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.

Talicud Island: The Other Part of Davao

09 September 2015: Day 0

Me and my colleague, Nash had been very excited about this trip for it's both our first time to visit Davao. Since most of the people would like to enjoy the city, we decided to go the nearby islands of the province. We planned our itinerary months before and we were researching for the best things to do, best places to go in Davao.

Our flight was via Cebu Pacific on a Sunday at 5:00 in the morning. Our flight got delayed for about an hour but it then it was a smooth flight. We arrived at Davao past 7:00am. Our first stop was Samal Island and according to our research, there are several ways on going to this known island. Sasa and Sta. Ana wharves were our options but we opted for the later since there are several trips from Davao City to Kaputian (a part of Samal Island that this less developed). We walked towards the front part of the airport where the cabs are waiting. People were right, cab drivers are fair drivers though the once we rode with was a bit quiet or maybe shy. Anyway, the wharf was about a 20-minute ride from the airport. We arrived before 9:00am which I thought just in time to catch the boat to Kaputian. But to our surprise, the boatmen (I don't how to call those people who are in-charge of each boat) said that the next boat will be arriving by noon! (Oh my, that's 3 more hours of waiting!) The Sta. Ana wharf was not the usual port that has a ticketing office so you have to talk to the people there to know which boat to take for each destination. To cut the story short, we opted to take Andro, a boat heading towards Isla Reta. Isla Reta is located in Talicud Island which is just beside Samal Island. The boat was large enough to accommodate about a hundred passengers and during this day, many people are on board for their Sunday getaway. For this more-than-an-hour trip, we paid 80php per head.

Isla Reta Beach Resort is indeed one of the best beaches in Talicud or maybe in the Philippines. With their shore of white sands and clear waters, many people are visiting to relax and to enjoy the nature. Isla Reta Beach Resort has several types of accommodation and you may approach their Reception for inquiries. Budget travelers may opt to bring or rent a tent for overnight stays. Check their Facebook page for more details!

Docking at Isla Reta Beach Resort

Isla Reta

While we were at the boat, I was already contacting Dayang Beach Resort where we opted to stay for one night. Good thing that there was an internet signal in the middle of the sea. (haha!) I spoke to Ms. Laura, the resort's caretaker, which was helpful when I asked for their availability and resort details. She even gave me a contact number of a habal-habal driver to pick us up at Isla Reta. However, due to a motor problem, a different driver picked us up named Kuya Ryan. He met us at the gate of the resort and from there, we rode a habal habal. I can say, he was a very good driver because some roads a VERY steep and at the same time, rocky too! He was able to drop us safely in Dayang Beach Resort and we paid him 160 PHP for that one-way ride.

We arrived at the resort around 11:00am and headed to a sari-sari store which happened to be the "reception" area for guests. Ms. Laura was there and we asked for the cheapest room that they have.

(c) Nash :)

Rates starts from 500php and up. We chose the second cheaper room which is 700php per night. While waiting for our room, a fisherman approached us to sell his fresh catch of fish. I am not sure what you call that kind of fish but it was big and enough for 4 people to eat for only 100php. Good deal right?

The facade of our home

From the inside

Dayang feels so comfortable and relaxing to be at. If you want a run away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is one place to go to. Just like Isla Reta, this resort offers white sands and beautiful waters. However, there are a lot of small rocks and shells near the shore so be careful while you walk along. But this did not lessen the beauty of the island. 

Since it is still lunch time and the sun is very striking, we ask Ms. Laura to have our fish be cooked while we rest inside our mini home. Yes, you can ask help from the resort staff to cook food for your with just a small fee. There are no other source of food aside from the fishermen or the sari-sari store in the resort. So before you go here, you may buy some food to be cooked or cooked food in the market near the Sta. Cruz port which is the main port in Talicud. It is a short walk outside Isla Reta. Going back, when you want the staff to cook food for you, better tell them an hour before you want to eat to save time and also that you stomach would not get angry. Haha!

Let's eat! (Fish - 100php + Rice - 50php + Cooking Fee - 50php)

We roamed around the island around 5:00pm just the before the sunset. From Dayang, we walked toward Babu Santa Beach where the usual stopovers of tourists that go island hopping during the day.

Ruins of an old port

Babu Santa Beach (c) Nash

Waking up with the sound of the waves and the birds humming was a kind of morning that I missed about this. Having limited signal made me connect more to nature. 

To those who are planning to go here, please take note of the following:

- Can only be reached via habal-habal where only 2 persons can ride at a time

- Contact Ms. Laura at 0999 459 1319 and ask for availability

- Bring some canned goods or cup noodles to save money for food

- Bring power banks for your gadgets. No socket in the huts. BUT you may bring socket adaptors and use it on the light bulbs

- No electricity from midnight up to 9am

- You can buy drinking water, rice (to be cooked) and other quick goods at the sari-sari store

- Water from the faucets at the common restrooms are pumped from the beach. You may buy water for brushing your teeth and taking a bath at the sari-sari store.

Siquijor: Our Discovery About The Mystical Island

13 July 2015, Day 3

We started our day with our breakfast at Coco Grove, included in the package of our stay. This is a plated meal with a choice of rice or bread, bacon, tocino, tapa, fresh fruits, coffee or hot chocolate and juices. The food they serve are good as well as the staff for they are very accommodating and nice.

Kuya Dennis, our Tour Guide/Driver of the day, picked us up at the resort around 9am to start our tour.

