Category: Travel

This wasn’t my 1st time to go to Davao.  Unfortunately, I lost all my notes during my 1st Davao trip which made me decide not to write about it.  Luckily, I was invited by AirPhil Express to experience one of their Extreme Adventure Packages. This is my Travel Diary Davao 2011 adventure.

I was too careful not to lose my notes again 🙂

AirPhil Express Davao Extreme Adventure Packages

My Experience with AirPhil Express

Our Pleasant Stay at Microtel Davao

Breakfast Buffet at Microtel Davao

Tribu K Mindanawan Cultural Village

Exotic Food at Riverwalk Grill Davao

Davao Wild Water Adventure

Riding the Zip-Line in Zip City Davao

Photo by Boom Boncan

After the awesome white water raft adventure, we then went on to another one!  I must say that AirPhil Express did really name their promo packages just right as Davao Extreme!  We certainly experienced extreme adventures and I must say I enjoyed a whole lot!  Even after 3 weeks, I can still feel the same excitement while I share our experiences through this blog 🙂

Zipline was the last stop for our Davao trip.  Zipline is becoming more popular in the Philippines.  I remember the 1st time I tried riding it was way back year 2000.  It’s basically a pulley suspended on a cable.  It’s gravity that makes us move from one side to the other.  It does look scary especially if you’re afraid of heights.  However, I’m confident that riding the Zip-line is safe (well, depending on who put it up of course!).

Our group was brought to Zip City for our Zip-line ride.  The place was very accessible and there was great view too!  Imagine riding the zipline with a view of Davao gulf and Mount Apo!

First up, we wore our gears.  I was excited!  I knew that riding the zip-line was cool and enjoyable.  Too bad, some of my companions didn’t wanna try it.

Photo by Boom Boncan

We also didn’t need to worry about safety as Zip City used equipments approved by Union International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA).  Considering Zip City has been doing this for a long time and they are pretty popular in Davao, there wasn’t much to worry about.  All we needed to do was to enjoy and have a great time! 😀

Photo by Boom Boncan

Next, we climbed up the stairs.  I must admit I was terrified while doing so.  I have this weird phobia of stairs, escalators or anything alike.  I’m glad I was able to conquer that fear though 😛

Funny that you can see that I was scared in the picture below hahaha!  Believe me, I was just relieved that I was able to climb up those stairs! 🙂

Photo by Boom Boncan

Now, the most exciting part was to finally ride the zip-line.  Actually Zip City’s rate is pretty cheap at Php 300 per person which already includes a Php 100 food consumable at either Dencio’s Restaurant or Riverwalk Grill.

Photo by Boom Boncan

It was a fast ride but it was soooo much fun!  I wanted to do another round but I know we had to go to somewhere else right after 😛

Photo by Boom Boncan

The only scary part was at the other end when we needed to land.  The impact was great but I guess, it was all in my mind.  I actually landed okay.

Photo by Boom Boncan

I even had a nice smile when I realized that Boom was trying to take my picture! 🙂

Photo by Boom Boncan

Riding the zip-line was an awesome experience that’s why I really recommend the highland adventure package among all the ones being offered at the AirPhil Express Davao Extreme Adventure Packages.

Zip City is open 9am to 5pm during wednesdays, thursdays & sundays, 9am to 8pm during fridays & saturdays.  They can open the place during mondays and tuesdays as long as there is a booking for a minimum of 20 pax.

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Zip City
Baranggay Langub (near Dencio’s Restaurant), Ma-A, Davao City, Philippines
(082) 271-2626

Photo by Boom Boncan

I’m not a sporty person.  The only sports that I actually do are billiards and bowling.  Most of the people don’t even consider them as sports 😛  In spite of my weak body and experience with physical activities, my heart is always up for adventure!

I was actually so looking forward to experience white water rafting through the Davao Extreme Adventure Package by AirPhil Express.

White water rafting is famous in Davao.  It’s one of the selling points of the place.  It is considered an extreme sport.  Looking at several marketing materials about it, I was a bit scared.  But what the heck, I was sure it would be an unforgettable adventure!

After we had breakfast at Microtel Davao, we hopped in the van and went to Davao Crocodile Park where Davao Wild Water Adventure is.

We went inside the place and saw the vests and helmets on display.  We were asked to choose the right size of vest for our body type.  We were also asked to try out the helmets.  They were actually pretty strict and were supervising while we wore the needed gears.  It felt like safety was of utmost importance for them.

Lockers were also available for us to put our stuff.  I had to leave all my stuff as there are only limited space in the raft.  The only items that can be put in the raft are food, water, slippers and first aid kit.  I had to bid goodbye to my camera as it was too big and I can’t afford for it to be wet.

Before we go to the official venue (Davao River), we had to listen to the staff while they explain what white water rafting is.  They also showed some videos just to keep us aligned with expectations 🙂

Apparently, Davao Wildwater Adventure has specific goals.  These goals are:

• promotion of water sports particularly white water rafting with Davao river as the venue.
• promotion of eco-tourism which will bring us closer to nature particularly the Davao river.
• create awareness about Davao river.
• lead in the practice of safety in water sports.
• serve people by providing us an opportunity to experience an adventurous ride into the Davao River.

