The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

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

OUR FINAL ITINERARY:

May 13, 2013 (Monday)
5:00 pm - Check in at airport
7:00 pm - Boarding for flight to Davao via Zest Air
8:45 pm - Arrival at Davao
9:00 pm - Check-in at Ponce Suites
10:00 pm - Taxi to Jack's Ridge
10:30 pm - Dinner at Jack's Ridge in Taklobo Restaurant
11:30 pm - Travel back to Ponce Suites
12:00 am - Rest time!

May 14, 2013 (Tuesday)
6:00 am - Early rise for an early start
7:00 am - Mcdo Breakfast
7:30 am - Tricycle to Sta. Ana Wharf
8:00 am - Arrival at Sta. Ana Wharf
8:30 am - Jeep to SaSa Wharf
9:30 am - RoRo to Samal Island (Babak Wharf)
9:45 am - Arrived at Babak Wharf
10:00 am - Habal-Habal to Monfort Bat Cave
10:30 am - Tour of Monfort Bat Cave
11:00 am - Habal-Habal to Hagimit Falls
11:45 pm - Tour of Hagimit Falls
12:15 pm - Habal-Habal to Kaputian Beach
1:00 pm - Arrived at Kaputian Beach. Lunch at a nearby Cafeteria
3:00 pm - Habal-Habal to Fernandez Beach Resort
3:45 pm - Arrived at Fernandez Beach Resort. Swim and eat.
6:00 pm - Habal-Habal to Babak Wharf
6:30 pm - Travel back to SaSa Wharf in Davao
6:40 pm - Arrived at SaSa Wharf. Jeep to Lyndon's World's Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken
7:00 pm - Arrived at Lyndon's World's Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken, Lanang Branch
9:00 pm - Finished dinner. Coffee time at New Orlean's Cafe nearby.
10:00 pm - Back to Ponce Suites for our rest time!

May 15, 2013 (Wednesday)
6:00 am - Early rise
7:00 am - Rent-a-car to Taps, Palma Gil Branch
8:00 am - Travel to Eden Nature Park
9:30 am - Arrived at Eden Nature Park. Tour around the park.
11:00 am - Travel to Philippine Eagle Center
12:30 pm - Arrived at Philippine Eagle Center. Tour around the park.
1:30 pm - Travel to Apo ni Lola Delicacies for pasalubong shopping
2:00 pm - Travel to Davao Dencia's Restaurant
2:30 pm - Lunch time!
3:30 pm - Travel to Aldevinco for shopping galore
4:00 pm - Shopping time!
4:30 pm - Travel to Davao Crocodile Park
5:00 pm - Arrived at Davao Crocodile Park. Tour around the park.
6:00 pm - Travel back to Ponce Suites
6:30 pm - Rest time at Ponce Suites
7:00 pm - Commute to Lachi's Sans Rival
7:30 pm - Dinner at Lachi's Sans Rival
8:15 pm - Commute to Abreeza Mall
8:30 pm - Tour of Abreeza Mall
9:30 pm - Jeep to Blugre Coffee along JP Laural Avenue
9:40 pm - Tried Durian Coffee
10:00 pm - Travel back to Ponce Suites.
10:30 pm - Rest time! Decided to not do Rafting the next day haha.

May 16, 2013 (Thursday)
8:00 am - Not so early rise :)
8:30 am - Breakfast via Jollibee delivery
9:30 am - Commute to San Pedro Cathedral
9:45 am - Arrived at San Pedro Cathedral. Picture taking.
10:00 am - Walk towards Osmena Park
10:10 am - Had foot massage at Osmena Park
11:00 am - Walk to Museo Dabawenyo. Tour around the museum
11:30 am - Walk to Rizal Park. Picture taking.
11:40 am - Commute to Lon Wa Buddhist Temple/Philippine Academy of Sakya
12:30 pm - Tour of Lon Wa Buddhist Temple
1:00 pm - Commute to SM Lanang for lunch
1:30 pm - Lunch at Hog's Breath Cafe in SM Lanang
3:00 pm - Commute to People's Park
3:30 pm - Arrived at People's Park. Tour around the park.
5:00 pm - Travel back to Ponce Suites.
6:00 pm - Rest time at Ponce Suites with evening bonding with friends!

