Mindanao Escape 2014

Cagayan de Oro – White Water Rafting– Davao – Samal Island 

(For 6 days and 5 nights)

Summer fun never ends!

I wanted to visit CDO 2 years ago but I and my partner cancelled our flights due to financial reasons. Until Cebu Pacific had a promo seat last August and without second thought, I booked our flights not just for one destination but two which included Davao. Initially, Camiguin Island tour was part of the plan, but we thought that it would cost us so much. Since there is a direct flight from Manila via Cebupacific, we decided to visit it next time. But instead of Camiguin, we chose Samal Island, the nearest to Davao. Perhaps, it would not slash our wallet that much.

We had met a lot of travellers, enthusiasts, even total strangers on the entire trip. And for me, this one was the most exciting part of the tour. Plus, it was my first time to invade Mindanao, the third largest major island in the Philippines. And because we love to immerse ourselves through a different kind of atmosphere, we were able to catch the local’s attention and they tried to reach out to tourists like us who came from Manila. People may have various dialects, religions, or beliefs, but it just proved that these elements didn’t make any barrier among us to communicate and understand these diversities.

For many years of travelling here and abroad, learning is incessant. It never ceases me to learn myself, the people around me, and the places I bound to visit. Another thing is I get to realize that making itineraries should never be condensed or loaded with so much activities to do and sites to see. Sometimes, it needs to be free flowing or spontaneous. I’m sure, you will enjoy every second you'll have on your tour. And with this break in Mindanao, we never felt in a haste and let the time passed.

Here’s the complete details of our 6-day-and-5-night stay and the expense summary on these destinations. I hope this will assist you in planning your tour on these thrilling destinations in Mindanao.

Itinerary

June 26, 2014 (Thur) Free Time

    ETD 12:15pm at NAIA T3 via Cebupacific

    ETA 2:00pm at Laguindingan Int’l Airport

    Check-in at D’Morvi Suites Hotel

    Lunch at Barkadahan Grill

    Shopping at Centrio Ayala Mall

    Rest

June 27, 2014 (Fri) CDO Day Tour

    Prepare for the day tour at 10:00am

    1. CDO City Hall

    2. Gaston Park

    3. St. Augustine Cathedral

    4. City Museum of CDO

    5. Golden Friendship Park

         - Monument of Mayor Justiniano

         - City Tourist Assistance Center

    6. Limketkai Mall

         - Island Souvenirs

         - 1^st Starbucks in Mindanao

         - 1^st McDonalds outside Metro Manila

    Buffet Lunch at Thai Me Up

    Vi-Andep Pastel Store

    Back to Centrio to watch Transformers

    Lifestyle at 9pm

          - Hollywood

          - Microphone Hero

 June 28, 2014 (Sat) White Water Rafting

    Registration at Bugsay Office at 7:15am

    Orientation and practice paddling at Mambuaya at 8am

    Actual river run at 8:30

    Back to Bugsay office for the videos and photos at 12 noon

    Lunch at Dear Manok

    Back to hotel

    Dinner at KFC, Centrio Mall

    Rest

forward, backward, high five

June 29, 2014 (Sun) Davao DayTour Part 1

    Check-out at D’Morvi at 3:200am

    Departure at Centrio Mall via Lax Van Shuttle at 3:35am

    ETD 6:30am at Laguindingan Int’l Aiport (CDO) via Cebupacific

    ETA 7:35am at Francisco Bangoy Int’l Airport (Davao)

    Left our baggage at Green Windows Hotel

    Davao Day tour at 10:00am

    1. Eden Nature Park

    2. Philippine Eagle

    3. Japanese Tunnel

    4. Lola Abon’s Pasalubong Store

    5. Infant Jesus Shrine

    6. Dinner at Jack’s Ridge

    7. People’s Park

    Rest

June 30, 2014 (Mon) Samal Island Tour

    Breakfast at Tapsilugan

    Took a pump boat at Sta. Ana Wharf

    ETA 8:00am at Maxima Aquafun Resort

    Whole day fun

    ETD 4:00pm at the resort

    Took habal-habal Samal Pier

    Arrived at Sasa Wharf (Davao) after 10 minutes

    Took a jeepney to Aldevinco Shopping Center to buy souvenirs or pasalubong

    Dinner along Roxas (near Ateneo de Davao)  

