Davao Oriental: Beguiling and Placidity at its finest (5 days Mindanao Adventure: day 3)

June 10, 2019 (Davao Oriental: Cateel & Baganga)

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

Explore. Dream and Discover. That's our most wanted to do in life but failed to do so at times. If window opportunity sets in then, I'd gladly grab the chance to go and Carpe Diem! (Seize the day!). Not familiar for what Davao Oriental has in store for us, there's something deep inside of me that I need to be there; to include this in our trip; to try experiencing the less traveled road; seeing infamous or unspoiled sites; and learning the beauty of life by unplanned and unexpected circumstances. That's how I Prepare myself for Davao Oriental trip. 

I haven't heard so much from this Province except for Sleeping Dinosaur, Dahican Beach and Flying saga in Mati. I tried looking for something else and came upon to know and get curious at Cateel and Baganga. Few People gets here and it gives some thought that it might be one of those unspoiled and underrated Municipality. So, I made a suggestion to the group and we all agreed since for computation wise, it would much thriftier if we choose the latter.
 

Our day started with Kuya Nonoy arrived at Economy Inn with his Tuktuk around 7am and flew right away to Lake Carolina which strategy wise more time saving since we started with the farthest location. Before anything else, here's his contact details for your reference 09156800798. Going back to my story. 2 hours ride to Lake Carolina and we were astonished by the sites along the way. A breath of fresh air and vibrant colors welcomed us. We didn't really know what Lake Carolina is. Didn't even hear any stories from anyone and curiosity takes place. When we set our foot on area, nothing feels so special, not until we get closer to the lake. We were the only visitor that morning which makes it more surprising. I/We just can't describe how bewildered we were with what in front us. It was clear like a mirror that reflects everything that surrounds it. According to some locals, way back the day before they open it to public. This used to be a sacred place for them, and guarded by the spirits even until now. I can really feel how creepy the place is. Feels like we don't deserve to touch it and disturb the stillness and purity of the Lake. Though we can feel the elemental feels, We were ask to ride a paddle boat by 2's to roam around be comfortable with the lake. 20pesos/head and We indulged ourselves as if making friends with the beauty presented on us. Cold ambiance, chirping of the birds, resounding comfort from the trees and gentle music water to our ears. That's how it is. I can compare the beauty of this Lake with the one in Coron (Kayangan Lake). A little bit small and underdeveloped but I prefer to stay that way. We took several photos of the Lake and realized that something's wrong. It was Enchanting more than the Enchanted River but our Cameras couldn't justify it's raw beauty. Maybe that's nature's own way of protecting itself from future crowd. Swimming is allowed but we opted not to. So we left the place bringing our memories of Mystification and expecting more surprises as we head to our next destinations.

 

No need for filters

the dreamy Lake Carolina

Peaceful sight

Before going to our next destination, we asked Kuya Nonoy to stop where we can have quick breakfast and luckily we drop by their Public Market to fill our aching stomach. Next thing we knew was, we were asleep while traversing a long road going to Curtain falls. I'm a bit frightened when all we could see was our Tuktuk alone entering a mountain range of forest like trail. We don't know how safe the place was and somehow frightened by the thought of there will be NPA or any related act of danger might come our way. Too much silence and inactivity in Mindanao is a suspicious moment but no amount of doubtful silence can stop us. After battling with a sleepy travel and bumpy roads we arrived at the Jump off. Looks like the local government is now starting to develop the site and make it a visitor friendly spot but now, We have to trek for about 10-15 min. Walk on the make shift wooden bridge and go over the boulders while following a gigantic sound of raging water. With no less than 15 min, Lo and behold! The Splendor Curtain falls dawned on us in all its glory. What's more exhilarating is that we were alone in the place, we could be of anything we want for there were no crowd to judge us. But as much as we want to dip and swim, we don't have clothes for changing and with the little amount of time we have, We just took some photos and let our feet soak in the cold raging water. Sadly, before we leave the towering falls. 2 of my friends had slipped because of the moss around the area, they had some bruises but manageable. I love how this falls reminded of Bomod-Ok falls in Sagada before it gets crowded. So surreal and relieving that it can ease all tiredness or exhaustion we have. Must be confirmation that fear of the unknown is nothing but a hindrance. We didn't know what this place may brought us and even fear getting there because of the stigma of Mindanao had to every unpopular destinations but trying and taking a risk is all worth it. Nothing beats having to witness this kind of Natural gift with our very eyes. We left the place with another expectation of grander sight ahead.

As we travel to our last Baganga destination, we spotted some attractions that are closed to public for a moment to give time for renovation and making it a visitor friendly attractions. We passed by Sunset Boulevard and Mangrove sight but didn't have the chance to get closer. We go straight ahead to San Victor Island. For us to actually get there, 5min. boat ride is needed. And oh! Boat pick up waiting area is one not to missed. A kind of scenic spot with mangrove on the side. And I dare you not to get Envy lol! San Victor Island is facing the Vast Pacific Ocean that's why even if it's not raining, waves crashes a little bit hard. Good thing it'll be just a 5min. boat ride. Approaching near the Island, We're all speechless seeing the Beautiful picture perfect of how a tropical island looks like and it seems like we were the first batch of guest to arrive. We were Welcome by a sweet Dog who's waggling his tail as if He really knows us. Once again, we were disappointed that we didn't bring any clothes with us and so, we can't afford to swim and enjoy the peacefulness of the place. Instead, We just look around and take some rest on the shore while taking advantage of the soothing cool breeze of wind. This Island used to be a private island but now developed to be tourist friendly and a retreat/seminar venue. They have facilities for overnight party use and spiritual activities. This must be a soothing venue for meditation, reflection and contemplation. With almost an hour of stay, we don't want to say goodbye yet but we have to. We leave the place with all hopes of one day we can go back and spend more time to this kind of Paradise.