Here's our itinerary for the day:

- Century Old Balete Tree
- Lazi Church
- Cambugahay Falls
- Salagdoong Beach
- Sta. Maria Church
- Cang-Isok House
- Triad Coffee Shop

While we were on our way to the Century Old Balete Tree, Kuya Dennis was telling us facts about the island. He was born at Siquijor and was able to work in Manila but decided to go back to his hometown due to an accident that turned his life around. Going back, Kuya Dennis said that Siquijor was discovered by the Spaniards during their colony was here in the Philippines. They called it as Isla De Fuego, "Island of Fire", because that time the island was like in fire due to the fireflies that wander at night. Too bad these fireflies already flew away to the mountains today.

Once we arrived at the Century Old Balete Tree, we paid 5php per person for their environment fee, I guess. Because there are no entrance fees for this, the money collected will be for the maintenance of the area. For that, you may sit all day to enjoy their Fish Spa. Yes, you heard it right. All day! Hahaha. It was my first time to actually having a fish eat my dead skin. I can say that I was frightened especially of the big fishes I was able to enjoy it in the end. Haha!

If ever you get hungry here, they have a small store in the area. My friends bought fresh bukos around 35php I guess and a pack of bread. Moving on, our next stop was the Lazi Church or the San Isidro Labrador Parish which is known for the oldest church in Siquijor. The church was made of corals and hard wood and up to today, it still stands strong and beautiful in its own way. 

Lazi Church's facade

Lazi Convent

The Lazi Convent is located in front of the church which was considered to be one of the largest built during the colonial times.

Off to our next stop was the Cambugahay Falls. Before reaching the fall itself, we have to go down several steps as you can see at the photo below. Each group are required to have a tour guide to go down with them. You can give your guide any amount that you have which is sort of a donation to maintain the falls.

Upon reaching the falls itself, I so surprised on how beautiful and clean the area was. It was like a hiddne paradise waiting to be discovered.

Our friends immediately took off their clothes and have their swimming attire on. There is a rope used to make your jump more exciting and fun which are usually shown in the movies. So each one of us tried to jump the farthest that we can. It was really full of fun and it seemed like I went back to being a child again. :)

The sun was up and happily greeting us during this time. To freshen up, you may buy fresh bukos which also around 35php I think. If you have your things with you, there is a wide seat where you can drop and leave your stuff. As for your valuables, you may bring a small bag and put it all inside then you cover it with your towel or shirt if you'll go swimming. 

We were so famished after our swim at the falls. Our lunch is going to be at the Salagdoong Beach Resort which is owned by the local government. According to Kuya Dennis, the resort got its name from Salag which means a nest and Do-ong which was a known type of bird in Siquijor. On our way to the resort, we have to pass by a man-made forest where Mahogany trees are planted and cultivated. These trees are said to be abundant way before but its number decreases due to some reasons. 

Upon entering the resort, we were asked to pay an entrance fee of 20php (as far as I can remember). But since we are going to order food, our entrance fee was waived. Parking space is not a problem as well as picnic tables. Tables are scattered around the resort but I am not sure if you have to pay for it. There is also one restaurant which caters affordable meals and drinks. 

While waiting for our food, groufie!

I was happy that this resort was managed by the local government because you can enjoy the view and do some activities for a minimal cost. After eating, we went to explore the place. It's a pretty small place compared to some resorts. If you're going during off season and during weekdays, I bet you can have this place for yourselves. 

According to Levin, there's not much to see in terms of marine life in Salagdoong. But for me, I was stunned on how beautiful and serene the beach is as you can see on the pictures. These views and the place made me not want to leave anymore.

The resort has it's small cliff that they also developed to have a bridge from the restaurant area. This will lead you then to a slide which is no longer used and the two level for cliff diving. The first level was like 10 feet high while the second level was about more than 20 feet high. Once you're at the resort, you may enjoy jumping off the cliff as many times as you want. There are no guides or life guards when we visited so I am not sure if there are really any. So jump at your own risk!

At the second level of cliff diving

Too bad we needed to say goodbye after our mini exploration on these place. Our next stop was at the Sta. Maria Church which was known for the Black Maria. According to the urban legends, the statue of Sta. Rita wanders at nighttime and some locals saw a track of muddy footsteps going to the spot where the statue was standing as proof. Well, the place is not that creepy at all. Though I don't know this story yet when we visited the church. Haha!

The church is simple with its cemented flooring and walls that have several windows which made us see the interiors clearly. 

After Sta. Maria Church, we passed by the Cang-Isok House which was known to be the oldest standing house in the island. Remember my post about the Baha Bar? This is the exact piece where they got their design. Today, it still stands near the main highway and you'll be able to pass by it when you're touring around the island.

Our last stop for our tour was the Triad Coffee Shop. It is located on top of Larena where you can see a 360 degrees view of Siquijor. The some parts of the road towards the coffee shop are steep but our van conquered it smoothly. It is best to visit Triad for sunset and coffee! You can order drinks from coffee-based to fruit shakes and juices while you are enjoying the view. There is also a function hall here and during the time that we visited, they were preparing for some event. 

You may bring your own binoculars too, just like Levin here. Haha

The platform

Well, that was our day tour on Siquijor. Indeed, this island has a lot to offer and are waiting to be discovered. Too bad, many of us are afraid to visit this beautiful island because of its myths and legends. Let us be adventurers and I guarantee you, this is going to be one of your best trips in the Philippines!

Should you need someone to tour you around, you can contact Kuya Dennis at 0905-178 0092. He actually works with a friend for their travel agency. He offers his day tour with a new van for around 2,000php when we had our vacation. I am just not definite if he still offers the same price so go and call him!