Jumpstarting summer at Davao del Norte: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary

 

 

Biyaheros, it's that time of the year again! Time to bring out those sunglasses, swimsuits, and sunblock, because “Biyahe ni Drew” is heading to Davao del Norte!

Drew shares, "Okay mga biyahero nandito tayo ngayon sa one of my favorite cities in the world. Not just because of the great size, but because of the beaches." Davao del Norte is situated in Mindanao, housing its capital, Tagum City.

Talicud Island

Drifting away from the famous Samal Island, Drew explores a different paradise in Davao Del Norte, instead. From Santa Ana Wharf, it takes an hour of boat ride from mainland Davao until a white sand beach welcomes you with open arms! Welcome to Talicud Island!

Samal Island consists of nine islets and one main island, and Talicud Island happens to be its second biggest island. Boasting of its stunning marine life makes snorkeling a must-try activity when visiting this place. Just a few seconds launching into this trip, Drew is already giving us an envious moment – another ‘#YouLoveMyJob’ from our favorite Biyahero!

People say that this island is perfect for people who travel to get away from the hubbub of city’s daily grind. Peace, serenity, and privacy are always available here, not to mention the affordable accommodation deals which qualify it to be a part of every tourist’s travel bucket list.

Music capital of the South and Nabintad River

Our favorite Biyahero won’t miss one of Tagum’s pride, the Nabintad river where tourists can enjoy a river cruise, while being serenaded by good music. Tagum City is also known to be the ‘music capital of the South,’ hence their two-week long music festival, every March, being joined by seasoned musicians from all over the Philippines.

Nabintad River is also famous for its fresh seafood produce, one of which is the soft shell crab. No, it does not belong to different species, in fact Drew discovers, “First time ko nalaman coming from the experts na kapag ang crab when it gets big, you know snakes they have to shed off skin so that they can be bigger. Ganun din nangyayari sa crabs.  Now kapag lumalaki sila, tinatanggal nila ang kanilang outer skin from that time two hours yun yung molting period yun yung kanilang soft shell yung crabs.”

Bizarre activities

However, people who look for unusual activities will also be satisfied in Tagum Island! Tourists can actually roam around inside a Balete tree! Oh, mountain climbing is so yesterday, because yes, you heard it right, you can climb your way inside a tree instead.

As for the more bizarre activity, how about being confined inside a cave? Just like other remote island swith no access to hospitals, locals cling to faith healers to cure their illnesses. The Healer’s Camp sprung from this need way back in the 1980s and also became a tourist spot in the current times.

Siga-siga and bananas

As an avid “Biyahe ni Drew” fan, you very well know that this trip would not be complete without a food-venture! So, Drew unravels a famous seafood dish in this island called “siga-siga.” The seafood is called as such, because its eyes light up whenever light bounces at it during night time. “Siga” means light, hence the name of the seafood.

Drew challenges you, “Anong prutas ang may peelings?”

“Sirit na?”

“Eh ‘di, banana!”

Davao del Norte is the one of the biggest exporter of bananas, specifically Cavendish type, mainly to countries like Middle East, China, and Japan. Its weather is perfectly suitable to cultivate fruits and vegetables. Drew probes on how many times harvest occurs and is dumbfounded to find out that harvest occurs all-year round! In fact, 30% of exported bananas come from Davao del Norte. World-class bananas? Only in the Philippines, Biyaheros! Take it from Drew, “Dahil mula buto hanggang bunga ay alagang-alaga ang mga ito. Kaya siguro saging lang ay may puso.”

Banana Beach

Despite being the world’s biggest producer of Cavendish bananas, Davao del Norte is the only one of its kind, a resort inside a banana plantation. Biyaheros can expect big and spacious rooms that are perfect for a family getaway!

Brave hearts can also indulge in extreme activities like aerial walk, firing range, and knife throwing activities!

Panas Island Resort
Let us hop over to the other side of Davao del Norte and know more about Panas Island Resort and be enthralled by a multi-tier natural falls that is Panas Falls! Drew shares, “Okay mga biyahero andito tayo ngayon sa Municipality ng New Corella. Yung nakikita niyo isa sa madaming falls sa Davao del Norte.”

New Corella is dubbed as the ‘water basin of the South’ because it consists of numerous bodies of water. Adrenaline junkies will surely love the stupor of jumping from cliffs, but don’t fret if you belong to the group of the faint of heart. You may just opt a laidback way of enjoying the view of the place. Adventurous Biyaheros might also enjoy zip line and longboarding! Just name it, New Corella has it!

Drew concludes his trip and says that despite his year-long travels, summer remains to be his most awaited season. Mainly because, there are no delays or unexpected rain to halt his travel plans.

All the hidden gems and majestic sight that make up Davao del Norte will surely make us say, “#WeLoveYourJob, Drew!”

Biyaheros, savor the moments and cherish the photos, till our next escapade!---MGC/BMS, GMA Public Affairs