It was a day of blessing in disguise. Feb 13 in the high noon we were expecting to fly and be able to have a semi half day city tour but delayed flight has been a hobby in our country, we landed Davao by 6pm. How does it became blessing in disguise? Well, we just had a great sunset view while in the air. Also, we didn't have to get our way to Samal island for night and its a big cut to our budget. What we did was to find a Hostel in the area and proceed to Jack's ridge for a heavy dinner.
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| touch down Davao |
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| At Jack's Ridge |
For Original plan, we should be having an overnight stay at Samal Island. But due to unexpected delay, we opted to just stay in the city. Good thing Berlays Hostel can accommodate all of us. We take all the opportunity to take some rest and get ourselves ready for our next day journey. It was 7am in thursday morning we found ourselves heading to Samal Island already. We boarded the Barge with our rented Van and waste no time to go to Villa Amparo Garden Resort. They accommodate day pass guest and enjoy different amenities. This place would be a haven for Instagram enthusiast since it has numerous spots for a picture perfect story with their infinity pool to capture a new Profile to one's social media account. They also serve meals if you don't have any food with you. We tried breakfast with them it was just fine but not something to look forward to, that's why we have decided to go out for lunch. It is our itinerary to see Hagimit falls and so we push through for lunch time. We tried our best to just have our lunch near the sight but to our dismay, we've another misfortune. Going there has been a tourist trap. We have paid 50 pesos for the entrance and no one gave us the direction on where we should be, just follow the trail (it was stairs by the way) not later on we were confused if we still have to follow the trail upwards, then came a Man from nowhere and said that we still have go up and so we did. upon arriving at what they so called water source, He was charging us 30 pesos and telling us that the entrance fee we paid was for the right of way only. He keeps on saying that the Falls (main attraction) could be seen at the lower part and telling more about food to cook etc. as if convincing us to stay at the place and rent a cottage. We just go down instead. Upon seeing the Falls, we ask the eatery in the area if they cook us something for lunch. We thought the trap was over. little did we know, they said that We have to rent a cottage for a big group and swimming could be possible. (What if we don't rent a cottage? we can't swim at the falls?) Since were hungry at pissed off at the same time we just rent a cottage anyway. Trying not to spoil our day, we dip at he cold waterfalls and just shake it off. It was good but not that something you want to indulge again. I am disappointed by how these People were taking advantage of the Nature just to get one foot ahead. We've been to different attractions which is much more worthy of every cents. I hope someone in authority could fix this. After so much time, we have to go back at Villa Amparo to fix our things and go back to the City.
Nothing more interesting to do for remaining hour than tasting one of the recommended restaurants in town. So we try Penongs with their branch at Abreeza Mall. It was like the Mang Inasal of Davao with Unlimited Rice and same kind of Chicken cooking. And so we call it a day.
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| 5min. to samal |
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| Photogenic! Isn't it? |
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| Infinity Pool |
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| Going to the so-called water source |
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| Water Source with the different entrance fee |
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| Hagimit Falls |
Next day, as early as 6am we're heading to Digos City. Before we attend our Conference in GenSan we will drop by to what they called Baguio of the South. In Digos, we will be able to witness the majestic beauty of Mt. Apo from a far. We first visited the Kublai Art Grden (Land of Peace), It is a free entrance attraction where we need to have a short hike to the hill while indulging with the resounding breeze of the wind and birds along the pine trees within the trail.Upon seeing the Art Garden, we couldn't help but mesmerize with the giant art works with Mt. Apo within our sight. There were art pieces where it was built with stairs for us to climb and see the top view/almost aerial view of the whole place while saying Hi to the mother mountain. Just make sure to bring your garbage with you as you leave the place to maintain its cleanliness. Next stop would be Mt. Apo highlands to taste the famous and one of expensive coffee in the world, the Civet Coffee. This resort has a farm for the production of the said coffee and unfortunately We can no longer take a closer look to where the cats located due to habitat problems. they need not to be stressed and disturbed for it may affect their health and lives but there is one in the nearest cage that can be seen but with gentle manner of sightseeing. We ordered their famous Civet coffee and there is an option to try allura; that's the coffee bean naturally harvested from the plant and doesn't gone through the process of being swallowed by the cat. Without staying much longer we proceed to our last stop which is Camp Sabros. It's an american inspired countryside farm. It was like dreaming of being a cowboy for a moment. filled with pine trees facing the Mt. Apo, we try their zipline and it seems like they know how to make the most of every moment. We slide in the middle to the trees while feeling the breeze of fresh air in our face. it was short but wonderful, worth of a try. Several adrenaline rush rides were offered but we don't have enough time to try them all so left the place with a big smile on our face. Nevertheless that was a short trip but very fulfilling. As end we our sidetrip, we indulge ourselves with picturesque terrain as we travel to GenSan.
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| At the foot of the Hill |
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| Mt. Apo showing its majestic beauty |
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| Imagine walking under its shed |
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| Friendly dog at camp sabros |
It was wonderful side trip even after those misadventures we had. And I must say it was in Digos City where they captured my heart at most, sounds unfair but I feel more comfortable with lesser crowd and that fresh ambiance from the highlands with Mt. Apo in sight, I find peace in solitude while walking at the land of peace. A perfect time to relax and reflect. I'd like to go back sooner to able to see other attractions they have. For the People of Davao, I can't say anything but Thank you for being kind and hospitable. We were welcomed with gladness and let us feel that we can go back anytime and there's no room for threat even after bombing and Martial law issues. Nevertheless it was safe to travel and be able to experience good things in the region.
