The Undiscovered Davao

Davao City is one of the biggest city in the whole world. In the recent years, Davao City has evolved from a simple city into a major tourism hub as it is now one of the most favored tourist destination in the country. Commonly as we are to tour visitors from other places we would definitely bring them to the famous places that Davao is well of. But for me, if I were to tour a visitor, I would make him/her experience the Undiscovered Davao. Places and things which most of us would not imagine existed in the city. I will be touring my visitor in three types of places, treating him/her a unusual Davao City tour.

A Historical Landmark: The Church's Memories. For most of us who lived all our lives in the city, we already know that the San Pedro Cathedral is one of the churches that the city treasured most. Located at corner San Pedro Street and Calveria Street, San Pedro Cathedral is one of the oldest Catholic Church in Mindanao. But if you think that San Pedro Cathedral is just a church. Think again. Because the church houses a place that must be discovered for us to understand more of the history of Davao City. Located under the bell tower is a small historical museum, housing the oldest archives of the city, where you can find the oldest bible, church files, statues and images of Davao City then before. From the beginning of the San Pedro Cathedral, all of the history it had been has been documented and preserved on that very spot of the Church.Your visitor will surely appreciate the history of Davao seeing the entire collection of the Cathedral.

If you ask if it is accessible, Yes it is. You just need to go to the office below the bell tower and ask permission to see the collection.

Food Trip: The Terrific Transformation.
Kwek-Kwek Ulit? In Luzon, there is a very famous street food. It is the Kwek-kwek. The real Kwek-kwek is made by using Quail Eggs. But it was been popularized here in Davao City by Chicken Eggs. But because Filipinos are well known of being creative and out of the box thinking, HELLO there, meet the two Terrific Kwek Kwek transformation. Meet Kwek-kwek Balot and Kwek-kwek Penoy. Yes, you've read it right. The two popular eggs have a new packaging. From White Hard shells to Red Orange soft shells, these two will definitely hit you visitors' with a WOW with their taste buds. So try now the Kwek-kwek's new servings at Duterte Street infront of Hotel Gallera.

Scratch the Hell out of it. Another Terrific food transformation is the most wanted and ultimately Davao, The Durian. If your visitors don't like the actual fruit to be served, why not try the fruit to be served with a class. Lola Abon's sells the most delighted Durian Candies while a couple of coffee shops here in Davao also serves Durian Cheese Cakes. But only few serves Durian Coffee. I know that these Durian Transformation is found in Blugre. And you can find Blugre Coffee shop at Pryce Tower and Matina Town Square (MTS). From the Smells like Hell, Scratch it out because you visiting friends will surely love Durian after tasting its transformed servings.

By the Sea: The Vanishing Paradise

People always dreamed of a paradise, a haven close to the sea, where it would have spectacular features and biodiversity and would be unique among the rest. We dreamed of our own Atlantis, the perfect scene of paradise that we seek. And probably this is one part of the Atlantis that we are dreaming of.


  If there is one place in Davao that you would probably want to visit, that would be the paradise of your dream and the Atlantis that you seek, there is a situated island in between Samal and Davao City that actually Vanishes during the high tides, and reveals its spectacular beauty when tides are low. The island is actually part of the beautiful and rich Island Garden City of Samal. 

Vanishing Island (or Shanipan Shoal) is located between the coast of Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal, a portion of Sanipahan-Babak. Vanishing Island is known as a Diving Site and Marine Sanctuary. With the development done by the local government of Samal to cater tourist needs, aside from the mangrove trees that have been planted, there were also elevated cottages in the middle of the isle for visitors to stay in. 

 Diving in Shanipan Shoal is most likely most dive sites where sandy and grassy bottoms. Fishes flock the island because of the presence of the planted mangrove trees. You can also collect Sand Dollar Shells which is very common in the Island. There are also several species of Starfishes. But just be careful stepping on the sand, because of its rich ecosystem there are plenty of sea urchins scattered. Enjoy the Island’s view during the sunset and witness the tides eating the whole island. And say to yourself, how great your visit was in the Island. Truly a paradise.

How to get to Vanishing Island.

There are three ways on how to get to Vanishing Island. And commonly you need to rent the whole boat for you to get there.

If you are a certified regular tourist, got the money to pay for the easy route, and would not risk some additional adventure, I would recommend you to take the Samal Route. Take a boat at Sasa heading to Babak Pier and then a 6-10 minute boat ride from Babak Pier to the Island. Another way is From the Sta. Ana Pier and from there you go directly to the Island. 


 If you are living near some barangays in Sasa or you do have some friends in the neighborhood that could assist you, probably this will be your cheapest way to the island. Renting in these areas is more cheaply compared to the commercial rental boats in both piers mentioned above. A boat ride is just around 150 pesos/boat and you can get there in less than 5 minutes. 

So If you really want to let your visitors bring good memories back to their home and share something new to their friends at their respected places. Why not try these things in Davao. Am Sure their friends and love ones will be curious and will be visiting also the places you've taken them.