The Davao Experience: Return Flight to Manila

Davao Airport

This is the twenty-second part of our 4-days-3-nights Davao Experience.

Our flight back to Manila was scheduled to depart at 6:30 am so we had a really, really early start for the day. We hired a taxi to take us to the airport which costs 131php. Again, I just had to say this. Davao Airport is pretty! Before checking in, we took the opportunity to have our pictures taken in the famous giant durian outside of the airport since we were not able to do so upon our arrival because it was already night time.

Giant Durian

Giant Durian outside of the airport

Anyway, we had a hassle-free check-in with Cebu Pacific. The terminal fee costs 200php/person. This was 200php well-spent compared to NAIA terminal 3. The waiting area of the Davao Airport was also very clean and very "international-y" to look at. And another thing, the security in the airport is very strict! You have to remove your shoes as well as your belt. It was a bit of a hassle but I guess it was OK since it's for the safety of everyone in there.

The very peaceful and clean waiting area

Our flight arrived on time and compared to our flight going to Davao, this was a very peaceful, "no-turbulence" flight since the sun was shining so brightly. The flight was uneventful and being that it was an early flight, we didn't have any trouble landing at NAIA and there were no air traffic. So that ends our Davao Experience.

In general, Davao is a lot like Manila only bigger and the people are more friendly and the taxis don't charge extra haha. So if you are planning to go to Davao, you definitely have to have a side trip to Samal because there's nothing much to see in the city. The tourists spots are also not that special although the Eagle Center makes up for it. And also, try the rapids! And the diving at Samal. Since you're already there, might as well! And one more thing worth mentioning, the people of Davao and Samal are a very friendly lot. They're very approachable and not at all scary. So do no hesitate to ask any of them for directions or what not. And, that's it!

Read more:
The Davao Experience: Planning The Trip
The Davao Experience: The Uniqueness at Ponce Suites
The Davao Experience: Dinner at Jack's Ridge
The Davao Experience: Getting to Samal Island
The Davao Experience: Monfort Bat Cave and Hagimit Falls
The Davao Experience: Kaputian Beach in Samal
The Davao Experience: Fernandez Beach and Garden Resort
The Davao Experience: Lyndon's World's Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken
The Davao Experience: Taps, The Breakfast Capital of Davao
The Davao Experience: A Visit at Eden Nature Park
The Davao Experience: Harboring "Pag-Asa" at the Philippine Eagle Center
The Davao Experience: Apo Ni Lola Delicacies and Lunch at Davao Dencia's Restaurant
The Davao Experience: Pasalubong Shopping at Aldevinco
The Davao Experience: Various Sights at the Davao Crocodile Park
The Davao Experience: Trying the Nightlife with Lachi's Sans Rival, Blugre Coffee, and Abreeza Mall
The Davao Experience: The-Supposed-To-Be-Rafting-Experience-But-Not and San Pedro Cathedral
The Davao Experience: A Unique Experience at Osmena Park
The Davao Experience: Knowledge Gathering at Museo Dabawenyo and Exploring Rizal Park
The Davao Experience: Serenity at the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple
The Davao Experience: A Gastronomic Treat at Hog's Breath Cafe
The Davao Experience: Strolling Around People's Park
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip