I have been to Davao in 2011 and I promise to myself that I will go back there again. I loved the place during my first visit. I admired the cleanliness all over the city. Smoking is also prohibited.
Last October 2013, I am supposed to visit it again with my boyfriend and some other friends but due to unforseen events, Me and my boyfriend had to cancel our flight. I booked again after recovering from my father's loss. And revisiting Davao has come to reality. February 22, we board an afternoon flight. After checking-in at the Hotel, we ate our dinner near downtown.. You would see a lot of barbecues and some other calls it inasal. Most of them offers unlimited rice. We had our dinner at Batoks' for only Php 375.00 for the three of us. After that, we roamed around People's Park to unwind before going back to the hotel. I was amazed of the security measures in place in the park. You have to show your bag and let them check it. No harmful objects are allowed (scissors, etc). You will see a lot of artworks made by Kublai Millan. The park closes at around 10:30 PM. On the next day, before going on our next destination. We ate breakfast at Taps, it costs us Php 281.00, 3 varieties of silogs and 3 cups of coffee. The place is just near Peoples Park. We rode a jeepney from Sampaguita Inn to Magsaysay for Php 8.00. Before going straight to Sta. Ana Wharf, we roam around first inside Magsaysay Park. You will see a skating rink there, a classic ferris wheel (which I don't know if it is placed really there or just temporary) and many bench suited for many people. After that we went to Sta. Ana wharf where the boats going to Samal and Talicud island are located. The boat was scheduled to leave at 11:30 AM. But before leaving, there was a coastguard who checked and even took a vidoe of us before we leave the wharf. Another thumbs-up for the security measures. Fare is Php 80.00 then travel time was one hour and fifteen minutes to be exact. We chose to stay in Isla Reta overnight. Eventhough it was a sunday, still the rooms were fully booked. so we only got a tent where we can sleep. Tip: Make sure to go there in an off-peak season for you to enjoy more the place. Solitary moment indeed. Expenses for our overnight stay was only Php 2030.00 including foods and entrance. Again good for three persons. ohhh, I loved this place! Next day, we catch the early morning boat schedule going back to Sta, Ana wharf since according to the people we talked to, only two boat schedules are the normal schedule unless you rent your own boat. Buy boy, of course its expensive. Fare going back was a little lower, we paid Php 60.00, at first we thought that the conductor just gave us an over change but when we told about it, he said that its more cheaper because we will no longer pay a terminal fee just like the other day. We arrived 5mins. Earlier than the scheduled time. Back in the city: now goal is to go to Mt. Apo Highlands in Brgy. Kapatagan, Digos Davao del Sur. We first explore the Chinatown before leaving the city. We wanted to check if there are many foods available just like in other places, but there were none, well, maybe were too early. Haha! Even Mang Inasal there is not yet opened. We ended up eating our breakfast in bakery located at the corner of the strees. I ordered siopao, lug-lug (palabok), coffee and special mamon, puto and bibingka, oh I didn't eat all! The last three were reserve for our next destination and take note, it only costs around Php 90.00. Across the bakery, we rode a jeepney (Route 10) then asked the driver to drop us in Abreeza. Mall. Near the supermarket, you'll find the terminal of shuttle buses going to Digos and other places like Kidapawan, Mati and Tagum. Travel time from Abreeza Mall going to Digos City was approximately 2hours. Fare is Php 100.00. Then last stop is in the terminal. From there, we rode a tricycle to bring us in another terminal going to Kapataganl. Vans are just an ordinary van. Take note no Aircon. Fare is also Php 100 going to Mt. Apo Highlands. Once the van drop you off the place, you have to walk by around 10meters going up to the resort. During that time, since its a monday, We have all the luxury to choose the room we want, yeah, we were only the visitor sinve it was a weekday. We were able to get the room with the best view of Mt. Apo. You'll find a note posted in the room, i think it was number 10. "Be happy because you are ,1200 meters away from heaven." After checking-in and placing our bags. We started our adventure. We rent a Habal-habal (a motorcycle with extended seat) going to Camp Sabros. Trek and rest alternately. Seeing the views of mountains Mt. Apo and Mt. Talemo. I will be biased, i know because I love mountains, trees, clouds. It was very refreshing despite of the fury winds. Seeing the horizons, oh I loved it! Next stop Kublai Art Garden. I am in awe! You'll be able to see a view of Mt. Apo too, you have to go up to see the view of the whole garden. There's this words You. I. We. God. Love. Beauty. Earth. You'll get to appreaciate life well when you read the captions in those words adding up the lifesize artworks. Oh Kublai, I am your fan now. During the night, serenity took place. Only the sounds of wind and some birds are the sounds that you'd hear. Sooo cold! Two think blankets are not enough. Haha Next: lake mirror. Quick glance of the place and lake Rosario. wehere I can say, you can see clearly Mt. Apo. Place was so peacufel and clean of course. To summarize our adventure, It was indeed fun. its as if owning an island and a resort so close to heaven for a little while. Kapatagan, another favorite place where you can just relax and literally chill due to the cold weather. ooooh Davao! you're such an awesome place.1
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