The Davao Experience: Getting to Samal Island

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

For our second day in Davao, we decided to go to Samal Island. Samal is a 2nd class city in the province of Davao del Norte, Philippines. Its official name is the Island Garden City of Samal. It is located 2 kilometers away from Davao City. Originally, we planned on an overnight stay at Fernandez Beach Resort but we decided not to to save on cash and we just did a day tour.

We left Ponce at around 7am and had our breakfast in the nearby Mcdo which was just a walking distance away from the hotel. There are several ways to go to Samal Island:

1. Go to Sta. Ana Wharf located near Magsaysay Park. From there you can ride a ferry going to the wharf near Kaputian Beach (ideal for those planning to go to Kaputian Beach and to the nearby Talicud Island and Isla Reta)
2. Go to Sta. Ana Wharf and ride the ferry going to Isla Reta but it's a separate island from Samal
3. Go to Sasa Wharf and ride a RoRo which would dock at Babak Wharf in Samal (which is a long way from Kaputian Beach but near the Monfort Bat Cave and many resorts)
4. Go to Sasa Wharf, ride the Island City Express bus which would travel via the RoRo and dock at Babak Wharf, but it will go straight to Kaputian Beach

For us, we decided to do the Sta. Ana Wharf way since we think it's faster. We rented a tricycle (a very very slow moving tricycle) to go to Sta. Ana Wharf which costs 15php/person. Unfortunately, when we got there, we found out that during weekdays, not a lot of ferries are going to Samal. In fact, during our time, there were no trips to Samal. You can rent a sea taxi though, but it costs 1,200php. You could also rent a private ferry but the manong is asking us for 1,500php.

The Ferry at Sta. Ana Wharf

The Sea Taxi, which looks really fun but is too expensive

So we went the other way which was boarding a RoRo boat at SaSa Wharf. Jeepney going there costs 14php/person. This way is safer since RoRo boats go in and out of Samal regularly, 24 hours a day. And it only costs 10php/person. The downside is, you will be arriving at Babak Wharf, so if you are planning to go to Kaputian Beach, it's a long way from there. Anyway, the RoRo trip lasted for only 10 minutes. Upon arriving at the dock, we started to look for a cheap transportation to take us to the tourists spots. The only way of transportation in Samal is through habal-habal (motorcycle) or tricycles. We were able to rent 2 habal-habal which would take us to Monfort Bat Cave, Hagimit Falls, and then to Kaputian Beach.

The RoRo at SaSa Wharf

A Cheap Way to go to Samal

Our Habal-Habal Ride

Up Next: Monfort Bat Cave and Hagimit Falls

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: 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
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

Read More»

The Davao Experience: Dinner at Jack's Ridge

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

For our first night at Davao we had dinner at Jack's Ridge. It is located at Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City which is one of the highest peaks in Davao and overlooks the whole city. The place was once the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, which served as their watchtower against the American forces. Now, it is one of the most popular recreational and dining destinations in the city. Located there are the Taklobo Restaurant, Kai's Bar and Grill, Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee, Tap Room Piano and KTV, and some cottages where you can rent and stay the night.

Jack's Ridge

History of Jack's Ridge

"Davao" Sculpture

From Ponce Suites we got a taxi to go to Jack's Ridge for 127php. It's around 25-30 minutes from the city. I think it's better to go here during the day to see the view more clearly. We were also not able to explore more since it was raining so we only had dinner at Taklobo Restaurant. We ordered Sinigang na Hipon, Pork Sisig, and Fried Chicken. The food is not that great and is not worth the price.

Taklobo Restaurant

Interior of the Restaurant

Sinigang na Hipon

Pork Sisig

Fried Chicken

This ends our first night at Davao. Watch out for our 2nd day in Davao which would consists of our Samal Island Trip!

Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurant
Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City 8000
Contact Nos: (08)297-8830 to 31
Email Address: info@jacksridgedavao.com


Read more:
The Davao Experience: Planning The Trip
The Davao Experience: The Uniqueness at Ponce Suites
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
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

Read More»

The Davao Experience: The Uniqueness at Ponce Suites

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

Zest Air planes depart on Terminal 4 which was the old Domestic Airport. But now the airport looked better and newer. Also it's a lot peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of Terminal 3. There was no hassle in our check-in and there is no terminal fee. The plane arrived on time which was a plus but (and this is a big but), Zest Air planes are old. You can literally see the wear and tear in the seats as well as the paint job in the plane so it's a bit scary. Also, our ride to Davao had a lot of turbulence since it was raining a bit.

