Visiting
the south of the Philippines? The first thing that often comes to
mind when Southern Philippines is mentioned is Davao. It’s one of
the most popular tourist spots in the South and is also known as one
of the most peaceful in the area. Davaoeños are very friendly and
are helpful - you’re sure to have a stress-free experience dealing
with the townsfolk.
Davao
is divided into different areas. Of these areas, the least talked
about is probably Davao del Sur. Not many people know, however, that
this area of Davao holds a thousand treasures for travelers and
vacationers. For one, this is where the highest peak in the
Philippines is found. But that’s just one—Davao del Sur has a lot
more to offer!
The
Different Things You Can Do in Davao Del Sur
From
scenic mountains to beaches, Davao del Sur has them all. Aside from
its natural treasures, it also has a rich culture, and colorful
festivities abound all year round.
So,
what are you into?
CLIMB
MOUNTAINS
Love
to conquer slopes and explore uncharted territories? Does climbing
bring you a feeling of fulfillment and excitement? If it does, then
you might want to give the mountains of Davao del Sur a try. Of
course, who had not heard of the famous Mount Apo? This is the
country’s highest mountain, which is known not only for its height
but also for the rare (some of which extinct) flora found in the
mountain—one of which is the famous Waling Waling orchid, the
so-called queen of the Philippine orchids. The monkey-eating eagle,
the renowned Philippine eagle, the country’s national bird, is
another unique specie found in Mt. Apo. Aside from this, there are
other smaller but as interesting mountains found in Davao del Sur.
Mount Pispis, for instance, is known for its wildlife that it’s
actually the Municipal Forest Reservation Area. For viewing purposes,
the Mt. Sumadel also attracts interest because of its shape—it is
called “babaeng nakahiga’t nakahubad” (translation: a lady who
is lying and naked) by the locals.
CHECK
OUT THE BEACHES
If
you’re the type who simply wants to relax and enjoy instead of
doing some physical and exhausting activity like mountain climbing,
and if you prefer simply being lulled by your surroundings, then you
might want to try the beaches in Davao del Sur instead. There is a
place in the area called the Little Boracay because of its similarity
with the famous beach destination in the Philippines. What makes
Little Boracay a good pick is its white sand and the mountain that
serves as its backdrop. There are also open cottages in the beach for
those who want to stay a while. Unlike the real Boracay, however,
this place is more private as it is not frequented by tourists—ideal
for simply relaxing. You can also try the Baetiong Beach with its
black-grained sand and the grassy but shallow seabed located in its
perimeter, or the private Manando Beach that features a corral and
limed grained white sand. And, these are just but a few—there are
still too many beaches to choose from in Davao del Sur.
GET
HOT IN THE SPRINGS
If
you want the water but you hate the beach environment, then you can
try hot springs instead. The good thing about these is that they’re
located in more remote areas and are generally more private compared
to beach resorts. You can try the Lumayon Spring, which does not only
offer a refreshing soak but as well as a great view because it is
surrounded by forests. Other choices included the Bansalan hot spring
and the Mainit hot spring.
FALL
FOR THE FALLS
If
you want the privacy of the springs but you’re wishing for some
more adventure, you can try the falls. These also offer great scenery
because they’re located in hills and mountains, far from the usual
tourist path. Two of the most recommended when it comes to falls are
the Tudaya falls and the Kipanan falls. The first is known for being
the tallest falls in the Mt. Apo Natural Park, while the second is
popular for being a multi-tiered falls—it features up to 10 drops,
each drop with a different height and width, perfect for the
adventurous!
EXPLORE
THE UNDERWATER AND THE ISLANDS
Want
some more adventure, this time in the water or underwater? Well, try
the Passig Islet, which you can reach by a footbridge and which
features a perfect combination of fine, white sand and clear water.
You can also go diving in Piape Reef or Tubalan Cove. If you’re
after scuba diving or water skiing, then the best place is the
Olaniban island.
ADVENTURE
AT CAMP SABROS
If
you’re up to thrill and excitement coupled with a nature-tripping
experience, Camp Sabros is the way to go. Located almost 4,000 feet
above sea level, the camp offers exhilarating zipline rides and
enjoyable cable lift rides. The two ziplines in the camp are known to
be among the longest in the country—the tandem ride is 380 meters
(50 seconds) while the solo ride is 400 meters (30 seconds) long.
Both are at the height of 180 feet above the ground. Just imagine
gliding in the air while enjoying a view of the Mt. Apo and thousands
of pine trees around and below you—ain’t that just the perfect
experience? If you want to enjoy all these more serenely, then try
the cable lift with friends and enjoy your lush and fresh
surroundings with a 5-minute ride. You just have to give this place a
try!
GET
A DOSE OF HISTORY
After
all the adventures and the fun, you may want to go with a more
relaxed (and intellectually stimulating) experience by checking out
some of the historical places in Davao del Sur. In the Itakuta Hills,
you will find 30 interconnected Japanese foxholes dating back to the
era of the Second World War. Japanese tunnels from the same era are
also a good check, found in such places as certain parts of Hagonoy.
With
all these activities and features of Davao del Sur, you really won’t
lose something to do when you check out the place. You may also want
to go during times of festivities in order to get a glimpse of the
culture of the Davaoeños in this part of the town.
