Talikud Island

Talikud Island: A True Tropical Paradise

I’ve been lucky enough to visit some pretty amazing places around the Philippines, but Talikud Island remains my favourite place in Davao. Talikud is in the Davao Region of Mindanao, just off the southern end of Samal Island. Most people fly into Davao from Manila, which takes about two hours, then take a short boat ride across.

I first went there in 1998, and I’ve been back a couple of times since. Every time, I’ve been blown away by just how beautiful the place is.

Imagine a virtually deserted tropical island with powdery white sand, coconut palms, crystal-clear water and hardly another person in sight. That’s Talikud Island, or at least that’s how I remember it.

I’ve been to Boracay, Palawan and plenty of other beautiful beaches around the Philippines, and I reckon Talikud is right up there with the best of them. In fact, I’d go as far as saying the beaches are every bit as good as Boracay, if not better.

There’s not a great deal to do here, and that’s exactly what I love about it. You come here to swim, relax, have a few drinks and enjoy the incredible surroundings.

If your idea of paradise is a beautiful beach without the crowds, Talikud Island is pretty hard to beat.

Leaning palm tree on a white sand beach with clear blue water on Talikud Island — Talikud Island beach

Nipa hut on the beach at Talikud Island — Nipa hut by the sea

Best Time to Visit Talikud Island

Talikud Island is just off the southern end of Samal Island, near Davao City. Unlike many parts of the Philippines, the Davao region doesn’t have such a pronounced dry and wet season, so visiting is possible throughout the year.

March to May is generally a good time to visit, with plenty of warm weather and opportunities for swimming and enjoying the beach.

From June to November, rain and thunderstorms are still possible, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the weather, particularly if you’re travelling by boat.

Always check the boating conditions regardless of the time of year, as the Davao Gulf can get pretty choppy at certain times of the year.

Things to Do on Talikud Island

Relax on the Beach

For me, this is what Talikud Island is all about.

The beaches are absolutely stunning, particularly along the western side of the island, where I’ve spent most of my time.

Beautiful white sand, coconut palms and incredibly clear water. I could quite happily spend an entire day here doing absolutely nothing.

On my visits, we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. No crowds, no rubbish, no jet skis or noisy beach activities. Just us enjoying one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.

I haven’t explored the entire island, so I can’t comment on every beach, but the places I’ve visited have been incredible.

Pink sunrise over the white sand beach on Talikud Island — Sunrise on Talikud

Quiet sunrise over a secluded part of Talikud Island — Secluded beach

Swimming and Snorkelling

The calm, clear water is perfect for swimming, and that’s how we spent a fair bit of our time.

Talikud is also known for its snorkelling and diving spots, including areas around Coral Garden and nearby marine sanctuaries.

I haven’t personally snorkelled here, so I can’t tell you what the underwater scenery is like. From what I’ve read, though, it’s worth checking out if you’re interested in marine life.

Five men standing in clear turquoise water swimming off Talikud Island — Swimming at Talikud

Island Hopping

Talikud Island is often included in boat trips around Samal Island and the surrounding waters.

In fact, my first visit in 1998 was part of a family island-hopping trip, although Talikud is the place that really stuck in my memory.

That trip was also memorable for another reason.

Our boat broke down after the propeller shaft failed, leaving us bobbing around in the water for about an hour before another boat eventually towed us back to safety.

Not exactly what we had planned, but it’s certainly something I haven’t forgotten!

Passengers on a boat crossing the Davao Gulf to Talikud Island — Island hopping at Talikud

My Experience on Talikud Island

I’ve visited Talikud Island around three times, beginning in 1998, and my most recent trip was probably around 2015.

The first time I went there, I couldn’t believe how untouched the place was. I don’t remember seeing any resorts or accommodation, although we may simply have visited a different part of the island.

On a later visit, we went over with my wife’s family for a bit of a family reunion. There were probably 12 to 15 of us, and we stayed in some fairly basic beachfront huts for a night or two.

From memory, the property belonged to a European bloke, possibly German or Swiss, who had a house there and a few huts closer to the beach.

The accommodation wasn’t particularly comfortable, and the facilities were pretty basic, but that didn’t bother me.

We weren’t there for luxury. We were there for the beach, the water and the chance to spend a couple of days relaxing together.

And that’s exactly what we did.

What I love most about Talikud is that it feels like a proper tropical island, rather than somewhere that’s been developed purely for tourists.

