Davao City: The Safest City in the Philippines

Day 2: 08 September 2015

We left La Familia Beach Resort around 9:00am by the help of Kuya Roel. There are daily trips and many boats leaving for Davao City from Babak Port since it was the nearest port to the city. Some of the passengers lives in Samal Island and are working at different establishments in the city. The boat costs 13.00php per person and after paying, you need to log your name at their records. The ride was fast which was around 15 to 20 minutes and we arrived at Sasa Port. It's situated at the back of a wet market and might get you confused on how you'll be able to get out to the main road. Just follow where the people are going or you may ask the local sellers too.

Sasa Port

We are not familiar on how we can go to Red Planet so we decided to just ride a taxi. Taxis and jeepneys are everywhere when you get to the main road.

Tip: Better have your research or a map on where you need to go to avoid hassle or remember the landmarks, It's actually helpful if you have 3G on your phone :)

We passed by SM Lanang and our hotel happened to be just beside Robinson's Supermarket. Our taxi meter until the hotel was 130php which fair enough due to the distance and traffic.

I wanted to compliment Red Planet Davao's staff were very hospitable and helpful as I can say. They would always greet every guest with a smile and friendly tone. We were well accommodated with out early check-in request around 11:00am. However, there are no new towels yet since these are distributed at the regular check-in time. After sleeping on non-air conditioned and non-comfy beds, we found ourselves enjoying the cold room with soft bedding and pillows. We rested for a while before we go out and do our itinerary for the day.

Red Planet Hotel's Front Desk

By 12:00nn, we got out of the hotel to go to Eden Nature Park. We have researched that they have a lot of recreational activities just in one place. We rode a jeep until Gaisano Mall for the guard at Red Planet said that there are jeepneys passing by going to Toril. But when we asked the people there, they said that we need to ride another jeep until Aldevinco. Since it's already lunch time, we stopped by an eatery where you can get a jumbo 1 piece fried chicken with rice for only 28php ONLY! Cool yeah! Anyway, we left the eatery with a full stomach and happy pockets.  We rode a multicab with a sign going to Roxas and we asked the driver to drop us in front of Aldevinco where there are lots of jeepneys waiting for us going to Toril.

As per instructions in the previous blogs that I have read, we need to go down at Chowking facing Mercury Drug in Toril where tricycles are waiting for those who are going to Eden Nature Park. The fare was 100php/person for an almost 20 minutes ride.

Tricyle around Toril

After we were dropped off at the reception area, we immediately registered and paid for the entrance worth 220php each with plated snacks. This was required for every visitor as per asking the lady on the reception but I actually have some doubts. Anyway, you better ask this again when you visit the nature park especially of you're only up for the rides. You will be given a voucher for your snacks plus a guide map for the park has various recreational activities scattered at the 80-hectare attraction.

Reception Area's Facade

It suddenly drizzled when we arrived and so we decided to eat first. We went to the park's restaurant which is The Vista Restaurant. They have selections for their snacks, we opted for a spaghetti with garlic bread and a caramel bar plus one glass of soft drinks.

Inside Vista Restaurant

Our plated snacks

After eating, the rain poured a little harder and as per the lady on the desk, rides are put into a halt due to the weather. It was already 2:45pm and we are worried that the we might not be able to make it for the rides are sometimes until 4pm only. At last, the rain stop and we proceeded to the other side of Eden where the rides are.

At the desk, you will have the prices shown and you can get to choose which activity would you like. Since we wanted to make the most out of our trip, we chose the Combo Package (Skyrider + Skycycle) for 300php each  and the Tandem Swing for 400php for 2 persons. This is 150php less if you are getting the three activities individually.

Be sure to have your harness and helmet on by going to the harness area before going to each activity. We started with the Skyswing first. We sat at the swing side-by-side and was given instructions to expect 3 whistles before we face our fears. Two whistles as warning, and the last whistle is to signal you that they will let the rope go and BAM! By the way, this swing stands 95 feet above ground and you will be pulled 80 feet high. I can say that you will REALLY feel the adrenaline rush once you try this. (Have your phones/cameras ready and give it to the attendant to have your screams recorded. The attendants sure know how to take videos and pictures at the same time. Awesome!)

Here we go!!

We headed to the harness area after our Skyswing experience to have our harnesses changed for they use different ones for the Skycycle and Skyrider. It was my first to try out the Skycycle and I was very excited. While cycling 60 feet above ground, you will see a panoramic view of beautiful trees. The ride would last for about 4 to 6 minutes and will depend on how fast you pedal. Below the Skycycle, there's the Skyrider which is 400m long. This is 200m going to the other and another 200m going back.

Let's do some cycling

Skyrider-ing

I can say that the long trip was indeed worth it for we enjoyed the rides plus having received a good service from the attendants. After the rides, we explored some of the areas inside the park. Just follow the map when you are inside and you are good to go!

Going back to the main road in Toril, we rode another tricycle parked just outside the park for 90php each. The driver dropped us off near a public market where jeepneys going back to Roxas are waiting. We hopped on the jeepney and paid 20php per person which was also the same going to Toril from Roxas. It's actually not that hard to commute around Davao as long as you ASK people politely, yes? So don't forget to include Eden Nature Park on your list when you visit Davao.