I stayed up pretty late last night writing an entry on our Davao trip but got too sleepy and accidentally deleted the draft. So I’m keeping this version short-er.
The most anticipated part of our RnR was our Davao getaway since none of us had been to any part of Mindanao. We took a 4:00AM flight because we wanted to start our tour early. We landed around 5:30 and got ourselves a driver. The price wasn’t as cheap as we thought it would be but our driver was nice, so I guess that’s okay.
Kuya wanted to take us to a famous Davao resto for breakfast, unfortunately it wasn’t opened yet so we ended up with Big Breakfast in McDonald’s. No complaints. I’m addicted to McD’s. Over breakfast, we got to know our driver and Davao City a little better. We then drove to Eagle Park where we saw different kinds of eagles, as well as crocs, boars, bugs and monkeys. The main attraction was of course, the famous Monkey-Eating Eagle, PAGASA.
Taking tours in Davao was different because of the absence of guides. The guard let us loose and we had to figure out where to go. We got lost despite the trail. But at least we had time to enjoy the playground and play with snakes.
Next stop was Malagos Garden. Determined to get our money’s worth, we decided to goof around a little.
Right before lunch, we visited a Tunnel which Japanese soldiers used as a hideout during the WWII. This tunnel was dug by Filipino POW’s and it wasn’t discovered until two decades after the war. They found heaps of gold hidden here and locals believe there are more left to unearth. They choose not to pursue these treasures for fear the tunnel might collapse.
One of the POW’s who survived the war revisited this site after it was opened to the public. He wouldn’t stop crying. Japanese tourists never fail to give their apologies for what their ancestors did.
Soon after, it was time for lunch. Kuya took us to a high place where the view of the city was very beautiful. I forget what it’s called though.
Rambi and I had to try the zipline. Twice. He did the sitting and superman positions. I did the superman and inverted positions. Gorges aren’t gorgeous if not traversed upside-down! Remember The Plunge in Bohol?
We visited a museum to learn more on Davao’s history and culture.
We headed to a park, very much like Luneta and annoyed a little monkey there. (Rambi didn’t post pics.) Then Kuya took us to a Durian Candy factory. The owners made us try chocolate durian. It was weird.
We then headed to our final stop, the marina, and took the 6:00PM boat to Pearl Farm, Samal Island. We arrived just in time for dinner. Then we retired.
On our second day in Davao, we woke up early and had a hearty buffet breakfast.
We were waiting for Rambi’s friend, who’s also in the Air Force. Marvin, a soldier/ photographer/ fiance, recently proposed to his girlfriend, Candy and they were celebrating their engagement with us in Davao. We felt so honored.
Unfortunately, they had problems with their flight schedule. So while waiting for them to arrive, we went diving. Samal Island underwater is amazing. We saw beautiful corals, and huge puffer fish about the size of a basketball! No kidding! I thought I saw a big shiny silver pearl at one point, but our dive master said it was a seaweed. We saw lots of scorpion fish and eels, but my heart stopped when I realized there was a sea snake swimming five feet away from us. Ack, those scary black and white stripes! Thank goodness it swam away.
Six hours and three dives later, we finally headed to shore. Marvin and Candy finally arrived. We played with Marvin’s camera a bit before having dinner.
Another buffet dinner, then Marvin took this photo of us.
It was our last night in Davao, we didn’t want to leave. We tried to move our flight but the fee is P12,000. We’re not that crazy.
One last photo on our last day before we leave the resort, snapped as a laugh was forming. But that’s okay. ♥
We said goodbye to our friends and invited them to join us next year when we tour Asia. Maybe by that time we’ll be calling them Mr. and Mrs. Miraflor already. ♥ So that’s the end of that. Goodbye, Davao!
TravelhackRR 