I haven’t been back for quite a few years, so I can’t say how much it’s changed. However, based on my visits, any development seemed relatively slow, and the island still had that wonderful untouched feeling.

I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Fishing boats pulled up on the white sand shore beneath a large tree on Talikud Island — Boats on the shore

White sand beach with leaning coconut palms and clear blue water on Talikud Island — White sand and palms

Golden evening light on the beach and coconut palms in front of Dayang Beach Resort on Talikud Island — Evening at Dayang Beach

Orange sunset over the sea seen from Talikud Island — Sunset from Talikud

How Many Days Do You Need?

You can easily visit Talikud Island as a day trip from Davao City, particularly if you leave early enough to enjoy a full day on the beach.

However, I’d recommend staying overnight if you can.

One or two nights gives you plenty of time to enjoy the place without worrying about catching a boat back to the mainland.

If you’re looking for somewhere with loads of attractions and activities, you might get bored after a while.

If you’re happy swimming, relaxing and enjoying a beautiful beach, you could easily spend a couple of days here.

Where to Stay on Talikud Island

Accommodation on Talikud Island has traditionally been fairly basic, with small beach resorts, cottages and simple rooms rather than large luxury hotels.

Isla Reta Beach Resort is one of the better-known places on the island. There are also other small beachfront properties, and camping may be an option at designated resorts, depending on their current arrangements.

I’d recommend checking what’s available before travelling, particularly if you’re planning to stay overnight.

Where I Stayed

On one of my later visits, we stayed in some basic beach huts on a privately owned beachfront property called Dayang Beach Resort. From memory, the resort was owned by a European bloke, possibly Swiss or German. The accommodation was locally built, although it had a fairly solid, well-constructed feel to it. It certainly wasn’t anything glamorous, with fairly simple rooms and, if I remember correctly, shared facilities. Still, it was comfortable enough, right on the beachfront and had everything we needed for a relaxing few days by the sea.

Nipa hut on the beach at Dayang Beach Resort on Talikud Island — Nipa hut at Dayang Beach Resort

Beach in front of Dayang Beach Resort on Talikud Island — Beachfront at Dayang Beach Resort

Beach cottages and picnic tables among coconut palms on white sand on Talikud Island — Cottages among the palms at Dayang Beach Resort

Thatched wall beach cottage with a tin roof among coconut palms on Talikud Island — Beach cottage at Dayang Beach Resort

How to Get to Talikud Island

Getting to Talikud Island is fairly straightforward, with Davao City being the main departure point.

From Davao City

Head to Sta. Ana Wharf, near Magsaysay Park in Davao City. From there, public passenger boats travel to Talikud Island, including Sta. Cruz Port and the Isla Reta area.

The boat trip usually takes somewhere between 45 minutes and an hour and a quarter, depending on the boat and conditions. Services can change depending on passenger numbers and weather, so confirm the current times and fares before you go.

I’d recommend catching an early boat, especially if you’re only visiting for the day. Make sure you confirm the return schedule before leaving Davao.

From Manila, Clark or Cebu

The easiest way is to fly into Davao from Manila, Clark or Cebu.

From the airport, take a taxi to Sta. Ana Wharf and catch a boat across to Talikud Island. Check flight availability from your departure city before planning the connection.

Private Boat or Island-Hopping Tour

You can also arrange a private boat from Davao City or Samal Island. This is worth considering if you’re travelling with a group or want to visit several beaches around Samal and Talikud.

Good to Know Before You Go

Bring supplies: Pack drinking water, snacks and anything else you’ll need for the day.

Check accommodation: Don’t expect luxury resorts or extensive facilities, particularly at smaller beachfront properties.

Confirm boat times: Return services can be limited, so organise your trip before leaving.

Avoid busy holidays: Weekends and public holidays can attract plenty of local day-trippers.

Bring cash: Don’t rely on ATMs or card payments, especially at smaller establishments.

Dezza’s Tip

Go to Talikud Island for the natural beauty, not the facilities. If you’re expecting fancy resorts, restaurants, jet skis and loads of activities, this probably isn’t the place for you.

However, if you’re happy sitting on a beautiful white-sand beach, swimming in crystal-clear water and enjoying a few cold drinks under the coconut palms, without all the crowds, I reckon you’ll absolutely love it.

I certainly do.

It’s one of those places that reminds me why I fell in love with the Philippines in the first place.