Destination Diary: Davao City

It’s my first time to actually post a blog out of a request for a travel itinerary for Davao City. Though it makes me happy to know that my advice is a factor in helping out people decide on what to do in a given city. So, thank you to friends and readers alike who find my travel guides helpful, you know I love receiving feedback from you!

Earlier this year, we headed on to Davao via Bukidnon through the BUDA Highway after spending a night in CDO. My brother’s argument was that we had to take the longer route first. True enough, this strategy would help us with our itinerary later on.

Olivia Sands Uraya Beach Resort

Indulge in the Beauty of Samal Island

Davao City’s LGU made it very easy for visitors to make their way to the beautiful attraction that is Samal Island. Through Sasa Port, which is only a ten-minute drive from our condo unit, everything in Sasa Port is organized. It only cost our car Php 250 with four passengers for the fees. Then all we had to do was to queue up behind the rest of the vehicles crossing the sound to the Island Garden of Samal, and after ten minutes, we were already entering the island after having paid Php60 for four people for environmental fees.

Samal Island has many beautiful resorts, ranging from the super affordable, to mid-range and the splurge-worthy.

For the super affordable, we first went to Kaputian Beach. With the help of Waze, it was a smooth ride. We paid the entrance fee of only Php 15 per person and settled down. However, we were immediately struck by boredom and decided to look for another resort with a little more privacy. Again, a few searches and suggestions from our dear friend Google led us to a mid-range resort called Uraya.

Now Uraya was very new, as it was on its soft-opening when we chanced upon it. Though a handful of people already knew about it, there were already families picnicking on the shore and couples doing their prenup photoshoots in Uraya. How new is new? There was still digging and construction ongoing beside the kitchen and the chef was also the waiter. But all is good because these were all minor observations because the beach is definitely worth it.

Olivia Sands Uraya Beach Resort, Samal Island

What I liked the most about Uraya is that it’s very clean, and I hope that the cleanliness is maintained. There’s also a nice dock that stretches to the ocean floating. Imagine that it’s set against blue waters reflecting clear skies, plus the white sand on the beach is spotless. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back to Uraya. Not bad for only Php 150 per person. 

But we didn’t stumble upon Uraya immediately though. We thought of first trying our luck in the Pearl Farm but to tell you honestly, we didn’t make it past the gates because day tours were not allowed and a night in the resort would cost Php 24K! It was double the rates of a standard room in Conrad Manila!

The Pearl Farm is a high-end resort that offers dining options, watersports and offers unique experiences for all its guests. However, that time, it wasn’t for us who were on a budget during our trip. Perhaps we can enjoy the Pearl Farm the next time.

Guinness World Record for Monfort Bat Caves

Visit Monfort Bat Caves

Also not to be missed in Samal Island is the Monfort Bat Caves. It’s a good experience for coming up close with a whole colony of fruit bats! For only Php100 per person, all you have to do is attend a short orientation and watch the bats’ activities in the caves.

One of a number of bat caves in the Monfort Sanctuary

The Monfort Bat Colony is the largest colony of Geoffrey’s Rousette Fruit Bats reaching approximately 1.8 million, earning a Guiness World Record. A visit is recommended for families, kids and a group of friends to learn more about the importance of bats in the ecology. However, visitors can stand only so long before a headache sinks in caused by the stench of guano. It’s a good immersive experience though.

If you’re going around the island by yourselves, Waze can help you out. 

Experience Roxas Night Market

Back in the city, we were fortunate to be able to book a condo unit through AirBnB (hello Avida Towers!). Our AirBnB was so accessible as it was only ten minutes away from Sasa Port and only a three-minute walk to Roxas Night Market. Unbelievable right?

Roxas Night Market is the place to be for Davaoeños after a long day that takes away the guessing for cheap eats. I think we went back to the night market for at least a couple of times, as there were rows and rows and rows of food from deep-fried, tasty desserts, barbecue, puso (rice wrapped in leaves), grilled seafood, to summery mango desserts and dimsum.