May 17, 2013 (Friday)
4:00 am - Very early rise for very early start!
5:00 am - Taxi to Davao Airport
5:30 am - Check-in at Davao Airport
6:30 am - Flight back to Manila
8:15 am - Arrived at Manila


OUR FINAL BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES:

May 13, 2013 (Day 1)
Iced Latte at Seattle's Best in Airport - 115php
Taxi from Airport to POnce Suites - 183.50php
Suite room for 4 at Ponce Suites - 2,240php
Taxi to Jack's Ridge - 127php
Dinner - 600-650php for 4 persons
Taxi from Jack's Ridge to Ponce Suites - 130php

May 14, 2013 (Day 2)
Mcdo Breakfast - 150-200php
Tricycle to Sta. Ana Wharf - 15php/person
Jeep to SaSa Wharf - 14php/person
Ferry to Babak Wharf - 10php/person
Bat Cave Entrance - 100php/person
Hagimit Falls Entrance - 40php/person
Hagimit Environmental Fee - 5php/person
Habal-Habal Fee (Monfort Bat Cave, Hagimit Falls, Kaputian Beach) - 450php/habal-habal
Lunch at Carinderia - 30-40php/person
Kaputian Beach Entrance Fee - 10php/person
Picnic Deck rental at Kaputian Beach - 100php
Habal-Habal to Fernandez Beach Resort - 75php/person
Fernandez Beach Resort Entrance Fee - 75php/person
Swimming Pool Fee - 70php/person
Tricycle to Babak Wharf - 30php/person
Ferry back to SaSa Wharf - 10php/person
Jeep from Wharf to Lyndon's at Lanang - 15php/person
Lyndon's Food for 4 persons - 900-1000php
Bailey's Coffee at New Orlean's Cafe - 120php


May 15, 2013 (Day 3)
Taps Breakfast for 4 persons - 300-400php
Eden Nature Park Entrance - 200php/person
Philippine Eagle Center Entrance Fee - 50php/person
Philippine Eagle Center Environmental Fee - 5php/person
Keychain at Eagle Center - 75php, 60php
Ice Cream at Eagle Center - 25php
Coke at Eagle Center - 10php
Assorted Durian Yema at Apo ni Lola Delicacies - 150php/pack
Yema Candy Bar at Apo ni Lola Dliecacies - 100php/3 pieces
Magnet at Apo Ni Lola Delicacies - 50php
Dencias Lunch for 4 persons - 400-500php
Aldevinco Davao Shirt - 100-150php
Keychain at Aldevinco - 100php/4pieces
Davao Crocodile Farm Entrance Fee - 150php/person
Rental Van Total - 2500php (625php/person including gas plus 300php tip)
Jeep to POtenciano from Ponce Suites- 8php/person
Jeep to Marfori Heights from Ponce Suites - 8php/person
Tricycle to Lachi's from Marfori Heights - 15php/person
Lachi's Dinner for 2 persons - 350-400php
Tricycle to Abreeza from Lachi's - 15php/person
Jeep to Blugre Coffee from Abreeza - 8php/person
Durian Coffee at Blugre Coffee - 150php
Oreo Frappe at Blugre Coffee - 125php
Tricycle to Ponce Suites from Blugre Coffee - 10php/person


May 16, 2013 (Day 4)
Jollibee Breakfast for 4 persons - 150-200php
Jeep to San Pedro Cathedral from Ponce Suites - 8php/person
Foot massage at Osmena Park - 50php/person
Museum Tip for Tour Guide - 50php
Mineral Water - 15php
Jeep to Lon Wa Buddhist Temple - 9php/person
Lon Wa Buddhist Temple Tip to Guard - 40php
Jeep to SM Lanang from Lon Wa Buddhist Temple - 8php/person
Hogs Breath Cafe Lunch for 4 persons - 1500-2000php
Taxi to People's Park from SM Lanang - 120php
Ice Cream at People's Park - 10php
Jeep to Ponce Suites from People's Park - 8php/person
Iced Coffee at Ponce Suites - 75php


May 17, 2013(Day 5)
Total of Hotel Rental for 4 days, 3 nights - 3000php (750php/night)
Taxi to Airport from Ponce Suites - 131php
Terminal Fee of Davao Airport - 200php/person
Pastel at Airport - 90php/small box, 180php/big box


SUMMARY OF PLACES VISITED:

Ponce Suites (www.poncesuites.net)
Corner of Roads 3 & 4, Dona Vicenta Village, Bajada, Davao City
Contact Numbers: (082) 227-9070, (082) 227-8161
Email Address: inquiry@poncesuites.net
How to Get Here:
1. By Taxi: Turn off J.P. Laurel Avenue at Chowking, opposite Victoria Plaza Shopping Mall then just follow the signs.
2. Public jeepneys passing along J.P. Laurel. Get off at Chowking opposite Victoria Plaza Shopping Mall. Take a tricycle at the corner to Ponce Suites.