    Rest

July 1, 2014 (Tue) Davao Day Tour Part 2

    Check-out at Green Windows Hotel

    Met Kuya Dindo at 2pm for Ms. Sue Ong’s Starbucks & Hello Kitty collection

    Went back to Aldevinco for more shopping

    Back to the hotel to get our luggage

    Went to the airport via taxi at 6pm

    ETD 9pm at Francisco Bangoy Int’l Aiport

    ETA 11pm at NAIA T3

Expenses

* Airfare (all flights are via Cebupacific with 15kg baggage allowance)

     Manila to CDO- P904 (terminal fee included)

     CDO to Davao- P607

     Davao to Manila- P999

* Terminal Fee

     CDO Aiport- P200

     Davao Aiport- P200

* Accommodation

     D’ Morvi Hotel (CDO) for 2 1/5 days- P750 (P1500 for 2)

     Green Windows Hotel (Davao) for 2 nights P560 (P1680/night for 6 persons)

* Food

     CDO

         1. Barkdahan Grill- P165/meal

         2. Thai Me Up (lunch biffet)- P249/head

         3. KFC- P70/meal

         4. Other food expenses- P400

     Davao

         1. Jack’s Ridge (dinner)- P300

         2. Tapsilugan (breakfast)- P60

         3. Roxas (dinner)- P70

         4. Other food expenses- P200

     Samal

          1. Maxiama (lunch)-P130

* Tour Package

      CDO White River Rafting

            Rafting (beginner course)- P700

            Picture & video copy- P150/head (total P600 for 4)

      Davao Day Tour

            Van rental- P583 (total P3500 for 6)

            Entrance fees

                  1. Eden Nature Park- P200 with light snack

                  2. Philippine Eagle. P110

                  3. Japanese Tunnel- P50

      Samal Island

            Maxima Aqua Fun- P250/head

* Souvenir or Pasalubong

       CDO

            1. Island Souvenirs ref magnet- P129

            2. White rafting ref magnet- P100

            3. Pastel and candies- P230

      Davao

            1. Durian ref magnet- P200 for 8 pcs

            2. Phil Eagle ref magnet- P70 for 2 pcs

            3. Foldable eco bag—P100/pc

            4. Lola Abon’s candies- P300

       Samal Island

            1. Ref magnet- P50

       Others:

            1. Movie (Transformers 2D)- P140

            2. Shirt (Cotton on)- P400

* Transportation (Taxi / Van Shuttle / Boat)

       CDO

             BF Homes, Las Pinas to NAIA T3 (by taxi)- P271

             CDO Airport to D’ Morvi (by van shuttle)- P200

             D’ Morvi to CDO Aiport (by van shuttle)- P199

       Davao

             Davao Aiport to Green Windows Hotel (by taxi)- P80 (total P160 for 2)

             Green Windows Hotel to airport (by taxi)- P87.50 (total 175 for 2)

             NAIA T3 to House at BF Homes (by taxi)- P220

             Other expenses: P100

       Samal Island   

             Green Windows to Sta. Ana Wharf (by taxi) P25 (total 75 for 3)        

             Sta. Ana Wharf to Maxima Resort, Samal Island (by pump boat)- P250 (total P1500 for 6)

             Maxima Resort to Samal Pier (by habal-habal)- P80 (total 160 for 2)            

       

Expense Summary

(for one person)

Airfare:                      P2510

Terminal Fee:           P400

Accommodation:     P1310

Food:                        P1644

Tour Package:         P2043

Souvenir:                  P1749

Transportation         P1512.50

Total:                       P11,168.50

Next Topic: Cagayan De Oro Day Tour 

_________________________________________________________________________________

Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.

CDO Day Tour

Many would think that there are no attractions to see in the downtown area of Cagayan de Oro (CDO), but they could be wrong. Imagine that every place has its own charm may it be a city hall or a public park. Each site is rich in history and unique wonders. In fact, most of these places could be reached on foot from our accommodation.

Here’s my list of sites that you perhaps visit when you plan to stay at the urban areas of the city.