Food choices in Roxas Night Market, Davao

I love that it’s clean, safe and definitely has many food choices for people who just can’t make up their minds (I’m one of those haha). For a group of four, the most damage can hike up to about Php800, compared to eating in a pricey resto. Here, it’s affordable and very satisfying. Yum, right? 

Be A Chocolatier in Malagos Garden Resort

Oh Malagos.

Malagos is synonymous to Willie Wonka for me, as during my first time staying here, I chanced upon production day in the chocolate processing plant and the aroma of chocolate wafted throughout the whole garden.

For a start, Malagos is not just a garden resort but has also made a name for itself in the international chocolate scene as it supports local cacao farmers and constantly showcases its chocolate products abroad. For first-time visitors, a self-guided day tour can be availed of at the front desk for an entrance fee of Php 200. A map shall be given to you and you can make your way through the butterfly garden, the chocolate museum and other sites along the way.

Museo de Mariposa, Malagos Garden Resort Self-Guided Tour

The butterfly garden is a peaceful stroll along the garden as each guest is immersed in how to pick out flowers and shrubs that attract butterflies, and an exhibit is open to all visitors. I particularly liked the handmade book about paru-paru superstitions, too bad I couldn’t bring home a copy of it.

The highlight of this visit has to be the Chocolatier Experience, learn how to make your own chocolate for only Php 450 per person, both kids and adults can do this. Malagos chocolate is 65% dark chocolate and they have been exported all over the world. The cacao is grown on the farm and the chocolate factory is onsite. While waiting for your chocolate to be packed, you can sit at the cafe and enjoy some chocolate mousse, chocolate ice cream and classic chocolate cake. 

Enjoying chocolate mousse, chocolate ice cream, and a chocolate shake in the Malagos Cafe

Here’s some advice, store your DIY chocolate in the ref immediately, avoid leaving it in any hot areas so that your chocolate won’t melt. The finished product is also a good gift to share with family and friends. 

Finished product of our Chocolatier Experience in Malagos Chocolate Museum

Eden Nature and Adventure Park

We arrived in Eden Nature and Adventure Park right before lunchtime and just in time for the buffet. For only Php 700 per person, we were able to refuel in time for the tour around Eden Nature Park. Meals prepared in Eden are all grown organically in their farms. Outside, there are shops showcasing flowers and plants for sale and other products from the park.

Posing in the Giant Picture Frame in the Flower Garden, Eden Nature and Adventure Park, Davao

There are so many activities to do in Eden such as going on a tour, swimming, fishing, and skyriding. We opted for the guided shuttle tour around the 40-hectare attraction that took 45 minutes. With three stops, we were also able to take photos in the various gardens. Tour guides can also teach you fun poses in each stop. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis so it pays to be early.

Acting silly in the Cultural Village at Eden Nature and Adventure Park

What I really liked about Davao is that it's accessible to many attractions and makes a worthy stop for a road trip. That, plus there's endless options for food whether it's save or splurge. After Davao we made our way back to Bukidnon and finally stayed with family in Balingasag and Jasaan before staying in Cagayan de Oro.

That's it for my Davao travel guide, and from a more personal note, thank you for sticking with me throughout the various travels I take. Keep the comments and the love coming, you know I love hearing from you, my readers!

Reminders

·  When visiting other nations, we are responsible for our own behavior and should observe proper customs as the locals do, as we are only guests in their country.

·  Be responsible travelers by disposing of trash properly and being courteous to those you meet, especially the elderly and locals. 

Where we stayed: AirBnB 25^th floor Avida Towers Hosted by Prosperty Property (AirBnB) with a view of Samal Island

Note: All input is based on my personal experiences in Davao City. Our group made arrangements prior to our travel dates. This is in no way, a sponsored post.

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Destination Diary: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bangkok and Siem Reap contrast each other. While the former has everything moving at a fast pace, the latter is living a very relaxed life. The former is so modern in terms of infrastructure and basic services, the latter has a problem with community drainage and still needs to figure out how to effectively generate employment for the locals.

