Our Story
From Ireland to the Philippines
Our story has crossed oceans to bring us here. We can't wait to celebrate this next chapter with you by our side, on the island where it all comes together.
Better together
The Countdown Is On
The Venue
Discovery Samal
Samal Island, Davao del Norte, Philippines
Ceremony and celebration, all in one beautiful place.
Timings to follow
Getting There
Fly into Davao International Airport, then it's a short boat ride across to the island.
- 1Fly to the Philippines
Via Doha, Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong
- 2Connect to Davao
About 2 hours from Manila
- 3Cross to Samal Island
A short boat ride from Davao City
Where to Stay
Our recommendation
Dusit Thani Residence Davao
Right on the water in Lanang, just 20 minutes by boat from Discovery Samal. We've also arranged special room rates for our guests.
Dress Code
Coming soon
Our colours
Getting to Samal Island
Plan Your Trip
The closest airport is Davao International Airport (DVO). Wherever you're coming from, the journey ends with a short boat crossing to the island.
Search flights to Davao
Pick where you're flying from and we'll open Skyscanner with live prices to Davao International Airport.
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Fly to the Philippines
There are no direct flights from Ireland or the UK, so plan on one or two connections. The usual routes are:
- Via the Middle East: Qatar Airways through Doha, or Emirates through Dubai, into Manila or Cebu.
- Via Asia: Singapore Airlines through Singapore, or Cathay Pacific through Hong Kong. Both cities also have direct flights to Davao, which can save you a stop.
Expect roughly 20 to 26 hours of travel in total, depending on connections.
Tip: book one ticket all the way to Davao rather than separate flights. If your first flight is delayed, the airline has to rebook your connection.
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Connect to Davao
If you land in Manila or Cebu, take a domestic flight to Davao. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia all fly the route, and it's about 2 hours from Manila. Guests already in the Philippines can also fly direct to Davao from cities like Clark, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro.
Tip: December is one of the busiest months to fly in the Philippines because of Christmas travel. Book early for the best fares.
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Cross to Samal Island
Discovery Samal runs its own transfer. A resort van meets you at the airport and takes you about 10 minutes to their Welcome Center in Davao City, then a speedboat brings you across to the island. Arrange this with the resort when you book your room.
You can also take a taxi to Sasa or Santa Ana Wharf and catch a public ferry, but with luggage the resort transfer is much easier.
Good to know
Passports and entry
Irish and UK passport holders can usually visit visa free for up to 30 days. You'll also need to complete the Philippines eTravel form online in the days before you fly.
Weather
Davao is warm and humid all year, usually around 30°C. Pack light clothes, sun cream and something for the odd tropical shower.
Money
The local currency is the Philippine peso. Cards work at the resort, but cash is handy for taxis and markets in Davao.
Flight routes and entry rules can change, so check the latest with your airline before booking.
Davao and Samal Island
Where to Stay
Most of our guests will be staying in Davao City and taking the boat across to Samal for the wedding. Here's where we'd stay, plus a search to find your own place.
Our guest room rates
We've arranged special room rates for our guests. Details on how to book them are coming soon, so hold off booking until they're here if you'd like to use them.
Booking details coming soon
Dusit Thani Residence Davao
Our favourite place to stay. It sits right on the water in Lanang, just a 20 minute boat ride from Discovery Samal, and about 20 minutes by car from the airport.
- Spacious rooms and apartments with sea views, great for families and groups
- In Lanang, close to the boat dock, restaurants and SM Lanang Premier
- Right next door to the dusitD2 hotel, with its pools, spa and restaurants
Opens the Dusit Thani Residence Davao website, where you can book direct.
Find somewhere to stay
Prefer to look around? Search hotels near the boat dock, across Davao City or on Samal Island itself.
Please reply by 10 December 2026
Kindly Respond
A note from us
It would mean the world to have you there
We know that travelling to celebrate with us is a big ask, and we feel incredibly lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. If you can join us on Samal Island, it would make this celebration all the more special. Wherever you are, thank you for being part of our story. With love, Thomas & Lady Grace.
Please reply by
10 December 2026