Davao Travel Blog

Whitewater tubing is one of the most exciting and popular river activities in the world. It is another fun way to bathe in the sun, laugh with family and friends and cool off from the heat while braving the river’s waters. Being drifted by the strong current without the control of a paddle sweats out the adventure juices in you.

Destination: Sibulan River

If you are in Davao City and loves this river adventure, well, you are not that far away from this exciting wet and wild outdoor adventure. Whitewater tubing is already in the Davao region and it gives you more than the river escapade you crave for. The Sibulan River in Darong, Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur is known for whitewater tubing and have been a preferable destinations by water sports enthusiasts, local and foreign tourists through the years. Often visited during summer, the place surely makes people wet and wild. Even frequent Davao City tourists come and take a plunge in Sibulan since it is very close to the Davao’s southern boundary.

Going There

Going to Sibulan River from downtown Davao City would be better with someone who knows the direction especially if you do not have a personal transportation service. People who go to Sibulan River the first time should keep his eyes open since no particular highway signage indicates direction towards the river. Stop by at Ayala Agricultural Development Corporation in Brgy. Sibulan. For those who have cars, go right along the bumpy rough road until you reach a copra processing area. It is approximately 100 meters from the national highway. From the processing plant, make a left to the open parking space area. Parking is charged Php 40.00 per vehicle.

Public transportation is also available for those who want extra adventures on their way. One may ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz at the Davao City Transport Terminal beside SM City at Quimpo Blvd. If this is your preferred way of going there, stop by at the Ayala Agricultural Development Corporation and look for an available “habal-habal” or motorcycle and ask to be brought at the whitewater tubing base site. This may cost you Php20- Php 30. The Ayala Canteen is the base site for whitewater tubing.

From the base, you need to walk a more than 100-meter rocky and muddy road, so you have to secure durable sandals or you may have to take it off to avoid slipping. With friends, this trail would be nothing but fun. You may also enjoy the rich vegetation along the way. And once you reach the river, the whitewater tubing fun will begin. You may want to pay for a guide for more security.

Transportation expenses, guide fees and equipment rentals will only cost you no more than Php 400 per head. But the experience is way more than worth it.

The river activity is indeed exciting and at some point, extreme. The splashing current that will bounce you on rocks may cause little scratches and bruises but it would all be fun. Also you may fall from the tube more than once but just hold on, your guide would not let you slip off. Two hours of this and you have completed the Sibulan River whitewater tubing adventure.

Need A Tour Guide?

Should you need a tour guide or a general overview of the place, you may want to contact Engr. Albert Gabriel. Please refer to his website so more information and some photos of the Sibulan River Water Tubing.

View Albert’s Website at http://photocollectionbyalbert.wordpress.com

Photos of White Water Tubing can be viewed here.

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This article on Whitewater Tubing is written by Matt Regis.

For visitors who opt to stay away from the usual city sight and sounds or for those whose business in the city is far south from downtown area, there is an accessible place where you can experience the convenience offered by city hotels and inns. Toril Homestay Inn is one of the smallest hotels in the city, yet it offers first-class service and amenities that will make you have a relaxing and memorable stay. In very low affordable prices, it guarantees total satisfaction and comfort to customers.

Hotel Location : Toril, Davao

Away from the fast-paced and competition-packed industrial realm of the city, Toril Homestay Inn is located in a strategic location near off-the-city travel destinations here in Davao. The hotel offers their customers with easy access to good places like the relaxing Talomo Beach, the abaca booming industry of Furukawa plantation in Toril and the Gap Farming Orchard Resort located at Maa Diversion Road. The hotel is also near close-to-nature outdoor getaways like the Malagos Garden Resort where the world-famous Monkey-eating Eagle can be seen, the captivating Eden Mountain Resort with its cold fresh atmosphere, the historical Davao Society Museum and one of the most visited places in Davao City today — the Crocodile Park.

Despite its distance, the glamor of city commercial centers, restaurants, entertainment and recreational establishments is still very accessible. It is only a few minutes away from the top shopping malls and commercial centers in the city. It is just a single ride to SM City Davao in Quimpo Blvd., and the NCCC Mall in Mc Arthur Highway in Matina. Other accessible malls are the Victoria Plaza and the Gaisano Mall of Davao which are both two rides away. Hotel guests can also visit dining restaurants like Cynthias’ Lechon House and Restaurant, Gorio’s Cafe and Cocoboo Ihaw-Ihaw.

For Catholic guests and for those who love modern Church architectures, the hotel is very near to the newly blessed Sto. Rosario Parish Church. The church is considered to be the largest and the most expensive in the city.

Meanwhile, for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, the hotel is closest to the whitewater tubing location in the Sibulan River in Darong, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. It is often visited by local and foreign tourists who love water sports.