However, Siem Reap is growing. Give or take five years, it may be unrecognizable except for a few landmarks. But surely, both cities never ceased to impress me, which is why Thailand is called the Land of Smiles and Cambodia is aptly known as The Kingdom of Wonder. The town is aptly called Siem Reap, which translates to the Defeat of Siam, back in the ancient days when these neighboring kingdoms would go at war with each other.

More and more Filipinos are visiting Siem Reap (evident with locals already greeting you “kamusta kayo” in the ticketing office and children offering souvenirs for “apat-isang daan”) and if you’re one of those who have next to no self-control of booking flights and a supportive boyfriend who also has the travel bug, here’s my guide for Siem Reap:

Weaving silk with different colored silk thread

Visit the Angkor Artisan Village and Silk Farm

Lying on the outskirts of town is an artisan village which provides livelihood to the community (Puok District). Imagine stepping into a workshop of weavers, where the same process is done very similar to how it was like a couple of hundred, if not a thousand years ago. The beautiful textiles produced from the silk worms were used to dress Khmer royalty in the ancient kingdom.

Founded in 1992 through a partnership between a European NGO and the Ministry of Education, Artisans operates vocational centers in Cambodia to train people in Khmer crafts. The Angkor Silk Farm employs more than 400 people.

I can only imagine what the Khmer royalty wore in their day. This photo is the closest that can show how they dressed.

Photo of Khmer People wearing traditional silk garments

The tour is free, and you can purchase silk souvenirs and apparel from the boutique at the end of the tour. Because it is very tedious and entails precise skills for extraction and weaving, now we know why premium silk is expensive. Of course, if you’re after premium silk, you might as well get it here. Naturally, cash is king.

Angkor Artisans Silk Farm Boutique

Neary Khmer Restaurant

Get A Taste of Khmer Dishes in Neary Khmer Restaurant 

We are no strangers to Khmer dishes, but we cannot ever pass up an authentic dining experience in Siem Reap. Our driver brought us here to try out all the Khmer dishes that we can think of, and the table was instantly filled and also instantly wiped out by hungry travelers. I would definitely come back here for those spring rolls and the salad.

Don't miss out on the spring rolls, pickled salad and pork while in Neary Khmer Restaurant

Go On A Temple Run: Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm

And we resume the temple run in Siem Reap, with the highlight of our visit, Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm. My advice is to go to the ticketing office a day early to save time the next day. Because the best time to go is at sunrise, all alarms were set for three o’clock the next morning. We had breakfast from one of the mobile restos in the area right across the parking lot. Breakfast consisted of a double toast with a side serving of deep fried potato, and I got a kale and mint smoothie to top up my coffee earlier.

We then proceeded to sit outside the bridge and film a time lapse of the sunrise. Shortly after, we explored Angkor Wat. Our group consisted of six people, but my parents opted to hire a guide to take them around for $25, us millenials went about our own pace, taking photos and considering the fact that we can always look up the facts and details online. In other words, we split up.

Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious monument and one of the 7 Wonders of the World

But whether or not you hire a guide, you still get to explore Angkor Wat and also take your time and enjoy while you’re there. There are monks who also visit regularly and can offer a blessing in exchange for a small donation. 

Receiving a blessing from one of the monks in Angkor Wat

Because we hired a van for the day, we were fortunate to have it waiting for us in the parking lot, refresh ourselves and proceeded to Bayon Temple.

Bayon Temple

Bayon faces up close from one of the towers in the temple 

From the gate alone, there is the serene, smiling face that welcomes visitors, and its distinctive features are the Apsara carvings in key areas of the temple. There’s a straight road leading to the temple, and here monkeys freely roam around as if they are already used to the presence of tourists. But it’s better to keep one’s distance just to be safe.  An hour or so is enough to take photos and explore Bayon. As usual, most information online can be looked up about the temple, but for added details, guides can be hired.