Jack's Ridge
Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City 8000
Contact Numbers: (082) 297-8830, (082) 297-8831
Email Address: info@jacksridgedavao.com
How to Get Here:
1. By Taxi: most convenient way to go here.

Monfort Bat Cave
Barangay Tambo, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte
Contact Numbers: (082) 221-8925, (082) 305-8925
Cellphone Numbers: 09177052228
Email Address: info@batsanctuary.org
How to Get Here:
1. Go to Sasa Wharf at Davao City and ride a RoRo which would dock at Babak Wharf in Samal. Hire a Habal-Habal to take you here.
2. Go to Sasa Wharf at Davao City, ride the Island City Express bus which would travel via the RoRo and dock at Babak Wharf. Hire a Habal-Habal to take you here.

Hagimit Falls and Nature Park
Poblacion, Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte
Cellphone Number: 09205872430
How to Get Here:
1. Go to Sasa Wharf at Davao City and ride a RoRo which would dock at Babak Wharf in Samal. Hire a Habal-Habal to take you here.
2. Go to Sasa Wharf at Davao City, ride the Island City Express bus which would travel via the RoRo and dock at Babak Wharf. Hire a Habal-Habal to take you here.

Kaputian Beach Park Resort
Contact Number: (082) 275-4793
How to Get Here:
1. Go to Sasa Wharf at Davao City and ride a RoRo which would dock at Babak Wharf in Samal. Hire a Habal-Habal to take you here.
2. Go to Sasa Wharf at Davao City, ride the Island City Express bus which would travel via the RoRo and dock at Babak Wharf. Ride the Bus all the way to Kaputian Beach.
3. Go to Sta. Ana Wharf located near Magsaysay Park. From there you can ride a ferry going to the wharf near Kaputian Beach. Walk towards the beach.

Fernandez Beach Resort
Penaplata, Island Garden City Of Samal, Davao
Cellphone Number: 0932-7243091, 0915-5549273
How to Get Here:
1. Go to Sasa Wharf at Davao City and ride a RoRo which would dock at Babak Wharf in Samal. Hire a Habal-Habal to take you here.
2. Go to Sasa Wharf at Davao City, ride the Island City Express bus which would travel via the RoRo and dock at Babak Wharf. Hire a Habal-Habal to take you here.

Lyndon's World's Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken
740 Roxas Ave.
Contact Number: (082) 221-1381
Cellphone Number: 0922-8637123
Wheels and More Drive, Bajada
Contact Number: (082) 305-7123
Cellphone Number: 09228643124
Lanang (Former Apung Kula's place)


New Orlean's Cafe
Contact Number: (082) 224-0481

Taps
Bolton cor Rizal Street
F. Torres Street (in front of Coco's)
Matina Town Square, McArthur Highway (in front of Ateneo High School)
Sta. Ana Ave (in front of Holy Cross College)
Palma Gil Street
Gov. Duterte Street (near Hotel Galleria)
Damosa Gateway Complex


Eden Nature Park & Resort Sales and Reservations Office
Matina Town Square, McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City
Contact Numbers: (082) 299-1020, (082) 296-0791
Cellphone Number: 0918-9307590
E-Mail Address: info@edennaturepark.com.ph
How to Get Here:
1. From Davao City, ride a jeepney with the "Toril" signboard. Get off at Mercury Drug Store in Toril found in front of Chowking. Hire a Habal-Habal to take you to the park.

Philippine Eagle Center
Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City
Contact Number: (082) 224-3021, (082) 224-3022
Email: phileagl@pldtdsl.net
How To Get Here:
1. Take a bus going to Calinan which departs every 15 minutes from the Annil Terminal located at corner Quirino and San Pedro Extension. From Calinan, take a pedicab going to Philippine Eagle Center.

