Davao and Samal Island DIY

Three months before our trip to Davao we were already researching about the place. One thing that stands out is the fact that they have a 24 hour (working) emergency response system. The safety of the people is the primary concern in the city and they even have the military working with the policemen to make sure of it.

I was also impressed that Davao has an 'order' a cab anywhere without an additional charge. Often in the trip we just dial the number of a cab line and they come pick us up wherever we are in the city. And the best part of the place for me is the policy of no smoking at public or open areas - yey for asthmatic people!

Below is a list of the places we went to in Davao and in the nearby island of Samal during our four day trip.

DAY 1:

Durian Sculpture - A must not miss just outside the airport. This beautiful sculpture was done by Kublai Millan a known sculpture in Mindanao.

Eden Nature Park - The place has a large area full of flowers perfect for picture taking. They also have a zoo with different animals such as the Philippine deer. I've put a map of the different things you can see inside the park.

Philippine Eagle Foundation - I was delighted to see 'Pag-asa', the 19 year old Philippine eagle who was bred (human-induced embryo) and raised in the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

Jack's Ridge - a restaurant known for their wonderful view of Davao City. The serving was a bit small but they do have a great view. We passed by their from Philippine Eagle Center on our way back to Marco Polo Hotel.

DAY 2:

Marco Polo Hotel breakfast - The place was beautiful and accessible. Their breakfast buffet had lots of choices.

White Water Rafting - it was scary but fun! We reserved the trip via Davao Wild Water Adventure. Price for the white water rafting tour includes free tickets to zipline, cultural show, and butterfly house. It also includes lunch, a shirt, and a copy of all your pictures and videos in a CD.

Note: Don't forget to bring a hanky to cover your face during the van ride to the river since it is dusty. Their website is: http://waterrafting.psdgroupph.com/

Crocodile Park Animal Show - after the white water rafting we went back to the Crocodile Park just in time for their animal show. It was an educational program wherein the host explains about each animal in their zoo.

Crocodile Park River Walk Grill - first taste of crocodile meat, my second for ostrich meat since they serve one here at Makati (fine-dining at Zuni's Greenbelt 5)

Aldevinco - is one of the known shopping areas in Davao and is just a street across Marco Polo Hotel. I got myself a good quality malong or traditional tube skirt of Mindanao for 800P. You would need to bargain for the price you want.

Big Apple Hotel - We got left by our boat going to Paradise Island at Samal that's why we had to look for a decent place to stay in near the boat dock. The cab driver we hired brought us to Big Apple Hotel. The place was clean and had everything necessary, it just gets noisy at night since there is a bar at the side of the hotel.

DAY 3:

Mother of Perpetual Help - The nearest Catholic Church from Big Apple Hotel. We were planning to go to San Pedro Cathedral which is the oldest church in Davao but it was too far. Mass schedules for Mother of Perpetual Help at: http://www.mass-schedules.com/catholic-church/29/our-mother-of-perpetual-help-parish.html

Marina Tuna - The restaurant had 10 ways to eat tuna. It was a filling lunch and it is probably the largest tuna jaw I've ever had.

Paradise Island Resort at Samal Island - Ranked as the number 1 resort in Trip Advisor for Samal Island and is just a couple of minutes away from Davao City port.

Monfort Bat Cave - Guinness Book of World Records for the most number of fruit bats.

Hagimit Waterfalls - There are huts in the area. The main waterfalls is a bit crowded so we just took pictures at the small waterfalls. Be ready to walk a lot of steps to get to the waterfalls.

White House/ General Mongcado's House - the old house of General Mongcado who was the leader of a religious cult. The place had a good view, for me even better than in Jack's Ridge. Although other than the view there is nothing else to do. If there was still a lot of time on our third day, we would have skipped this and instead proceeded to Maxima Aqua Fun which is near Hagimit Waterfalls.

DAY 4:

Maxima - There are lots one can do at Maxima, but half a day would be enough already. Our Activities at Maxima for half a day:1) Zorb ball on water, 2) Seesaw on water, 3) 10 minute of snorkeling at the clear water. We saw huge clams and did fish feeding, 4) Had two tries at 'The Abyss' - slide at a huge slide and fall into 100m of ocean water.

Lachi's - My main goal at the place was to taste their Durian Sans Rival which I read at a local newspaper as one of the top 25 desserts of 2010.

Xcelerator Zipline - Xcelerator is the longest zipline in Davao. They will take a picture of you so don't forget to smile at the 'almost' end after screaming halfway through ;)

Gaisano Mall - We got some souvenirs and fruits to take home from the mall. It is fairly priced in Gaisano; almost the same as the market. Just note that fruits should be checked-in and packed properly to be able to take them in the airport.