Year 2017 was the time when I started travelling. That year, I never knew I would go to places that I don't really plan on going. Yes, I booked a promo ticket but since it was just cheap, I just go with the flow and booked even if I'm unsure during that time if I'm gonna make it to that trip.
So here I am, posting another throwback travel last 2017. This time, I went to Mindanao Island, the second largest island of the Philippines.
My first day was just a half day trip exploring the City of Davao.
Upon arrival at Francisco Bangoy International Airport, you'll see this giant structure of Durian Fruit (famous fruit found in Davao).
As I was trying to have a tight budget, I opted to commute going to the city and look for an accommodation.
I already looked up in Google how to save money going to the City and what area should I go to look for an accommodation so it was just a smooth travel going to my accommodation.
Look at my room!
I only booked for a bunk bend as I planned to stay there just until midnight as I had my itinerary going to other province in Mindanao (Surigao del Sur, on my third blog for this set).
After taking a quick nap, I went out to have lunch in a karinderia (small place to eat on budget) and started exploring the city.
My first stop was a Buddhist Temple, the Long Hua.
I don't know if it's a tourist spot in Davao but I saw it online and since it was close to my accommodation, I went out and check the temple
Next stop was the San Pedro Cathedral Church.
There was a mass during my visit so I went to stay for a couple of minutes to pray and lit some candles.
Across the church, you'll find a museum called Museyo Dabawenyo (Tagalog term for Davao Museum)
Did you know that the current Philippine President lives in Davao City? This is why he has a painting at the entrance of the second floor of the museum.
I also learned in that museum that the city name, Davao was previously called Duhwow.
Moving on to my next stop... D Bone Collector Museum! However...
I was a bit disappointed during that time as I was looking forward to see this as this was suggested by some of my friends but sadly it was closed during my visit.
At this time, I had nowhere to go so I just went to walk back going to the Cathedral. As I was walking, I saw a green mango vendor and bought one to cheer up myself while I was looking for a place to go to.
Luckily, I have a friend online whom I haven't who lives in Davao and suggested a quite chill place to spend the rest of my day as I shared my day to her. She suggested for me to go to Times Beach.
The beach can be compare to Manila Bay as there are stones placed in the shore and it wasn't a typical beach with the sand. The beach was a 10-minute walking distance from SM Davao. It was really a chill place as the locals go here as well to just spend time with friends, family or loved ones.
The sun already set and so I started walking back to SM Davao to buy some groceries as I needed to prepare some snacks and food for my trip to my next destination.
After doing grocery, I went back to my accommodation to leave it there and went out again to go to the Night Market!
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Basically, the night market in Davao is more on food stalls where you dine in to eat for grilled dishes with rice. There's a section for some clothing as well.
One thing I bought there was this Buchi (chinese sweet rice cake) filled with chocolate and it was the best! It only costs around P10 if I was not mistaken.
After exploring the market, I went back to my accommodation to say my goodbye to the city as I was bound to leave for my next destination that midnight.
At around 11 PM, I checked out and did commute to the bus station and waited for my bus which will take me 7-8 hours to get to my destination...
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Here's a photo of me bound to travel for 7-8 hours... good night!
Thank you for reading. Day 2 of my 1st Mindanao Travel will be posted next!
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