Talikud Island

Philippines , Philippines

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Talikud Island (also spelled Talicud) is a small, picturesque island located behind Samal Island in Davao del Norte, Philippines, with its name deriving from the Cebuano word "talikod" meaning "back" because of its position at the back of Samal Island.

The island covers approximately 28 square kilometers and greets visitors with sparkling turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and rich underwater life, making it perfect for relaxing and photogenic beach days. Talikud is famous for its diverse marine world with protected coral and fish sanctuaries, colorful corals, caves, and secluded paradise spots, offering both stunning surface beauty and underwater delights.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, and exploring the island's crystal-clear waters where they can see beautiful marine life up close. The island is accessible from Davao City via a one-hour ferry ride from Sta. Ana Wharf near Magsaysay Park, costing about 60 pesos and taking 60-80 minutes, with boats running between 9 AM and 3 PM.

For those who want to stay overnight, there are several resorts available including Isla Reta Beach Resort, Babu Santa Beach Resort, Dayang Beach Resort, and La Isla Bonita Talikud Island Beach Resort, though the island remains mostly undeveloped with limited electricity and water, so visitors should bring all essentials from the mainland. The best time to visit is during the dry months of January to April for sunny weather and optimal beach activities, and crowds typically thin out after 3 PM when day tour boats leave.