The day before Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck Tacloban and nearby provinces, we braved the weather and trust our instincts that this vacation may only happened once. Not expecting how devastating the aftermath of the typhoon, we had a great and summery-like weather in the southern part of the country.
YOLO - Arriving at Davao International Airport. (L-R: Lawrence, Jen and Enzo, Ren, John and Zac, and Me)
Miles and Zoe boarded a different flight just enough for the City tour to start upon their arrival. We're lucky enough to find a very good hotel to stay in Davao. North Zen Hotel is pretty basic but new so you get to have clean rooms and toiletries, free wifi, and helpful staff. Rates are affordable and close to Abreeza Mall.
(Check out northzenhotel.com for your Davao hotel accommodations)
YOLO - Museo Dabawenyo, first destination of our City tour.
Davao is a well-developed province where urban and rural life clashed in harmony. People are very disciplined; from taxi drivers charging you the exact fare and giving you the exact change to the passersby who don't smoke and throw trash in public. I feel safe roaming and getting to know what Davao has to offer in our 3 nights/4 days vacation.
YOLO - Makisig, one of the eagles in the sanctuary.
The city tour should include other attractions to visit but travelling from one place to another consumed most of our time. We dropped by to only a few, namely; Philippine Eagle Center where we stayed for 30 minutes, dropped by Japanese Tunnel but we were charged exuberantly so we chose not to check what's inside, then we headed to Jack's Ridge for dinner.
YOLO - spell Davao in all its pride and uniqueness.
First day is to simply get ourselves familiar with the city. One of the most anticipated activity happened the second day; to experience Pearl Farm. This should be booked in advance, especially on summer months. We booked it on our first day at Abreeza Mall; their office is on the 4th floor.
YOLO - boat ride going to the island of Pearl Farm Resort.
They're very strict with their itinerary because they transport one boat every scheduled time. If you were left at the earliest time the boat leaves, you need to wait for the next boat schedule which has 2-4 hours time intervals. Lucky that we arrived just on time for the briefing and boarding the boat. They have pretty nice docking area that you won't have to walk through sands and no chance you'll get wet before reaching the boat.
YOLO - After stepping out of the boat, photos with their water-villas.
YOLO - Group picture with the gong. With the Verdeflors, Concepcions, and Sagarbarrias.
YOLO - if you want to chill + relax 'chillax', these couches is so perfect and just stare at Mt. Apo.
These water-villas are beautiful and somehow expensive which can only accommodate up to 2 persons, but you need not book an accommodation in Pearl Farm to go there. They offer day tours inclusive of buffet lunch for around P2,000. Sad thing, their Parola and infinity pool were under renovation so we only have limited access to their amenities.
YOLO - the Sagarbarrias: Zoe and Miles
YOLO - the Verdeflors: Lawrence, Enzo, and Jen
Buddha Pose: Pearl Farm Resort, Davao
The city tour should include other attractions to visit but travelling from one place to another consumed most of our time. We dropped by to only a few, namely; Philippine Eagle Center where we stayed for 30 minutes, dropped by Japanese Tunnel but we were charged exuberantly so we chose not to check what's inside, then we headed to Jack's Ridge for dinner.
First day is to simply get ourselves familiar with the city. One of the most anticipated activity happened the second day; to experience Pearl Farm. This should be booked in advance, especially on summer months. We booked it on our first day at Abreeza Mall; their office is on the 4th floor.
They're very strict with their itinerary because they transport one boat every scheduled time. If you were left at the earliest time the boat leaves, you need to wait for the next boat schedule which has 2-4 hours time intervals. Lucky that we arrived just on time for the briefing and boarding the boat. They have pretty nice docking area that you won't have to walk through sands and no chance you'll get wet before reaching the boat.
These water-villas are beautiful and somehow expensive which can only accommodate up to 2 persons, but you need not book an accommodation in Pearl Farm to go there. They offer day tours inclusive of buffet lunch for around P2,000. Sad thing, their Parola and infinity pool were under renovation so we only have limited access to their amenities.
YOLO - the off-limits Parola where lunch was supposed to be served.
Since Parola is under renovation, we needed to cross the private island for the buffet lunch. Lunch is not as fancy as it can be but you'll still want to come back for another round. Unfortunately, we ate no breakfast and too hungry no to take photos of what was served.
YOLO - Peacocks on the loose.
YOLO - my first jet ski ride; without leaving the shore. lol
There's a part of the island that is very exclusive but since no one is staying at one of the villas, we're allowed to go to that area.
YOLO - private area in Pearl Farm; villas are huge here.
Aside from their infinity pool which was under renovation, there's another pool so those not so fond with the salty waters can still enjoy their stay at the resort.
YOLO - pool for the kiddos.
YOLO - Beach for the oldies.
The saddest part of just doing the day tour trip is that time's gone too soon. We left the island around 4PM so we'll reach the city before sunset.
YOLO - Pearl Farm's Parola from a distance.
With all the adrenaline going down, I need to catch some afternoon nap to recharge myself.
YOLO - the not so stolen shot commencing the day tour.
After the chillax experience we had at Pearl Farm, the time has come for more adventures. This activity was the most anticipated with a little of not so good experiences with the resort, Maxima Aqua Fun Resort. Instead of lurking with the bad vibes, we chose to enjoy what we have left on our last day in Davao.
YOLO - Maxima Aqua Fun Resort
The resort is pretty coo;, jam-packed with adrenaline-rush activities and adventures. Getting so early at the port, we we're informed that no boats were allowed to transfer guests to Samal Island. I work for an international hotel chain and in the hospitality world, you need to advise your guests when situations like this occurs. Instead, we chose to ride a barge and travel for almost 2 hours to get there. What's cool about the resort is that it's on a cliff so you need to go down the almost 100 steps to reach the reception. It was never fun when no staff is willing to help you carry your luggage when you have 3 little kids to attend to. The worst experience I had when it comes to customer service.
YOLO - we're so ready to have fun.
Lucky them that we're not irate people and we chose to understand the situation. We still manage to enjoy the rest of our stay there. We even hire one of their staff to be our personal 'butler'. I guess he's the only one who's doing his job with willingness to help. I forgot his name and his shift starts after we arrived and were already settled in our accommodation.
YOLO - this may look daunting but trust me, you want to do it again and again.
YOLO - the longest slide I ever experienced.
After my off-the-cliff jump experience at Marcos Cave in Hundred Islands, Pangasinan, I still have my knees shaking before letting gravity do its job.
YOLO - the not so high, off the plank jump.
This trip was so much more memorable with the people I am with. Davao is indeed a place beyond the high grounds. I strongly recommend it as a destination for adventure, fun, and relaxation.
YOLO - the Concepcions: John, Zac, and Ren
And for this juncture, my travel will never be complete without me doing this. Bare with me, there's more to come. :)
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