9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Davao Oriental

A friend of mine invited me to visit her hometown in Davao Oriental, Baganga for a 3-day trip to celebrate her Father’s birthday, and without second thought, of course I said YES. It was an opportunity I most certainly wouldn’t miss, free accommodation and free food?? Would anyone really say no to that?? Haha lol. It is really nice to have lots of friends.

After filing a VL, I found myself together with my travel buddies wandering along the winding road of Davao Oriental. I’ve been to Davao Oriental a couple of times before, but still feel astonished every time I see the breath taking beach scenery unfolding as we cruise along the road, this, coupled with the most beautiful sunrise and might as well throw the fresh air into the mix. Trust me, it feels like the first time every time.

There was no evidence of Typhoon Pablo that desolated Davao Oriental back in 2012, which only proves the resilience of the province and its people. The story of how they managed to bounce back from devastation is not to be undermined. Turning the calamity-torn province to one of the rising tourist destinations here in Mindanao is nothing short of a miracle.

Here are my 9 reasons why you should visit Davao Oriental.

1.) Easy Access - From the City of Davao, it will take around 4 hrs to reach the City of Mati and additional 3-4 hrs to Baganga/ Cateel, all you need is a tank full of fuel, good music, roll the windows down and go where the roads take you. Davao Oriental roads are well accessible, so no need to worry.

2.) Sunrise - Situated in the easternmost part of Mindanao, Davao Oriental offers the ring-side seats to the most beautiful sunrise in the Philippines; it is where the sun shines first. Sunrise here is estimated 8 minutes earlier than in Manila or 3 minutes earlier than in Davao City.


Captivating Sunrise in Dahican Beach....

3.) Dahican Beach - Beaches are what Philippines is famous for. With the waves of pacific, make Dahican your sweet escape. Learn to play and ride with waves using skim board with the Amihan Boys. Find the perfect waves and start skimboarding!

With the pride of Mati -  Bayugyog , the best surfer in town...



Catch the waves in Dahican....



4.)Sleeping Dinosaur – Upon entering to Mati City, your road boredom will surely fade not because of the zigzag road but sleeping Dino will welcome you. Don’t forget to make a quick stop over to this strange land formation resembling to a giant sleeping dinosaur with head lying down in the sea and flippers on its side.

Sshhhhhh... the Dino is sleeping.. :P :P

5.) Subangan Museum – Within the heart of Mati City, don’t miss to visit the Subangan Museum featuring the rich cultural and natural heritage of Davao Oriental. Subangan which means “East or where the sun rises” . Admission Rates: Students and Children: PhP 10.00 ; Adults: Davao Oriental Residents- Php 20.00 ; Non Davao Oriental Residents- Php 50.00 ; Foreign Nationals- P100.00. The museum is open from Mondays to Sundays (Sunday-half day only) 9:00AM-8:00PM.



Try to learn some history of Davao Oriental here in Subangan Museum



The Giant Skeleton of Sperm Whale will greet you as you enter the museum..



Get lost in the man made cave inside the museum..

6.) Mati Park and Baywalk – Don’t leave Mati City without dropping by Mati park and baywalk. Enjoy the cool breeze and the morning sun overlooking the seawall or the amazing view of the sun as it sets behind the mountain. There are also restaurants which serve mouth-watering dishes lined up in front of the park.

Because I so Love Mati.. lets take a selfie!

7.) Aliwagwag Falls – Almost 3-4 hrs from Mati City, Cateel is the home of Aliwagwag falls. It is a towering waterfall also known as a “stairway to heaven”; entrance fee – Php 50.00. Even Typhoon tried to break this magnificent waterfalls but nature heals it. It’s amazing that after typhoon, this majestic water falls became a must see tourist spot in Davao Oriental.

There are lots of things to do in Aliwagwag Falls, aside from swimming and diving on its clear cold water, you can also try crossing Monkey Bridge and also take the zip line while you’re at it! – Php 50.00 Monkey Bridge and zipline Php 200.00.


Try walking the monkey bridge over aliwagwag falls..the splash of the running water will surely give you thrill..

 

Note: Make sure to bring your own food as there is no restaurant in the area.