Apo Ni Lola Durian Delicacies
#28 San Miguel Village, Matina, Davao City
Contact Numbers: (082) 298-5099, (082) 286-5099
Cellphone Numbers: 0921-5944864, 0917-482078

Davao Dencia's Restaurant
General Luna Street, Davao City
Contact Numbers: (082) 227-6777, (082) 226-4336


Aldevinco
C.M. Recto Avennue corner Roxas Avenue, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Contact Number: (082) 227-9609

Davao Crocodile Park
Riverfront, Corporate City, Diversion Highway, Ma-a, Davao City
Contact Numbers: (082) 286-8883, (082) 286-1054
Email Address: parkinfo@davaocrocodilepark.com
How to Get Here:
1. From the city center take a Buhangin Route Jeepney and inform the driver to drop you in the “Habal-habal” area in the corner of the Diversion Road. Hire a Habal-Habal to get you here.

Lachi's Sans Rival
Ruby Street, Marfori Heights, 8000 Davao City
Contact Number: (082) 224-5552

San Pedro Cathedral
San Pedro Street, Davao City
Tel No: 082-2264740

Museo Dabawenyo
Corner A. Pichon and C.M. Recto Sts., Davao City
Contact Number: (082) 222-6011
Email Address: dabawenyomuseo@davaocity.gov.ph

Lon Wa Buddhist Temple/Philippine Academy of Sakya
Cabaguio Avenue, Davao City
How to Get Here:
1. Ride a jeep with the signboard "Route 10" or "J.P. Cabaguio" and go down J.P. Cabaguio Avenue, right in front of the temple.

Hog's Breath Cafe
Unit 147-149 Ground Floor, SM Lanang Premiere, Lanang, Davao City
Contact Number: (082) 285-2393

People's Park
Legaspi St., Davao City

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: Return Flight to Manila

Read More»

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

Read More»

The Davao Experience: Strolling Around People's Park

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

Our last destination for our Part 2 City Tour is the famous People's Park. It is located at the heart of the city across Casa Leticia at the corner of Jose Camus and J. Palma Gil Streets.

People's Park is a 4-hectare theme park with several tropical rainforest trees, various small and large sculptures, fountains, ponds, waterfalls, and other interesting things. The most famous one is the Durian Dome which serves as the visitor's center and main entrance of the park. Another famous sculpture inside the park that we were really excited to see was the gigantic sculpture of the Philippine Eagle. There's also a bridge with a view of the dancing fountain but we were not able to see it.

The Durian Dome

Gigantic Sculpture of the Philippine Eagle

At the Top of the Bridge

Overall, People's park is like your regular everyday park. Except it has more things to see like the sculptures all around the park. A city tour would not be complete without seeing this famous tourist destination. Also, a good way to stroll around the park is with an ice cream on hand so buy one at the vendors outside which costs only 10php.

Cartoon Sculptures are found all around the Park

More Sculptures

Sculptures

Pigeons are also found in the Park

After a long day, we headed back to Ponce Suites via a jeepney ride which costs 8php/person only. We tried out the balcony at top of the Ponce Suites for some well-deserved night bonding with friends.

And that ends our last day in Davao. Up next, the flight back to Manila!

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: Return Flight to Manila
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

Read More»

The Davao Experience: A Gastronomic Treat at Hog's Breath Cafe

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

For our lunch we opted to try the Hog's Breath Cafe, an Australian Steakhouse located at SM Lanang. It's one jeepney ride away from Lon Wa Buddhist Temple. We also got to reunite with our 2 friends who opted to just relax at the hotel hehe.

Hog's Breath Cafe at SM Lanang

The place looked awesome, the ambiance is so western-y and there are several frames with various pictures on the walls. There are also several televisions all around the restaurant which contributes to the western feeling. Plus, there's free wifi! The staffs and waiters are also very friendly and hospitable. Their food ranges from steaks, to chickens, to ribs, pizzas and pastas, everything that is American/Australian. The downside, which is a huge downside, are the prices! The steaks alone can reach thousand pesos. One meal costs a minimum of 400php plus.

Anyway, we ordered the Finger Food Platter Combo for our appetizer which costs 695php. It consists of buffalo wings, chicken tenders, pepper dusted calamari. It's very pricey but it's also very very yummy! The buffalo wings are a bit spicy but very delicious. The chicken tenders are just soft and tender and the calamari is also very tender and juicy. That alone had us bursting in our tummy haha. But we still ordered other foods. I ordered the Aussie Burger which costs 395php and my friend ordered the Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza which costs 295php. The burger was huge!! And it comes with a large serving of fries! The pizza was very cheesy, that one we enjoyed. One of my friend also tried the Chicken and Rib Combo which costs 595php. The ribs were ok, but I liked the one in Lyndon's and in Lachi's better and it's also cheaper. The total of our meal for 4 persons was approximately 2500php to 3000php which was really pricey.