Tropical Paradise

Our friendly Host :)

Next thing to do is to go back to Economy Inn and get our things for our next destination will also be our way going back to Davao City. Now, its time for the most Photogenic falls we had on our list. That so-called Aliwagwag falls of Cateel, Davao Oriental. Before arriving at Aliwagwag falls we have the chance to see and feel the rainforest that surrounds Cateel. Fan of Twilight saga? that could give the kind of Bella feels. Oh! another thing, rain started to pour as we trail to the site. And when we got there, that roaring sound of strong current invade our ears. There 2 ways on how you can view the marvelous falls, Either just take a glimpse from the bridge or take the Eco Park. Entrance fee with Environmental fee of 100/head, swimming and trekking to upper tier could be of access and even monkey bars for some adrenaline rush. I'm just wondering why the water hasn't changed its color even it is raining. Current gets stronger but its vibrant color hasn't changed. We try to look for a safe spot where we can play in the middle of the falls if possible. They are still on the process of developing place to a eco-tourism site and hopefully they can preserve the beauty and cool ambiance of the place. 

Sagada Feels going to Cagayan Valley

Now that we're done with our list for the day, something came up. We were told by kuya Nonoy that UVs going to Davao were no longer available, its last schedule for the day is 1pm so we will have to choose the other option which is to go Davao de Oro (formerly Cagayan Valley) and from there, Buses going to Davao City might be available. We all agreed since it was discussed to us that they can go as far as Cagayan Valley but not the surprising additional amount. We all thought that it was all in good faith that before we start the trip, they said that we don't need to think of the time for they will take us to Cagayan Valley just in case we couldn't catch the last UV trip from Baganga to Davao City. They never mention of any additional amount from what we agreed, so we thought it was included in the tour and might be a usual scenario. Since we didn't have any option, we agree to give additional amount but not the same exact amount that is pleading and He also agree. I thought it would be a smooth ride but heavy rain started to fall and the road meeting Davao Oriental to Cagayan Valley seems like traveling Baguio to Sagada (if you know what I mean) Some roads became zero visibility because of the fog but despite of that unexpected scenario, Our hearts filled with joy by just staring at Cagayan Valley's Topographical location. Dreaming of one day exploring this province and discover what it has, more what we are seeing from that moment. It was unending scenic spot, from mountain ranges to wide and rich plantations. Can't help but think that somewhere in between, there could be another falls hiding in those mountain walls or could be another astonishing lake waiting to be discover. When we arrive at the bus terminal, we found out that Davao City trip were no longer available and we have to ride a bus going to Tagum City (davao del norte) and from there Davao City buses were available. Sounds exhausting and Irritating right? Yes, but that's not the end, our day has more surprises that we could ever think of. Rain pours harder as we get closer to Davao City and since we have delays due to transfer of transportation, we didn't know if our South  Cotabato escapade for the next day would still be in accordance with the time we have to catch up. First plan is to ask at Ecoland terminal the schedule of Buses going to Marbel then take another ride going to Lake Sebu. We want to go back to our accommodation in Davao City to get some clothes for the next day trip or even get some rest for 2-3 hours and travel during 3-4am. That's our plan. Not until we arrived at the Ecoland Terminal past 11pm and still raining hard. We ask for a Marbel bound schedule and they said that the bus is about to go in a few minutes. We come up with the idea of not going after our things and just continue travelling to South Cotabato. I'm a bit hesitant at first thinking if we have changing clothes in us but no time to think longer. We all agreed to just go on and make the most of what we have in us. Regardless of how untidy we were (lol!) We just get some cup noodles and ride the bus. Backpacking feels right? Yes, it was the first time and it feels so right. What consolation we could get from that spontaneous decision making is that, the bus we have taken is actually a luxury bus. A/C, with CR, reclining seat, foot rest and Charger seat. That's the most relief we could get after a series of misfortune circumstances. And day 3 has ended sleeping in a comfortable bus.

This day is a combination of amazement, learning and lassitude. I, myself has been overwhelmed by what Davao Oriental has. I only thought of Mati but it has surpasses all my expectations. From being afraid of what might be a terror attack, because of the previous news, where different provinces from Mindanao had explosion and Rebel invasion; And not knowing anything or anyone from the place. I've come to open my mind and heart to whatever possible things we could encounter. What we thought a problem become a blessing in disguise. We were furious about not clarifying the set up going to Cagayan Valley but it is in that situation that we have seen another promising province that gives happiness to our hearts. It is in the fear of the unknown that we get to experience something good and liberating. Our Character has been put to test but we overcome ourselves, our initial reaction might be embarrassment or even shout to irritation. But, thinking of how our day has been so good, there will be no time to get upset. Just think of what solution we could give and get out of the difficult situation. It is also a day of Learning since it is something new, it is liberating and more importantly, we get to talk more to the locals. Learning about their life, and learning to appreciate what we have in life. I've come to know how to respect each beliefs and rituals they have regardless of what we believed in. This day might stressful towards the end of our trip but full of learning and excitement. Learning of how to go beyond your limit and letting life take you where you are supposed to be and not depending on what is planned. Planned trips are good and convenient but God's plan is far better and purposeful. We only have to trust and let Him lead us to where we were supposed to be. It is a realization not just for travelling alone but life in general.