Airlines sometimes have a surprise promo so when I spotted AirAsia's 17 pesos all-in fare, I gave it a shot. And I can't believe it, I was able to book a round trip flight for two to Davao City for a total of less than 500 pesos. The trip was a month after I booked, so I immediately made my research where to go and where best to spend our 3-day, 2-night stay in Davao. I found the Garden City of Samal.
Davao City Airport
After we land and got out of the airport, we went to the taxi lane and boarded then told the driver to take us to Sasa Wharf, or just tell him/her that you're going to Samal Island. And yes, I think the hearsay is true that taxi drivers are more honest in Davao. Not one taxi asked us to "add 50" despite of the obvious fact that we're tourist. Yay for honest service!
Going to Samal Island
Blue-Green Clear Water at the Port
SAMAL ISLAND is a 10-minute barge ride from the mainland of Davao. It's very accessible that you could just have a day tour in the island instead then come back to the town after. The ride fee of the barge is 15 pesos/person only.
Storage Containers At The Wharf
Upon arrival at the pier of Samal Island, there were motorcycles waiting outside, asking where you'll go. These motors, aka habal-habal, are the only means of transportation in Samal. You can ride from one place to another, which can be more expensive, or you can hire it for a tour. We took the latter, which cost us 800 pesos for 2 persons. The price range differs depending on your haggling skills. When they first approached us, their rate was Php 1,500 so we told them that we were only on a budget trip, and we said the places we only want to visit. Finally, both parties agreed with Php 800. Make sure you did your research about the tourist spots in Samal, so you'll know the places you want to visit.
Exploring Samal Island
Monfort Bat Sanctuary
Our first spot was at Monfort Bat Sanctuary. Monfort is home to millions of fruit bats where they are taken care of. There is a Php 150 entrance fee plus 5 pesos environmental fee per person. The entrance fee was quite a surprise to us considering we were on a budget trip. Anyway, before you could roam around, there will be some sort of introduction about bats, do's and don't, and you can even ask questions bat related. It was amazing to see these bats, but if you are not a fan of these flying little things, or you just want some insta-worthy spots, it's better to go somewhere else; Samal Island has a lot to offer, anyway.
After our visit in Monfort, it was already lunch time, so we asked our guide if he could take us somewhere we could eat. He took us to an affordable carinderia.
Next stop was in Hagimit Falls, which is like a river with mini falls. I was told that the water there is turquoise and clear. Unfortunately, what welcomed us was brown rushing water because of the rain from the night before our visit. I was kinda disappointed with our guide since he didn't warned us about this. Anyway, there is a Php 40 entrance fee for adults in a day tour, but the management didn't make us pay because of the water, though they still let us in to see the place and take some pictures. Despite of the muddy water, I did see that Hagimit is one of nature's blessings, worthy of a visit on a non-rainy season.
Our last destination before the habal-habal take us to our accommodation was in Maxima Aqua Fun, and it was one of the best decisions we made during this trip. Our habal left us so we could take our time, and he said that we could just text him when we're done and ready to go. From the gate, a ride brought us down to the resort.
The entrance fee for a day trip is Php 250 (overnight fee is Php 350) and that includes everything — tables, guarded lockers, life vests, slides and other amenities. Maxima have a giant slide, diving boards and water blob that are best for adrenaline junkies. After filled yourself with enough adrenaline, you can now relax while snorkeling with the resort's rich marine life. We loved the view under the water.
Every moment was sulit that it was already sunset when we texted our guide to fetch us. He then took us where we booked our accommodation — Bluewaters Village and Resort.
Where we stayed
The Beach Front
our lunch in front of our accommodation
the beautiful walkway of the resort
Bluewaters Village and Resort is the definition of "you get what what you paid for". We paid Php 2,000 pesos/night for an air-conditioned room, private bath, comfortable and clean sheets and bed, a cabled TV, porch with dining table and with all access to the resort's amenities.
infinite pool of the resort
my love enjoying the pool
the resort's cabana with a great view
night lights at the beach
We actually searched for a cozy yet affordable beach-front resort to maximize our short stay in Davao. We were also very grateful to the resort for letting us extend our hours; we left at around 2pm when we should be out at 12pm. We're glad we found this one. We stayed here for a night, then went back to the main town.
The Main Town of Davao City
After we cross the sea via barge to the mainland, we hired a taxi to take us to our hotel. We stayed at Hotel Uno for another night; our flight next day was very early at 5am. The receptionist informed us that they have a promo if we're interested, so we took it since we're only staying for a few hours. I think we only paid around Php 300 pesos/night. Our room was decent, but the air-condition was not working well and the lights were dim, almost burnt out. Anyway, it was okay considering its affordability. We rested before we left our things in the room and explore the town.
strolling at People's Park
We walk our way from the hotel to People's park. The park is a huge public place, hence the name, so expect a crowd. There are statues to take pictures with, benches where you can rest, pigeons you can feed, and man-made ponds. We stayed here for a while, savoring the moment, reminding ourselves how great it was that we're in Davao.
Museo Dabawneyo
Public Becomes Uncomfortable art exhibit
After a while in the park, we looked for other near place to go, and we found in maps the Museo Dabawenyo. It was quite a distance from the park, but we chose to walk because we love walking, and in that way, we can see more of Davao. Fortunately, there was an ongoing exhibit that time in the museum — the "Public Becomes Uncomfortable" art exhibit.
After our visit to the museum, we went back to our hotel, had dinner on a restaurant, bought some pasalubong, then rest, woke up early and catch our flight back to Manila.
OVERALL, our spontaneous trip to Davao was memorable. We might have not seen everything Davao can offer, but we sure had our fun. I will surely go back to explore more. Maybe, go and see the beach of Mati.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
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