Travel Guide: Sanipaan Island, Samal City, Davao Del Norte

Sanipaan Island is an island located in Barangay Tambo, Samal City. The island has several names. It is also called as Vanishing Island, Wishing Island, Arboles Island and Arboles Shoal. The island is mostly composed of mangroves and sandbar. Most of the island is submerged during high tide and it appears during low tide and that is why it is also called as Vanishing Island. There’s no source of electricity and fresh water in the island. There is a large concrete building in the island with a wooden pathway.

Google Map

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane bound for Davao City. From Davao Airport, ride a jeepney or a taxi to Sasa Wharf. From Sasa Wharf, ride a ferry boat to Babak Wharf in Samal. From Babak Wharf, ride a multicab, tricycle or a motorcycle to Barangay Tambo and then from that barangay, rent a boat to Sanipaan Island. You can also rent a boat at Sasa Wharf to go directly to Sanipaan Island.

Travel time:

Manila to Davao City Airport – 1.5 hours
Davao Airport to Sasa Wharf, Davao City – 15 to 20 minutes
Sasa Wharf to Babak Wharf, Samal City – 10 to 20 minutes
Babak Wharf to Barangay Tambo – 15 to 20 minutes
Barangay Tambo to Sanipaan Island – 10 to 15 minutes
Sasa Wharf, Davao City to Sanipaan Island, Samal City – 20 to 30 minutes