Back in 2014, before the headlined kidnapping in Samal Island happened, I was fortunate to have experienced the place without the fear and worry that the news brought to the traveling community. And yes, Davao is really spelled W-O-W. Here are some of the sites I visited in the province and I knew I have to go back for more.
Coral Garden, Talicud Island. A perfect dive spot for newbies.
I was not yet a certified diver at that time and I was itching to try scuba diving. It has been on my bucket list since forever but being a thrifty person that I am, I put it off because of the pricey intro dive in Batangas. One day, when I was still at the bottom of the diving hierarchy (a snorkeler, if you really want to know), a fellow snorkeler who came from Davao told me that it only costs P850 to try intro dive in Davao. And so the moment I succeeded in booking a promo fare to Davao, I contacted the Carabao Dive Center, which my fellow snorkeler highly recommended. Lo and behold, I finally got to find nemo and chase other fishies in Davao water. I didn't want to resurface, if not for the limited oxygen we had. I must have been a mermaid in my previous life. =o)
Durian Stop
I was famished after the dive. Fortunately, the port where our boat docked was near Magsaysay Park. Near the entrance of the park, Durian vendors are lined up. Eating Durian is on my list of things to do in Davao so I got to tick it off and temporarily calmed my growling tummy.
Many people find the smell of Durian appalling and the smell sticks to your skin when you touch the fresh fruit. I do not mind but I don't want to get nasty stares from other people. So to be on the safe side, I used a hand glove in savouring this smelly yet yummy fruit.
Many people find the smell of Durian appalling and the smell sticks to your skin when you touch the fresh fruit. I do not mind but I don't want to get nasty stares from other people. So to be on the safe side, I used a hand glove in savouring this smelly yet yummy fruit.
Wakeboarding in Deca Wake Park
You must also try wakeboarding at Deca Wake Park. The good thing about wakeboarding in Davao is that I don't know anyone and it doesn't matter if I make a fool of myself because I won't be seeing them again, anyway. ;p In this photo, I am wakeboarding in the newbie position. Wait 'til I get more practice and I'll be standing on my head soon!
Lyndon's World's Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken
The oysters are great because they are fresh. I didn't get to taste their ribs and chicken though due to my dietary restriction. I bet they're really awful and the worst in the world. Haha! But to give the owner credit, the reverse marketing psychology does the trick. The place was full of unconvinced patrons.
Snorkelling at Paradise Island
The fish in Paradise Island will gather around you and follow you around when you go to the deeper water. I guess they are used to swimmers and snorkelers feeding them. If you're not used to fishful water, the school of curious fish might scare you away. | This lone vinta is a replica of the real thing. They say that the Vinta festival in Zamboanga is amazing and the colorful wind-blown sails of these traditional boats liven up the seas of Mindanao. But that is for another story. ;) |