The bridge to Bayon features gods on the left side and demons on the right side, but some have been desecrated when Bayon was sacked during the war 

Monkeys can be seen on the street on the way to Bayon Temple

There are 216 serene faces as showcased in Bayon, and scholars have theorized that the faces are of King Javayarman VII who considered himself a god-king. While his ancestors were Hindu, he identified himself as Buddhist (Wikipedia/ Bayon).

Bayon Temple Gates 

Apsara bas reliefs in Bayon Temple

To our third and final temple, we headed on to Ta Prohm. 

Ta Prohm is the filming location of the Lara Croft Tomb Raider movie

Now Ta Prohm is known in Hollywood terms as the Tomb Raider temple, and Lara Croft fans will immediately recognize this from the movie.

An entrance to the temple's center, it looks like a portal to a blast to the past

Although not originally a part of the initial plans of the temple, centuries later, its most distinctive features will become that of the trees that are threatening the temple. It also has many beautiful bas reliefs and efforts are seen to help preserve it from the jungle that’s taking over.

The temple's stele records that the site was home to more than 12,500 people (including 18 high priests and 615 dancers), with an additional 80,000 souls in the surrounding villages working to provide services and supplies. The stele also notes that the temple amassed considerable riches, including gold, pearls and silks.[7] Expansions and additions to Ta Prohm continued as late as the rule of Srindravarman at the end of the 15th century. (Wikipedia/ Ta Prohm)

The jungle threatens to take over the temple and adds an eerie and magical touch to it

If you ask me which one is my favorite of the temples visited, I can’t give you a straight answer because it’s difficult to pick just one. All have their best features and special characters, like the Bayon faces, Apsara carvings, towers and intricate details. Each one is an attraction on its own and possesses its own kind of beauty.

After lunch in a nearby restaurant and having realized that we’ve finished our temple run, there I was, with a full belly and contented soul thinking to myself, it’s the best US$37 I ever spent. 

Make A Donation to Victims of Land Mines 

As Cambodia is a country still bearing the wounds of the Khmer Rouge, land mine survivors and orphans have turned to music to gather donations in order to survive. Walking around town, we have come to recognize that these performers play traditional, pleasant music for passers-by and have come to capitalize on willing ears who are able to spare a few dollars.

I was surprised to find out that these survivors were former soldiers who were fighting the Khmer Rouge back then. I also noticed that on the way to Ta Prohm, children who accompany the musicians are usually orphans who have lost their family members to land mines.

If you have a few dollars or riels, your donations can go a long way to victims of land mines. Not only that, they perform music that has been passed down from Khmer ancestors that’s full of history spanning thousands of years. We noticed that it’s only the instruments producing music as there’s usually no singing to accompany the pieces. But the music floating through the air is still beautiful as the Cambodian landscape. 

Artwork for sale in Angkor Wat

Young artists display their art pieces in Ta Prohm

 Buy Artwork From the Locals 

Most locals are taking advantage of the 1.5 Million tourists that visit Siem Reap annually. Students also find gigs to earn for university, and most have produced artwork to sell to tourists. In the temples of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, people display their art and anyone is free to choose their favorite pieces for purchase. 

Home decor for sale in Siem Reap

Shop For Souvenirs and Dine in Pub Street

After a day of temple run under the sun, it’s easy to be templed out. So we planned to visit Pub Street for some souvenir shopping and dining. There are rows and rows of restaurants, the real problem is deciding where to eat.

Pub Street in full swing at night

Because so many tourists of different nationalities have fancied staying in Siem Reap, one could see a pizzeria operating beside a Mongolian barbecue, opposite a Korean ice cream shop, situated beside a Chinese spa. Pub Street has become so diverse that the night scene has so much to offer a templed-out-but-happy person.

Cambodian Draft Beer in Triangle Barbecue and Restaurant

When in Pub Street though, ask for a glass of Cambodian Draft Beer. It’s all part of the Siem Reap dining experience, who knows, you will be able to pick a favorite from the menu.