City Hall

It is also known as the Executive House. The structure was erected in 1940 and its location is where the Casa Real once stood. It used to be the headquarter of the Spanish Colonial administration. Cagayan de Misamis (the old name of CDO) was the capital of the Segundo Distrito de Mindanao (2^nd District of Mindanao) during that period.

Location: Along Capistrano St.

Admission: free

Gaston Park

The park was named after the municipal mayor of CDO, Segundo Gaston. It was actually the main plaza of the city during the Spanish colonial period. Furthermore, it used to be the training ground of local patriots during the Philippine-American war. This is where the battle of Cagayan de Mesamis took place.

The military forces of Mindanao lead by General Nicolas Capistrano made a clandestine attack before the sunrise of April 7, 1900. General Capistrano together with other Filipino soldiers had fought against the 40^th Regime of the US battalion under Major James Case. Hundreds of Filipinos died for the country’s freedom. Hence, the place is dedicated to all the Filipinos in Cagayan de Mesamis who lost their lives for the independence of our beloved country.

Location: A few distance from the City Hall

Admission: free

St. Augustine Cathedral

The church was built in 1624 by Fray Agustin San Pedro, popularly known as El Padre Capitan. Both the church and convent were destroyed by fire; thus, Fray Pedro de Santa Barbara with the assistance of affluent supporters of CDO, created the new church. It was opened to the public in 1780. However, the structure didn’t stand long and in 1841, a new structure was then built using materials made of concrete.

Location: A few distance away from Gaston Park

Admission: free

City Museum of CDO

The museum was once used as the water tank during World War II. It was constructed in 1921 and completed after a year. It became the reservoir of the local fire department for several years. The water tower made it through the bombings during the war and the impact of many earthquakes. It was renovated by the city mayor, Constantino G. Jaraula in 2008. And on December 1 of the same year, it was inaugurated as the city museum of CDO.  Today, the site is considered the city’s oldest structure made of concrete.

The museum has 3 levels connected by a spiral staircase. The ventilation was not working when we visited the place. Taking photos is not allowed but the curator present that day allowed us to take some.

 The gallery on the 1st level

 The gallery on the second floor

The exhibit on the 3rd level

Location: Few steps from St. Augustine Cathedral

Admission: You can donate

Golden Friendship Park

Also known as Divisoria, was constructed in 1902. The park has five major areas: the cry of freedom monument, monument of the national hero, Jose Rizal, the monument of President Ramon Magsaysay & Andres Bonifacio, and Kiosko Kagawasan. Along this stretch, you can see the City Tourist Assistance Center, where you can ask other sites to explore and its directions. You can also have the city map with no extra charge. Many locals said that the place used to be lively particularly at night. Many bars and evening stores were along R.N. Abe Juela St. and T. Neri St.

Schedule: Opens at 8am-5pm, Mon to Fri
Location: City Tourist Assistance Center is between BDO and Jollibee

Admission: Free

Limketkai Shopping Mall

It is one of the pioneering huge shopping malls in CDO. This shopping complex has two levels giving you a wide selection of local stores, restaurants or food chains, and other important establishments. 

What interests me about this place are the stores nearby that put their mark on the history of the city: Starbucks and McDonald’s. According to many, Starbucks in front of Limketkai Mall is the first branch in Mindanao while McDonald’s across it, is the first store outside Metro Manila. It’s very interesting to know that, isn’t it?

Starbucks in front of Limketkai Mall

Island Souvenirs is the best place to buy your premium souvenir items with reasonable prices. It is located right in front of the mall entrance. The store sells colourful bag tags, baller Ids, wrist bands, ref magnet made of rubber, shirts in real cotton fabric, bull caps, and many more. And of course, who would miss taking your photo of the store’s very own diorama-The ‘I heart’ plus the name of the place where the store can be found.

How to get here: From City Tourist Assistance Center, take a jeepney along R.N. Abe Juela St. with Lapazan route. It take 5-10 minutes to reach the place.

Fare: 7.50 / head

Admission: free attraction

Next Topic: CDO's White Water Rafting Adventure

_________________________________________________________________________________

Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.

