Date: October 13, 2011
I originally got return tickets for Davao because they were extremely cheap (thanks to Cebu Pacific's piso fare), and I wanted to check out the beach in Mati City. Well, that didn't fly, so we ended up going to the Island Garden City of Samal, and doing a bit of a tour of Davao City.
Giant durian sculpture outside the airport (left). Aldevinco Shopping Center (right).
We arrived in Davao at 6:00am, but the boat to Samal was scheduled at 11:00am, so we decided to visit some spots we'd read about.
Finding a guide in the city is a breeze because almost all the cab drivers seem to be keen to give everyone a tour. Right after we stepped out of the airport, a taxi driver said he'd take us around the city for P3,500 inclusive of lunch. We didn't take on the offer, but here's his number if you're interested (he gave me a business card!):
Ruel "Dodong: Molina
Davao International Transport Cooperative (DITC)
09994718657/ 09173879353
The same cab driver told us that tourist attractions won't open till later in the day, so he directed us to Probinsya --a restaurant behind Victoria Plaza that serves breakfast buffet at P148.00/person.
Then, we went to the Aldevinco Shopping Center to check out the region's native products. This is the go to place if you're after ethnic handicrafts-- malongs, sarongs, and a range of accessories. The shopping center supposedly opens at 8:00 a.m., but when we got there a lot of shops were still closed. The place is also within walking distance of People's Park (which we didn't get into because it opens at 1:00p.m.).
Now, I have this thing about seeing SM in all places I visit which have SM, so before leaving for Samal, we...well, I guess you know what happened next.
Labels: Aldevinco Shopping Center, Davao, Davao City tour guide, People's Park