Finger Food Platter Combo

Aussie Burger

Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza

Chicken and Rib Combo

With full tummies, the 4 of us parted ways again, my 2 friends opted to go to a spa while the 2 of us opted to go to People's Park. We hired a taxi which costs 120php.

Next: our People's Park adventure!

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: Strolling Around People's Park
The Davao Experience: Return Flight to Manila
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

Read More»

The Davao Experience: Serenity at the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple

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

Next up on our places to visit is the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple, or more popularly known by the locals as the Philippine Academy of Sakya. It is the biggest and most popular temple found in Davao and is located along J.P. Cabaguio Avenue, Agdao District, which is approximately 3-4 km northeast of the city proper and a walking distance from Davao Medical Center.

Lon Wa Buddhist Temple aka Philippine Academy of Sakya

On the way there, we were able to pass by some popular destination site such as the Magsaysay Park in Sta. Ana, Chinatown, and the Bankerohan Market but due to restricted time, we decided not to go down anymore.

Chinatown, Bankerohan Market, and Magsaysay Park

How to get to Lon Wa Buddhist Temple:

• Ride a jeepney with the sign board SaSa or Route 10 or JP Cabaguio and ask the driver to drop you off at the Philippine Academy of Sakya (since most of the locals don't know the name Lon Wa Temple). The jeep will pass through right in front of the temple.

Lon Wa Buddhist Temple from a Distance

Anyway, there is no entrance fee and the temple is open from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Upon entering the temple's premises, you will be immediately greeted by a huge smiling buddha sitting just in front of the temple. And you will also be greeted by a smiling, friendly security guard who will serve as your tour guide and will allow you access to go inside the temple. He's very knowledgeable and he just bombarded us with history and trivia about the place.

The Smiling Buddha

The Smiling Buddha Up Close

Before starting the tour, Kuya Guard told us to take pictures first in front of the temple, particularly beside the two lion statues at the top of the stairs. He even suggested several poses to do haha.

The Lion Statues at the Entrance

Our first tour was at the main hall. It serves as the buddhist's praying room. Before entering, you have to take off your shoes, but you can take pictures inside the room. In front of the room is a statue of another buddha adorned with some gold platings or plaques all around, I'm not really sure what they call it haha.

The Main Hall

Next up is a room where the statue called Thousand-Armed Kuan Yina resides. It is amazing because of it's detailed sculpture and because of the effects of the candles all around it. Also, there are several wood carvings in the hallway showing the life of Buddha. We even went inside a living-room like room with a huge wooden painting with several chinese artifacts. And the highlight of the trip would have to be meeting a genuine Chinese lady who does not know how to speak in English and was just gesturing with us the whole time. She showed us how to serve tea and we even took some pictures!

Thousand-Armed Kuan Yina

The Huge Wooden Painting

It was a very relaxing and unique experience because it was very quiet inside the temple. Combine it with the really nice greenery of the garden all around and it's a great retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

After that tiring tour, up next would be our lunch at Hog's Breath Cafe and our reunion with our 2 friends who got left behind haha.

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: A Gastronomic Treat at Hog's Breath Cafe
The Davao Experience: Strolling Around People's Park
The Davao Experience: Return Flight to Manila
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

Read More»

The Davao Experience: Knowledge Gathering at Museo Dabawenyo and Exploring Rizal Park

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

MUSEO DABAWENYO
After the refreshing massage, we went off to learn more about the history and culture of Davao. Just beside Osmena Park, you would find a small building called Museo Dabawenyo. It is located along Fr. Selga Street going to Pichon Street. The Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 6pm except on holidays. Best part is, admission is free! The downside? You're not allowed to take pictures inside the museum, picture taking are allowed only in certain places.

Museo Dabawenyo from Afar

Museo Dabawenyo Entrance

Anyway, the museum is a 2-floor building. The first floor and the first room showcases the indigenous people of davao. It offers a glimpse on how they live, what they wear, how they interact with each other. It's an amazing tour because I had no idea that tribes like this still exists in the modern world, and what's amazing is that their culture is still intact. It also features musical instruments of each tribe and we were treated with a musical number using these instruments by the tour guides. It was a feast for both the eyes and the ears!