CDO's White water Rafting Adventure

Cagayan de Oro is the white water rafting capital of the country. It is the only city in the Philippines that offers this exciting water activity all year-round. This rafting tour is a combination of many highlights along the course; for instance, the unforgettable experience of river rafting, picturesque sceneries, heart-stopping rapids, and amusing but nimble guides. They make it sure that everyone learns all the techniques on how to paddle properly, safety precautions, and tips if the inflatable raft turns around.

The guests can choose the levels of thrills: beginner or advanced. The rapids have an interval of 10-15 minutes with one another.

Courses

* Beginner Course

It is a 12-km river stretch which begins at Mambuaya (take-out point) and ends at Cabula (end take-out) with 14 rapids ranging from class 2 to 3. This course takes 3-4 hours to finish.

Rate: P700/head

* Advanced Course

It is a 16-km river stretch that starts at Uguiaban (put-in area) and ends at Cabula (end take-out) with a total of 21 rapids ranging from class 2 to 3.

This course can be accomplished for 4-5 hours.

Rate: P1000/head 

Both courses include

- Transportation (jeep) 2-way

- Safety gears    

     1. paddle

     2. helmet

     3. buoyancy/life vest

- River guide/Tour guide

- Shower for free at the take out

Note: Documentation is excluded

Beginners and advanced: P 500/group

Extra CD: P50/copy

21 Rapids

1. Uguiaban- start of advanced course

2. Kalawa-ig

3. Rest House Rock

4. Table Top

5. Over the Top

6. ‘S’ Rapid

7. Surprise

8. Mangalay Cave

9. Five Finger

10. Mambuaya- Start of beginner course

11. Macabundul

12. Malagkot

13. Ramil’s Place

14. Brave’s Way

15. Snake Preview

16. Magic Rapid

17. Cavera Rapid

18. Kiss the Wall

19. Tabunan

20. Macahambus Rapid

21. Cabula- end take out of both beginner and advanced courses

It was in Macahambus Rapid, 2^nd to the last rapid, where one of the guests died due to uncontrollable current 3 weeks ago. This part of the course was actually the hardest because of the ubdercut that lies beneath the water. In fact, AFP cost guards gave up the retrieval operation due to the strong current and it took 3 days to get the remains of the victim by the help ofour professional guides from CDO.

Things to Wear and Bring

- swimming attire (rash guards are ideal)

- light weight clothing like shirts and short pants

- aqua shoes or sandals with strap

- personal camera and dry bags

- sunglasses or eyeglasses with strap or band

- sunscreen lotion

Tips

- Most guests are all beginners so you’re not alone from being frightened. You just have to conquer your fear. I bet, you will love the rest of the ride after crossing the first rapid. Adrenaline will rush through your veins and become more willing to face the challenge.

- The key here is presence of mind. You have to listen to your guide’s instructions. Remember, they know every movement of the current and every turn of the rapids, so you have to trust them.

- Instructions, guidelines, and safety precautions could be overwhelming during the orientation but don’t worry, you’ll have a hands-on practice before they’ll bring you to the actual course.

- If something goes wrong or the rubber boat flips over, don’t panic. Your guide knows how to bring you back to the raft.

- Safety gears and proper attire are very essential. Rash guards with long sleeves, aqua shoes are ideal to avoid further injuries.

- Don’t bring anything valuable or unnecessary such as jewelries and bulky gadgets. You need to leave them in the vehicle.

- Just enjoy the rest of the ride! Nothing bits the exciting or thrilling moments you’ll gain with this once-in-a-lifetime white water rafting.

 Giving high five is a gesture that everyone did a great job

Contact Information

CDO Bugsay River Rafting

Address: San Agustin-Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City

Telephone #: (088) 850-1580 / (088) 309-1991

Cellphone #: (+63) 917-328-4729 (Globe)

E-mail: cdobugsayrafting@yahoo.com

Website: www.bugsayrafting.com

* Mark C. Aldea (Operation Manager)

   Mobile #: (+63) 917-703-5558 (Globe)

                    (+63) 922-837-7646 (Sun)

   E-mail: aldeamark@yahoo.com

* Ricmar Perturbos (Marketing)

   Mobile #: (+63) 915-279-0867

Enjoy the ride!

Next Topic: ViANDEP- The Maker of Pastel of Camiguin

_________________________________________________________________________________

Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.

