‘It was random pick and pure intuition’ said by Spanish Traveler Fran, who have been traveling all over the world half of his life. His stay in Samal Island has been worthwhile and having been housed at this bed and breakfast, La Vida Orchard has been one of the best decisions he had on his way here.
My case isn’t the same with him or should we say slightly comparable. For luck have brought me and cross path with La Vida when I first visited the island last 2016. It was a short overnight stay, and it already made me feel home. That is why in my return, I made sure that I could go back and stay in this place and in the island a bit longer.
Keep on reading and will tell you more about my experience.
The Tea cups on our late night conversation brought us to places from talking about travel experiences, customs and even definitions of surnames.
Yes, it doesn’t have a nice view of the ocean or a beachfront just like other bed and breakfast are bragging. But whenever hospitality is to talk about, La Vida Orchard Samal could be part of the top of the list.
That friendly Shih Tzu dog over there welcomed us at the place.
La Vida Orchard Samal is a Bed and Breakfast located in the heart of Samal Island. The property is ideal for small group outings, couples and even solo explorers. They can also host different events specially if you are into having garden parties in the evening. The property is just 15 minutes from city center of Samal (Peñaplata) and is 2 minutes walk to the beach.
La Vida Orchard is equipped with shared kitchen, dining area and a pavilion. Interaction with other guests are highly encourage thus shared rooms are also available.
The place got WiFi spots specifically located in the dining and pavilion area. I was using my Globe Telecom for my Internet connection but connection was a bit irregular at the place or even in the whole island, so I guess being away from social media for a moment would be really good to just savor the time in the island.
Also Check out the La Vida Orchard Art Gallery
During Friday and Saturday nights, La Vida also host movies night at the dining area from 7-10pm. If you are out and or crossed the island back to Davao City in the evening, remember that La Vida Orchard follows a 10pm curfew (they close the gate at this time), if ever you’ll arrive on a later time better to inform them properly.
(Also Read: Where to Stay in Davao City)
Do not missed to try their Corn Coffee (Also read: Lachi’s, Coffee Grounds, Roxas Night Market)
La Vida Orchard Room Options
La Vida Orchard offers 3 types of rooms: Basic Double Rooms, Groups of 4, Groups of 5, and an 8-bed dorm type rooms. Checking it via AirBNB, I found out that the cheapest space could be availed for Php1,362 per night (USD 26) that includes a free continental breakfast. When I had a conversation with the owner on my visit, I was told that they are offering even cheaper space that cost around Php 700 (USD 13).
On my stay last time, I was able to try the Native Quadruple Room, which has 4 single beds. I love that the place was so peaceful, though my friend was a bit bothered with the sounds of Tuko Lizards in the evening; I felt that it still sounded nice for it actually made my provincial life experience very legit. The Native Quaruple Room is priced at Php 2,500 per night, which is still very affordable especially if you are splitting the amount with 3 other people.
The rooms got is a mix of modern and native design and is color coded depending on what type of rooms you are getting.
What not to Missed in La Vida:
- Visit the beach that is located 2-minutes away from the property
- Chill at the garden Hammock
- Join Movie Nights every Friday and Saturday
- Have a taste of their specially made corn coffee in the morning
- Socialize to other guest
- Visit the newly opened La Vida Orchard Art Gallery
La Vida Orchard Art Gallery
The art gallery is open to anyone who would want to check out and visit the place.
It is locate inside La Vida Orchard. You may also contact them if you want to take part in the gallery.
This was a photo I took in my travel in to Pico De Loro, which was made into a painting by La Vida Orchard Owner/Artist Ninio Sepulveda.
Some portrait paintings displayed at the art gallery
Other things to remember:
- Check in time 2pm
- Check out 12nn
- Kids 6yrs and below free of charge.
- There is no restaurant in the property.
- TV and shared wifi available at dining area.
- Self service shared kitchen available.
- Smoking area is provided.
- Property not suitable for pets.
How to go to La Vida Orchard
From DAVAO CITY (Estimate 1hr to 1hr and 30min travel time)
- From Bangoy Bus terminal at F. Bangoy street (in front of UM Technical School) Take the Island Express bus ride costing P50/person (bus will cross the island via ferry boat) to Peñaplata Central Warehaus Terminal. Last bus trip is 7pm. If you missed it, you can take the ferry by yourself after.
- From CENTRAL WAREHAUS TERMINAL in Samal, take a tricycle or motorbike that costs P20/person. It will take you about 10 minutes to reach La Vida Orchard Samal in Barangay Catagman.
From CAMP HOLIDAY / FERRY TERMINAL in SAMAL)
(Estimate 15min motorcycle ride)
- From Camp Holiday resort, take a motorbike/tricycle to La Vida in Brgy Catagman via Limao road. It will cost you P50/person.
- You can also ride the bus to Penaplata Central Warehaus Terminal. This will cost you P25 (30min). From Central Warehaus take a tricycle/motorbike (P20/person) to La Vida Orchard Samal in Brgy Catagman.
From DAVAO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(estimate 45min-1hr travel time)
- Take a taxi (about P100) to the Davao-Samal Ferry Boat landing at Km. 11 Sasa, Davao City.
- Take the Island Express bus (P50-bus ride will cross the island by ferry) to Peñaplata Central Warehaus Terminal in Samal.
- From CENTRAL WAREHAUS TERMINAL in Samal, ride a tricycle/motorbike (about 10 minutes) to La Vida Orchard Samal in Barangay Catagman.
(If bus is not yet available at Ferry Terminal you may cross the island via Ferryboat P10 per pax. Then follow directions From Camp Holiday.)
Traveling BY CAR/OWN TRANSPORT
- From Km.11 Sasa Ferry Terminal in Davao City, take the ferry ride to Samal Island. This cost P200 one-way.
- After reaching FERRY TERMINAL in SAMAL, you will see Phoenix gas station at the exit road. Turn right and head straight to La Vida Orchard Samal in Brgy Catagman. It will be about 15min to reach the place from the Ferry.
Samal Island is very easy to navigate that you can actually do tours all by yourself. There are plenty of tricycle/motorbikes that are available. And if ever you would need any help La Vida Orchard can also arrange everything for you.
