Davao Getaway Part 1 - Paradise Island

11 May 2012. Tutel and I decided to get out of Metro Manila to relax and forget about work for a while.  With no travel arrangements, we took our tickets, packed our bags and decided to fly out of the Metro.  We took Airphilexpress flight 2P 981 departing at 4:15am from Manila to Davao where we had our first buzzer-beater experience flying! Head to the airport, security check, check-in, terminal fee, security check... when we got to the pre-departure area, last call for boarding was being announced.  We were rushing to the boarding gate.  What a RUSH! hahaha!

On-board, managing to smile after beating the clock!

Early morning, 2P flights preparing for their flights....

 I always try to get a shot of the wing and engine... makes a good wall paper!

Arriving at Davao.  Well as I was explaining earlier, we had no travel arrangements.  We took out flyers from the arrival area and tried getting arrangements.  

First option - Maxima Aqua Fun Water Park. Pareng Google says that Maxima boasts of its 50 meter tarpaulin slide where you'll fall right into the ocean. We sent a text message to Maxima Aqua FUN Resort but didn't get a quick reply so we decided to just walk-in.  We took a taxi and started heading for the port... we were dropped off the wrong port (Samal Port)!  So we took another taxi ride to Sta Ana Warf.  When we got there, it was the right port to get a boat ride to Maxima.   There were already a lot of people waiting for the ferry.  We were asked if we are going to Maxima and we readily replied YES.  Asked if we have reservations for an over-night stay, we said that we'll just walk-in and take any room that is available... then came back the reply to our earlier

text message - "Sorry, all rooms are occupied for today". Too bad.

 So we took out the flyer and tried calling other resorts.  At 6am, nobody is answering their phone lines or cellphones.  Well, we took this adventure to Davao and we are not about to back out, not right now since we are already here!

Next, we tried to take our chances at Paradise Island.  We both have been there before (on separate travels) and it a good place.  So we took another taxi ride to another port for ferries going to Paradise.  Arriving at the port, we were greeted by their attendants.  Asked if we had reservations, we again readily replied - "we are hoping to get one when we get there".  The attendant explained that there is a family affair on the resort and there's another group having a convention.  All rooms were occupied.  I thought that was the end of our island adventure!  We actually discussed on the way to the port that if we cannot get a place to stay on Samal Island, we'll just get a room at Davao City and probably do a day trip to one of the resorts.  Well, here's the thing - I was really surprised with the staff of Paradise Island.  Instead of just saying we cannot accept you anymore, he offered to check with the main office if there are arranged check-out for that day, and he will get back to us. 

Tutel with the smile that "says all" about the experience we had so far...

 When the attendant got back, he said that there is one standard fan cottage that would be vacated by 12 noon.  We said, YES we'll take it!  He then happily carried our bags to the ferry.  I can't thank him enough for his efforts so I

gave him a tip for extending his services.  He also informed us that he already radioed their office and that they are expecting us at the other side.

 Finallly getting on a ferry to Samal Island --- Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort

Paradise Island welcoming us.

 Arriving at their island port,  We were greeted by an attendant, carried our bags and assisted us to the reception office.  At the gate of the resort, a band was playing strings and singing some songs of welcome.

So we took the LAST AND ONLY cottage that will be available for the day, so we don't mind if we had to wait until 12 noon to be checked-in our room.  The reception staff was really friendly and accommodating, explaining the limitations of what room they have left and why... but it was the best offer than going nowhere that day.

We decided to get some breakfast at the beach side.  While we were going through the flyers,we saw that they offer arranged package tours. We took the Licup Viewpoint Garden and Hagimit Falls package (which we earlier planned to visit).

We arranged for the trip (quite expensive for two persons. Their price of PHP 1750 is actually for a maximum group of 8), but we took it anyway.

 Took us about 30 mins to get to Licup Viewpoint Garden.  The garden was not as we expected (we expected more than a few pots aligned on the road side), but the view was amazing!

Overlooking Samal Island and Davao City on the far end

 Took a couple of pictures and then headed to Hagimit Falls.

Read about our Hagimit Falls adventure click here

It was almost lunch when we headed back to the resort.  
The trip to Hagimit Falls was worth it! 

When we got back to the resort, we strolled around their aviary.  The first time I was there, I didn't even know that they have one at the rear end of the resort.

This was my favorite shot in the aviary.  The first time I saw a peafowl with its tail fanned out! Amazing!

We had lunch.  Managed to check-in to our room afterwards.  We took a couple of hours nap, then headed for the beach in the late afternoon.

It was here at Paradise that I learned how to snorkel.  My first time was 15 feet deep, no life vest. Totally enjoyed it.  So I vowed that I would get my personal snorkel and enjoy this activity wherever there is water to swim into.

Tutel never tried snorkeling before.  It was my turn to teach her.  At first I got her practicing on shallow waters.  After that we headed for the deeper waters where there are more corals and fishes to see.  It was getting dark so we decided to do it again the next day. We headed back to our cottage, washed-up, had our dinner... relaxed outside our cottage... off to sleep.

The next morning, another good day to snorkel.  Tutel was already snorkeling and she was heading to the deeper waters.  She can't really swim.  While I'm not really a good swimmer, I can manage for myself.  So to take the worries away and not letting the chance for her to enjoy the activity, I went to rent us life vests.  We put on our vests and headed for the deep waters... and she enjoyed every minute of our morning.  Her first "real" snorkeling activity!

Our Davao adventure was FUN!  Buzzer beaters, we took chances on resorts, first time on a Waterfalls, first view of peafowl with a fanned tail, first time to snorkel for Tutel.  Our Paradise Adventure was a blast! THANK YOU PARADISE ISLAND for the treat!

We had to leave the island but we continued our adventure in Davao City!

See you on our next Adventure!