From Island To Highland

From island to highland - this is what Davao tourism is trying to establish. Example of this is the tourism business set up by Dizon. There's the famous destination crocodile park and the white water rafting which are all in the city of Davao. He extended his tourism business to Samal Island where he opened the Maxima beach resort and the Aquafun featuring water and air adventure by constructing the tarpaulin slide, the canopy walk and the zip line packed in one resort. This would be one hell of a full of adventure day in an island including the speed boating and the snorkeling or diving if you like. And then there's the Zip City where you climb up a little higher from downtown Davao City to glide above seeing the spectacular view of the metro at night. This is truly one of a smart concept where there is truly "Island to Highland" experience :)

Zip Line at Zip City

After the island adventure we went to Zip City to end our adventure day with a zip line. It’s the most accessible zip line destination because it is just within the city. It is located at Hill Top along diversion road just before you reach Dencio’s Kamayan at about 100 meters. It was the first time that I’ve tried the zip at night. The superman I did at Camp Sabros and the zip line above water at Samal Island was all done at daylight. It was nice gliding at night looking at the whole city of Davao at a height of about 120 ft. and a zip of about 320 meters long for only Php 200.

Japanese Tunnel

We went to Japanese Tunnel last weekend too. I wanted to explore the tunnel before I leave Davao. It's one of the places I wanted to see but never have the time to go until I've finally went there for a swimming after being pissed off at the Blue Jaz Resort. We went inside the tunnel. It's the very tunnel the Japanese soldiers used during the World War II. The guide said it was about 1 kilometer long but they just allowed us for 200 meters exploration as the other side of the tunnel belongs to another's property. It was my first time to be in a tunnel and historical at that. We saw the "bartolina" prison and wondered how it is to be imprisoned in there and so we went inside and pose for a picture ;)

We ordered food at their restaurant and paid less than we paid the Blue Jaz Resort Cafe but their food was really good, I love it! We asked it to be served at the pool and went swimming after. We had a nice time with The Japanese Tunnel. The customer service was also good they even accomodated us even if the tunnel guide went home already. At least they made it up to us. It wasn't at all that bad a day :)



The Japanese Tunnel

Happy prisoners :D


Making friends with the Japs ;)


Swimming at the pool ;)

Apo View Hotel Davao

I enjoyed my evening swimming at Apo View Hotel. Nice place to relax. After the swim, we went pigging at Toryanos just beside the hotel with their yummy chicken grill. Their chicken have a distinct taste. It's really good.


(wishing and hoping) Synchronized swimmers ;)

Little mermaid with legs ;)

Got Only 24 Hours In Davao City?

Got only 24 hours for a side trip in Davao City? You can make use of that whole day for experiencing the city. You can start your day by a stroll or a jog at People's Park early in the morning. It's a Davao themed park showcasing the indigenous Davao. After the walk, you can go straight to Swiss Deli for a breakfast in Lanang. From there, you can visit Davao Museum at Insular Village, Lanang, Davao City. A place for you to have a glimpse and to have better understanding of the soul of Davao.

Culturally aside, try exploring nature at Davao's Crocodile Farm featuring different kinds of animals and butterfly sanctuary. From there, you can go straight to Japanese Tunnel for a tour at the old tunnel used by the Japanese during World War II. You can stop longer for a lunch or go straight to Marco Polo hotel for a buffet at Cafe Marco or the Lotus Court. After lunch, walk across the street and you will find the Aldevinco Shopping Center for your souvenirs.

After the souvenir shopping, it's time for you to try the king of Philippine fruits durian. Hail a cab to bring you to Magsaysay fruits stands while passing thru Davao's so called China Town along Magsaysay Avenue. At the end of the street, you will find displays of different kinds of durian. You can try other kinds of fruits too like pomelo, marang and mangosteen. Hmmm... yummy! :)

After the fruit trip, hail a cab to bring you to Matina Aplaya to meet your once so controversial (Davao news) friend David at the Sea Wall. It's the bay walk version of Davao with the added attraction of the replica of the Statue of David in Florence, Italy. Enjoy the fresh air and the majestic sight of the highest peak of the Philippines - Mt. Apo.

After the refreshing walk at the Sea Wall, go further in Matina by going to the Shrine of Jesus of Prague and pay homage (if you're Catholic). After the visit, go to the nearby Davao spot Jack's Ridge to have a view of the city of Davao and enjoy dinner at Taklobo. Pick a spot where you can enjoy the scenery ;)

After the dinner at Jack' ridge, go down to Matina Town Square and enjoy the rest of the night or go coffee drinking at Davao's first specialty coffee The Blugre Coffee and try the durian coffee.

With that, you can experience Davao in as little and as tight as 24 hours. Enjoy! :)