The next hallway shows a huge wall with a lot of pictures of various people who has contributed to the growth and development of Davao, as well as to various fields and industries. Foremost in that wall is Datu Bago who led the uprising against the Spanish colonizer before. The room next to that showcases various artifacts and pictures of the old Davao. They even have a cannon from the Japanese era which was really cool. It also shows various awards that Davao received. Noteworthy of which is the Red Orchid award from the DOH. Being a medical professional, we found this really cool since it means that the whole city has a year of being 100% smoke-free, which is a feat for a huge city such as Davao. So kudos and a round of applause for that!

The second floor of the museum shows various artworks by Davao locals ranging from sculptures to paintings, even weaving of dresses. There was a dress there made entirely of water lilies. There were also various paintings made from durian skin. There was also a hall there that features pictures of the before/after of Davao side-by-side so it was really cool. Along the stairs is a huge colorful painting which you can take a picture of.

Painting depicting the different people of Davao: Christians, Muslims, and Tribal

Overall, we had a great time with the tour. The tour guide, Kuya John, was also a welcome treat because he was just so knowledgeable and so enthusiastic unlike other tour guides in other museums. So ask for him when you do get to visit.

RIZAL PARK
Anyway, after that enlightening tour, we passed thru Rizal Park which was also just near the vicinity. It was nothing special, there was just one statue of Jose Rizal and a stage with a huge head of an eagle on top. After that we boarded a jeepney going to the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple.

Rizal Park

The Lone Statue of Rizal

The Stage with the Head of the Eagle

So, up next, our trip to Lon Wa!

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: 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: Return Flight to Manila
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

Read More»

The Davao Experience: A Unique Experience at Osmena Park

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

Just beside the Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Dabaw and just a bit of a walk away from San Pedro Cathedral is the Osmena Park. Now, I know what other people would say, it's just a park. Why put it in your itinerary? Because in this park is where you would find something unique and refreshing. You would notice a bunch of people sitting in chairs all around the park and when you go nearer, you would see that it's a massage area. Yup, you could have your aching body massaged in here, some even offer pedicure/manicure services which I think is really cool.

Osmena Park

Background History of the Park

Anyway, with that in mind, we were really excited to go to Osmena Park to have our foot massage. And it didn't fail to deliver! The therapists were really nice and friendly and was just game to have their picture taken hehe. The massage was heavenly! For a minimal fee of 50php/person for a foot massage, you get to lounge under a tree, feel the breeze all around you, and just relax and talk with the locals of Davao City. It was a very welcome treat! And you could even have hand massage as well as whole body massage or back massage. So, if you're planning on a city tour, never forget to stop by Osmena Park and have a massage. It's very worth it!

Massage Area

Look for this Ate, highly recommended!

Look for this Ate, highly recommended!

Aside from massages, Osmena Park also boasts a rich history. It was once the site of settlement of early Davaoenos. Located in the middle of the park is a marker of the Early Davao Settlement surrounded four centuries-old Spanish cannons from the arsenal of Don Jose Uyanguren.

Main Marker of the Early Davao Settlement

Next up, learning more about Davao in Museo Dabawenyo!

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: 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: Return Flight to Manila
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

Read More»

The Davao Experience: The-Supposed-To-Be-Rafting-Experience-But-Not and San Pedro Cathedral

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

Originally, our itinerary for our day 4 in Davao consists of trying out the Famous Wild Water Rafting. We were able to try it out during our CDO trip but our 2 friends have no experience with rafting yet. But, the night before, when we were fixing our stuffs, anxiety and fear kicked in among us and after hours of thinking, deliberating, deciding, and coming up with a good excuse to back out, we decided to cancel our rafting trip. So our day 4 in Davao now consists of just relaxing and touring some parts of the city we were not able to go to. Our 2 friends opted to do the relaxing part and just stayed at the hotel, but not us! We set off to explore the city proper again!

For our first stop, the San Pedro Cathedral. It is the oldest church in Davao City and was named after Saint Peter, the patron saint of Davao. It is located right across Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Dabaw (City Council) Building. Several establishments as well as tourists sites are located near it such as the Osmena Park, Rizal Park, Museo Dabawenyo so if you're planning a city tour, stop here first to tick off the other tourists spots in your lists. Anyway, be sure not to miss the Bell Tower which houses an image of the Pieta and two tablets of the 10 Commandments of God but we were not able to go inside since it was locked up. We also were not able to go inside the church itself because there was an ongoing mass when we were there. There are also several stalls at the side where you can buy some religious stuffs, etc.