We arrived at Davao at around 8:45 pm. Davao airport is huge and so very pretty and clean! There was no problem in getting a taxi outside the airport since there were a lot and there was an area where you could easily rent one. Taxi from the airport going to Ponce Suites cost approximately 130-140php. But since the taxi that we got didn't know how to go to Ponce, our ride went up to 183.50php.

Boarding Zest Air!

Davao Airport

Davao Airport

We decided for our first night to just rent 1 room for all 4 of us since we will be arriving late and we were planning to go out early the next morning to go to Samal, so it would save us a lot of money. We rented the suite room of Ponce Suites which cost 2,240 (when you book online, you get 20% off). Originally, our itinerary was to stay at Ponce for 1 night, travel to Samal the next day and rent a room there, and then go back to Davao and rent a room at My Hotel which was also very cheap. But when we got to Ponce Suites, we found out that you could avail of a 50% discount when you walk-in and rent a room. So we decided to just cancel our overnight at Samal and rent a matrimonial standard room for the rest of our stay in Davao. 1 night cost 750php so yehey!

Entrance of Ponce Suites

The Suite Room

The Huge Sculpture at the Entrance

Some of the sculptures inside the room

Ponce Suites is a gallery-slash-hotel. There are artworks displayed wall-to-wall, literally. Even in your own rooms and CR. There are also a lot of statues outside the hotel as well as on the roof deck. These are all done by the renowned artist Kublai Milan. Ponce Suites is located at Dona Vicenta Village in Bajada, Davao City, which is near Victoria Mall and before Abreeza Mall. It has 30 fully air-conditioned private rooms, 5 function rooms, and café and bars. The roof deck area is just a great place to bond with your friends while eating or drinking, and if you get bored, you could just stare at all the artwork all around you. There is also free wifi but it's a bit slow sometimes.

Wall-to-wall Paintings and Photographs

Sculptures All Around The Hotel

If you get hungry, the Kublai Kafe serves a variety of foods and drinks but it's nothing special. The Kafe is open from 7am to 2pm and 5pm to 10pm. You can opt to eat at the cafe or ask the waiters to bring your food at the roof deck to have a more unique experience.

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Kublai Kafe

The Roof Deck

Overall, this is a good place to check in, add the amazing 50% discount that we got, and it's a gold mine. What I did notice is that there are a lot of mosquitoes but hey, it's a minor thing. If you did check-in at another hotel you can still come and see the artworks in Ponce Suites for a day tour costing 20php/person, which is not bad at all.

The Amazing 50% Discount!

Contact Persons:
Ponce Suites: The Unconvention Center
Contact Nos: (082)227-9070, (082)227-8161
Email: inquiry@poncesuites.net


Up next, dinner at Jack's Ridge!

Read more:
The Davao Experience: Planning The Trip
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
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

Read More»

The Davao Experience: Planning The Trip

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

During the 1st week of May, we heard rumors about a promo fare under the recently-bought-by-airasia zest air. True enough, we were able to score tickets going to Davao for May 13 to May 17, 2013. Total fare was 7,033php for all 4 us (2 of our friends went with us) so that's 1,750php/person. We were scheduled to depart on May 13 at 7:00 pm and the return trip to Manila was scheduled on May 17 at 6:45am.

This was our planned itinerary for this trip:

• May 13 - Arrival at Davao. Check-in at Ponce Suites. Dinner at Jack's Ridge
• May 14 - Travel to Samal. Check-in at Fernandez Beach Resort
• May 15 - Travel back to Davao. Check-in at My Hotel. City Tour
• May 16 - River Rapids. City tour
• May 17 - Return back to Manila

But as every traveller knows, itineraries are just guides and are sometimes not followed. Which was the case in this trip haha. So without further ado, read on and see how our Davao trip was! :)

Read more:
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
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

Read More»

The Palawan Trip: Summary Of Our Trip

OUR FINAL ITINERARY:

February 27, 2013 (Day 1):
7:30 am - ETD from NAIA Airport
9:30 am - ETA at Puerto Princesa Airport. Picked up by Kuya Romeo
10:00 am - Check in at Duchess Pension. Went to Honda Bay
10:30 am - Arrived at Port for Honda Bay Tour
11:00 am - Start of Honda Bay Tour
4:30 pm - Arrived back at Port
5:00 pm - Fast and furious readying of things for El Nido
6:00 pm - Arrived at Van Terminal going to El Nido
6:30 pm - ETD to El Nido
11:45 pm - ETA at El Nido
12:00 am - Check-in at Tay Miloys Inn. Sleep.