Convenient Facilities

In its commitment to give satisfaction that is convenient, comfortable and affordable, Toril Homestay Inn is equipped with the standard facilities that are also found in other bigger competitors. Among these amenities include:

• Hot and cold shower
• Cable TV sets
• Air-conditioning units
• Twenty-four hour security system
• Hospitable home service
• Laundry service
• Comfortable beds and room furnitures

Affordable Room Rates

Toril Homestay Inn has nine fully furnished,clean and comfortable rooms that are easy on the budget for every guests. For only 400 pesos, a single person can avail of all the amenities and a room of his own. Couples, on the other hand, have a choice of double-bed rooms which are priced for only 600 pesos which of course include all amenities and services. For extra guests, additional beds are also available through the reception desk.

With all these reasons, Toril Homestay Inn remains a choice for many guests and has kept up with the tight competition among city hotels and inns.

Toril Homestay Inn Contact Details

Toril Homestay
J. Dela Cruz, Toril,
Davao City
(082) 291-0297

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A number of visitors of DavaoTraveler.com has requested to feature hotels in Toril area. Here is one written by Matt Regis.

It’s party time!

Yes, it is! As family and friends gather together during these holidays, sharing a whole bunch of laughter and stories amidst sumptuous meals and drinks, Christmas has almost become synonymous with the word party.

Food, drinks, games, gifts and more is what Christmas parties constitute every year making it one of the most anticipated activities as the year comes to a close. The very reason why it now becomes part of the Christmas traditions here in the country.

But like every happy, enjoyable and fun gathering, Christmas parties have to be planned carefully to satisfy the attendees’ party craving.

In holding a Christmas party, the venue is always one of the first things being considered and you will be glad to know that the most exquisite places to hold parties hast great Christmas offers for you.

The Marco Polo Hotel Davao

The towering Marco Polo hotel, the perfect party venue for people who has a quite bigger budget. Feel the Marco Polo party experience this Christmas as they offer an affordable Php 600 per person Christmas package with your choice of Western Buffet or Oriental Set menu. Nothing could be memorable than holding your party in the hotel’s function room with other offers to highlight your celebration such as their sing-along party equipment and admirable Christmas decorations.

The Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao

An alternative venue, far from the hustle and bustle of the city street is the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Lanang, Davao City. The entrance towards the hotel is already inviting, giving you the feel of Christmas Spirit with Christmas lights illuminating the pathway.

This year, the Waterfront also offers good Christmas packages with your choice of Php 450, Php 650, and Php 750 per person with wide array of meals to choose from. While its function room is best for parties, you can also try their garden tent for a more close to nature, outdoor party experience or their La Prilla Grill, Pirata bar or Vinta bar inclusive with an inhouse singer, pianist and videoke equipment. All of these are available with a 4-hour use of function rooms, sound system, decorations and dance floor.

Casa Leticia

For only Php 20,000 pesos, up to 70 people could enjoy an exclusive indoor party at Casa Leticia’s Toto’s Grill while 40 people could satisfy their party craving with only Php 15,000 at Sagay Ilongo at Casa Leticia’s Ecoland Branch. All these offers complete with TV with player, decorations, and standby waiters.

The Grand Regal Hotel

Four choices of Christmas package is available at the Grand Regal Hotel also in Lanang. Offers range from Php 440.00, Php 480.00, Php 520, and Php 560 per person package all with the use of well decirated function room, sound system, two-set menus to choose from and many more add-ons with complementary freebies.

Dencio’s Sa Hilltop

If you want to try other exciting venues, you may visit the Dencio’s at Hilltop or Jack’s Ridge both at Maa Diversion Road which offer a breath-taking sight of the city with its dazzling lights during nighttime. You may also try Jack’s Ridge specialties of the month like the delectable Hawaiian Pork Hamonado only available for the month of December.

The Pearl Farm Resort

Luxurious it may seem, but nothing beats a holiday over at the Pearl Farm Resort. Pearl Farm offers packages suited for families and couples alike. Their family package worth Php 15,000 for parents and 2 kids – 12 years old and below with the complementary use of the resort’s facilities. A Dream Honeymoon Package for couples worth Php 24,000 with lots of freebies.

BlueJaz Resort and Waterpark

If party guests love the waters, its best to try BlueJaz Resort and Waterpark located at the Island Garden City of Samal. If party means water adventure to you and your friends, the resort is perfect with its facilities like water skis, kayaks, wakeboards, waterslides and even zipline which now offers a panoramic view of Davao City. It also offers a wide array of international cuisine for you to choose from and enjoy. Blue Jazz now boasts to be one of the best resort destinations in the city.

K1 KTV and Music Bar

Love singing? Turn your party into a whole night singing and dancing spree with a lot of places to choose from here in the city. For one, there is the K1 KTV and music Bar at Prime Square in Torres St., which offers an exclusive KTV room for you to party on. World Palace along Quimpo Blvd. offers differently themed rooms for you to enjoy. This place is perfect for group of friends no more than 10 people.

Wherever you may hold your Christmas party, just keep in mind to enjoy every minute of it. After all, there are a lot of reasons to be merry this Christmas.

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There you have it, Matt Regis’s guide on the best places in Davao to hold your Christmas Party.