Davao Holiday Pics!

That pungent odor of Durian fill the entire city. Yes, that is Davao in the southern Philippines for all you travelers out there.

Davao is the biggest city in Asia (and I think the world) found in Mindanao Island, which we call 'The Land of Promise.' It was explained to me that the island experience no storm throughout the year, thus it's a perfect place for farms growing all kinds of tropical fruits and vegetables.

It is true that you can find the sweetest pomelo, papaya, banana, and pineapple in Davao. I know. My 4-day stay mainly involved gorging on them fruits from breakfast 'til dinner. I failed to taste the province's favorite durian, but its presence was all over my nose. Although I didn't find it to be very offensive because as a local informed us, the farmers here found a way to grow hybrid durian fruit that isn't as foul smelling as it should be.

Davao City is very clean, the air breathable, and not too crowded. But you have to get out of the city for some exotic explorations. Like visit the Philippine Eagle Center where they house the endangered eagles and other exotic birds.

Oh yeah, them birds. I've seen a lot of them on this place. Every color you could imagine. Everywhere you go there are birds.

Or hit the beaches. Davao never lacks for white sand beaches over at Samal Island. A travel tip: travel guides or agents will offer you a trip to the beach (going to the famed Pearl Farm Resort) with around Php1,500 price tag per person. That includes a buffet lunch.

But if you don't have the budget just take a cab and ask the driver to drop you off at the Paradise Island wharf. The banca ride going to the resort is only Php10, with an entrance fee of Php75. Food is no problem as Paradise Island serves all kinds of barbecues and dishes, for a reasonable price.

You could end up spending only Php300 and enjoy a full day at the beach. Now that's a backpacker's delight!

Well anyway, check out my photos :)

Where To Go This Summer? Oh, Where To Go...

Can't believe almost a year has passed since I went off to my annual Summer getaway. I could still remember all the details -- from the bookings to the sweet aroma of the ocean breeze.

Well, this year we haven't decided yet where to go. With my limited budget I really have very few options, but enough to get a good time out of it.

I've been looking forward to a Cambodia-Vietnam trip. I heard an info that Angkor Wat will closed to the tourists soon, whether for good or for some badly needed restoration, so it's probably a good time to go.

But one of my friends is coming home for the summer and would rather go on a local adventure. So option #2 Davao City. Which isn't really bad. Haven't been there and it sure would be a fine place to visit.

A probable volcano trek is also in the works. But that's a one-day thingie so it's just an extra curricular for the summer.

Oh where to go? We better make a decision soon because bookings are fast closing. Wherever I will be going, I sure will have a hell of a great time as in the past travel adventures :)