Davao City Tour: A Weekend Itinerary
When our friends from Cebu, Therry and Charles, told us they were going to Davao for a weekend vacation, Keen and I were completely excited. There were a hundred activities and places I could think of that we could tour and enjoy over their two-day stay. Keen and I had to plan out every single detail in our itinerary to make sure we can cover as many places and eat as many local specialties as we can. All this without breaking our budget as well.
Here's our weekend itinerary for the Davao City Tour. Note that we had a private vehicle so we just chipped in for the gas :)
Day 1
7:30 am - Pick-up from Airport
James and I picked up Therry and Charles from the airport. Thankfully their flight was not delayed. Therry and Charles did a quick photo op by the famous Durian sculpture made by one of Davao's highly respected artists Kublai Millan.
8:00-8:30 am - Breakfast at Driver's Choice/Rommel's Eatery
The original Driver's Choice in Roxas Ave is now named as Rommel's Eatery. But the place is still popularly called Driver's Choice even if another eatery nearby has taken the name for itself. Rommel's is a decent eatery along the Roxas-Boulevard intersection which serves the best Sinuglaw (grilled pork and tuna ceviche) in town. It was James idea to impress our guests and give them an initial taste of what Davao has to offer.
True enough, Charles did say it was the best sinuglaw ever. For breakfast, we only spent P350.
9:00 am-12:00 nn - Poblacion Tour
James and I toured our guests around the city. First off, we went to Museo Dabawenyo where we learned some history about the city. The museum is located along Andres Bonifacio rotunda, just in front of Osmena Park. Entrance is free so don't miss this opportunity.
After the museum, we walked across Osmena Park and went to the San Pedro Cathedral. There was a mansibado or community wedding so we just lighted some candles instead.
After saying our prayers, we headed out to People's Park. It's an urban public park in the heart of the city. Since the sun was already high, we didn't explore the park too much. We opted to take a rest in one of the benches under the shade of the trees. We did have some fun chasing pigeons and taking some pictures with some sculptures by Kublai Millan.
12:45-1:30 pm - Lunch at Golden Egg Ihaw-Ihaw
After almost an hour of travel from People's Park, we stopped by the Golden Egg Ihaw-Ihaw located along the highway of Tugbok District. It was quite far from the city proper but the food was certainly worth the travel. And since we were heading to Malagos, it was convenient for us to drop by this restaurant for lunch.
Golden Egg is known for its fresh catfish more locally known as hito/pantat. There were other restaurants nearby who also specialize in cooking hito but Golden Egg is our tried and tested restaurant. They also won in the 12th Pantatan Festival last year which proves they serve one of the best hito in the area.
We ordered each a kilo of fried and ginataan hito. We were very satisfied with our orders. We only spent P600 for a full and satisfying lunch.
2:00-5:00 pm - Malagos Garden Resort
It was our first time in Malagos Garden Resort. Entrance was at P200 per person. It was a hot afternoon but good thing they had umbrellas for the guests. We got lost a couple of times but we had fun discovering their gardens, science facilities, and modern amenities.
We took a lot of photos during our visit. We even played a game of large scale scrabble. We also had an amazing time visiting the butterfly and chocolate museums. It was definitely a wonderful experience for all of us. I will consider the place for future vacation tours with friends.
5:00 pm - Dairy Best
Good thing we reached Dairy Best before they closed at 5 pm. We were able to buy their famous milk bars and flavored milks. It was a satisfying treat after a long hot afternoon walk in Malagos. We weren't able to take some pictures since we were already drinking everything on our way back to the poblacion.
8:00-9:00 pm - Roxas Night Market
After buying some food and supplies for the next day and taking a quick rest at Keen's house, we finally headed to the famous Roxas Night Market for dinner. We had a challenge where we would only spend P100 each. Keen and I took Therry and Charles to try out some Proben, Dynamite, homemade Fish Balls, and Buchi with all sorts of fillings. Therry and Charles were really impressed with the buchi that they decided to bring some to Cebu. They were able to buy souvenir items in Roxas as well.