Wow, there’s really more to it than adventure 🙂  I believe they reached all their goals based on my personal experience with Davao’s white water rafting.

Now, that orientation are completed.  We were all ready to ride the van to go to Davao River.  The rafts were loaded in the van too!

It was a long ride.  If I remember correctly, it was an hour drive.  We were all sleeping throughout the trip especially on our way back after the wild white water rafting ride!

Photo by Davao Wildwater Adventure

As soon as we arrived at the venue, they asked us to listen first with the safety guidelines.  We were informed that we will definitely get wet.  We were also familiarized with the paddle and how to hold it the right way.  Oh gosh, it was definitely exciting!

Photo by Boom Boncan

We then rode the raft.  Each raft has designated raft guides.  We were actually so lucky to have Ghetto as our guide, he was really so patient with us.

We had some practice first before we went on to the wild ride.  We were asked to jump off the raft.  Ghetto taught us how to get back at it (yes, expect to fall off the raft!) 🙂  As soon as the exercises were completed, we then head on out to the 2-hour amazing ride! 😀

Photo by Boom Boncan

For someone like me who loves to take pictures, fret not as Davao Wild Water Adventure has its own photographer.  I actually admire him.  He paddled his way all throughout then taking pictures and videos of us.  Wow, he must have mastered the art of multi-tasking!

Photo by Boom Boncan

Introducing Team Merla!! hahahaha!  Our group was the noisiest among the batch.  I guess we just made the most out of our time in the Davao white water rafting activity.

Photo by Davao Wildwater Adventure

Whenever I see the big waves in the Davao River, I really get scared.  My heart was beating so fast, really.

Photo by Davao Wildwater Adventure

After we pass a difficult area, we celebrate by raising our paddles.  That was us, truimphant! hahaha! 🙂

Photo by Davao Wildwater Adventure

The ride was 3 hours long.  So we had to stop for a few minutes to have our lunch.  The lunch was pretty simple, packed meal composed of chicken, rice, drink and fruit.  We rested for a few minutes before we go on to the adventure.

Photo by Davao Wildwater Adventure

White Water Rafting in Davao was soooooo much fun!!!  I enjoyed every second of it.  Even if I was so damn scared that I held the rope on the side of the raft whenever we almost fell 😛

Photo by Davao Wildwater Adventure

This is mainly the reason why I recommend the water rafting package by AirPhil Express.  Just in case, you missed the promo of AirPhil Express or if you’re currently in Davao, then you can just go directly to Davao Wildwater Adventure and pay Php 2000 per person.  The fee is inclusive of transportation (round trip- Crocodile Park & Davao river), packed lunch and bottled water, use of gears & equipment, raft guide, souvenir shirt, pictures & short video.

It was one hell of a ride!  Very worth it and definitely one of my most unforgettable experiences ever 🙂

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Davao Wildwater Adventure Inc.
Davao Crocodile Park Compound, Riverfront Corporate City, Diversion Highway, Ma-a, Davao City, Philippines 8000
(082) 221-7823

After we settled in at Microtel Davao, we went straight to Davao Crocodile Park Complex.  Inside the Davao Crocodile Park Complex lies the Tribu K’ Mindanawan-Cultural Village.

As we enter the place, I saw the tag line “Empowering the Filipino culture Enriching the Heritage“.  Then I heard some music inside and we quickly went in.  We were just in time for the weekend show which includes cultural presentation and fireshow.  Entrance fee is pretty cheap (I believe underpriced!) at Php 150 for each adult and Php 75 for each child.

The weekend shows run every fridays, saturdays and sundays at 5:45PM to 6:30PM.  First up was the cultural presentation where the performers play some tribal music and dance with the tune.

I loved their costumes and their look, very truly Filipino.  I also liked that they performed a lot of numbers.  I really feel that the price was just too low for such a grand show.  It was definitely one of the best shows I’ve watched 🙂  That time, I already felt that my visit to Davao was worth it!

It was getting dark and I knew that we won’t have any more time to go back to Tribu K’ Mindanawan-Cultural Village.  So while the show was still going on, I looked around.

There were traditional houses all over the place.  Name and descriptions were there too for reference.  Plus, there was a human statue for each house.  I was in awe while I walked around.  I realized that this was how people lived ages ago.

I took several pictures while touring around too!

It was getting dark and it wasn’t safe to walk around with limited lighting.  We quickly wrapped up the tour and walked back to the show venue.

This was us before we walked back to watch the 2nd show, fireshow 🙂

We saw that there was a store selling some truly Filipino stuff.

We also saw pictures of our fellow Filipinos 🙂  Those happy faces were truly nice to see.

The firedance was definitely the highlight of the day.  Everyone who brought their cameras didn’t miss the opportunity and took as much pictures as they can.

I even took a quick video just to give you an idea how the show went.

