Davao 2018 on a Budget

This travel accounts my first time setting foot to Mindanao, in Davao and so far the farthest I have been to in the south among my travel experiences.

As you read thru our adventure that follows, I would be sharing some of the budget tips we exercised during this trip.

 We traveled via PAL for a cheap price of P1800 rountrip fare thru Traveloka app,  from Clark International Airport, see my other blog about Clark International Airport here. 

 *Budget Tip#1: Download and book thru travel apps with promo codes if available to save on airfare or as most travelers always do, watch out for piso fares and airline promos which usually happens during holidays or airline anniversaries, etc.

 We were a pack of 9 travelers, 1 among us grew up in Davao and she was the one who created our DIY budget-friendly itineraries. She took us to places where locals really go.

*Budget Tip#2: Travel in groups, minimum of 4-6 so that expenses when divided among you would not hurt your wallets.

 Moving on, here under were the places and adventures we enjoyably experienced in Davao:

1.  Isla Reta, Talicud Island

When Davao is mentioned, what immediately comes to mind would be Samal Island however according to our friend, Samal is overrated hence we went to the island right across it, to a resort called Isla Reta found in Talikud Island.

 This island was our first destination upon setting foot to Davao. Going here was so worth it because the beach is so beautiful and unspoiled. The sand is so fine that it can comfortably tickle a weary feet. The resort was so affordable whether booking for a small or bigger group. 

 *Budget Tip #3: While in the island, buy fresh catch fish and seafoods at stores outside the resort as it is cheaper, even their cooking services are way more cheaper than at the store inside the resort.

 Read more about  Isla Reta on my other post:  Isla Reta in Davao: An island anyone would surely fall in love with

 After Isla Reta, we went back to the city and booked a decent hotel called City North Inn. We booked the Family room for 2 nights which only costed us 433php each.


  2. BU-DA TOUR

 Apparently, this tour is named BUDA not because it involves visiting temples but because it passes by Bukidnon-Davao Road. The destination is considered the Baguio or Sagada of Davao. We were picked up by our rented tour van at 2 in the morning because the travel time from the city takes about 4 hours and we needed to get to the destination by 5 am to witness sunrise and the sea of clouds. We opted to drive thru at the last fast food restaurant we would pass by and then ate our breakfast during our travel inside the van.

  • Sky Love - given that the elevation to where we are going is immensely high, vans cannot drive up there. We had to take this interesting and horrifying ride up to the mountain. The experience was really peculiar and to me it is a bit death-defying but we really had no choice and we were all there so off we went. They charge P170 each person for the round trip ride. You would just really need to remember who your driver was so better take a picture.


  • Hills View Resort - this is where we had a great view of sunrise and sea of clouds and since the place was really crowded we also had a view of sea of people up there. :)




  • Gethsemane Resort - after having a marvelous view of sunrise and sea of clouds we headed this other resort for more picture taking but this resort has 2 pools and cozy rooms which I think would also be a good place to stay with family and kids. 






  •   Bemwa- the last stop of our BUDA tour is this farm/restaurant which will satisfied our famish stomachs and tired bodies. Their food was great and the place offers a refreshing view of their flower and vegetable farm. The highlight here is their hot chocolate and puto-maya, it is a must-try.









3. Eden Nature Park
     
Going here was not really part of our plan however we figured we could still squeeze this in for the day and it was really worth it. We paid for the entrance fee of P300 which already includes a snack and the tour of the whole park for P100.  You would need to call to reserve otherwise there's a chance they would not let you in. 



  •  The Aviary - enjoyed doing a bird walk here.

  • The Butterfly Garden



  • The Fishing Village - here you can catch different kinds of fish then have them cooked for you. From the inside there is a view of the deer park as well.

  • Tinubdan - Derived from the root word tubod, meaning spring or origin of water, Tinubdan is the tubod of wisdom-a dynamic tour designed to give viewers glimpses of the customs, traditions, beliefs and the way of life of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao. Tinubdan shows you several dimensions of the Lumad existence.



  • Rainbow Pass



  • Indiana Jones
  • Flower Garden
  
  • and many more....



4. Davao City Walk - most of the time we are walking or riding multicabs to get around the city and here are the places we explored.
  • Roxas Night Market - this is where we found the creamiest ice cream I ever tasted in durian, avocado, cookies n' cream and mango flavors. We ate with our hands and devoured on grilled pusit, tuna and seaweed salad.
*Budget Tip #4: For cheaper eats, go to food parks.



 


 



  •  People's Park - no entrance fee; here we have seen people strolling, jogging, exercising.
*Budget Tip #5: Visit places with no entrance fees



 

  •  St Peter's Cathedral

 

  •  Davao City Hall and Rizal Park





  • other city sightings

 



Visiting Davao once is not enough, we would definitely go back to exhaust what other adventures it will offer.

 Budget Breakdown:

  • Air Fare - 1800
  • Terminal Fee (Clark) - 150
  • Boat - 230 round trip
  • Accomodation (Isla Reta ) - 220 each
  • Accomodation (City North Inn) - 867 2 nights
  • Van to BUDA tour - 612
  • Sky Love - 170
  • Entrance to Hills View, Bemwa and Gethsemane - 150
  • Eden (Entrance and Tour) - 400 inclusive of food
  • Taxi to and from the airport - 110
  • Total - 4709php
*Exclusive of Food and Pasalubongs
Location: Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines

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