True to our challenge, we were able to spend P100 or less each for everything we ate at the night market.
9:00-10:30 pm - Jickongs Matina Crossing
The night was young so we decided to go to Matina Town Square. When we got there the place was crowded and the parking was also full. So we decided to go to the less crowded Jickongs at Phoenix compound, Matina Crossing.
We ordered some classic margarita and crispy isaw. We looked back at all the places we've been through so far. We were excited for the next day's activities. By 10:30pm, we paid our bill so that we can already have an early rest.
Day 2
8:30 am-4:30 pm - Isla Reta
Around 8:30 am we were already at Sta. Ana Wharf to catch a boat that will take us to Isla Reta, Talikud Island, Samal. The boat was full and left by 9:30 am. We reached the resort by 10:45 am. Entrance fee was P100 per person while boat fee was P160 for a roundtrip fare per person. We had a food and drinks contribution at P200 per person. There were free tables around so we didn't need to rent a cottage. We were lucky enough to find a shaded spot for us where we can have lunch and leave our stuff before we swam.
Unfortunately for us, we had to leave by 3pm since it was the last boat trip of the day. We did enjoy the beach briefly but we might consider having an overnight next time to maximize the trip.
5:00-6:00 pm - Lyndon's Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken
We had an early dinner at Lyndon's along Roxas Ave. Before settling at Lydon's though, we went to check out Chez Nous, Lachi's, Fat Cow and other restaurants in the poblacion area. Unfortunately, they were all closed on Sundays. But we were still happy with our last option. We ordered Lyndon's famous baby back ribs, pinapaitan and kaldereta. The kaldereta was certainly delicious and is something I will look forward to in my next visit. We only spent around P500 at Lyndon's.
6:00-6:30 pm - Roxas Night Market Part 2
Just across Lyndon's was already Roxas Night Market. They had just setup their stalls so we got ourselves some freshly fried dynamites and buchis. Therry and Charles bought P200 worth of buchi for pasalubong. It was really a lot of buchi! We also had Paniza's organic ice cream to cap off the night market food trip.
7:00 pm - Lola Abon's
Tourists should never miss going to Lola Abon's. The famous durian candy factory has grown its product range throughout the years. Even as a local, I bought myself some mangosteen candies and their best selling melt-in-your-mouth durian yema. Therry and Charles bought a variety of candies and yemas for pasalubong too.
11:00 pm - Drop off at the Airport
After washing up and resting briefly at our house, we dropped Therry and Charles at the airport for their 3am flight back to Cebu.
Overall, without counting the pasalubong, we only spent around P1,500 each for our two day trip. It was a whirlwind tour for all of us but we had so much fun.
Alternatives
We did not push though with our initial plan of having a day tour in Bukidnon on Sunday but we enjoyed the pristine white beach of Isla Reta. Paradise and Costa Marina are also good beach resort alternatives in Samal since the travel time is shorter. But their beaches can also be overcrowded and the swim may not be as beautiful as that of Isla Reta's. Also, if we had more time in our Saturday afternoon schedule, we would've gone to the Philippine Eagle Center which was a short distance from Malagos Garden Resort. Another alternative to Malagos would be Eden Nature Park in Toril or Crocodile Park in Diversion Road, Maa.
We had the advantage of having a vehicle that we can drive around the city but taking a public transportation is a more adventurous and cheaper alternative as well. Jeepney/L3 drivers are also friendly and helpful. They will drop you where you need to be if you just specify where. However, just note that you might need special transportation arrangements when going to Eden Nature Park. You also need to take a taxi to Crocodile Park but the fare is not as big if your pick up point is in NCCC mall or Abreeza mall.
Davao City has so much to offer as one of the country's major tourist destinations. Aside from the cultural heritage of the city, it boasts of a vibrant food culture that is unlike any other. I hope our weekend itinerary for Davao City will inspire more tourists to explore our beloved city. Indeed, life is here!