Accommodation in Bohol: Momo Beach Escape Resort

The first thing I usually look for in accommodation is its comfort or the location. Before I purchased the voucher from one of the online shopping websites named Groupon and reserved our accommodation, I was able to read numerous reviews from local blogs who used to stay there for a few days and most of them were all positive. Then I coordinated the reservation through the owner, Mr. Jojo to make some clarifications. But of course, every plan doesn’t always turn out to be perfect. Let me just give you some positive points before I discuss a few hassles we had in the resort.

What I like about this place is the ambiance from the shoreline

Even the receiving area is so relaxing

Our first morning in Tagbilaran

Momo is just the same as what it is shown on most of the blogs- front beach, homey, and relaxing. The rooms were well-lit and well-ventilated. The toilets were well-maintained while the bed linen and pillows were clean. Then the location is ideal for people who love serenity and privacy. It’s just a few meters away from the shoreline. The staff was actually efficient and helpful. Besides, they were really trying their best to please the guests. 

Guests can use these facilities

You can grill as long as you want but you have to pay certain amount

The rooms are well-maintained and mostly clean

This room can accommodate 4 persons with its own bathroom

This is one of the 3 standard rooms that are good for 2 persons

We have just anticipated that the place is so remote so we decided to buy our own additional breakfast- hotdog 

Four of my friends grabbed these burgers from Mcdonalds before arriving in the resort

...and they have the heaviest meal for their breakfast

However, there were a few things that we felt disappointed at the resort:

- Like what I’ve mentioned, I talked to Mr. Jojo about some matters like the amenities and facilities they have in the resort and he said yes. On the other hand, there were no TV and internet access when we were there. I asked the staff a couple of times about the wifi connection, but he had to buy the load in order to have a net service. Then after a whole day tour in Bohol, still there was none. We waited for more hours before we had the connection. And the worse thing was we just had the service for more than an hour that night. Yes, after a long wait, we only had it for more than one hour.

- The coastline was full of sea grass and sea urchins for which we never dared to swim.

- There was no generator to supply the entire place in times of sudden electrical interruption. And we experienced it for 2 consecutive days due to the super typhoon, Hayain (Yolanda as the local name).

- Hence, if there is nothing to back up the electricity, there is no water supply as well. The water pump is electricity-generated so we needed to wait for water this time.
- We thought we were be able to save money, but we over spent on van transfer to and from Tagbilaran. Imagine the van rental cost P500 per way. 

Instead of wallowing our boredom, we decided to hang out at the beach and had a few bottles of cold beer bought in the nearby mini store. And to make the ambiance more exciting, we lit the torches made of bamboo as our light.
Upon arrival in Tagbilaran Port, we had been hearing news about the coming super typhoon that would strike the some parts of Visaya like Cebu, Leyte, Samar, and Tagbilaran. We never anticipated that it was super strong so we ignored this fact and went on with our plans. We were able to accomplish our day tour in Bohol and arrived in Momo Resort safe and sound. Our driver even commented that we were among the few who persisted the tour that day. At the back of my mind, I felt a bit frightened of so many what ifs. What if there would have a natural calamity that may have come along our way- landslide, being stuck by the lightning, or storm surge. But our excitement concealed this fear. 

Thanks for these accommodating staff despite the inconveniences 

we experienced in Momo Beach Escape Resort 

Tip 1: You can try other accommodation along Alona Beach with great selections. Find out accommodation with free 2-way van transfer and breakfast. Tagbilaran City to Panglao Beach takes 3o minutes to reach or almost an hour to Alona Beach.

Tip 2: Buy some food or snacks in Tagbilaran City. Most beach resorts are located in remote areas with limited access to convenience stores.
Tip 3: Contact a reliable tour operator that gives reasonable tour package rate.
Tip 4: Visit Bohol if you're in a group for you can save some money.

Contact Information
Mr. Jojo (Contact Person)
Location: Panglao Beach
Cellphone #: (+63)916-300-3481 (Globe)
                       (+63)917-625-7498 (Globe)

Next Topic: Bohol Day Tour Part 1: Chocolate Hills & the Philippine Tarsier

_________________________________________________________________________________

Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.