Davao Region, formerly known as Southern Mindanao, is now designated as Region XI. It is located at the southeastern part of Mindanao. Davao is the home of Mt Apo, the highest mountain in the country. It is also known as the "Durian Capital" of the Philippines.

Mt Apo, Durian, Waling-waling (the orchid), the Philippine Eagle and the Kadayawan Festival are just some of the reasons why Davao is a famous tourist destination. In this blog entry, let me share with you some of the places I visited during my four-day Davao trip.

People's Park, Davao City

People's park in Davao is perfect for running enthusiasts like me. During the morning, there are a lot of people who visits the park to run for some rounds and exercise. During the weekends, the municipality also hosts a Zumba class for the residents. Aside for being a spot for physical activities, People's Park is also a good place for nature tripping, picnics and picture taking. The park features a Durian dome, a mini-forest and large sculptures mostly made by a famous designer from Davao, Kublai Millan.

Entrance Fee: Free.

Monfort Bat Sanctuary, Samal Island

Monfort Bat Sanctuary is the home of Rousette fruit-eating bats (Rousetteus amplexicaudatus) in Davao. Monfort holds the Guiness Book Record of being the largest colony of this kind of fruit-eating bats. 

The tour would start from a short orientation about the sanctuary and the bats. Then, the visitors will be guided around the five bat cave entrances where they can see the Rousette bats. Day viewing is until 5PM while the night viewing is from 5PM to 8PM. During the night, visitors can witness the Circadian flight where thousands of bats go out of the cave to find food.

Entrance fee: 100PHP.

Maxima AquaFun, Samal Island

If you are an adventurous person and looking for extreme actvities, Maxima AquaFun is a place you shouldn't miss.

Aside from swimming and kayaking, the resort offers various kinds of water activities. One of its famous attraction is the 40-meter giant slide along the cliff which cascades to the sea water. Another activity that you should try is the water blob. Water blobbing is a water activity in which a person sits at the end of an inflated air bag/blob. The person is launched to the air and into the water once another person jumps in the other side of the air bag. Other activities that you can avail in the resort include snorkeling, banana boat riding, jet-ski, scuba diving and island hopping.

Entrance fee for Day Trip: 200PHP (without canopy walk)/250 (with canopy walk).

Hagimit Falls and Nature Park, Samal Island

Hagimit falls is a cascade of small waterfalls streaming down into a natural basin of cool water. Despite the developments in the nature park like walking bridges and nipa huts, the management was able to keep the beauty of the place. The feel of the tropical rainforest and the clean, clear and ice cold water of the falls are the reason why the park is popular for tourists and locals looking for natural refreshments. 

Entrance fee: 40PHP.

Isla Reta Beach Resort, Talicud Island

 

Last but not the least is Isla Reta Beach Resort in Talicud Island. Of course, this trip wouldn't be complete without a beach bumming experience. 

I love Talicud Island! The beach is exquisite with its blue and clear waters. The white sand is soft and powdery. There are also Talisay trees along the beach where you can rest while adoring the beauty of the surroundings. Among the places we've toured around Davao, this paradise is where I enjoyed the most.

If ever you will be visiting this beach, go for an overnight stay to explore more and witness the captivating sunrise.

Entrance fee: 100 PHP

Complete Rates can be found in their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/IslaReta.Beach

Shout out to these girls who made this trip extra fun! :)

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Contacts:

Isla Reta Beach Resort - https://www.facebook.com/IslaReta.Beach

If you want to avail an affordable tour package:

Samal Guide Tours - http://www.samalguide.com/tour-packages/

Samal Guide Tours (FB) - https://www.facebook.com/samalguidetours/