It was my first time in Davao, and honestly I did not know what to expect. Armed with a few bits of information from the internet, I landed in Davao last December 26.
First, I have to mention how long we waited at the NAIA 3 Terminal, our flight was delayed for about an hour, so basically that should have been okay right? Not. We waited at Gate 8 for more than an hour with our passengers bound for Butuan and Zamboanga. Due to the number of passengers, people ended up sitting on the floor.
Fast forward to Davao; it was rainy, cold, and dark. Some uniformed armed men were at the airport probably for safety(?). We quickly got out of the airport because we were desperate to rest after a rough flight. Taking a cab was a breeze. I noticed that the guard got the plate number of the cab and also the last name of the passenger. So we asked the cab driver what was that for. He said for safety(?). Well personally, I’m all for my safety, so I guess that’s okay(?).
Anyway, we proceeded to our lola’s home. We passed along some really well constructed roads. Kudos to the Dutertes for such good roads. Traffic signs were also well placed and the lighting was really, uhhmm, bright! The lights and traffic signs are place only a few feet from each other so someone who’s new in the city would not feel completely lost in Davao.
Okay, so how was the traffic in Davao? It was just like in Manila: slow, hot, and sticky. The only consolation was the view of Mt. Apo and the vast greenery.
We spent our time in Davao doing some tourist stuffs, but never got the chance to visit the Eagle Sanctuary and Eden Nature Park, hopefully next time we’ll go there. Below are some of the things we did in Davao and the neighboring island of Samal.
Day 2 (because we just slept the remaining hours of our Day 1 in Davao)
1. Japanese Cemetery, Tacunan, Davao
We went here to visit a relative who was buried here. The cemetery is quite old and is true Pinoy horror movie fashion. However, our lola mentioned that it’s also a place where some Japanese soldiers were buried. So, we ventured deeper into the cemetery and lo and behold, we found some markers revealing the historical significance of this place. Apparently, Japanese soldiers retreated to this area upon seeing (from Jack’s Ridge) that the American troops were already coming. This site became a battlefield where lives of Filipino and Japanese soldiers were lost.
A very poignant marker in the cemetery says in Cebuano, “Only peace can save us.”
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| A funny ad at the gate of the cemetery |
2. Sto. Niño Shrine
To reach the Sto. Niño Shrine near Jack’s Ridge, you’ll have to hire a cab that can go up a steep climb. The Shrine houses various grottos such as that of the Sto. Niño of Prague (which, in Davao, is known at the patron of childless couples), Our Lady of Fatima, and another Sto. Niño (which is for travelers). The entire place is a rolling green landscape dotted by the shrines I mentioned. In addition to the shrines, there is also a small chapel in the area, which we thought was really ideal for quaint weddings.
The Shrine is a really peaceful place, and one can definitely stay there for a few hours to meditate. Across the Shrine is Catalina Park, which charges tourists
₱5.00 as entrance fee. There is a canteen in the park and a small playground. But the major attraction in this park is the magnificent view of Davao. While I was there, I thought the only missing thing was a coffee shop. Anyway, if you have time to go up there, please do.
3. Jack’s Ridge
Jack’s Ridge is one of the promoted places in Cebu Pacific Air’s magazine Smile. Also, Jack’s Ridge has been repeatedly mentioned in various websites as a go to place in Davao.
However, since it was still morning when we got to Jack’s Ridge, there was no open restaurant. Apparently (obviously we were ill-informed), Jack’s Ridge is a nighttime place, which is some kind of an Antipolo bar or club overlooking the city. Nevertheless, we learned a few things about Davao and its indigenous people. We also learned about Jack’s Ridge history. Since Jack’s Ridge is on a ridge (surprise!), it provides a wide vista of the bay area of Davao. Therefore, it functioned as an outlook to armed troops occupying Davao during the 2nd World War. Then according to accounts, particularly what was written on the wall of a restaurant on the ridge, when the Japanese troops were about to be defeated, they dug caves and other places to hide treasures. So that explains why there are a lot of caves dotting the surrounding area.
On our visit, we again enjoyed a panoramic view of Davao City and, according to our lola, Samal Island.
After getting our fill of the beautiful view, we decided to go around the city. I also needed to withdraw cash.
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| A super big worm at Jack's Ridge. Yikes! |
4. Davao City Hall and San Pedro Cathedral
If you ever needed to withdraw cash from and ATM in Davao, you have nothing to worry since there are a lot of banks in the city.
After doing my bank needs, we drove around the city. We realized that Davao City looks like a cleaner version of Sta. Cruz and Recto areas in Manila. Davao also has its own Chinatown, which looks like Divisoria.
We proceeded to the City Hall (hoping to have a glimpse of Inday Sara Duterte J). The City Hall is facing the San Pedro Cathedral (1847), which according to our lola, is the oldest church in Davao. Despite its age, I think the church really looks contemporary.
