davao experience part 1

A pahabol summer escapades this year.  Managed to squeeze in a 3D2N vacation at the beautiful Pearl Farm Resort in Samal Island, Davao City last June 24-26.  This was at the height of storm Falcon hitting the metro.  I was kinda worried if our flight would be canceled or not.  Our flight was scheduled to depart early morning at around 4AM so I had no sleep at all. But thank God that during our vacation, the weather cooperated and not a slight of rain drops we've experienced in Davao :)

early morning flight at the height of storm Falcon

@ Davao International Airport

my travel buddy: Dude and Me on our way to Marina Wharf

@ the Marina Wharf, Pearl Farm

Because our schedule was an early morning flight, we didn't had the chance to have breakfast in Manila.  So we had our breakfast at the Captain's Bar which is very cozy and inviting. 

After our breakafst, we asked the resort staff if they have a city tour package available for their guests.  Luckily, they have 3 options.  We availed the 2nd option for the city tour package.  It costs us P2,500 for a 6-hour city tour which consists of 7 tourist spots.  Not bad after all, because manong driver is very accommodating and  very friendly.  He made sure that we were able to cover all the tourist spots in Davao city for a span of 6 hours hehe!!!

1st stop: Gap Farming

 

Inside the Philippine GAP Farm Resort are animal statues we can ride on and have our pictures taken.  There is a huge concrete letters lying on the trimmed grass on a sloping hill at the entrance announcing “The Land of Promise”.  There’s an entrance fee of P20/pax.  

2nd stop: Japanese Tunnel

The Japanese tunnel is a 15-min tour (about 30 meters).  For an entrance fee of P50/pax you will get a guided tour inside the tunnel.  Their are installed lighting, you will be led by your guide to several steps where you will see the various weaponry, water banker, and offices of the Japanese soldiers.  As you go deeper into the Japanese Tunnel, you will come upon vintage machine guns, bombs, explosives and plenty of ammo and bullets.

3rd stop: Philippine Eagle Center

The Philippine Eagle is the country's national bird.  It is is not just one of the largest birds in the Philippines, but in the world.  It has an entrance fee of P55 all in all.  This is for the Philippine Eagle Center, and the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary.  

4th stop: Malagos Garden Resort

5th stop: Jack's Ridge

we had our lunch

view of davao at Jack's Ridge

6th stop: Lola Abon's for Durian candies

7th stop: Statue of David

We've spent half a day for the city tour so we were just in time for the 4PM schedule for the boat ride going to Pearl Farm.  Such a lovely way to start and end your day with this as your backdrop.