Davao Escapade 2009! =)

If you’re looking for a nature trip and some adventure, Davao is definitely the place to be. This is my first esacapade in 2009 and I must say that it was really a good kick-off to my year

My friends and I had a blast sight-seeing, and nature tripping in Davao, but I guess the one thing I realized from this trip is that you don’t need throwing a whole lotta money to have a great time. You can go on a trip within a limited budget and still get to enjoy just as much.

Here are some of the budget tips that I learned from this trip which I’m gladly sharing with you, my fellow travellers.

1. Take advantage of airline promo fares.

Always always keep tabs of the dates when you can book uber cheap fares. Cebu Pacific announces promo dates ahead of time so be ready to go online when the discounted rates are released. Also, if you’re light traveller, you may avail of the Go-Lite promos where you can save P200 (I think) per way. (Though I don’t suggest this if you’re going to Davao since if you’re bringing home Durians and Pomelos, the possibility of your needing the 15 kilo leeway for your packages is very high. Just my 2 cents.

2. Research the place you’re going to before booking on anything.

It would be best if you have a map of the place for you to decide your itinerary. Once the itinerary is decided, go on finding the best yet most affordable hotel / inn to stay that would be as closest as possible to the places where most of your activities will be. Since if your hotel is far from the areas where you’re going, chances are, you’ll just end up paying more for your transportation. We stayed at Tower Inn and I can say that this is the best value for money place to stay in Davao City. The location is near a lot of establishments and their rates are really really cheap.

3. Be BFF with the Internet.

Isn’t it amazing how much information you can get in the internet? Be bestfriends with Google, Travel Forums and Discussion Boards. =) The best persons to actually ask are the people who have already experienced going and living there. Most of the activities in our itinerary are suggestions from my new friends in the GirlTalk Forum. I have them to thank for the tips and recommendations.

4. Set a budget and stick to it

From your research, set a daily itinerary so you would an idea and plan on how much you’ll be spending for the day. I would greatly suggest that you list your activities and your budget for each activity (based on the research) as well and stick to the plan. Just have at least 10% allowance for pasalubongs and personal souvenirs

5. Nominate a Treasurer

I would really really recommend for a group travelling to have 1 treasurer who should hold the money while on the trip. That way, all of your expenses will be accounted and other “side-buys” will be avoided. Also, it would be less hassle for everyone to dig on coins / bills to pay every time you pay entrance fees, taxi fares, foods, etc. Our appointed treasurer for this trip was Carina., and the expenses were audited nightly by our resident accountant, Twinkle. hahaha

So there, I hope you get to use some or all of these tips the next time you travel.

Day 1: We were fetched by manong driver (forgot his name) from the Davao International Airport. Our contact for our transpo was Kuya Junie - 09092522839 ( advised by my fellow GT forumer, shegothim. Thanks Jen!). He was not the one who drove us around but he called from time to time to check on us. Now, if you're going for a tour in Davao, I would really advise that you hire a van/ car way ahead of time or while you're still in Manila, because if you don't,taxi drivers,waiting at the airport ,will really take advantage of you. Haynaku, tatagain ka talaga!

Eden Nature Park was actually the highlight of our day 1. You see, we did not have sleep the night before because our flight was at 4am. We were practically awake the whole night giving us little energy the next morning. By the time, we got outside Eden Park, we were almost drained. We still went to see the Philippine Eagle and Malagos Garden but we actually had to cut the tour short, not going anymore to the Crocodile Park, because we badly needed some rest for us to recharge for our night out. :)

Night Out: Since we skipped Crocodile Park in our itinerary, we just asked manong driver to bring us to Jack's Ridge where we had our dinner. This is a famous dinner / gimik place in town as it's overlooking the city. It was nice up there. =)

Day 2: If you're planning for a relaxing getaway, I would really say that Pearl Farm is a nice place to stay. The resort is very posh and going back there will always be an option for me. =) The place is very well-maintained and the service is absolutely superb. They'll spoil you talaga! =)

Day 3: Our flight was in the afternoon so we have our morning to spare for Shopping! We shopped for our pasalubongs in Aldevinco then went ahead to meet up with Sir JR (Cza's officemate assigned in Davao) to accompany us in buying Durians and Pomelos for us to take home in Manila! =)

Bye for now, Davao! Til we meet again!!! =)

Thanks Twinks, Ca, Pau and Cza for the great time! Can't wait for our next trip in July! :)