Here's our weekend itinerary for the Davao City Tour. Note that we had a private vehicle so we just chipped in for the gas :)
Day 1
7:30 am - Pick-up from Airport
James and I picked up Therry and Charles from the airport. Thankfully their flight was not delayed. Therry and Charles did a quick photo op by the famous Durian sculpture made by one of Davao's highly respected artists Kublai Millan.
Charles and Therry
8:00-8:30 am - Breakfast at Driver's Choice/Rommel's Eatery
The original Driver's Choice in Roxas Ave is now named as Rommel's Eatery. But the place is still popularly called Driver's Choice even if another eatery nearby has taken the name for itself. Rommel's is a decent eatery along the Roxas-Boulevard intersection which serves the best Sinuglaw (grilled pork and tuna ceviche) in town. It was James idea to impress our guests and give them an initial taste of what Davao has to offer.
True enough, Charles did say it was the best sinuglaw ever. For breakfast, we only spent P350.
Rommel's Sinuglaw
9:00 am-12:00 nn - Poblacion Tour
James and I toured our guests around the city. First off, we went to Museo Dabawenyo where we learned some history about the city. The museum is located along Andres Bonifacio rotunda, just in front of Osmena Park. Entrance is free so don't miss this opportunity.
At Museo Davao
After the museum, we walked across Osmena Park and went to the San Pedro Cathedral. There was a mansibado or community wedding so we just lighted some candles instead.
After saying our prayers, we headed out to People's Park. It's an urban public park in the heart of the city. Since the sun was already high, we didn't explore the park too much. We opted to take a rest in one of the benches under the shade of the trees. We did have some fun chasing pigeons and taking some pictures with some sculptures by Kublai Millan.
Spot Charles and James behind the sculptures
12:45-1:30 pm - Lunch at Golden Egg Ihaw-Ihaw
After almost an hour of travel from People's Park, we stopped by the Golden Egg Ihaw-Ihaw located along the highway of Tugbok District. It was quite far from the city proper but the food was certainly worth the travel. And since we were heading to Malagos, it was convenient for us to drop by this restaurant for lunch.
Golden Egg is known for its fresh catfish more locally known as hito/pantat. There were other restaurants nearby who also specialize in cooking hito but Golden Egg is our tried and tested restaurant. They also won in the 12th Pantatan Festival last year which proves they serve one of the best hito in the area.
Fried and Ginataang Hito for Lunch
We ordered each a kilo of fried and ginataan hito. We were very satisfied with our orders. We only spent P600 for a full and satisfying lunch.
2:00-5:00 pm - Malagos Garden Resort
It was our first time in Malagos Garden Resort. Entrance was at P200 per person. It was a hot afternoon but good thing they had umbrellas for the guests. We got lost a couple of times but we had fun discovering their gardens, science facilities, and modern amenities.
At Malagos Garden Resort
We took a lot of photos during our visit. We even played a game of large scale scrabble. We also had an amazing time visiting the butterfly and chocolate museums. It was definitely a wonderful experience for all of us. I will consider the place for future vacation tours with friends.
Malagos Garden Resort Map
5:00 pm - Dairy Best
Good thing we reached Dairy Best before they closed at 5 pm. We were able to buy their famous milk bars and flavored milks. It was a satisfying treat after a long hot afternoon walk in Malagos. We weren't able to take some pictures since we were already drinking everything on our way back to the poblacion.
8:00-9:00 pm - Roxas Night Market
After buying some food and supplies for the next day and taking a quick rest at Keen's house, we finally headed to the famous Roxas Night Market for dinner. We had a challenge where we would only spend P100 each. Keen and I took Therry and Charles to try out some Proben, Dynamite, homemade Fish Balls, and Buchi with all sorts of fillings. Therry and Charles were really impressed with the buchi that they decided to bring some to Cebu. They were able to buy souvenir items in Roxas as well.
Halal Dimsum Cart's Buchi
Dynamite Pork Giniling
True to our challenge, we were able to spend P100 or less each for everything we ate at the night market.
