ACTIVITIES FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES
Hiking in Mt. Apo
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| photo credit: Karla Ubalde |
For mountaineers (and those who are addicted to climbing), exploring Mt. Apo is definitely in their bucket list. At 2,954 meters, the country's highest mountain requires 3 days and 2 nights to reach the peak. Make sure you hire a licensed guide and you are physically and mentally prepared for the climb. Ask locals if trips to Mt. Apo are still offered or offered again as a part of the mountain was ravaged by fire several months ago.
Whitewater Rafting in Davao River
Experience a heart-pumping adventure at the Davao River. Located at the foothills of the mountains that rise above the city, the river offers adrenaline junkies a fun way to navigate it through gushing rapids aboard rubber boats. Contact Travel Davao for more information.
Budget: PhP3,300 (6-18 persons) inclusive of transfers, meals, guide fee and equipment rentals
River Tubing (Paanod)
A bit similar to whitewater rafting, this activity takes you down the river on tubes (floaters). E-Tours offers this activity bundled with a Davao City tour at around PhP3,000 up, while Layak Paanod offers guided tours of river tubing only for PhP600/head.
BEYOND THE CITY
Samal Island
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
1 hour away from city proper
Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines
+6382.235.1234 / +6382.235.1235 / +6382.235.1236
Pearl Farm is a premier hideaway nestled in the islands of Samal and Malipano. Before it was built into a luxury resort, it was literally a pearl farm—a place where south sea pearls are cultivated. Now, it offers travelers posh accommodations and serene private pools and beachfront areas. Relax in its stunning infinity pool or lounge poolside with some cocktails or fresh juices, then head over to the spa for some pampering. For something more adventurous, the resort offers banana boat and jet ski rentals.
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How to get there: Take a cab from the city proper to Marina Wharf (about 15-20 minutes). From there, check-in your luggage, confirm your reservation, secure a boat pass, and wait for your private boat to the resort. Travel time by boat takes 45 minutes.
Maxima Aqua Fun
An adventure paradise in Samal Island, this resort offers a smorgasbord of exhilarating water activities and sports but will surely delight adventure seekers. Slide down the 40-meter giant slide that goes straight into the sea, or go kayaking, swimming, and many more.
Tagum City (Davao del Norte)
Hijo Resorts
1.5 hours away from city proper
Hijo Plantation, Brgy. Madaum, Tagum City, Davao del Norte
+63917.633.7019
Dubbed as “the only beach resort in the world inside a plantation”, Banana Beach in the 760-hectare Hijo Estate Resorts is a sprawling property that has a beach, a private century-old forest, a river (Madaum) and 500 hectares of banana and coconut plantations. Situated at the heart of Davao gulf, the resort offers an array of water and land activities such as forest tour, river cruise, plantation tour, knife throwing, fishing, kayaking, skim boarding, and many more. For travelers wishing to be one with nature, this is the perfect place.
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How to get there: Book a shuttle service from Hijo Estate Resorts' office in Damosa, where guests are picked up at specific schedules and taken to the resort. Call Hijo (+6382.282.3662 or +6382.282.3757) to inquire about transfer fees.
Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao
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| photo credit: Mati Philippines |
Dubbed as the "Skim boarding Capital of Mindanao", Dahican Beach in Mati is a hideaway for adventure seekers who are also looking for a spot far away from the crowd. The raw, 7-kilometer stretch of beach faces the Pacific Ocean and offers travelers a peaceful yet fun-filled escapade. Check out this website for more details.
WHERE TO BUY PASALUBONG
Magsaysay Fruit Stand - fresh durian, marang, lanzones, rambutan, banana, mangosteen and many more at prices much lower that shopping malls
Apo ni Lola - durian, langka, marang, and mangosteen-flavored candies and bars; shirts; woven bags; wallets
Hijo Estate Resorts - calamansi puree, coconut syrup
Aldevinco Shopping Center - shirts; bags; wallets; keychains
REMINDERS
- Most parks open at 8:00AM and close at 5:00PM. Plan accordingly.
- If you plan to go to Samal Island and Tagum, stay for at least 4 days.
- Do not smoke in non-smoking areas in Davao City.
- Durian is not allowed in hand-carried bags. Purchase a baggage allowance if you wish to take home some of the pungent fruit.
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Itinerary A - Relaxed (Samal - Davao City)
Day 1
OVERNIGHT SAMAL OPTION: Upon arrival, head straight to Samal Island.
DAY TOUR SAMAL OPTION:
Check-in to your hotel
Lunch
Head over to Samal
Return to the city
Dinner at Cafe Tavera
Day 2
Head back to the city by lunchtime (OVERNIGHT SAMAL OPTION)
Lunch at Penong's
City Tour (Museo Dabawenyo, D'Bone Collector, City Hall, San Pedro Cathedral, People's Park, Roxas Boulevard, Crocodile Park)
Sunset and dinner at Jack's Ridge
Drinks at Matina Town Square
Day 3
Philippine Eagle Center
Malagos Garden Resort
Lunch at Eden Nature Park
Explore Eden Nature Park
Head back to city proper
Dinner at Outback Grill
Fly back to Manila
BUDGET: PhP8,000 up/person* (if traveling with 1 companion)
* higher depending on Samal accomodation
** lower if traveling in a group
Itinerary B - Relaxed (Tagum - Davao City)
Day 1
Upon arrival, head straight to Tagum.
Day 2
Head back to the city by lunchtime
Lunch at Penong's
City Tour (Museo Dabawenyo, D'Bone Collector, City Hall, San Pedro Cathedral, People's Park, Roxas Boulevard, Crocodile Park)
Sunset and dinner at Jack's Ridge
Drinks at Matina Town Square
Day 3
Philippine Eagle Center
Malagos Garden Resort
Lunch at Eden Nature Park
Explore Eden Nature Park
Head back to city proper
Dinner at Outback Grill
Fly back to Manila
BUDGET: PhP8,000 up/person* (if traveling with 1 companion)
* higher depending on Samal accomodation
** lower if traveling in a group
Itinerary C - Adventurous
Day 1
Philippine Eagle Center
Malagos Garden Resort
Lunch at Penong's
City Tour (Museo Dabawenyo, D'Bone Collector, City Hall, San Pedro Cathedral, People's Park, Roxas Boulevard, Crocodile Park)
Sunset and dinner at Jack's Ridge
Drinks at Matina Town Square
Day 2
Your choice of activity (river tubing, rafting, etc.)
Lunch
Your choice of activity (river tubing, rafting, etc.)
Head back to city proper
Dinner at Outback Grill
Day 3
Explore Eden Nature Park
Lunch at Eden Nature Park
Head back to city proper
Dinner at Cafe Tavera
Fly back to Manila
BUDGET: PhP7,000 up/person* (if traveling with 1 companion)
* higher depending on choice of activity
** lower if traveling in a group
Have you been to Davao? What tips can you add? What other recommendations do you have?
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