Madayaw means Welcome and similar to Mabuhay in Tagalog. The city of Davao is one of my must-visit places in Mindanao. It is highly urbanized that can be tagged as Manila of Mindanao. Davao city is also the so-called Durian City since it remains the top producer of this spiny tropical fruit with an intense smell but sweet taste. Aside from that, the city is also known for its fine beaches and many parks which I will be sharing some below. I visited the city in July 2018 together with my relatives. It was indeed a quick fun family trip.
Airfare: It’s another #CEBtravels. We got our airfare at regular price since it was booked a month before the trip. It costs around P3900 RT adult fare. Just imagine at how we enjoyed the priority privilege and discounts since we had an infant, a child and senior citizens in this family trip.
Accommodation: We stayed at the Linmar Apartelle. It was suggested by our relatives since it is nearby to their house. What I love about it is it is like renting a small decent two storey house with a dedicated parking space at ground floor and it is situated in Davao Central. We booked the Linmarr Suite which has 2 bedrooms with a queen and twin size beds. It accommodates 4 persons with free plated Breakfast for 4.
Transfers: It is best to hire a van instead of commuting especially for a large group with toddlers on board. It costs P2500 per day plus gas does not cost much. We had to return it full tank after the tour.
Activities: So since this is a family trip with toddlers and senior adults, our itinerary is more relaxed and kid’s friendly.
Day 1: Philippine Eagle Center and Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurants
We arrived in Davao city as early as 6am, so, we headed to Dencia’s for breakfast. For some, their best picks here are the Arroz Caldo and Tokwa’t Baboy. Generally, I did not find their foods so tasteful.
Philipine Eagle Center is about an hour drive away from the city. Entrance fee is P150 per adult and P100 for kids. We spent 3 hours to roam the park and watch an eagle being fed a rabbit. The Philippine Eagle Center primarily founded for conservation breeding facility for endangered Philippine Eagle and other birds. It has opened to public for education, research, animal care volunteers and of course a tourist destination. There are other animals as well like monkeys, crocodiles, and other mammals and reptiles which mostly are considered rare. I did not take down notes the specifics of what was inside, just go there and see it yourself. It is worth a visit. The kids really loved it.
At late lunch, we dined at Penong’s, they have several branches in the area. It is famous for its Chicken Inato, a delicious grilled chicken. For only P112, you can get a real deal of a quarter chicken and unli rice.
For dinner, we went to Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurant. It was the best place to chill with an overlooking view of Davao city and the Gulf.
Day 2: Samal Island
We cross the island with the van through a barge which costs P295 including the fees per head. It was like a 10-minute ride across the ports. We spent the morning in Paradise Island Resort. I highly recommend this place for a family trip. By the shore, lots of kids were swimming. The beachfront is stunning with a cute Vinta boat in the middle, the sand is white and fine and the water is clear. There is also a live band during lunch. The ambiance of the place is totally family friendly and relaxing.
Time’s up for the kids, we took the chance to experience a more exciting activity. So by the afternoon, we spent our time in Maxima Aquafun Resort. Entrance fee is P200 per head. It includes unlimited use of the giant water slide, catapult, and a cottage. It became popular because of its unique tarpaulin-made 40-meter long slide and soak to the beach. It is really fun and exciting making it another must-visit stop for me.
We did not spend a night in Samal Island since they scheduled a small reunion at Yellow Fin Restaurant in Davao City. This is the best resto that we dined out. Their Fried Chicken, Tuna Panga, and Seafood platter were so tasteful that we just can’t get enough. We ended the long day with a happy tummy
Day 3: Eden Nature Park and Aldevinco Shopping Center
After a good breakfast, we checked out early and gone straight to pave a visit to President Duterte’s house in Davao. It was really strict in the area. There are military guards at the corner street that require to list all the names of visitors and leave an ID for security purposes. Walking down the street there are some souvenir shops, and by the other corner is the green two-storey house with a DU30 standee. The president seems living a simple life in Davao.
About an hour drive, we went to another exciting trip in the city – Eden Nature Park. Entrance fee with a plated snack is P280. The park is divided into two areas: nature attractions and recreational activities. We spent the whole time in recreational activities. Together with my cousins, we braved the Skyswing (P400 for Tandem), Skycycle (P200 per head), and the Indiana Jones’ ride (Free). Skyswing is thrilling as it is standing 95-foot above the ground and lasts about 3 minutes in air swinging. Having the harness with complete safety gears, a machine will pull up the swing to the maximum safe angle and will disengage after a whistle then drop as if falling through the air.
Meanwhile, Skycycle is built in a 200 meters cable up in 60 feet high. It is a roundtrip pedal ride through the sky and overlooking the Davao City.
After a dose of adrenaline rush, we went back to the city proper and took the time to buy Davao treats in Aldevinco Shopping center. This is the place to buy their local handmade stuff like wallets, bags, and accessories. We bought pearl earrings here at a lower price and by the street side, we also had a free taste of pomelo. I actually do not eat this fruit but when I tasted it, I liked it. It is so sweet and juicy and they said that it is incomparable to the ones in Manila.
Our last stop before going back to Manila is the Lola Abon’s Durian Candy shop. We bought lots of durian sweets and treats to take home. They made Durian as a flavor for yema, polvoron, pastillas, tart, candy, chocolate and even ice cream.
This is one of the quick trips that I feel so chill and more relaxed. I found Davao city peaceful, not-so-busy, clean and organized, and people are more disciplined. As per our relatives who live here, people really follow the city ordinances since the government leaders are strict. I am now totally convinced that Davao is safe to visit.
Disclaimer: The site and author are not affiliated, associated, authorized, sponsored by, or in any way officially connected with Cebu Pacific Air, LinMarr Apartelle, Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle Center, Paradise Island Resort, Maxima Aquafun Resort and other mentioned companies or events unless otherwise stated. All images are original. This is served as a guide or reference only.