8.) Balete Hot Spring – After a tiring day of soaking and diving in Aliwagwag Falls,its time to get relaxed with soothing hot spring along the way located at Kinaplangan, Baganga Davao Oriental.
Entrance Fee is only 5.00 pesos.

9.) San Victor Island – who wouldn’t love to stay in a private island? Lying in the pacific coast, this stunning island also called “The island Jewel of Baganga” is definitely a must see spot. You really can’t get enough of its powdery sands and crystal clear water. This 3 hectare island located in San Victor, Baganga really captures my heart. It is a perfect escape place from the hustle and bustle of the daily living.



The San Victor Island...



Spectacular Sunset.... breathtaking!!

If you want to really feel the island life.. they also have tents for overnight stay...



Cast away in San Victor Island



Venturing out has its reward, especially if you’re travelling to a captivating place like Davao Oriental. So what are you waiting for? Visit and explore Davao Oriental on your own.

Surely we will come back Davao Oriental!!!!

Acknowledgment:
Special Thanks to Lenlie Guingue’s Family for accommodating us in Davao Oriental.  

Life at 25: Journey to Ilocandia

As I reached the age 25, life seems so vague. It feels like I do not know what to do. For the past months, I’ve been plagued with many questions, worries and fears. Am I making the right decisions with my life? Am I satisfied with my career? Is this the place where I want to be a few years ago? Do I need to pursue Master’s Degree? Should I start investing a house? Will I be able to meet Mr. Right? All these stuffs, leads me to a very confusing state of mind. Struggling with finding my own Identity, pursuing my dreams, discovering what I actually want out of my life, and evaluating where I am right now. It seems like I have been running full-speed towards the finish line even if I am not exactly sure where it is.

With all that life has taught me so far for the past 25 years, it’s been really a mixture of tears and laughter. Maybe it’s about time to take a pause from all these uncertainties that I’m experiencing and let my mind be cleared. It’s about time to grab my bag and renew myself. They say, your twenties are your selfish years. It’s a decade to immerse yourself in every single thing possible. So in light of my quarter life moment, let me share with you my trip to Ilocos during my 25th birthday.









Strolling around Calle Crisologo around 5am welcoming my 25th birthday :)

  


Getting wild in mini safari - Baluarte owned by Gov. Chavit Singson</td>




Learn some History here in Bantay Church and Bell Tower

 

With all the blessings that He showered upon me, its about time to Thanks the Lord for everything - Paoay Church

Looking for Adventure? Try sandboarding at Paoay Sand Dunes and get that sunkissed skin..

Want Extreme?? Go for 4x4 and ATV Ride.. this is so cool!!

Heading to Laoag for more adventures, dont forget to visit the Laoag Aurora Park

Toss all my worries to the wind and let it carry all way...</td>

Visit Kapurpurawan and be amazed with the incredible rock formations..</td>

If you got tired walking, you can explore the place by riding a horse (but looks like a pony. lol)




Feeling Tall beside the famous Ilocos Windmill... '0'

And dont forget to take selfie along winding road - Patapat Viaduct..

And after a long tiring day from tour, its time to be relax here in Pagupod Beach.. :)

And when in Vigan, dont miss to witness their Dancing Fountain Show at Plaza Salcedo..

and also try to dine here in MCDO, the place is very nice.. haha

Still in Vigan, try pot making and enhance your creativity in pottery

And lasty, on the way back to Manila, please do visit the Ilocos Bridge.. haha (Bridges of Love)

You can go senti there while looking at the nice scenery.. just make sure you won't jump! haha

The idea that life begins outside your comfort zone has been no doubt, one of the best rewarding lessons life has taught me so far. Whatever happens, things will get better and the answers always happens outside our comfort zone. World is vast and full of endless possibilities, all I need to do is to embrace the hell out of it with open arms.