 For a stay of two days, I can say that I like the peaceful Cambodian countryside and have enjoyed my stay in Siem Reap. Plus, I got to cross-off my Temple Run from my bucket list. Even if Siem Reap left me feeling in a good mood because of my fill of history, architecture and sightseeing, there’s nothing stopping me from coming back when circumstances permit in the future. 

Reminders

·  When visiting other nations, we are responsible for our own behavior and should observe proper customs as the locals do, as we are only guests in their country.

·  Be responsible travelers by disposing of trash properly and being courteous to those you meet, especially the elderly and locals. 

Note: All input are based on my personal experiences in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Our group made arrangements prior to our travel dates. This is in no way, a sponsored post.

*Photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy A50.

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6 Things That Surprised Me About Bangkok

Here are interesting facts about Bangkok that I didn’t know, and I’m simply sharing these fascinating things with you as part of my travel this year with my family to the Land of Smiles- Bangkok, Thailand.

Cabs in Suvarnabhumi International Airport Are Organized 

The airport alone is huge, and Suvarnabhumi is just one of two international airports in Bangkok. Upon exit of the arrivals area, we approached the taxis lined up outside. But one of the drivers said we had to print out numbers at kiosks in the corner before we can ask any of the cabs to take us to our hotel. That’s how organized they all were. There was none of the screaming at potential passengers, everything was calm and regulated. 

Cabs can take you anywhere in the city, just be prepared with your local currency and toll fees. Each cab waits for passengers under numbered LED boards and that takes out the guesswork for your ride from the airport. I hope our airports can learn from Suvarnabhumi, to take away the problem of overcharging cabs.

There Are Approximately 400 Temples in Bangkok Alone 

And just by looking at the sides of the road from the cab, each block has a huge temple that stands for this or that. In our first day tour, we immediately visited four temples: the Standing Buddha, the Sleeping Buddha, the Sitting Buddha, and the Walking Buddha. In Bangkok alone, and not including the other cities of Thailand, there are 400 temples for both Buddhism and Hinduism, all while allowing tourists to visit and to make donations. I convinced my parents to limit our visits to only the relevant temples, because it would be impossible to visit all 400 in a single day.

Bangkok Is Spotless!

Now this one requires you to visit the city to take a look at it and affirm that the Thais take cleanliness seriously. Even I’m impressed with how clean Chatuchak Weekend Market is, where there are so many tourists and vendors, but none were so careless with trash in the area. Even when we bought food by the streets, like the market beside MBK Center, or the street vendors selling in Chatuchak Market, everybody was responsible with their own trash. I somehow wish I could boast of my city this way. This must also be another reason why tourists like to come and enjoy in Bangkok, because the Thais know that a clean city is easily promoted. 

Thai People Admire Manny Pacquiao

Well, not only the Thai taxi drivers but also our Khmer driver in Cambodia knows very well that Manny Pacquiao is Filipino. I guess our Pambansang Kamao just has so many fans beyond Philippine shores. It’s also good to be able to have common ground with these people because we’re also fans of the Pacman, plus we get to know their interests.

Both Thai and Khmer Drivers would always smile once they found out that we were Filipinos and they always mention Manny Pacquiao. If I were Pacman, I’d be flattered to know that Thais and Khmers are his fans too. 

Every Corner Displays A Portrait of His Majesty, The King 

TheThai people love and take pride in their king. Make no mistake about it, which is why every corner displays a framed photo of their venerated king. One can even hear the anthem during regular visits to the street food corner downtown. Almost every Thai establishment, be it a bank, restaurant, shopping mall or government office has a towering portrait of King Rama X displayed in front. Displaying portraits of the incumbent King and Queen Mother are a means of the Thai people showing their loyalty to their beloved royals.

Tuk-tuks Can Speed Up, As In Really Speed Up! 

If you’re connected with me on Facebook, I posted a video about a speeding tuk-tuk as we made our way to Khaosan Road to the Bangkok Library to meet up with my cousin’s friends. I even proposed for a Bangkok Drift movie as part of the Fast and Furious Series, make a feature on tuk-tuks too if you please. But getting onboard a tuk-tuk in Bangkok is just a priceless experience. No visit to Thailand is complete without a tuk-tuk ride, so all you have to do is hold on to dear life and enjoy the ride.

