Today I would like to give you some information about my hometown, Davao City, philippines on the island of Mindanao.
Davao is the third most popular city in the Philippines following Manila and Cebu. It is considered as the center of trade and business in the southern part of the Philippines. In terms of tourism, it offers a lot of wonderful tourist destinations and world-class facilities for you to enjoy. It's people, known as the Dabawenyo, are among the most friendly and hospitable in the world.
If you love traveling, make Davao one of your places to visit. When in Davao, you can visit wonderful places like the beautiful white-sand beach resorts in the nearby Samal Island, the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the Eden Nature Park, and many other tourist spots.
In general, it is safe to move around Davao City. And you will not find any other place on earth that is friendly to other races, but the Philippines. The following are some safety tips that could be helpful to anyone (Filipinos and foreigners alike) planning to visit Davao.
1.) Keep A Low Profile- Since you come from Western countries, you are generally perceived as rich when you come to the Philippines. Keep a low profile, else you become a favorite target of theives, robbers or snatchers.
2.) Learn A Few Words of the local language - What else is more safe than to be a friend to the local people of Davao?
3.) Don't carry a lot of cash - Like anywhere else in the world, use credit cards. ATM is availabel all around Davao. Be prepared carry enough coins and paper money for cabs or jeepney.
4.) Valuable items - Don't wear expensive jewelries, keep your valuables out of sight. People steel what they can see.
5.) Dial 911 - If you have an emergency dial 911, Davao City has a state of the art 911 system.
6.) Traveling companion - If you have a filipino friend have them travel with you until you feel comfortable on your own.
for more information you can contact: http://www.usvirtualconsulatedavao.org.ph
So if you are planning to visit Davao you will not be sorry you did. You will not find a safer more friendier city in the Philippines. If you have an questions on this or any other area you would like to visit in the Philippines, Please feel free to contact me on the forum. http://www.friendlyfilipinos.com under topic global filipina site.
Well, until the next time, hope you enjoy the information!!
October 25, 2007
These days seem to fly by so fast, but today I am going to talk about our recent trip we made to Davao City. In June of this year we went to Davao on a short vacation. It was the first time I had been back home in 7 years, so I was very happy and excited to see my family and friends again. While we were there we went to Paradise island which is just a short 15 minute trip by boat from Davao.
Paradise island is so nice, they have a white sand beach and a resort that you can stay if you like or just spend the day, which we did. You can bring a picnic lunch with you or there are many concession stands selling food and drinks and they have a large area which is totally covered from the sun that has tables that you can eat at.It is so peaceful there and a lot of the local people go there to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
They have what I would call a small zoo with numerous animals and birds that are native to the philippines and that area of Mindanao. You can see some of these pictures in the photo memories section of this site. We took most of these that day we were there.
From there we went back to Davao and visited the wet market in agdao, which is the section of Davao City where I was born and raised. You can also see photos of that in the album. The wet market is a fun place to go, you can find almost anything that is native in the lines of food there from the Mindanao area. I like to go there and get fresh fruit and vegetables, but they also have fresh meat and fish.
If you get a chance and visit Davao City take a day and just browse the wet and dry markets of the city, you will be surprised at what you find and the prices are very reasonable. If it gets to warm you can always visit the malls in the city and enjoy the air conditioning.
In my next log I will tell about some of the tourist attraction and places to eat that are in the area. The one thing I like about Davao is it is so easy to get around to see things. Most of the taxi rides are 30-70 peso to go almost any where in the city. Jeepney, if you would like is much cheaper 8-10 peso. So as a foreigner you can see your money goes a long way.
Until next time............
Here we are again, Today I am going to tell you about some of the beautiful beaches and the islands that they are on in the Philippines.
Boracay Island's White Beach, with its sugary white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, is located on the northwestern part of Panay in Western Visayas. It is rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world. The water surrounding the island is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the Philippines. There is a huge variety of hotels, restaurants and bars offering delightful cuisine just off the beach. There is no coral off the beach and plenty of dive boats will take you to great dive sites.
Bantayan island is well-known for its powder white sands and crystal clear water, especially along the southwest coast. It is a low-key, laid-back resort with friendly locals. The beaches are considered as some of the most inviting resorts, particularly around Santa Fe.
Camiguin, which rhymes with "come again," has been considered as the one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines. Some observers say it is the "Garden of Eden" of the Philippines. Camiguin has a number of magnificent waterfalls that create both hot and cold springs. These grandiose waterfalls are just one of the many attractions of this paradise island.
Dakak Park Beach Resort is located on the sunny white beachfacing the exotic turquoise Sulu Sea. The 750 meter private beach is blanketed with purepowdery white sand. Natural spring water and tumbling waterfalls feed the resort's twopools, whilst the ultimate hideaway is provided at a private open-air jacuzzi where youcan relax in the sauna and whirlpool amidst an atmosphere of blissful solitary refinement.
Dominated by towering marble cliffs that are homes to a number of tropical birds, El Nido is the source of one of the most delectable soups specially found in Chinese restaurants – the Nido Soup. This soup consists mainly of the birdnests that abound in the area. But El Nido is more than this. It prides itself in having the most beautiful seascapes in the province of Palawan, known as the country’s last frontier. Because of its utter splendor, it has also been called the island of the gods – heaven on earth, that is El Nido.
Despite its outstanding natural beauty, Palawan's islands have been one of the least developed holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. A lack of commercialism has made Palawan very special. It is becoming more popular for international divers and adventurers. The ideal place for sun seekers and snorkellers is Honda Bay, which has several islets including Cannon Island, Bat Island and Starfish Island, with coral reefs breaking crystal clear water onto empty, fine white sand beaches. Its blue cool waters are dotted with islets that assure one of a pure-pleasure experience. From snorkeling in its crystal clear waters to island hopping within its enclaves or simply having a picnic in the fine sand of its beach areas, Honda Bay is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Lying in the heart of Cebu is the island of Mactan. This tropical-island getaway endowed with a variety of colors – from its beach, hotels, resorts, nightlife, music, food, drinks – will guarantee to spice up every tourist.
This tiny island, situated at the northeast tip of Cebu Island, is relatively new to the international market, but already rates highly on the the list of world's best beaches - some say it is the new Boracay. This has also become a major dive centre, famous for the crowds of thresher sharks using the marine highway between Cebu and Leyte islands.
As you can see the list of beautiful beaches can go on and on. With over 7,000 islands in the Philippines there are probably a beach or two that has not been traveled upon yet. If there is an area that you are interested in please let me know through our blog and I will discuss it here.
Well, until next time............
I have to apologize for missing my post here, but as you can see by looking at the site we have done a complete make over. I hope you like the new look! I will have to keep this short but I promise to write tomorrow about another great spot in the Philippines to visit. I am exhausted about now from all the late nights working on the new lay out. Thank you all so much for readinging my articles. Until next time............
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