Nine secluded beaches of the Davao Gulf you must experience


Without a doubt, some of the country’s finest beaches can be found in the coastal waters of Davao Gulf. 
 
The Gulf has an area of 308,000 hectares that cuts into the island of Mindanao from the Celebes Sea and is surrounded by all four provinces in the Davao Region, and likewise circled by seven cities, namely: Davao, Tagum, Panabo, Samal, Digos, Panabo, and Mati. 
 
The largest island in the gulf is Samal Island. While Davao City, on the Gulf’s west coast, has the largest and busiest port.
 
Here are some of my favorite, secluded spots:

Skimboarding at Dahican Beach.
 

Kopiat in Mabini, Compostela Valley 
 
Still undeveloped, the beach has white sands and crystal clear blue waters. Located in an island, about 87 hectares, the area is full of coconut trees and wild fruit trees, and its waters are known breeding ground for the hawksbill and leatherback turtles. A round trip travel by motorized boat takes about 20 minutes, while a by-land tour takes about 45 minutes. There's also a portion that encircles a seven-hectare lagoon.
 
Bonhomie in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental
 
Very clean area with well-maintained surroundings. Near its infinity pool is the powdery-white cream beach. Visitors and guests can request to be brought to the one-hectare Burias Islet, located at the boundary of Maputi and the Puntalinao Rivers. Just 12-minutes away by boat, it has a white sand beach and good for diving and snorkeling. The place, just along the highway, is about 12 kilometers from the poblacion of Banaybanay.  From Tagum City, it is about 52 kilometers away. 
 
Welborn in Pantukan, Compostela Valley
 
This secluded beach is about 250 meters away from the highway. The beach is a wide stretch of sand that's good for walking or frolicking. The sea bed is flat and there are no stones or corals that may injure bare feet. It's a haven for photographers since it has gorgeous sunsets and one of the best panoramic views among this list's beaches.

The crystal clear waters of Pujada Beach.
   
Dahican in Mati City, Davao Oriental
 
“A South sea dream come true” was how a foreigner described this beach. Walking barefoot on its white sands is pure pleasure.  Located about 15-minute ride from the heart of the city, the serene and tranquil shores are almost tailor-made for lounging. No parties happen here, no crowds pollute the air with their buzz. This is simple beach life, and that's the truth.
 
Bluewaters at the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte 
 
Tired of the hassles of city life? Go straight to Bluewaters. Here, you can relax, and commune with nature. The place has two infinity pools, one for adults and another for children. Travel time from Davao City to this place is a paltry seven minutes. Go to the boarding area located at the Davao Beach Club at Lizada Drive, Lanang.  
 
Banana in Tagum City, Davao del Norte
 
Ever wonder why it is named banana?. That's because it's the world’s only beach resort located inside a banana plantation. Its coastline spans 4.5 kilometers with a flat and even seabed. This flatness provides guests with options for kayaking, skimboarding, banana boat riding, beach volleyball, water trampoline, Frisbee, or just building sand castles. It's about a 15-minute drive from the heart of the city.
 
Little Boracay in Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur  
 
This place is far from the madding crowd, and is so serene that the only disturbance is made by the cool breeze and waves. Travelers are encouraged to gaze into the horizon and freely ponder their problems. There are no crisscrossing banana boats or paragliders in the view to spoil contemplation. 

Contemplation comes naturally at Kopiat Beach.
 
Malipano at the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte
 
The beach is located a hundred meters off Samal Island. It's part of the Pearl Farm Beach Resort and is the site of the seven executive villas. The island offers three holes of golf and a west-facing white sand beach.
 
Pujada in Mati City, Davao Oriental
 
If your thing is nature at its best, then go Pujada all the way.  Without any huts, kiosks, or commercial establishments. Only the talisay and coconut trees here provide cover against rain and sun. Davao journalist Rudolph Alama describes it this way: “Very fine white sand, clear, clean waters, plus a carpet of wild, periwinkle flowers on an unspoiled beach.” – KDM, GMA News 
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