BookNoFees
Holiday homes in Samal Island.
BookNoFees is expanding in Samal Island. Be among the first stays travellers discover here.
The difference
A host wants ₹109,780. Here’s what it costs.
The host keeps their full price. The displayed total includes a 3.9% cost contribution for Stripe payment fees and refunds. BookNoFees earns nothing from it.
Take a simple example: an owner who wants to earn ₹1,09,780 for a week.
| What each platform takes | Airbnb | Booking.com | BookNoFees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform commission | 15.5% | 15%–25% | 0% |
| Payment processing & protection | included | contract-specific | 3.9% |
| Owner keepson a ₹1,09,780 listing | ₹92,764 | ₹82,335–₹93,313 | ₹1,09,780 |
| Guest paysfor ₹1,09,780 to reach the owner | ₹1,29,870 | ₹1,29,102–₹1,46,337 | ₹1,14,062 |
Over 18 weeks let, that is more than ₹2,74,451 a year in this example — money that stays with the guest or reaches the owner.
Rates checked in September 2026. Under its single-fee structure, Airbnb charges most hosts 15.5%; Airbnb says other hosts typically pay between 14% and 16%. Exceptions depend on country and account type. Booking.com sets the commission rate in each accommodation agreement, and visibility programmes may increase it. This worked example uses a possible range of 15% to 25%. If Booking.com facilitates payment, the applicable payment terms and transaction cost are contract-specific. Our 3.9% cost contribution is included in the displayed total and contributes towards Stripe payment fees and refunds. BookNoFees earns nothing from it. Nothing is added at checkout and nothing is deducted from the owner. Fee models can change, so please check each platform’s current terms. Sources: Airbnb Help Center and Booking.com General Delivery Terms.
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About Samal Island
Staying in Samal Island
Just a couple of kilometres across the Davao Gulf from Davao City, the Island Garden City of Samal is the mainland's favourite beach escape — close enough for a day trip, but far more rewarding if you stay a night or two. Officially a single city formed from the old towns of Samal, Babak and Kaputian, the island packs a lot into a short boat ride: long stretches of white sand, a spread of beach resorts, and quieter coves on neighbouring Talikud Island. Away from the shore, Hagimit Falls offers a cool freshwater swim among rock pools, while the Monfort Bat Sanctuary shelters an enormous colony of fruit bats in its limestone cave — one of the island's most unusual sights. The waters around Samal and Talikud draw swimmers, snorkellers and divers to their reefs. With resorts clustered along the coast and local ferries running frequently from Davao, Samal is an easy, laid-back trip that trades city bustle for gulf breezes and warm water. Base yourself near a beach, hop between coves, and let the days slow down.
Good to know
Holiday homes in Samal Island — FAQ
How do I get to Samal Island?
Samal sits only about two kilometres off Davao City, and ferries and barges cross regularly from wharves on the Davao side, including Sasa and Santa Ana. The crossing is short, which is why many people visit for the day, though staying over lets you enjoy the beaches after the day-trippers leave.
What is there to do on Samal beyond the beaches?
Beyond swimming and lounging on the sand, you can cool off in the rock pools at Hagimit Falls, visit the Monfort Bat Sanctuary to see its huge colony of fruit bats, and take a boat to Talikud Island for quieter coves and reefs. Snorkelling and diving are popular in the surrounding waters.
Is Samal a good day trip or worth staying overnight?
It works well as either. The short ferry ride makes day trips from Davao easy, but Samal is the country's largest resort city and staying overnight lets you settle into a beachfront place, watch the sunset over the gulf and reach spots like Talikud without rushing.
Is Samal suitable for families?
Generally yes — the calm gulf waters, spread of resorts and easy access from Davao make it a relaxed choice for families. As always, check the specific facilities, beach conditions and suitability of your chosen property with the host before you book.
How does booking direct on BookNoFees work?
You can message the host before booking. For a booking request, Stripe first places a card hold for the full amount; the host has 48 hours to accept, and only then is the amount captured. Instant Book is charged immediately after Stripe confirms payment. Do not transfer the booking amount directly to the host. The displayed total already includes the 3.9% cost contribution for Stripe payment fees and refunds.
Why book Samal accommodation direct instead of through a big platform?
It also puts you in direct contact with the people running your stay, who can advise on ferry timings, transfers and which beaches or coves suit your plans.
Hosts wanted in Samal Island
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