Discovering Davao

Home to the infamous durian and sweet pomelo, Davao city is the largest city in thePhilippines, almost 6x larger than Cebu. However, a lot of the land area is still under- or even, undeveloped, which is why its size might not be as significant to visitors. Still, going around Davao is relatively easy. Public transport would be the standard jeepney and cab. Take note, though, that there are still non-airconditioned taxis in Davao, with a P25 flag down and P1 evey additional km – definitely a good way to get around.

Smokers should take caution in Davao, as smoking is strictly prohibited in enclosedspaces and there are mostly just designated areas for smoking. Given the size of the city, it’s amazing that they can strictly enforce such a rule.

Traffic (by Manila standards) is also largely unheard of in Davao. Travel time is also a lot different – a 30 minute drive is already considered “far,” maybe equivalent to a drive from QC to Makati. Really a big difference in perspective.

Since it was my first time in Davao, it was also expected that I have a lot of ‘firsts’ during my stay. In fact, this has been one of my most daring out of town/ country trip - in terms of tasting new food, that is. I had my first taste of bagaybay (fish intestine), bihod (fish eggs), lobster, crab, pomelo, and durian! The bihod wasn't bad, but when I found out that bagaybay was actually intestines, i didn't dare touch the thing again! Durian was ok, but I'm not really too fond of the taste; in fact, it's kinda hard to describe the taste of durian.

Extending our stay in Davao to get a feel of the place was definitely a good decision. We had two full days after working to explore Davao and all in all, Rizza, Dianne, and I had a grand time, as we managed to squeeze in a lot of activities during our stay.

Recommended must-do’s in Davao: Chema’s by the Sea Beach Resort, Malagos Garden and Nature Resort, Philippine Eagle Park.

Recommended food / places to eat: Old Swiss Deli (very good Ham and Cheese Toast), Marina Tuna (very good Seafood resto), Dessert at Lachi’s (yummy and very affordable cakes!), Poning’s Halo Halo and Blugre Coffee at Matina Town Square.

Lachis' Cashew Mocha Torte

Old Swiss Deli

Blugre Coffee at Matina Town Square

It turned out to be a weekend of solid food trips, loads of fun, and a whole lot of laughter. Special thanks to our (kunwaring Davauenong) tour guide-, driver-, & photographer-in-one, Kevin :)

Chema’s by the Sea

Chema’s is a private beach resort and visiting the place is by reservation only. Very pleasant and quaint, Chema’s is the ultimate R&R beach place. Think Casa San Pablo, but with a pool and beach! Perfect combination. It's actually one of the relatively newly-opened resorts in Samal island, Davao. It’s a family-owned resort, named after their grandson. Originally a private resort for the family during holidays, Chema’s is now open to the public. The resort houses only a few overnight cottages, and even a day tour is by reservation only, making the place quiet and peaceful. They have a very nice landscaping, very scenic, with extensive lush greens and charming little cabanas with hammocks and bamboo sala sets.

The beach was certainly nice! Fine, white sand; and you mostly have the beach to yourself, since the resort can only cater to such a number of people. Contradictory to Paradise resort, which is open and free (even for overnight stay), Chema’s obviously puts a price, albeit a small one, for serenity and tranquility.

Day tour to Chema’s is only P100. Boat ride from Waterfront Hotel is P150.

For more photos, click here.

Malagos Garden and Nature Resort / Philippine Eagle Park

I would say that Malagos is an unmaximized gem of Davao. Sprawling 12 hectares of lush greens with overnight cottages, nice restaurants and cafes, play area, small zoo, butterflies, and even Abueva sculptures; Malagos can still be further improved to attract visitors.

Bird- and nature-lovers will definitely find refuge in Davao’s Malagos Garden Resort, as well as the Philippine Eagle Park. Malagos houses several overnight cottages; a sprawling 12 hectare lot filled with plants, trees, a few breeds of birds, a play area, a pool, and cafés / restaurants. Any company can easily hold a nice team building activity in Malagos. However, I feel that Malagos can be further maintained and improved; it may be turned into a real full blown zoo much like Avilon or even the Singapore Zoo!

Home to our national Eagle, Pag-asa, the Philippine Eagle Park also houses a wide array of plants/trees and other endangered bird species. The place is currently undergoing renovation in some areas and its good to see that improvement is under way. The Philippine Eagle Park may likewise also be improved to make it a more bonafide rainforest which houses different bird species. As of now, they also have a crocodile and a few monkeys; maybe increasing the animals will further enrich the park. I even wonder why the other birds’ cages seem even bigger and better than that of Pag-asa, when he’s the main attraction.

The path in the park is marked with names of people, organizations, which support the conservation of our forests, and thus our endangered bird species. Visitors may spend the day in the park, amidst the animals and the different flora and fauna.

Entrance to Malagos is P100. Entrance to Philippine Eagle Foundation is P55.

For more photos, click here.