February 28, 2013 (Day 2):
6:00 am - Wake up time
6:30 am - Explore streets near Tay Miloys
7:30 am - Return to room to rest
9:00 am - Start of El Nido Tour
4:30 pm - End of El Nido Tour. Freshen up at Tay Miloys
5:00 pm - Explore El Nido streets. Souvenir hunting
6:00 pm - ETD of Van going back to Puerto Princesa
12:30 am - ETA at Puerto Princesa. Bought take out dinner/breakfast
1:30 am - Return back to Duchess Pension. Sleep.

March 1, 2013 (Day 3):
6:00 am - Wake up time
7:00 am - Picked up at hotel for Underground River Tour
10:00 am - ETA at Sabang Wharf
11:00 am - Start of Underground River Tour
12:00 pm - Return back to Sabang Wharf
12:30 pm - Free lunch buffet
2:00 pm - Return back to Puerto Princesa
3:30 pm - Arrived at GoHotels Puerto Princesa. Rest!
6:00 pm - Dinner at Kinabuch Restaurant
8:00 pm - Return back to hotel. Rest.

March 2, 2013 (Day 4):
6:00 am - Wake up time
7:00 am - Travel to Baker's Hill
7:30 am - Walk towards Mitra's Ranch
8:30 am - Return to Baker's Hill
9:30 am - Travel to Crocodile Farm
10:00 am - Start of Crocodile Farm Tour
11:00 am - Travel to Binuatan Creations
12:00 pm - Travel back to City Proper
12:30 pm - Lunch at Balinsasayaw Restaurant
1:30 pm - Explore Plaza Cuartel
2:00 pm - Explore Baywalk
2:30 pm - Return back to GoHotels
3:00 pm - Travel to Puerto Princesa Airport
5:45 pm - ETD going back to Manila

OUR FINAL BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES (not including the City Tour):

February 27, 2013 (Day 1):
Hotdog at Airport - 300php
Water at Airport - 25php
Duchess Pension - 350php/night
Snorkeling Gears - 150php
Iphone Waterproof Case - 200php
Boat for Island Hopping - 750php
Cowrie Island Entrance Fee - 75php/person
Pandan Island Entrance Fee - 125php/person
Crabs for Lunch - 150php
Rice for Lunch - 50php
Mango Shake - 75php
San Mig Light - 110php
Pambato Reef Entrance Fee - 50php/person
Kuya Romeo Tricycle - 500php
Van to El Nido - 600php/person
Dinner at Stopover - 120php
Tricycle to Tay Miloys - 50php
Tay Miloys Inn - 480php/night

February 28, 2013 (Day 2):
Pandesal - 20php
Toothbrush - 25php
El Nido Tour - 600php/person
Environmental Fee - 100php/person
Coke - 60php
Mango Shake - 100php
Burger - 50php
Keychain - 100php
Tshirt - 400php
Magnet + water - 138php
Van to Puerto Princesa - 600php/person
Tricycle - 20php
CR - 10php
Duchess Pension House - 350php/night

March 1, 2013 (Day 3):
Souvenirs - 70php
Water - 25php
Environmental Fee - 40php/person
CR fee - 10php/person
UR Tour - 1200php/person
Bicol Express - 155php
Mango Shake - 60php
Plain Rice - 15php/person
Crocodile Sisig - 300php

SUMMARY OF CONTACTS:

Duchess Pension House
Contact No: (048)433-2873
Mobile Nos: 0917-5530605, 0919-9929360
Email Address: info@duchesspensionpalawan.com

Kuya Romeo
Mobile No: 0912-2536921

Servant Tours
Mobile No: 0915-4157245
Email Address: servant_tours@yahoo.com

Tay Miloys Inn
Contact Person: Kuya Rodrigo
Mobile No: 0929-7955756

Go Hotels Puerto Princesa
Contact No: (048)434-0001

SUMMARY OF PLACES VISITED:

HONDA BAY

• Cowrie Island
• Isla Pandan
• Starfish Island
• Pambato Reef
• LuLi Island

EL NIDO

• Small Lagoon
• Big Lagoon
• Snorkeling Site
• Secret Lagoon
• 7 Commando Beach

PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER

PUERTO PRICESA CITY TOUR

• Baker's Hill
• Mitra's Ranch
• Crocodile Farm
• Binuatan Creations
• Balinsasayaw Restaurant
• Plaza Cuartel
• Baywalk

Read more:
The Palawan Trip: Honda Bay Tour
The Palawan Trip: El Nido Tour
The Palawan Trip: Puerto Princesa Underground River
The Palawan Trip: Baker's Hill and Mitra's Ranch
The Palawan Trip: Crocodile Farm, Binuatan Creation, and Balinsasayaw Restaurant
The Palawan Trip: Plaza Cuartel and Baywalk

Read More»