Davao always fascinates me. It is one of the places where there is nothing to do but eat and chill (just like Bacolod!).
My husband and I stayed there for three days and two nights from June 15-17 to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. We were accommodated by a very lovely Davaoena (if that is even the term) who made our stay so pleasurable <Thanks, Karen!>
We took a Cebu Pacific flight to Davao and arrived at around 8 in the morning on a Saturday. From Davao airport, we planned to go straight to Samal island. We hailed a cab and told the driver to bring us to Paradise Island Hotel wharf. We paid around PHP100++ for the fare.
A little over five minutes, we were already docking at Paradise Island Resort. Boat trip was at PHP15 each. The resort is nothing too fancy. It is very quaint and quiet. If you are looking for a long beach to frolic on, this may not be the place for you since it houses a short stretch of sand and water.
Since we were there on a weekend, there were a lot of people who arrived sporadically at the resort. Most of the package tours in Davao usually include a stopover in Paradise Island where guests can enjoy a short stay and have a beachfront meal. Activities in Samal include some watersports, a visit in the aviary where they have a modest selection of birds, game of pool and several in-house entertainment such as fire dances and magical shows.
We stayed in a cozy little hut with twin beds. Haha! Usual amenities included a hot and cold shower, cable TV and free water.
We had an overnight stay in the island and headed to the city proper the next day.
One thing you should not forget while you are in Davao is that the city has a very strict smoke-free regulation. People who smoke in the streets are caught by the police. Last May 31, the city reinforced their ordinance and smoking was strictly limited in the comfort of your own home. What a nightmare it was for the husband. Haha!
The next day we visited Eden Nature Park and Resort. From Davao City, it took about an hour and thirty minutes to get to the resort.
A mountain resort 3,000 feet above sea level, Eden Nature Park is 95% man-made! It is a great model of how we can re-create nature and rebuild a lost environment.
Discovered sometime in 1971, the resort used to be a logged-over area covered only by a blanket of wild grass. Its potential was, however, readily seen by the owners as the property provided an imposing view of Davao City and the Davao Gulf.
Not long after, terraces were carved out of the mountain slope, and thousands of pine tree seedlings were planted. As the pine trees grew, they provided canopies allowing other trees and plants to grow and creating a secondary forest. Today, there are over 100,000 pine trees spread throughout 80 hectares, providing a refreshing backdrop to the various attractions in Eden Nature Park. - Eden Nature Park
A pit stop during the tour where we were treated to the native culture including dances prepared by local elementary kids.
The park also boasted of Lola's Garden (Grandma's Garden) where one can have an overlooking view of the different plants that the resort raises from basil to rosemary and other spices.
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| Wishing Well, grant my heart's desire :) |
Last but not the least, Eden Park is home to several teambuilding facilities such as this zipline they call Skyrider. There are different obstacle courses scattered around the park as well as horseback riding for the enjoyment of kids and adults alike.
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| Skyrider Fee at PHP270. |
After a busy day, we headed back to the city. We stayed in Seda Hotel across Abreeza Mall. After a while's rest, we headed to Glamour Restaurant for a satisfying crab buffet.
Glamour Restaurant is located at Padre Gomez Street. You can reach them through +63 82 2220045. Buffet is at PHP398 per head. They change menus every time except for the mainstay, the crabs, of course ;) Yum!
We were so full after dinner that we did not go out anymore. We just stayed at the hotel and got some rest. The next day, we were greeted by a wonderful breakfast from Seda. Good breakfast selection!
After breakfast, we started packing our stuff before we headed out to look for some waling-waling and durian to bring home. We were able to find some good variety near the Airport at:
| Airport View Commercial Complex Carlos P. Garcia Highway (Diversion Road) Buhangin, Davao City |
while the durian and other fruits like the pomelo (or suha) can be bought from Magsaysay Market.
Davao always does not fail to relax me. Another great experience from this beautiful place. I shall see you soon.
xx,
Corporate Junkie
