Archive for the 'Outdoors' Category

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.

~~~

This article on Whitewater Tubing is written by Matt Regis.

For the adventurous traveler, there’s no better drug than a dose of adrenaline rush. Consider Davao City as your one stop shop not only for savvy and exquisite activities – more than that, Davao also offers the extreme. This time around, let’s look at what you can do while in town to get your adrenals pumping hard, and make your trip a truly unforgettable one.

Hike (and bike) your way to the heavens

If at one point or another, you’ve researched about Davao City, chances are, the highest peak of the Philippines that is Mt. Apo have come to your knowledge as well. Also, there’s a big chance of that knowledge spurning your dreams of conquering peak after peak after peak.

If you’re a newbie climber wanting to experience the Mt. Apo climb once and for all, this is one big leap for you. For experienced climbers, the climb never fails to offer good recreation — a clean environment, pristine flora and fauna, wonderful views. Either way, whether you’re a novice or a pro, climbing Mt. Apo is a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But it’s not only Mt. Apo that’s worth trekking in the region. Davao City is also home to immaculate forests and eco-parks. Of course you might have come across the name Malagos Garden Resortwhere you can find indigenous plants and animals at their healthiest. You can also hike or bike around Samal Island, Eden Nature Park, the Kapatagan Trail, or perhaps Davao’s entire third district. Wherever you go, you’ll greet the green and just keep on going!

And if you’re tired of walking and pedaling, how about flying? Try zip-lining! A number of resorts such as Eden and Camp Sabros in Kapatagan, Digos are offering this really exciting ride. So, prep your lungs and shout out loud when you’re riding the air while you’re hanging on a line.

Davao Traveler Tip 1: Just as the responsible mountaineer’s credo says, we’d appreciate it if you take nothing by pictures and leave nothing but footprints. And, of course, come back when you have the chance.

Davao Traveler Tip 2:Come September 2009, a group mountain climbers has organized a team and inviting every adventurer to conquer the Mount Apo. For details, please visit this link.

Water Adventures

Under the sea…
under the sea…
Darling it’s better,
Down where it’s wetter
Take it from me

I just can’t help but sing that song whenever I think about Davao’s rich waters. And no, Davao’s water isn’t only one of the world’s best when it comes to potability, it’s also world class when it comes to recreational value.

Go snorkeling or underwater diving in the Davao Gulf, where the coral gardens are still young yet already blooming with beauty. Just as the Davao Gulf is filled with a lot of “dive-stinations”, Davao also has a number of dive shops to cater to your underwater needs.

For the lovers of speed and power, Samal Island resorts offer a variety of water sports for your total fun under the sun experience. Speed boats, banana boats, jet-skis, name it, and they probably have it. Or if you want to relax, why not rent a boat and tour the gulf and Samal’s resorts for a whole day? That should be fun.

If those weren’t extreme enough for you, then white water tubing and kayaking should push you towards the edge. Tube the rapids of the legendary Davao River and feel the thrill of speed, and the rush of turning and twisting while maneuvering the rocks. If this doesn’t make you shout your lungs out, rinse and repeat – just have fun as much as you can.

Davao Traveler Tip 3: Although these activities are monitored by professionals who will be always there for your safety and comfort, watch out for your kids. Also remember that some activities may require a minimum age limit of 9 years old, a signed waiver, and a lot of guts (the last one shouldn’t be a problem, right?).

Be the Tiger of Davao’s Woods

If you didn’t get that, it means we really want you to become one of the world’s best. And while in Davao, you can practice your strokes in the city’s beautiful golf courses. While the view is breathtakingly relaxing, the courses in the city are never short of challenging. Two of the must visit courses in Davao are the Davao Golf and Country Club, and the Ranchos Palos Verdes. Year in year out, these two courses attract golfers from all over the Philippines, even ones from outside the country.

Davao Traveler Tip 4: If you weren’t born to play golf, don’t fret – Davao is never short of sporting activities to cater to your athletic needs. Basketball courts all over the city can be rented on a per hour basis for you and your friends. You can also play beach volleyball and Frisbee in Samal. And for lovers of football, you don’t have to go far from the city. You can visit the Tionko field in Quimpo Boulevard for a day of kicks under the sun.

So there you go, another feature on what you can possibly do while in Davao. Tune in again next time for more of these. Hopefully, you’ll experience these things yourself.

~~~

Let’ Get Physical is written by Randolph Reserva

Imagine this: Six towering mountains all over Mindanao…. Eleven Mountaineering Groups… Each mountain climber determined to reach the peak.

“What to do there?”

Simple: Raise the Philippine Flag. That’s it.

“Are you nuts?”

Not for those mountaineering folks from the Philippine National Mountaineering Society. The group aims to gather the mountaineers all over the country to organize the biggest celebration of Independence Day in different Mountain peaks all “over the Philippines as a tribute to our fallen heroes in commemoration of their gallantry and struggle for our freedom.”

“Independence Day, you say?”

Yes my friend, at exactly 7:00 AM in the morning of June 14, 2009, a simultaneous flag raising ceremony will be done.

Now that’s one heroic and patriotic idea.

All Mountaineers Unite

So for those who want to participate in this big event you can coordinate to the Mountaineering Groups involved in this activity.

Here in Mindanao area, the following mountains will be conquered:

• Mt. Apo – Needs no mention, this is simply the highest of them all.
• Mt. Kitanglad – said to be the fourth highest mountain in the Philippines. This is located in Bukidnon Province
• Mt. Putting Bato – the highest peak in the nearby Samal City
• Mt. Talomo – this one is just in Davao, going farther up the Toril area.
• Mt. Magwawa – in Davao del Norte
• Mt. Katambad – somebody please tell me where this mountain is..
• Cliff Hanger Peak – do we really have this in Mindanao?

And the eleven Mountaineering Groups that will be joining the activity:

• MFSM (Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao)
• TEAK (Telecommunications Ecological And Adventure Klab)
• LOGSAC (Local Government of Sta. Cruz) Adventure Club)
• SAVERS (Sta. Cruz Active Volunteers for Emergency & Rescue Services)
• MOSS (Apo Mountaineering Outdoor Sports Society,Inc.)
• MOSACA (Mountain Scaler Asian Club Adventure, Inc.)
• ADAMCI (Adventist Davao Mountaineering Club, Inc.)
• Care Group (Coordinated Action Responding Emergency)
• TRIMMOC (Tribong Mindanao Mountaineering Club)
• CALMOC (Calinan Mountaineering Club)

So, all mountaineers in the Philippines, unite! The date is one June 14, 2009, (Independence Day is June 12) but you should get in touch with your mountaineering group prior to that.

~~~

This article is contributed by:

Engr. Albert C. Gabriel
MCTCA Vice Chairman for Eco-Tourism
Freedom Climb Coordinator for Mindanao