I was not expecting that I will be able to land my feet in Davao this year, thanks to Cebu Pacific promo! Davao region comprises 5 provinces namely Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental. It has a total area of 20,357.42 km2 and the regional center or capital is Davao City.
We have 5 days to explore Davao and since it has a very large area here are the only activities we had that was surely worthwhile.
Durian
Our first order of business is to eat the famous fruit Durian, Durian is famous in Davao and in the Philippines. It is a large fruit, infamously known by its strong odor, and the fruit’s skin is spiky. Personally, I find it’s odor sweet, though the aroma can really be overpowering. According to our driver, Aroncillo variety is the best for its taste.
Sleeping Dinosaur
As we are heading to Dahican which is located on the other side of the gulf or in Mati City, Davao Oriental. We did some stopovers and took pictures.
Dahican Beach
The taxi driver from Davao that we met offered us to charter his taxi for our trip directly to our accommodation in Dahican. He offered it because he’s also from Mati and I think it is his way of going home for a night and yet still productive. However, for a normal commute, you can take a bus or van. The public vans terminal is located in Gaisano Mall or Victoria Plaza while the bus terminal is in Davao City’s Ecoland Bus Terminal. Once in Mati Bus Terminal hire a tricycle to your destination in Dahican Beach and the fare is around 40 to 60 pesos or more depending on the distance, the number of persons, and your charm. hahahaha
We booked the Dahican Surf Resort (DSR) for a night stay. The ambiance of the resort is fit for backpackers. Beds are not as comfortable as common resorts and some rooms have a hammock. The washing and comfort area is shared as well as the kitchen area.
They have a restaurant/bar called Surf Shack Beach Bar and Grill which is time-dependent; it is not open until the specified time. Though kudos to their food as it taste really good! The accommodation is not for someone who prefers comfort and convenient. It’s for people who’s standard is flexible and a backpacker character.
Ultralight Flying Saga
One of the highlights for me during my visit to Davao: to experience and ride this ultralight plane. The 15minutes ride is Php 2,800 and Php 3,000 if you will use their action camera. You’ll be toured above the plains of coconut trees then Dahican beach. It is operated by the Mindanao Saga Flying Club (MSFC), a flight school based in Bgy. Dahican, Mati City, Davao Oriental. If you want to experience this too contact them through their Facebook Page Mindanao Saga Flying Club.
Roxas Night Market
Roxas Night Market is located in Roxas Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur. The prominent landmarks are Marco Polo and Ateneo De Davao. It is open daily from 6:00 PM till midnight. Roxas Night Market is no different from another food market like in Larsian or in Sugbo Mercado but compares to them they offer foods that they are the only ones sells like the different flavors of Buchi, legit Durian icecream, and pastel (adobo and rice in a banana leaf).
Samal Island Hagimit Falls
Located in Peñaplata, Island Garden City of Samal, enjoy and relax in a cold rush of the Hagimit waterfalls. Hagimit is a cascading waterfall down the Hagimit river terrain with around 3 to 5 meters high. The entrance fee is Php50, Php40 for senior citizens, and Php25 for children 3 to 7 years old. Cottages from Php200 to Php600 while tables and chairs are from Php150 to Php200 per day.
