A Short Trip to Davao City | Eden Nature Park & Resort, Philippine Eagle Center and Samal Island
Davao City is not new to me since this is the hometown of my mother. We grew up visiting this place once a year. I think my last visit was more than 10 years ago. A perfect time to re-discover the Durian Capital of the Philippines.
For this trip, we only have 2 days to spend and a lot of ground to cover. Also, the plan is relaxed because we have seniors in the group. Picked 3 destinations to explore so that we can really take our time and enjoy each moment. We visited Eden Nature Park & Resort, Philippine Eagle Center and the highlight of the trip, Island Garden City of Samal.
One thing unique in Davao is that as soon as you exit the plane, the potent stench of Durian-filled air will instantly hit your nostrils. Welcome to Davao City.
Our first destination was Eden Nature Park & Resort. It is around an hour drive south of Davao City. The park offers several attractions and recreational activities like: horseback riding, sky swing, pool, etc. Entrance to the park includes the lunch buffet package. Not a big deal since our plan was a half day trip and the price for a buffet was pretty cheap.
The place is situated on high ground with dense forest. This makes the temperature and the mountain air perfect for a stroll. We explored the Amphitheater, flower garden and bird walk. Also tried Indiana Jones, a free to use mini zip-line.
After exploring Eden Nature Park & Resort, we tried their buffet lunch at Vista Restaurant before heading to our next destination.
Next stop is the Philippine Eagle Center. The only breeding and rehabilitation facility of the Philippine Eagle in the world. It is an hour drive from Eden Nature Park & Resort. The facility offers several tours, but the only available tour during our visit was the Mabuhay tour. This tour is an eye opener to the situation of our National Bird.
For day 2, we spent a day in Island Garden City of Samal. From Davao City, we went straight to Sasa Wharf for a RORO ride to Samal Island.
Hopped from one resort to another looking for a budget friendly resort. After several attempts, we chose one that is near the dock and facing the main island. We’ve rented a cottage near the beach and spent the remainder of the day kayaking.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DAVAO CITY
The best time to visit Davao City is during off-peak. This is from December to February. During these months, the prices of flights and accommodation is least expensive. Avoiding peak months means less crowd in tourists spots. Lastly, temperature in Philippines can get scorching hot especially during summer. December to February’s temperature is cooler and ideal when exploring places.
Davao tourism is at its peak during August because of the Kadayawan Festival. Also, August to October is the fruit season.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO DAVAO CITY
Comfortable clothes
Swimwear
Protection from the sun
Camera
Tumbler
Dry bag
HOW TO GET TO DAVAO CITY FROM MANILA
The best option going to Davao City from Manila is via air. All the airline companies offer multiple trips to Davao City daily. Departure is in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. Travel time is 1 hour 50 minutes.
HOW TO GET TO SAMAL ISLAND FROM DAVAO CITY
To get to Samal Island from Davao City, you need to take a ferry ride. If you plan to bring a car, head to Sasa Wharf since this is where RORO (Roll-on, Roll-off) ferries operate. If you do not plan to transport your vehicle to the island, then you can also try Sta. Ana Wharf. The boat ride going to Samal Island is around 20 minutes.
DAVAO CITY BUDGET AND ITINERARY
The budget for an overnight Davao trip is approximately Php10,000.00. This is assuming you rent a car in Davao, a budget of Php200.00 per meal and an accommodation of Php2,000.00/night. Cost will be cheaper if you will explore Davao City via commute.
Eden Nature Park & Resort Entrance – Php550.00/pax
Philippine Eagle Center Mabuhay Guided tour - Php300.00/pax
RORO to Samal Island – Php270.00
Fare to Samal Island – Php10.00/pax
NOTE: Rates indicated above may change
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING DAVAO CITY
Davao City is highly urbanized. Cost here is virtually the same as in Manila.
Credit card is widely accepted but still bring cash.
There are plenty of ATMs in Davao City.
Signal is not a problem.
DAVAO CITY TRAVEL TIPS
Davao City is not limited to Durian. That’s why Davao is also known as “Fruit Basket of the Philippines”. There are plenty of fruits you can buy cheap in Davao.
You should also try Davao’s Lechon.
Tuna is cheap. You can buy it in local Markets. There are plenty of restaurants offering Tuna Panga or Kinilaw.
This is the only place in Philippines where Taxi Drivers will give you the exact change.
Going to Samal Island, book in advance. There are several resorts that offer a pickup from Davao’s wharf.
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”
