Samal

Samal may refer to several subjects in the Philippines and neighboring regions. The term is commonly used for the Samal people, also called Sama-Bajau or Badjao, an Austronesian ethno-linguistic group traditionally living as sea nomads in the Sulu Archipelago and along the southern coast of Mindanao. They speak the Sama-Bajau languages and have long been engaged in fishing, boat-building, and maritime trade. In the Philippines, many Samal communities are Muslim, though practices vary by locality; diaspora communities exist in Sabah, Malaysia, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Geographically, Samal Island refers to the island in the Davao Gulf opposite Davao City. The Island Garden City of Samal is a chartered city that encompasses several municipalities on the island and is connected to the mainland by bridges, known for beaches, resorts, and natural scenery.

Samal is also used as a surname in various cultures and may appear in other place names or institutional titles. The term's meaning and associations can vary widely depending on region and context, ranging from an indigenous ethnic group to a geographical locale and beyond.