OK, how many of you know what a RORO is? Well, for those who don’t know, a RORO is a “Roll On, Roll Off” ferry boat. It is a boat that you can drive on and drive off when you reach your destination.
As anybody who reads this site regularly would already know, Feyma and I have a deep love for Samal Island, and we intend to make our home there in the future. Because of our connection with Samal, we regularly ride the RORO to get there with our car.
For today’s Video post, I am going to take you along on the ferry, show you how to get to the boat launch area, and how to go about using the RORO service between Davao City and Samal Island.
Ah that brings back fond memories of say a week or so ago. Seriously, thanks to Feyma for taking the time to get us there a couple of times. We were too busy to pay much attention to the ferry ride, and it went by quick. Not sure I could find my way back to the land without a guide though. I think we will have to impose at least one more time when we return in a couple of years.
Hi Randy C – Don't worry, it will be our pleasure to bring you guys over again! I'm glad that you were able to visit and that you liked the place! 😀
I'm really gald to see this posted … it's so "real Philippines". Many people don't know that one can drive to many unlikely places via RORO services. Even many Filipinos don't know a lot about driving in their own county. Isuzu Philippines has spent quite a bit in the past year sending out teams of cars and drivers from Manila to far away places, partly to sell cars of course, but also to educate Filipinos how they can use those cars.
I'm going to try to make my next Davao trip by road/ferry, the Philippines outside cites is very different than what most tourists ever see.
It's a real shame that the DOT thinks their only mission is to negotiate yet another multi-billion foreign hotel deal when there isn't even a decent national road map and ferry schedule … "See the Philippines First" would be a productive campaign .. are you reading, sir Ace?
Hi Dave Starr- I'm glad to know that you enjoyed the video! I, for one, would love to take the land trip between Davao and Manila, I feel like it would be a great trip!
Thanks for another very interesting post. How much does the ferry service charge for taking your car to SamaL?
Hi David S. – The ferry is P270 in each direction. That is for a car or light truck. You can have as many passengers as your vehicle can hold for no additional cost too.
Bob:
At what point do you pay for the fare? (If this was in the video I missed it.) And how to you ensure you're paying the right person?
Hi Bob,
I loved your Samal Island video. About a year ago when I went to visit my Fiancé in Gensan I was lucky enough to visit Samal when we traveled to Davao to visit her relatives. I remember I really enjoyed the ferry ride to and from Samal.
I’m happy to hear the roads are getting better because I remember how rough some of the roads were. We were there visiting with the Uncle of my Fiancé who drove us there in his Yugo and had to get out and push the car up some of the steep gravel roads. We were also fortunate to see the bat caves and hire a small fishing boat from one of the locals to take us out to see the Pearl farm resort. One of the highlights on our Samal trip was when the Yugo broke down so I passed the time trying to break open a coconut I found nearby on the ground, never did get it open.
My wife and I are now living here in the U.S. but we wish to come back to visit sometime in the near future. We are lucky that my wife has a home in Gensan so lodging is not an issue. Have a good one Bob I look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future.
I can't watch the video… something is going on with my connection, sigh…
Is the RORO like the boat from England to France and vice versa? (well obviously the one from England to France and back is much much bigger, lol lol)
Where you park, get off and go upstairs and you can buy food and stuff, or do you just stay in the car as Samal is just such a short trip?
Wow, that was a nice video. I feel like I went along for the ride. I can't wait to come back to the Philippines this summer. I hope the next video shows a little of what Samal is like.
Hi Matt – When you first pull into the ferry location, there is a toll booth, that is where you pay. Because they are inside the toll booth, you can be sure that it is the right person to receive your payment. Also, when you pay, they give you a ticket that you use when you get off the boat.
Hi Aaron – Thanks for visiting my site! I'm glad that you enjoyed the video. It sounds like you had a wonderful adventure during your time here.
Next time you come to Davao, let me know, and we'll get together for a nice conversation over a cup of coffee!
Hi Cheryll Ann – Sorry to hear that you were unable to see the video! As an alternative, you can perhaps go to YouTube and watch it by clicking on the link.
Yes, the RORO to Samal is like ferries around the world, except smaller. I guess it can hold maybe 25 to 30 cars in all. Since Samal Island is only a 10 to 15 minute ride, you just stay inside your car and wait until you arrive on the island.
Hi Kevin Smith – Thanks for your comment, I'm really happy that you enjoyed seeing the video. I do have future videos that are actually shot ON Samal Island, and showing some of the scenes from the place. I was thinking, though, that I'd hold off on them for a few weeks, because I don't want everybody to be bored of seeing nothing but Samal. I thought I'd do a few other places in between. What do you think? ❓
Sure, videos are the way to go. I won't be bored watching Samal, but a variety every once in a while would be better for everyone.
Hi Kevin Smtih – OK, thanks for letting me know! I am going to try to post at least one video every week.
Bob
Excellent Video!
Your effort on these Video's is very much appreciated, as it keeps some of us here in the US somewhat connected to the Philippine Living Lifestyle that we look foreward too.
Thanks again
Hi Neal in Ri – It's my pleasure to do the videos! I enjoy it, and it makes me happy to know that you and others enjoy it too!