DAVAO CITY TOUR Day 3

We were kinda sad because this will be our last day here in Davao,nevertheless we made it really memorable and learned as much as we could..I'm talking about learning,so our first stop was Museo ng Davao..

Museo ng Dabaw

We arrived early so we have to wait for a few minutes.Before entering the museum, we were advised that not all areas are allowed to take pictures.I tell you, if you will visit Davao,take some time to visit this place.You will learn a lot about the people and places of Davao.

going to the 2nd floor where picture taking is prohibited

Davao City Hall

Magsaysay Fruit Stand

Suha and Durian -  Davao is known for

Biggest Chinatown in the world

Shrine of the Holy Infant of Jesus

Lon Wa Temple

Jack's Ridge

must try their coffee with different flavors (durian,mangosteen,marang,guyabano)

People's Park

Don't buy anywhere else..very highly recommended..super sarap!!

colorful taxis roam around Davao City and this is one of those...

TIPS:
1. Some of these places can be reached easily like People's Park, Museo ng Davao, Magsaysay Fruit Stand, Chinatown, Lon Wa Temple..
2. Visit Jack's Ridge during the day and at night.
3. When you visit Jack's Ridge during the day, Shrine of Infant of Jesus is just across, Karlo's Gourmet is also within Jack's Ridge
4. If you have spare time during the tour,you can visit some places not included in the tour.
5. Try the buffet all you can...
6. Nice thing about Davao..riding a taxi..Drivers charged you for exact fare..and very safe..If it happens that a taxi driver took advantage of you,contact informations are readily seen at the back of the driver's seat and report immediately..
7 Black taxis (newest) metered taxi and you can pay through credit cards.
8. Beware of smoking areas.Davao is very strict and no excuses even if you are a first - time tourist here.

EDEN Nature Park and Davao Crocodile Park Day 3

On our third and last day in Davao, we went around the city (but I have a separate post for this) and outside the city..We visited EDEN Nature Park in Toril,Davao which took us about an hour of travel. It is privately owned and 90% of the place is man - made..and until now there is an on -going construction. Guests can spend overnight here.There are a number of log cabins to choose from depending on your needs.But they also offer day tour which costs P250.00..You will be boarding a multi - cab van with a guide and will explain everything you see and passed by. The tour will take for an hour and has 3 major stops so you can have time to do photo shoot,just like we did. For now, I will just make the photos do all the talking :))

The Entrance!!

overlooking Davao Gulf!!

 

the road inside Eden..

trees of mangosteen

 

 

 

 

 

nursery station for different herbs

shot by Pete care of Obet's camera!!

 

 

guest were greeted with a dance number by local children

local children :D

After Eden Park, we went to Crocodile Park. Along the way, we passed by the Zorbing area  but we didn't have much time left so sad to say,we didn't get to experience it..Next time....I am not personally excited to see Crocodile Park,because Ive seen a lot and sorry but I'm not so into it..But what  I love to see here is the fire dance which was my first time to see..

so this is it...FIRE DANCE!!!

Tribu Mindanawan Fire Dancers!!

See you on my next post....Yes!!!city tour and places we ate!!

WHITE WATER RAFTING Davao Trip Day 2

We were fetched by Base Camp Davao in our hotel as early as 830 am right after our breakfast. We were brought to heir office where we registered,signed our waiver and took our gears. The trip going to the rafting area was a little bit long around an hour and a half so some of us took a snooze while on the road. But me,as always wide awake and trying to capture every moment.

the jeep that we used going to the rafting area

our gears!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

kuya demonstrating the do's and don'ts

 pose before the adventure!!

 

last reminders!!

As soon as we arrived in the starting point, they demonstrated and explained the Do's and Dont's while rafting so must listen carefull especially to the new ones.But since this will be our second time to experience water rafting we're a bit more relaxed since we know already what to expect. We are just curious which one is more exciting the Davao River or Cagayan de Oro River????hmmmm..let us see....

one of the best rapids!!!went wild and WET!!

smile :))))

enjoying the water!!!with our life vest on,of course :))

our famous jump shot!!

