Isla Reta is one of the beaches in Talikud Island, which is a part of the bigger island garden city of Samal Philippines. Talikud literally translates to "back," which is what it is, an island at the back of Samal.

The bigger island of Samal already boasts light brown sandy beaches, albeit the low tide prevents fun swimming during the middle of the day, but people still frequent the place for a relaxing day at the beach

Talikud Island is less frequented by people because it is much further out. While it only takes a ten-minute boat ride to get to Samal Island, the trip to Talikud Island takes around 30-45 minutes, but it is well worth the trip. The Isla Reta resort is behind a small village, thus there are regular trips which can take tourists and travelers there. The Isla Reta resort has small huts for overnighters, but pitching a tent there would be fun, too.

People can bring food and have their lunch at the provided tables. It would also be great to bring your hammock and hang it between the trees for a perfect relaxing afternoon siesta.

The beach is marvelous! The sand is light brown and powdery, but as you near the water, pebbles and bleached broken coral line the beach. The water is crystal clear and cool. Though at certain times of the day, there are some water bugs than can make you start itching. That would be the best time to lie in your hammock.

For those who are more adventurous, you can choose to walk the rest of the stretch of beach after a low rock wall. That part is less maintained with some natural trash brought in by the tide, and some unnatural trash, too. Shell-hunting is best at this part of the island.

The water area of that part of the beach is also more rocky, but also has more coral and fish compared to the more public area.

So, if you like it like that, make sure to take a stroll to this portion of the island.

Quick Tips/Suggestions:
The entrance to the resort is only P30 per head the last time I went there, but it could be around P50 already. Rental for the chairs and tables is around P100-P150.

It would be best to bring your own food because it would be much cheaper than buying from the resort. The resort jacks up the price of the food around 50% more than the city rates since you have no other place to get food in the area.

Having your own woven mats to lie on the sand would be great too, since they only have chairs and tables there. The trees are also close together, so bringing a hammock would also be fun.

Don't forget your snorkeling gear, or at least a pair of goggles so you can take a peek at the growing young coral and the various marine life living there. Be careful not to step on sea urchins though!

Of course, when you are going to a beach, never forget your sunblock and sunglasses for protection.

Best Way to Get Around:
From Davao City, take a jeep or bus to Sta. Ana Wharf. The Wharf is near a famous Davao landmark called Magsaysay Park where the famous durian are being sold by the stalls. There are regular trips from Davao City to Isla Reta, but the best time to leave is between 6am and 8am. The boat will take you directly to the resort. Fare costs P50.

The last trip home, for those taking the day trip, is 3pm. So make sure you get to do all the fun stuff before then.

Enjoy!

~Isla Reta~