G's Davao Travel Review : Visiting Mindanao

My husband, my son and I went to Davao sometime in February 2012 to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary. It was a nice 6-day trip, though were not able to visit most of the attractions Davao has to offer because we also consider how tiring it would be for my 1.5 year old son.

Davao is located south of the Philippines, in the region of Mindanao with approximately 590 miles away from Manila. Davao is also the largest city in Mindanao. Davao City is typhoon-free and the people enjoy a balmy weather all throughout the year. Common mode of transportation is by jeepneys, taxis, buses and tricycles. Davao also has its international airport named Francisco Bangoy International Airport that connects to major cities not only in the Philippines but also in some Asian Countries

Where to go in Davao? Well, most of the attractions here were parks with wild animals, like the famous Philippine Eagle and Crocodile Farm. These 2 attractions houses different animals too, like birds, tigers and fishes. Eden Garden and GAP Farm are some of the nice place to go if you like go nature tripping. You can visit D'Leonor Zip Line if you're looking for some adrenaline rush. Find a relaxing stay at the beach when you visit Samal Island where there’s a lot of resort you can find. Looking for souvenir shops? Visit the city and go to Aldivinco. Also try visiting the People's Park, some museums and China Town which is almost alike Manila's China Town.

Details of my trip will be posted on my next blog.

G's Simple Bohol Itinerary

This vacation happen last September 2010. Yes, it was a long time before I come up with this article. Been busy in the past few months and blogging is just a hobby that I started.
As far as I can remember, this simple Bohol itinerary.

Day 1
4:30 PM - arrival at Tagbilaran Airport
5:00 PM - arrival at Dumaluan Beach resort
6:00 PM - Dinner
* from airport to Dumaluan, we asked the driver if he could take us to a grocery  for us to buy important things.. Of course buy some snacks we can eat while staying at the hotel

Day2
6:00 AM - Breakfast
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Bohol Country Side Tour
Chocolate Hills
Man-Made Forest
Baclayon Church
Phyton
Tarsier
Hanging Bridge
Butterfly Sanctuary
Blood Compact Site
Loboc River Cruise

We had our lunch while cruising at the Loboc River
There is also some side trips to souvenir shops

Day 3
5:00 AM - Breakfast
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Dolphin Watching
Balicasag Island Hoping
Snorkeling

This activity needs to be as early as possible so you can surely spot the dolphins.
Luckily we met them. :)
*Lunch is also served at Balicasag Island

Day 4

8:00 ETD to Tagbilaran Airport

Pictures.. Pictures..

View from Chocolate Hills. Souvenir Shops are also around in the area

   

Butterfly Sanctuary

Butterfly Sanctuary

Prony the Phyton

Hanging Bridge

Man Made Forest

Loboc River

Luch at Loboc

View of Baclayon Church

  

Picture taking with the Tarsier

Dolphin Hunting

Remembrance from Snorkeling

At Dumaluan Beach

At Bohol Beach Club

As far as I can remember, we only spent around Php5500/pax for quadruple sharing. First two nights is already at the Executive Suite while our last night is on Superior Deluxe accommodation.

This does not include tour dinner. Along Dumaluan, there's a restaurant where you can delicious but cheap dishes.

For me, this is already ok. I don't have to think where to go and what to do. This also saves time for the traveller.

Bohol, Philippines -Review, My Travel Experience

Bohol Philippines is one of the places in the Philippines that I really wanted to see.
 

I don't know whats with Bohol that amaze me. maybe its the chocolate hills and the fact that I love chocolates :)

Now let me share you my review about the province of Bohol.

About Bohol
Bohol is a province in the Central Visayas of the Philippines. Tagbilaran City is the capital of this province. Located in the Western part of this island is Cebu while east is Leyte. This province is famous for its Chocolate Hills, one of Philippines natural wonders and Tarsiers which is the second smallest primate in the world.

Tagbilaran Airport

Climate:

Sunny Bohol as what they call, this place was rarely passed by typhoons. May to July is their Summer season making it ideal for tourist to visit Bohol. However, November to April is also ideal, this is the mildest season in the island. August to October is usually rainy season for the whole Philippines making this also as not so predictable weather to a vacation. 

Getting there:
This tip is just from Manila. I have no ideas on other means of transportation because I haven't tried it. We got there by plane through Philippine Airlines. A lot of airlines offer regular flight schedule to and from Tagbilaran City.
From Tagbilaran City Airport, there are plenty of taxi and van which you can rent to service you. These drivers are friendly and they also offer tour packages which is of the same price with the hotel and other inns or B&B. If you choose to avail their service, they can even tour you in the whole province. Don't worry, they are really friendly and can be trusted.
For our case, the Hotel we booked already have a tour package so I haven't tried arranging service with them but the guy who serviced us was very nice, helpful and friendly.  I guess in other places, other hotel drivers will not take you to a grocery store for you to buy your needs leaving you no choice but buy in their hotel. But for this guy, he took us to a grocery and even to a store selling roasted chicken.
Where to Stay:

At Dumaluan Beach Resort

Actually there are a lot of B&B and hotels in Tagbilaran City. Walk in injuries are usually accepted (This is according to my friend who visited Bohol too)

We choose to stay at Dumaluan Beach Resort.

What makes us choose it is because of positive feed backs, and the price.

Service is very good. food is also great, they serve breakfast on buffet. Facilities are nice. Rooms are large enough. The best I like about this resort is their beach. Its white sand, and really low tides. Star fishes are there. And you can enjoy walking in the beach. Beside Dumaluan Beach Resort is Bohol Beach Club. I think this is pretty expensive. You can pass by this resort when you are strolling at the beach. This also looks very nice.



Resort Vicinity



Resort Vicinity



  

Dumaluan Beach Front

     

WOW!!

Where To Eat

While in Dumaluan Beach Resort, you can eat at their restaurant at affordable price. They serve sea foods, chicken and pork usually grilled. You can also try bringing cup noodles, fast food at your hotel before checking in.