When in Davao...
September 14, 2017
Previously, I blogged about Isla Reta where I brought my friends Paz and Kuya Voltaire on their quick trip to Davao.
This time I'm sharing a few other places I brought them to during their stay.
If it's your first time in Davao, this list will be a good starting point if you only have like one or two days to roam around the city.
1. Eden Nature Park and Resort
This 80-hectare man-made ecological tourist destination in the south is nestled at 3000 feet above sea level.
It's a great place to unwind, enjoy nature's abundance, take a peek at Mindanaoans' cultural heritage, do recreational activities with your family and friends, and savor local and even international cuisines.
We availed of the day tour and paid P450 inclusive of entry to the park and buffet lunch.
Eden |
Eden with Paz, Voltaire, and my family |
Eden with Paz, Voltaire, and my family |
We also enjoyed a guided shuttle tour within the park, SkyCycle (pic below) on a cable 60 feet high with a distance of 200 meters, and Skyrider where we glided along suspended on a set of 200-meter long steel cables.
2. Davao Crocodile Park and Butterfly House
Davao isn't the only place in the country where you'll find a crocodile farm. Puerto Princesa also has one but what we have in Davao is practically a zoo where you can find a variety of animals.
They have daily wildlife shows but more can be enjoyed on Fridays to Sundays.
If you want to be more adventurous, try some crocodile dishes. I never tried it in Davao but I did in Puerto Princesa where I learned that the crocodiles they serve for food are actually coming from Davao City. Anyways, the crocodile sisig tasted like corned beef.
Just 300 meters from the zoo is the Butterfly House. The entrance fee of P250 for Crocodile Park is already inclusive of the entry to this butterfly sanctuary.
Butterfly house |
3. The President's House
Any friend of mine who's a first-timer in Davao, I take to this place. Dona Luisa is our neighboring subdivision so it's pretty quick and easy to go there.
But the thing is, it's not fancy. It's the kind of visit to a destination that you may not find interesting. There's practically nothing to do there except for taking photos...and that's why I'm proud of showing my guests this place.
The president's house which he shares with his common-law-wife and daughter is situated in a middle-class community. Duterte has served the city for over 20 years as a Mayor but this is proof that he has remained simple and humble through the years.
Of course, you can't get inside the house. You can take photos or selfies, though, with his standee like this one below.
President Duterte's House in Dona Luisa |
4. ChinaTown
The only Chinatown in Mindanao and also the largest in the Philippines is found in Davao City.
Needless to say, most of the establishments you'll find here including restaurants, hardware stores, and malls or shops are owned by Chinese businessmen.
Unless you love shopping or eating Chinese food, you can very well skip this place. My friends only happened to have their picture taken here because it's near the wharf and we had our breakfast there before our boat ride to Isla Reta Resort.
5. Samal
If your time permits, you can cross to the Island Garden City of Samal. Famous for its beautiful beaches, Samal is a great destination whether you simply want a day tour or overnight stay.
There are plenty of beach resorts to choose from. If you want the nearest one from the city, you can go to Paradise. Boat trip is just about five to 10 minutes from the wharf.
Isla Reta is one of my faves for a quick and cheap getaway. You may want to check my blog about this resort on this link: https://hamletslair.blogspot.com/2017/02/island-getaway.html.
If you want something more exclusive, you won't go wrong for choosing Pearl Farm. Check my blog here: https://hamletslair.blogspot.com/2017/09/Pearl-farm-beach-resort.html.
If you want a romantic getaway, try Hof Gorei.
Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort |
Isla Reta |
Pearl Farm |
Hof Gorei |
Of course there are plenty of other places you can enjoy in Davao. But again, I'm only suggesting this list when you're short on time.
Have you visited Davao City? Feel free to share your experience or a tip you'd like to add here.
1 comments
Wonderful blog!!! Thank you for featuring our short visit to Davao. Indeed an awesome gateaway for us. Hugs my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving a message!