white water tubing

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.

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Let’ Get Physical is written by Randolph Reserva