9:00-10:30 pm - Jickongs Matina Crossing
The night was young so we decided to go to Matina Town Square. When we got there the place was crowded and the parking was also full. So we decided to go to the less crowded Jickongs at Phoenix compound, Matina Crossing.
We ordered some classic margarita and crispy isaw. We looked back at all the places we've been through so far. We were excited for the next day's activities. By 10:30pm, we paid our bill so that we can already have an early rest.
Classic Margarita and Crispy Isaw
Day 2
8:30 am-4:30 pm - Isla Reta
Around 8:30 am we were already at Sta. Ana Wharf to catch a boat that will take us to Isla Reta, Talikud Island, Samal. The boat was full and left by 9:30 am. We reached the resort by 10:45 am. Entrance fee was P100 per person while boat fee was P160 for a roundtrip fare per person. We had a food and drinks contribution at P200 per person. There were free tables around so we didn't need to rent a cottage. We were lucky enough to find a shaded spot for us where we can have lunch and leave our stuff before we swam.
Isla Reta, Samal
Unfortunately for us, we had to leave by 3pm since it was the last boat trip of the day. We did enjoy the beach briefly but we might consider having an overnight next time to maximize the trip.
5:00-6:00 pm - Lyndon's Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken
We had an early dinner at Lyndon's along Roxas Ave. Before settling at Lydon's though, we went to check out Chez Nous, Lachi's, Fat Cow and other restaurants in the poblacion area. Unfortunately, they were all closed on Sundays. But we were still happy with our last option. We ordered Lyndon's famous baby back ribs, pinapaitan and kaldereta. The kaldereta was certainly delicious and is something I will look forward to in my next visit. We only spent around P500 at Lyndon's.
While waiting at Lyndon's
6:00-6:30 pm - Roxas Night Market Part 2
Just across Lyndon's was already Roxas Night Market. They had just setup their stalls so we got ourselves some freshly fried dynamites and buchis. Therry and Charles bought P200 worth of buchi for pasalubong. It was really a lot of buchi! We also had Paniza's organic ice cream to cap off the night market food trip.
Paniza's Durian and Avocado Ice Cream
7:00 pm - Lola Abon's
Tourists should never miss going to Lola Abon's. The famous durian candy factory has grown its product range throughout the years. Even as a local, I bought myself some mangosteen candies and their best selling melt-in-your-mouth durian yema. Therry and Charles bought a variety of candies and yemas for pasalubong too.
At Lola Abon's
11:00 pm - Drop off at the Airport
After washing up and resting briefly at our house, we dropped Therry and Charles at the airport for their 3am flight back to Cebu.
Overall, without counting the pasalubong, we only spent around P1,500 each for our two day trip. It was a whirlwind tour for all of us but we had so much fun.
Alternatives
We did not push though with our initial plan of having a day tour in Bukidnon on Sunday but we enjoyed the pristine white beach of Isla Reta. Paradise and Costa Marina are also good beach resort alternatives in Samal since the travel time is shorter. But their beaches can also be overcrowded and the swim may not be as beautiful as that of Isla Reta's. Also, if we had more time in our Saturday afternoon schedule, we would've gone to the Philippine Eagle Center which was a short distance from Malagos Garden Resort. Another alternative to Malagos would be Eden Nature Park in Toril or Crocodile Park in Diversion Road, Maa.
We had the advantage of having a vehicle that we can drive around the city but taking a public transportation is a more adventurous and cheaper alternative as well. Jeepney/L3 drivers are also friendly and helpful. They will drop you where you need to be if you just specify where. However, just note that you might need special transportation arrangements when going to Eden Nature Park. You also need to take a taxi to Crocodile Park but the fare is not as big if your pick up point is in NCCC mall or Abreeza mall.
Davao City has so much to offer as one of the country's major tourist destinations. Aside from the cultural heritage of the city, it boasts of a vibrant food culture that is unlike any other. I hope our weekend itinerary for Davao City will inspire more tourists to explore our beloved city. Indeed, life is here!
Looks like you had a great trip.
ReplyDeleteWe did! :)
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