Friends, when you visit Davao, please ensure to include Tribu K’ Mindanawan-Cultural Village in your itinerary.  Make sure that you go during weekends and when there are cultural shows.  You’ll love it for sure and you can take my word for it.

After the awesome show, we can actually mingle with the performers.  They were so accommodating and were so patient posing with us one by one.  I had sooooooo much fun!

They also let us experience holding fire! hahaha!  I loved it!  This was the best souvenir I got from our visit in Tribu K’ Mindanawan-Cultural Village.

What a great way to start my tour in Davao.  Thank you so much for bringing us to Davao, AirPhil Express 🙂

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Tribu K’ Mindanawan Cultural Village
Davao Crocodile Park Complex, Diversion Road, Ma-A, Davao City, Philippines
(082) 302-9923

In connection with the Davao Extreme Adventure Package by AirPhil Express we experienced a few weeks ago, we had a chance to stay at Microtel Inn & Suites Davao.

I’ve always known Microtel as a place to stay when you’re in a budget.  But I was pleasantly surprised when I finally stayed there.  I now have a different outlook as to where to stay whenever I travel.  Admittedly, I’m used to staying in 4-star or 5-star hotels whenever I travel.  I guess I just want to feel comfortable.  What I realized is that I tend to spend money in a place with extra amenities which I really don’t need.

If I need to relax and stay in a hotel most of the day then I would go to a high-end hotel.  However, if I’m gonna travel most of the day then hotels such as Microtel will be my choice.

As soon as we landed in Davao, we went to Microtel Inn & Suites to check-in and rest a little.  I was really impressed with the design of the room!  It was simple, cozy, clean and the bed was sooo nice to sleep in.

The 4 of us (Lalaine, Sharlyne, Faith & me) stayed at the double room.  The room is just Php 3,500 for 2 pax which includes breakfast.  We just need to add Php 500 for extra person.

I love the features and amenities in the room.  Actually it has all the things that we needed.  First, they have the electronic keycard entry system.  I mean for a room as cheap as that, they even have this feature.  It was really impressive!

The room also has a radio clock, a phone (of course!) and notepad with pen.  I also appreciate that the room was well-lit.  There were separate switches for each light which gave us a lot of flexibility.

I noticed the painting in the wall too!  It was pretty & simple!  🙂

Toilet and shower with hot and cold water.

Cable TV and dresser.

Pretty nice desk just in case we need to work or whatever.  Wifi cards were also available in the lobby if needed.  I brought my MiFi and I have my own unlimited data account so I didn’t avail of Microtel’s Wifi but it was nice to know that they do have it.

The bed was my favorite in Microtel.  Gee, it was sooooo comfortable to sleep in.  I was told that Microtel uses chiropractor-approved mattresses for their beds.  With my age, I can’t afford to sleep less than 2 hours.  That was why I wasn’t able to join my roommates’ late-night talks.  Even if all my roommates were wide awake, I didn’t even notice as I was too comfortable sleeping in the bed hahaha!!

There were some goodies waiting for us in the room too courtesy of Microtel Davao.  Yum yum!!

Other features and amenities include:

• refrigerator
• individually controlled air conditioning unit
• fully automated fire safety system
• window seating for relaxation
• baby crib available upon request
• children under 12 years old (maximum of 2) sharing room with adults and utilizing the existing bed/s are free of charge

Of course, this also includes buffet breakfast.  I’ll be writing a separate post about their daily breakfast buffet which is available every 6:30-10am.

We stayed at the double room but Microtel also has Suite rooms.  If you need additional amenities like coffee/tea maker, microwave oven, kitchen counter with sink, sofa sleeper and bath tub then it’s better to stay in a Suite room which only costs Php 4,250 for 2.  You can take your pick but I’m more than contented with Microtel’s double room 😀

During the 1st night, we were able to try out the conference room in Microtel Davao.  It was actually decent and it served the purpose.  I also love the combination of colors (yellow and blue).

There’s no swimming pool in Microtel Davao though, which was okay as we didn’t have much time as we had a full schedule (water rafting & zipline)!

I’m really glad I discovered Microtel Inns & Suites.  Now I know that this will definitely be one of my choices whenever I look for places to stay.  It’s a good thing that Microtel hotels & resorts are located in main tourist destination in the Philippines:

• Baguio
• Cavite
• Batangas (I plan to go there real soon)
• Davao [where we stayed! :)]
• Boracay
• Puerto Prinsesa
• Cabanatuan
• Tarlac
• Mactan-Cebu
• Mall of Asia-Manila

I’m also not surprised when I learned that Microtel recently won the ‘Best Guestroom Design’ award in the limited service category during the HotelWorld Expo & Conference in Las Vegas.  Just look at the pictures I posted in this blog entry.  It’s impressive right?

If you still want more information about Microtel, you can check out this audio-visual presentation that Microtel prepared 🙂

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Microtel Inn & Suites Davao
Damosa Gateway Complex, Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City, Philippines 8000
(02) 233-2333