Going around Davao and Samal Island.
Davao is the largest province in the Philippines in terms of land area and known as the Durian capital of the Philippines. And we get to visit also one of its tourist destination, Samal Island.
The very huge Durian outside the airport
Joining us in our trip is our friend who went ahead of us. When we arrive at the airport, we rode a taxi to drive us to the port where our boat for Samal Island transfer is docking. We coordinated our boat transfer with Bluewaters Village and Resort.
Taxi area outside the airport
After we checked in the room, we hired a motorcycle that can accommodate the three of us to tour us around Samal. I gave the driver instructions where to go. We only paid 300 Php for the whole tour which includes Maxima Aquafun, Monfort Bat Sanctuary and General Moncado White House.
Entrance to Bluewaters Samal
We dropped by a chicken inasal station and bought for our lunch in Maxima. Maxima Aquafun is very famous for their very long tarpaulin slide leading you to a 120 ft deep sea water. The 250 entrance fee includes free use of life jackets, tables and chairs, access to the tarpaulin slide, diving board, canopy walk and the free fall. There are still a lot of activities you can do but for an extra charge like snorkeling, banana boat, kayaking, and scuba diving. And one of their newest attraction is the blob.
Canopy Walk
Diving Board
The famous tarpaulin slide
Next stop is the Monfort Bat Sanctuary. It has an entrance fee of 100 Php. This place records the largest single colony of Rousette fruit bats.
Just one of the cave openings where bats are lurking
Closer look
A Guinness record holder
And our last stop the General Moncado White House which I will always remember. Our driver has really no idea what we meant and where we are heading. We got lost and asked for directions and we went through a lot of rough and muddy roads. It was a very secluded area. Finally we arrived at the white house with another group who had an engagement shoot there. Honestly I don’t have any idea about it’s history and I was very eager to go inside but Jorj stopped me. As we were observing the area, we noticed people in red were inside the house. We then drove off immediately.
General Moncado White House
The next day we were dropped off at the same port to mainland Davao. We took a taxi ride and drove us to the city where we can find somewhere to eat. Then off we go to Eden Nature Park and Resort. We rode a jeepney bound for Toril and we just told the driver to drop us in Mercury Drug store where we can ride a motorcycle going to Eden Nature Park. We then hired a motorcycle for 80 Php each to drive us to the entrance of Eden. Unfortunately, we were unable to catch the shuttle that will tour around the place. So we had to rely on the park’s map. (The shuttle was a way better option for us since we are in a limited time 🙁 )
Eden Nature Park
Eden’s Amphitheater
Eden’s Amphitheater
Birds
The Y road
Body was aching after all the walking around the place. When we arrived back to the city, we just walked our way and asked directions to North Zen Basics where we are staying for a night.
Facade of North Zen Basics
Our room in North Zen Basics
Then we had our dinner at Taklobo Restaurant in Jack’s Ridge. A perfect way to view Davao’s city lights at night. After we ate dinner, we roam around the place and chilled at their amphitheater. Still early so we ate dessert at Karlo’s Gourmet and Coffee and spent the rest of the night there.
This Davao sign will welcome you in Jack Ridge
Chocolate Mousse cake in Karlo’s Gourmet
Karlo’s Gourmet
On our last day in Davao, we woke up early and roam around the city. We went to Rizal park and chinatown. Just across chinatown is Magsaysay fruit market where we bought our pasalubongs. I love this place because I LOVE fruits! Now, I am wondering if everything will still fit in our hand carry. Hmmmmm.
Magsaysay Park
Chinatown
Magsaysay Fruit Vendors Association
Pasalubong: Durian cany
Mangosteen from Magsaysay fruit vendors
We then ate our lunch at Dencio’s Kamayan at SM City Davao. If you are in Davao, you need to try their Durian and eat at Dencio’s Kamayan. Then we went back to the hotel, packed our things and checked out. We rode a taxi going to Abreeza mall where we ate our early dinner at McDonalds while waiting for the time of our flight.
Abreeza Mall
Church visit
Leave a Reply