And this is the Verdict: Each has its own share to offer!!!

Davao White Water Rafting:

1. They have a more secured gears.
2. The package comes with pictures, video and T shirt.

Cagayan De Oro White Water Rafting
1. 2 rafters are assigned in each boat.
2. Longer and higher rapids.
3.Buffet meals (superb!!)

More to come on our Day 3!!!!

SAMAL ISLAND Trip DAY 1

My travel companion, Monetsky and I booked our Davao adventure 3 months before the trip thru Zest Air.We were able to get a round trip fare for only 1,500.From then on my search continues....But in the end we managed to have our tour package with Tourspot to have a hassle - free vacation.

We arrived Davao City as early as 6am, and the van with the tour guide Jonathan greeted us.

Tin and I with Jonathan,our tour guide.

 

 

 

 

 

We asked him if he knows the eat - all - you - can breakfast and he readily said "Probinsiya" since I forgot my list at home. We were there a little bit earlier and I was so excited that I didn't notice the sign "Close" but pushed the door open, the staff were all surprised to see us,so I said sorry but allowed us to have our breakfast already since they are also opening a few minutes later.There were a lot of choices and the amount is worth it for only P169.00.

the entrance

foods to choose..

 

 

 

 

After spending an hour there, we went straight to Sasa Wharf,just in case there will be a long line of tourists going to Samal Island.Surprisingly, it didn't take us long to wait till we finally board the RORO going to Samal which only took us 5 -minute ride.

the RORO that will take us to Samal Island

2nd floor of the RORO,passengers are not allowed to stay inside their cars/vans

Samal Island now is known as IGCOS ( Island Garden City of Samal),before if was part of Davao City.Its better that you rent a van when doing the tour because there are parts of the road that are still under construction so no need to freshen up with your face powder (i hope you know what I mean :))))

Hagimit Falls

Our first stop was Hagimit Falls.The best time to go there is from 11am -2pm so that the water will not be so cold. From the port,my estimated time is around 45mins. Before you reach the falls,you will have to take stairs going down.During our visit not so many people were there,so we really enjoyed the place.There are nearby stores where you can buy your snacks and huts are available.

the stairs to and fro Hagimit Falls

Our next stop, Maxima Adventure ( where the famous giant slide is located ). Well, brace yourselves,another challenge..Yes,stairs..stairs..stairs..a lot of this..

to and from Maxima Aquafun

entrance

 

There's nothing much to do here in Maxima except the giant slide.I'm a little bit disappointed because the place is not well-maintained probably because the place is too big..We only tried the slide once, though there are other slides but at that time it was closed because some of the staff are on leave ( nov. 1 -holiday)..We took our packed -lunch there and off we go to our next destination..

Actually,Monfort Bat Cave is not included in our package so we have to pay from our own pocket the entrance fee which is P100.00 and thanks Jonathan for being kind enough to let us see the place. This is the place in Samal Island which I was so amazed with.Imagine,around 2million of fruit bats gathered in this cave. Fact: It is included in the Guinness World of Record for having the most number of fruit bats.  At midnight, the bats would leave the cave and would travel to farms within Davao to pollinate Durian fruit (i don't know if that is the correct term,hehe). Because there are millions of them,once they move the place,it would look like a tornado. Fruit bats have different stages, from their production until they grow old because fruit bats are territorial...Woahhh,I learned a lot!!

                                        

 

                                    

last stop for the day:PARADISE Island

Our last stop for the day,PARADISE Island...Since it was 3pm when we arrived in this place.And the sun was its most striking hot,we did not dare to see and experience the beach :(

We opted to stay in the cafeteria and enjoy their halo halo and french fries. After we had our snack,we decided to see the place because there's a mini zoo and small playground. Next time,Ill be in Samal I want to stay here overnight..The place is clean and from that I could say amenities must be good..

the halo halo to die for :)))

Wait for my Day 2 in Davao!!!See you Base Camp Davao for our White Water Rafting!!