What I realized about this trip is being 25 is not scary as I thought. Sometimes things may not go according to what I envisioned but just because the journey is different to what I expected, doesn’t mean I won’t reach the same destination in the end. I may not be in the place I wanted to be 5 years ago but one thing is for sure I’ am happy and I’ am enjoying it. After all, that is what life is all about – figuring it out. Adapting. Changing. Discovering. Dreaming. Trying. Failing. Trying again. Forget overthinking and panicking about not being in the place I anticipated to be. I am only in the first quarter of my life, I will end up in the right place at the right time, some way or another. Don’t force the process – just enjoy it because it is just only the beginning of BETTER me.

Experience El Nido, Palawan the Cheap Way

Looking for Adventure?? Lose yourself in El Nido, Palawan…

El Nido, Palawan is one of the top tourist destination here in Philippines. Truly a Paradise!! But when you say tourist destination people mostly thinks it’s expensive and costly.
Traveling to El Nido is really one of my dreams but the idea of luxurious adventure scared me off. Fortunately that dream of mine became reality during my 24th birthday  when I discovered that you can travel to El Nido without spending tons of money, contrary to common notion that El nido is an expensive destination.



Touched Down Puerto Princessa.....

How To Get There.
I booked a plane ticket ahead of time probably 6 months before our trip, a promo from cebu pacific (thanks!) and it only cost about Php1,300 – roundtrip ticket from Davao – Puerto Princesa (not bad ).

When we arrived to Puerto Princesa airport, lots of travel agency will welcome you and offer you a tour packages. Please note that you are going to El nido in a BUDGET so it’s better not to go for a tour package especially if you are traveling alone or in two. Go for DIY (Do IT Yourself) Trip, it’s more enjoyable and EXCITING! Promise! Hehe The thrill of getting lost and confused is really epic. haha

Since we arrived at Puerto Princessa around 11:30 AM, we had our lunch first at some cheap carinderia’s outside the airport. Then we chose to travel via Van going to El Nido that costs us Php 700.00 each, we were in hurry that’s why we didn’t look for a cheaper trip. But there's a lot of Van that only cost Php 500.00. For me Php 700.00 is kinda expensive.
From Puerto Princesa, it takes 5-6 hours going to El Nido. Aside from Van, you can also take a Roro Bus a much cheaper one ( Aircon Php 485 Non-aircon Php 300). We took Non-aircon during our trip going back to Puerto Princesa, for me it’s better to take the non-air bus aside from it’s a cheaper, you can enjoy the fresh air and the view.

Where to Stay in El Nido
As I said, El Nido also welcomes budget traveler so no need to worry for accommodation. There were plenty of budget rooms lined up on the streets of the town and a lot of cheap island tour packages. Just a piece of advice, don’t go for a high-end hotel and pay more when most of the time you’re not in a room. You go travel not for a hotel, you go for the places, the views and you’re traveling in a BUDGET, don’t forget that.

On our trip, we stayed at Tay Miloy’s Inn,  It is really cheap and not bad for budget traveler like me. The fan room good for two only cost Php 500.00/day, it includes a small bed, bed sheet, one electric fan, a socket for your gadgets and a small table for your things. By the way, they don’t offer a free towel just like in a hotel so better bring one 😁 and the CR is common so you must wake up early 😁.

Since El Nido, don’t have 24 hrs electricity access and electricity only runs from 2pm – 6am, it’s better to choose accommodation with generator, and Tay Miloy’s Inn has it! Perfect!
The good thing in Tay Miloy’s Inn aside from its Homey ambiance is that they don’t provide deposit which other Inns/lodging required. But please, reserve only if you’re sure to get the room!

Photo Gallery
Here's my island tour photos...
Island Tour A and Tour C.




Exploring Big Lagoon...



chillin at Papaya Beach...



Castaway in Helicopter Island. .....

Sunkissed skin at Secret Beach

Sumptuous Island Buffet Lunch..  

View from Matinloc Shrine...

My personal Budget Tips

 Book your plane ticket ahead of time.
 Go DIY if you’re traveling alone or by two.
 Don’t hesitate to eat in Carinderia.
 Take the non-air bus if you’re not in a hurry.
 Stay in a Fan room.
 Don’t be shy to ask for a discount.
 Explore El Nido in town on foot rather than riding a tricycle.
 Lastly, do research first.

Enjoy Traveling to El Nido!!!  You can contact Tay Miloy’s Inn at 09297955756.