All my bags are packed and ready to go!: Davao : Life is here

A long overdue blog about my visit to the biggest city in the Philippines. Davao.

My trip to Davao was also my first time in Mindanao. I have heard so much about this city and how beautiful the place is. Since there is no direct flight from Bacolod to Davao. I had to fly to Cebu first and book a connecting flight to Davao City.( which is much nearer compared flying to Manila).

Davao City is the largest city in the island of Mindanao. It boast its year round tropical weather and its rich flora and fauna. It is also home to the highest peak in the entire Philippines that is Mt. Apo.

From the Davao International Airport, the city proper is only about a 15-minute drive. You may consider taking a cab if you're in a hurry. It is very safe to take public transport in Davao since the people are very much disciplined and doesn't take advantage of tourist like us.

We arrived late in the afternoon and checked in at Oroderm Beauty Hotel located along Magallanes Street. We managed to get a room good for 3 pax at only 1,500. The room was pretty decent. It has the basics. The only thing I can remember of is that the bathroom has no " shower curtain" - ( Maam Yen has been telling me all along about this, that's why it is unforgettable to me).

We asked for the nearest mall and they said the Gaisano was just one ride from the hotel. So we took the jeepney and headed for the said mall. We had dinner at Pancake House and went back to the hotel to rest.

Pearl Farm

The next day we woke up early around 6 am. Had breakfast and waited for the taxi at the hotel lobby. We asked the taxi driver to bring us to Davao Marina Wharf - the gateway to the famous Pearl Farm. We wanted to be at the wharf early so we can catch the first trip to the Island. The boat ride is about 30 to 45 minutes.

Pearl Farm is located in Samal Island off the coast of Davao City. This premier beach resort lives up to its name for it is used to be a "pearl farm" before - thousands of white-lipped oysters were transported from the Sulu Sea and cultivated for their pink, white, and gold pearls. Today, Davao Pearl Farm has been developed to present a high class travel destination for guests coming from all parts of the world.

A day tour to this tropical paradise cost 1,550 per person. It already includes the following:

Roundtrip Boat Transfers from the Marina Wharf
Bottled Water during the boat ride
Welcome drinks
A lunch buffet featuring Davao's finest dishes and exotic fruits
Use of swimming pool
Speed boat ride to Malipano Island
Complimentary use of recreational facilities such as golf carts and etc.

While waiting for lunch, we opted to lounge by the Mandaya Pool ( they have 2 pools one infinity pool and one near the Mandaya Restaurant). By the time lunch is ready, we were already starving for swimming the whole morning.

Lets eat!

After lunch, we boarded the Golf cart and had a tour of the other attractions in the resort. We checked on some of their rooms and upon checking the rates - its really expensive. Well, what should you expect with high class resorts like this?

We left the resort and upon arriving at the Davao Marina. We went straight to a place overlooking Davao City --- Jacks Ridge.

JACK’S Ridge is one of the most popular recreational and dining destinations in Davao City. It sits on top of a high and very steep slope, overlooking the scenic Davao City and the Gulf of Davao. The place is located on a high mountain slope at Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City.

Davao City Tour

For our 3rd day in Davao, we booked a city tour courtesy of Davao Tours Travel Agency owned by Kuya Nelson Bibera. He knows a lot about Davao. Ive'd learned many things from him.

Here are the places we visited:

Eden Nature Park

Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague

The Japanese Tunnel

Jack's Ridge

Tribu K' Mindanawan Cultural Village

Davao Butterfly House

Davao Crocodile Park

The Orchid Garden

We also visited the " Aldevinco Shopping Center" where you can shop for Davao's pasalubong items such as pearls, silk , bags and etc. And as always I never miss to buy something for my collection- My fridge magnets. I got a mini durian magnet, actually its a real durian according to the vendor. I will be posting in a seperate post about my - Travel Magnets collection.

We passed by the fruit stalls and decided to bring home the best tasting "POMELO" my tastebuds ever had. I am not a fan of the durian so its just Pomelo for me. Kuya Nelson told us that these pomelo's are sold by class. Meaning the Class A pomelos are sold much pricier compared to Class B and C. We bought some of the Class A pomelo's and yes they are pricey but they are much succulent and juicier than the rest.

The next day we will be going back to Bacolod ( I mean Maam Yen and Tita Malou) for Davao is just the first stop of my Mindanao Invasion. Wanna know where I'm going next?