Samal Island - Davao

I long wanted to chill out and take a few days to breathe in, so when my colleagues invited me to go to one of our colleagues' hometown, The Durian Capital of the Philippines, I got so excited and didn't have a second thought. It was my first in South which in turn lived up to my expectations though. It always makes me feel astonished whenever I get closer to nature, but it's more astonishing getting closer to you. (maka-hugot lang. haha! 👅 )

On our first day, we visited Paradise Island Resort, Hagimit Falls, Monfort Bat Sanctuary and a night tour in the city. Come take a sneak peek at these admirable places in Davao!

Paradise Island Resort ( Samal Island )

The island is located in the gulf of Davao. Fortunately, Paradise Island is near the place where we stayed, the wharf is just right across the street and it only takes 5-10 minutes by boat. This is also one of the most visited beaches in Davao for its magnificent coastlines, comforting view and accommodating staff. The staff actually make a clean sweep from time to time, it's white sand and surroundings are scoured to maintain the squeaky-clean environment for the visitors. You also won't get hungry, the resort is filled with restaurants and good food. Apart from that, the clear shallow water and abundant marine life have absolute warm mesmeric charm that you won't resist.When you get around the resort, you'll find a garden and a mini zoo, which the kids and kids at heart will surely delight in. You can also enjoy other water activities like snorkeling just a few feet from the pier and see lots of shoaling fish. 

  Paradise Island beachfront entrance

                             
                                                

beach shelter and restaurants 

            a welcoming string serenade

 My models soaked into the clear water

      serene view of the beach

 just gazing at the still water makes me feel unfazed

Around the island, you would see blue and calm waters stretching for miles. It was not crowded when we got there because it was on a weekday morning. The entrance fee is P250.

the garden 

 

 Hagimit Falls ( Samal )

After getting saturated into the beach water, we headed towards the small cluster of waterfalls located a few minutes far from Paradise Island resort by habal-habal ride. I got used to riding on a motorcycle from this trip in Davao since it's the most convenient means of transport to our destinations,if not by bus. I was also surprised with several types of motor-vehicles used for public conveyance there.

Anyhow, when we got there, it was a little confusing because of the couple of signs going to Hagimit Falls right at the entrance. Like your heart, you can't follow it when it is more confused than your head. 😺 They said that it was because the area has been divided by the local land owners. We continued though, took the trek through the entrance and  found the main falls. We just took a quick soak in the cooling and invigorating waterfalls and had some snacks. However, we still enjoyed the cool breeze and waters there.

 The waterfalls is surrounded by lush Hagimit trees and bushes, it also consists of small tiers on the other sides. The staff are accommodating and friendly, they even helped us got up the tier because the stream basin is deep. There are also available cottages, chairs and tables for your things and food.

Hagimit Falls entrance

                                   
                                                     it seems secluded from this view

  

     the main falls

                                                  

 The trio, from left,  Bella, Eve and Jonie having fun

Monfort Bat Sanctuary ( Samal )

When I was young, living in the province, I used to believe that bats were vampires that fly at night to suck your blood when you stay out late. (haha!) But far from fearsome bloodsuckers, these fascinating little creatures actually make a great contribution to the propagation of durian and other fruit bearing trees and crops in Davao, as you can discover for yourself on a bat safari in Monfort Bat Sanctuary. The cave has been the home of the largest group of Geoffrey's Rousette fruit bats ( Rousetteus amplexicaudatus ) in the world, which was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2006. The vast number of  fruit bats has increased from 1.8 million to approximately 2.5 million recently. They crowd the rim of the cave all the way down to the floor. Interestingly, the cave has small openings, there are five holes, each of which represents a specific age group of bats and purposes. There is a maternity ward or nursery, another hole for males mating, senior bats, etc. Buti pa yung bats, they know where they belong! ☺There's an inevitable pungent smell from the holes though. Moreover, they provide a guide who gives valuable information about the sanctuary and the life of bats.

The bats don't hibernate so we visited there in the afternoon before their Circadian flight to see how incredible they are up close. The entrance fee is P100.

the guide giving us a brief introduction and info about the fruit bats 

           

           

           

 their Guiness World Records certificate at the entrance

                                                                Here are some openings of the cave

It was indeed exhausting to finish our first day in Davao, but it was all worth it. We got around the city in the evening for dinner and sightseeing. It was during the peak of the sensational mobile game Pokemon Go so you would see a crowd of people outside the large establishments with their smartphones playing. (haha!) We didn't waste time doing nothing during our stay there.
On the second day---- Surigao del Sur!