Between the City Hall and the Cathedral is a monument that also faces the church. The monument depicts various Filipino peoples who, I think, are hoping for peace. Check out its picture.
5. Marco Polo, Davao
We were hoping to check-in Marco Polo after going to Samal, but since it’s the Christmas season, there was no longer any available room. My advise: Make a reservation first especially during the Christmas season.
We stayed a few minutes at Marco Polo, and we got to see this wall that features messages from former Philippine presidents who visited the hotel (i.e. Cory Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Gloria Arroyo).
If I’ll return to Davao, I’ll definitely stay at Marco Polo because aside from its being in the city, it is also beside the popular shopping haven Aldevinco, which I will write about later.
6. Paradise Island Resort, Samal Island
After going around the city, we decided to proceed to Paradise Island Resort already. Although it was just 12 noon and check-in is at 4 p.m., we still decided to proceed to cross to Samal.
We took a cab from our lola’s home to the ferry terminal of Paradise Island. The said resort has its own port and regularly deploys boats every 10-15 minutes until 5 in the afternoon.
Samal Island is 5-7 minutes away from Davao City by pump boat. It is home to the Class A resort Pearl Farm and other more affordable beach resorts. Samal is also known as the Island Garden City of Samal or IGaCoS. According to our tour guide, despite Samal’s proximity to Davao City, it has a different mayor.
I chose to stay at the Paradise Island since the Pearl Farm was already fully booked at the time I inquired. I have to commend the excellent service of the staff of Paradise Island Resort. From the ferry terminal to our two-day stay at the resort, we only experienced really commendable customer care.
Upon our arrival, the welcoming staff of Paradise Island will get your name. This is to check if you have a reservation with them or if you are a walk-in guest. If you are a guest in the resort, the staff would assist you from their terminal in Davao until you reach the customer service office in Samal Island. The resort has these carts where guests will put their baggage and forget about them until you reach Samal (so convenient).
Check in was also a breeze. I just showed my reservation contract. Take note, at first I only booked for 2 rooms for two people (that was ₱5,800 since each room cost ₱2,900). But since we decided to bring our cousins with us, our group became 8. Paradise Island did not find this as an issue since each room can accommodate 3 people. We only paid an additional fee for 2 extra persons. The whole transaction was finished within 10 minutes tops. Welcome drinks were provided.
Since we arrived at Paradise Island at 12:05 and the check-in time was 4 p.m. We just stayed in the restaurant area beside the beach. At around 12:15, an acrobatic and magic show was underway at the stage area. By this time, I was already impressed by this resort. What the beach may lack in terms of scenic frontage as compared to Boracay’s white sand and turquoise water, the resort compensated with its shows and service. You would see the staff continuously raking and combing the sand all over the resort. This helps maintain the cleanliness of the resort and also helps avoid having pointy things scattered in the area. I can’t help but to compare Puerto Galera to Paradise. In Puerto Galera you would definitely be wary of walking barefooted on the sand because you might step on broken glass, but in Paradise Island, you would see young children running around unassisted because aside from the many lifeguards stationed in the area, you’re sure the sand is really clean.
The rooms are simple. We had two beds in each room. The flooring used was a non-slip type of material, so it’s really safe for young children and old people. Check out the pictures below.
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| An acrobatic show to while away the afternoon heat |
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| Water Sports Equipment for rent |
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| Water paddle |
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| Souvenir shop |
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| The spa at the resort |
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| Very helpful directions to keep guests from getting lost |
Day 3
1. Chinatown
We decided to go back to Davao City to have breakfast and to shop. After eating in Jollibee, which is located on Bolton Street (we thought that that was a nice name for a street right!), we proceeded to San Pedro Cathedral since it’s the Feast of Niños Inocentes. After that, we went to the Chinatown to look for souvenir shirts.
If you are looking for cheap goods ala Divisoria, this is the place to go to. Shirts sell at two for ₱180 and slippers at ₱49.
However, we were not able to find local goods at Chinatown.
2. Aldevinco
The BEST PLACE to shop local goods and souvenirs would be at Aldevinco. This place is a shopping complex of stores that sell shirts, sweets, wares, and house decorations. Shirts sell at ₱100, shawls at ₱40 (which is normally sold at ₱150-₱200 here in Manila), malongs at ₱100, beach malong at ₱150, and sweets are as low as 7 packs for 100.
Check out the stall where I bought most of my pasalubong. The saleslady there was not too aggressive and was really helpful to us.
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| The saleslady here is kind and really helpful :) |
3. Mami House
According to our lola, the shop in front of Aldevinco is one of the oldest siopao house in Davao. We bought some siopao to try if it’s really good. I’m not a siopao eater since I’m a peskitarian. However, I tried the bread of the siopao and found that it tasted different. It was kind of buttery and it did not the have usual sweet and spongy effect. If you’re for trying various types of siopao, try the siopao here.
