Explorera: 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..