I’m sure though that if I stayed longer in Bangkok, I’ll be able to share more observations with you, but for now, here are just the fascinating experiences we have had in Siam.

Reminders

·  When visiting other nations, we are responsible for our own behavior and should observe proper customs as the locals do, as we are only guests in their country.

·  Be responsible travelers by disposing of trash properly and being courteous to those you meet, especially the elderly and locals. 

Note: All input are based on my personal experiences in Bangkok, Thailand. Our group made arrangements prior to our travel dates. This is in no way, a sponsored post.

*Photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy A50.

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Destination Diary: Back in Onse Islas + New Places Discovered

Now I can say that Onse Islas in Panubigan, Zamboanga City doesn’t fail to impress me.

Only an hour’s ride away at a steady pace in C’s Chevrolet Spark, I was curious to see Onse Islas again after a year. Last year we were island hopping and it was the soft opening as the LGU re-opened the group of islands to visitors after having protocols installed in place.

This weekend, we joined my cousin’s group as we discovered new corners that I haven’t been to before, this time with a different route, starting from Sirommon, stopping for a moment in Baung-Baung and ending the tour in Bisaya-Bisaya island. What makes this particular trip interesting is the visit to Playa de Isabelle and the hike atop Baung-Baung island to view Bisaya-Bisaya in a distance.

Another thing to note is that I immensely enjoyed the meal prepared by our guide in Sirommon island consisting of fresh lambay also known as kasag or crabs, and freshly harvested coconut, where we got to drink the juice and scrape off the meat for a hearty finish. Because we were so busy eating with our hands, none of us remembered to take photos of our fresh feast by the shore.

Even if I forgot my rash guard at home due to uncontained excitement and also there were doubts prior to sailing to the islands because of the fear of bad weather, the day kept surprising us with random sprinkles of rain, but nothing to be alarmed about.

There are two new places for me in Onse Islas, the first one is….

Playa de Isabelle

It’s a quick walk to Playa de Isabelle, just be careful not to step on slippery surfaces.

I’m someone who easily falls with bad balancing skills but with some slow pacing and careful footing, we made it to Playa de Isabelle. It’s the other side of Sirommon island and looks like a long-forgotten pier reached its weathering limits.

Took a few photos with C (my most favorite is the one lying on the sand) and I personally didn’t bother crossing the mangroves to reach the weathered port. A few photos and videos here and there and that was enough for me.

And the second place I want to share with you is…

Baung-Baung Hill

It’s on another island, which involves another quick boat ride to sprint onto Baung-Baung. Visitors should get ready for a steep hike, so a lot of breaks are encouraged until the summit is reached. It was no sweat for our guide but it took us a while though. The view is like something I’ve never seen, as it was rewarding enough for that hike.

Luckily I was bringing my Granite Gear backpack and Thermoflask with me. I honestly didn’t mind the weight. We took a few photos and videos, I jokingly told the group to take a jump shot there.

After touching base in Bisaya-Bisaya Island, Carl and I decided to stay behind while the others went on to visit the natural infinity pool. Having been there before, we decided to take a quick nap.

Two new experiences for me on a Sunday, spent with C and some fun company, plus all we did is eat and burn off those calories. It’s more memories to be cherished Onse Islas.

Reminders

•    It’s a Muslim community, so visitors are advised to respect people living in the area.

•  The LGU is strictly imposing a no garbage policy, so please be responsible in disposing your trash properly. Do not leave anything behind. 

Other Relevant Links: 

Quick Guide to Onse Islas, Panubigan, Zamboanga City 

Destination Diary: Sta. Cruz Island + Things to Do

Review: Granite Gear Echo Backpack in Verb Petal

Note: All input are based on my personal experiences in Onse Islas (Eleven Islands). Our group made arrangements prior to the island hopping date. This is not a sponsored post. 

*Photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy A50.

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