After going around the city, we decided to go back to Samal Island because we were booked to have a tour in Samal at 1 p.m. The tour was arranged by Paradise Island upon our request, and we chose to go to Licup Point and Hagimit Falls. The fee for the tour was 1,750.
3. Licup Point
The ride to Licup point was really bumpy due to the unpaved roads. A stretch of road would seem okay, and then suddenly you’re right smack another rough road. However, on our way to Licup Point, we were treated to a peak at the daily lives of the people of Samal. We passed by their town market, their town hall, and their church. We also passed by some dilapidated and abandoned houses that would truly be great for horror films.
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| It may not look like it, but this was a bumpy ride! |
Going to Licup Point was a steep climb. As promised by the tour guide, the ‘point’ offered a view of a huge chunk of Samal Island. We did some photo shoots up there, and despite the time (it was 1:30 p.m.) the wind was really refreshing up there. On the precipice of Licup Point, we found this tomb. Our tour guide explained that it was the burial place of a priest who committed suicide on the same spot. Check out the photo, creepy right?
Would I recommend Licup Point? Yes. Just so you can experience
4. Hagimit Falls
After creeping ourselves out and after getting nicked by a cactus (there is this big cactus there), we proceeded to the falls. On our way to the falls we passed by many signs that said Hagimit Falls – printed on the signs was the face of salon owner Jessie Mendez. Apparently, he owns a part of the resort.
Hagimit Falls is a series of water falls with varying degree of sizes. The whole resort is divided into portions. Some parts are well-maintained while the others are just plain unattractive.
There are some cottages scattered in the area and prices start at ₱50 . Guests at the resort may bring in food and can swim in the area. The time we went there, the water was not clear due to the heavy rains brought by typhoon Sendong.
Day 4
Check out at the hotel was easy. It just took us around 5 minutes tops. After settling our bill, we were ushered to the waiting area for our pump boat to Davao.
A taxi story
So we hired a taxi to go to Abreeza Mall (an Ayala Mall in Davao). Unfortunately, upon drop-off at Abreeza, my husband found out that he forgot his cellphone in the cab. It was a good thing that my husband, being the photo addict that he is, got a picture of the taxi’s number and contact number (talk of Divine Providence right?).
Long story short, we were able to contact the main office of the taxi company, and we were patched to the taxi driver itself. After we were confirmed as the owner of the phone, the driver agreed to meet us at Abreeza’s drop-off point to give back the phone. After one hour, Manong Driver came and returned the phone. Yehey!
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| Honesty is the best policy :) |
We went around Abreeza and I have to say that this mall is amazing! There are a lot of international bands and even a Robinsons Department Store for your other needs. Nice, nice. I was even able to snag these pair of jeans for a good price, 80% off!
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| The view from the food court of Abreeza |
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| Really cute decors |
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| The view inside Abreeza |
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| Grilled Tuna |
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| Kinilaw |
Okay, so while we were whiling our time at the mall, we decided to go to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf . We just can’t help but notice how people wait for their orders to be served to them after they place their order. While in Manila and in other places, we scamper to the counter to claim our orders, here in Davao the barista serves the drinks to customers. A barista even resorted to calling out aloud a customer’s name when nobody claimed the coffee. That’s truly a unique Davao experience.
Davao Airport
The Davao International Airport is relatively bigger compared to other airports in Visayas and Mindanao. It has its own Duty Free, which burned down when we were there. Upon check-in, we just went around and bought some pomelo.
There are a lot of souvenir shops here, although be prepared for steeper prices. Aside from souvenir shops, there are also some restaurants where you can eat while waiting for your flight.
We ate at Suka at Sili as suggested by eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot. Well, if this restaurant really serves the best food in Davao Airport, I would not try the other places. The foods were overcooked. Save for the really nice waiter and waitress, you’re better off with Jollibee or McDonald’s.
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| Inside Davao International Airport |
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| The unique 'vinegar' decors of Suka at Sili |
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| This was where we bought uber sweet pomelos |
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| Inside Suka at Sili |
Jack Bauer moment
I just have to write about this, although someone might kill me for doing so (hehe!).
We left a bag at the terminal. We just realized this after we boarded the plane. This person, whom I will not name, made ala Jack Bauer and ran down the stairs of the plane just in time before the stairs was rolled away from the back part door of craft. I told the stewardess that we still have a companion who ran down the stairs. She reassured me that he could board the plane again through the front door. Minutes passed, thankfully this Jack Bauer wannabe was able to get back safely aboard the plane.
Later on, alias Jack Bauer would recount how people at the airport shouted at him not to run under the plane’s wings. He was also informed that he could no loner get in the waiting terminal, so he just waited until someone inside the terminal handed him his bag.
To the crew and staff of Cebu Pacific and Davao International Airport, thank you very much! I still can’t believe it’s possible to retrieve an item back from the terminal that fast! Thank you!