Our First Glimpse of San Pedro Cathedral

The Inside of the Cathedral

The City Council Building located in front of the Cathedral

The Bell Tower

Other Angles of the Cathedral

Stores Located at the Sides

Next up, a unique experience at Osmena Park!

San Pedro Cathedral:
San Pedro Street, Davao City
Contact No: (082)226-4740

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: 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: Return Flight to Manila
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

Read More»

The Davao Experience: Trying the Nightlife with Lachi's Sans Rival, Blugre Coffee, and Abreeza Mall

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

Our very tiring City Tour comes to a conclusion with a dinner at Lachi's Sans Rival, seeing what Abreeza Mall has to offer, and trying out the famed Durian Coffee at Blugre.

LACHI'S SANS RIVAL
First off, dinner at Lachi's Sans Rival. It is located at Ruby St., Marfori Heights, Davao City. It's actually quite near Ponce Suites, just a tricycle ride away. But we did the long route going there. We rode a jeepney with the signboard Potenciano which costs 8php/person. Drop off at Potenciano and then ride a jeepney to Marfori Heights which also costs 8php/person. Now this is where we got lost haha. We went off at the end of the jeepney route and we were inside a village with no restaurants or anything in sight, just a residential area. After trying to look for the right way and failing, we decided to hire a tricycle to take us directly to Lachi's which costs 15php/person.

Lachi's Sans Rival Atbp.

The Cozy Interior of Lachi's

Anyway, Lachi's is famous for their Sans Rival and other dessert items but they also have main courses, one of the most famous is the Pork Ribs. My friend ordered the Pork Marinara and I ordered the Pork Ribs. The ribs were amazing! Probably better than the ribs in Lyndon's but both are very, very tasty. I just liked the ribs in Lachi's better. The Pork Marinara was also a delight and was very delicious. To top off our amazing dinner, we ordered one slice of their famous Sans Rival which was also perfect! It was not super sweet like some sans rival, but nonetheless, it was amazing. The total price of our dinner was 362php which was not bad for 2 persons.

Unforgettable Pork Ribs

Delicious Pork Marinara

Mouth-watering Sans Rival

Other Desserts that they offer

Other Desserts that they offer

ABREEZA MALL
After that, we decided to do some grocery shopping at Abreeza Mall. Now, here's the ironic part. We were able to hire a tricycle going to the corner near Abreeza which costs only 15php/person. To just recall, Ponce Suites is near Abreeza Mall. So we only had to hire one tricycle going to Lachi's, it was that close haha. Anyway, Abreeza Mall is an Ayala Mall. It's a regular mall but I was surprised at how big it was. We just bought some shampoos and stuffs and then we decided to try the Durian Coffee in Blugre.

BLUGRE CAFE
There are several branches of Blugre Cafe in Davao and in Gensan. The branches in Davao are located at Matina Town Square, SM Lanang, Gaisano Mall, Davao Doctor's, and in Landco Corporate Center along JP Laurel Avenue (which is the nearest one in Ponce Suites). From Abreeza Mall, it was just one jeepney ride away. Anyway, me being the more adventurous and brave one when it comes to food, I opted to try the famous Durian Gatchpuccino (which is basically capuccino with bits of durian in it) which costs 150php and my friend tried the Cookies and Cream Frappe which costs 125php. Let me just say this one thing, I am really not a fan of durian. I've been in Davao for 3 days already and the durian taste and smell is just not appealing to me. The coffee was a bit of a surprise haha. I was expecting just a tinge of durian flavor, but it was bursting with durian smell and when I took a sip of it, it just tasted purely durian with a tinge of coffee. To top it off, it even has durian bits so, yeah, not a good experience for me lol. Good thing we were full from our Lachi's dinner that's why we didn't try the Durian Cheesecake. The Cookies and Cream Frappe was too sweet for me as well. So, with a not-so-happy cup of coffee in our hands, we hired a tricycle to take us back to Ponce Suites which costs 10php/person and back to our beds to end a very tiring 3rd day in Davao.

The Interior of Blugre Cafe

The Famous Durian Coffee

That concludes our 3rd day in Davao and our City Tour. Next up, our supposed-to-be-rafting-experience-turned-into-part2-city-tour haha.

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: 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: Return Flight to Manila
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

Read More»