February
28 2012
One of the best side
trips after an epic climb in Mt. Apo. It is just 10 pesos ferry fare away from
hectic city of Davao.
I have no plans for
side trips because of my budget. I’ll rather stay in the dormitel and sleep the
whole day or just look around in the city. I woke up merely past 7 in the
morning because of my companions, APO TEAM, was talking and preparing for their
SAMAL ISLAND getaway. I’ve only slept for 3 hours! They were convincing me to
go in Samal also. Though I don’t have enough rest and sleep, I was convinced to
come with them.
At exactly 09:00am
(0900H) we rode on a jeep passing by SASA(?) Pier. Twenty minutes later we’re
on Ferry terminal station. It’s just 10 pesos only to cross Samal Island. I
just had reminisced of Makati-Madaluyong
tawid (crossing by use of boat). It’s
a 15-20 minutes of ferry ride going to Samal.
Looking back, the
glimpse of grandest Mt. Apo can be seen. I can say “I’ve been there and
conquered Mt. Apo”. Best hang-over by APO! Sarap!
 |
| Mt. Apo from Samal Island |
We ride on Habal-habal
going to Maxima Resort. We arrived in Maxima
Resort at 1020H. The resort offered different packages and rates. Entrance
fee for student is 150 and 200 for non student. The regular rate includes free
use of life vest, unlimited slide, 15 minutes snorkeling, etc.
We headed to restaurant
for brunch (breakfast + lunch). I watched and took video on Sir Joel and Topher
slides and jumps on board. Envy came into my mind. I brought only money and
camera because I want to rest and be relaxed. Besides, my flight schedule was
07:10pm (1910H) with Macel and Ella. We agreed to leave by 1:00pm (1300H). Also,
we wanted to buy pasalubong in Davao
city.
I felt envy to them doing slides,etc. Thinking
I’m already there so I have to enjoy and make my Samal Getaway worthy. I bought
shorts for 100 pesos. Sir Maj agreed to share the short and price – 50-50. I
will use it first because I will be leaving early than him.
After eating our heavy
brunch, we called and texted the habal-habal driver to be there in Maxima
Resort at 1:30pm (1330H). Then, I get one life vest and have fun with others. I jumped into the deep sea. Snorkeling and
slide were not available during lunch time 12-1pm. Hence, I need to wait. Few
minutes later, mask and snorkel were already available. I spent more than 15
minutes for snorkeling. Various fishes and beautiful coral reefs can be seen.
Later on, before we
leave, I do the slide. Then quickly wash out with water only because the Habal-habal
driver was waiting already. We left almost past 2:00pm. While on the road, Toper asked if we want to go to Bat Cave much
worthy on our Samal trips and he will treat us. Why not? (hehe). Then,we headed
to Bat cave.
Gate fee is 10.00 and 100
pesos each Ticket or Entrance fee during weekdays. We’re lucky because only of
us and the tour guide on place. During weekends fees cost 300php.
Monfort Bat Sanctuary has the largest number of bats in the world. Home of 1.8 millions
bats. So, it became Guinness world’s
largest colony of Geoffrey’s Rousette Fruit Bats. Five
different sizes of Cave’s openings can pass through. Quick visit is enough. It
completes our Samal Getaway.
We headed straight to Ferry
terminal even rain pours hardly. Getting
back in main land, we have been rushing all the way. Miscommunication and
misunderstanding to taxi driver led us to more inconvenience. We did a quick
buying of pasalubong then head back
to dormitel. There’s no time for changing clothes neither taking ourselves a
quick wash. We get a taxi cab then headed to Davao Airport. Whoa. At last we’re
on time at merely 6:00pm (1800H). We arrived in Manila around 8:30pm (2030H).
SAMAL
ISLAND ITINERARY (Davao side trip after Mt. Apo Climb)
Day
4
0900 ETA PIER/ Ferry terminal going to Samal (10.00 php)
0930 ETD
0950 ETA Samal Island
1000 ETD | Head to Maxima Resort (Habal-Habal 60.00php per head)
1020 ETA Maxima Resorts (200 entrance)
1430 ETD | Head to Bat Cave – Monfort Bat Sanctuary
1500 ETA Bat Cave (Entrance fee: Weekdays 100.00; Weekends 300.00;
Parking
fee 10.00php)
1600 ETA Pier | Ferry terminal
Habal-Habal
: 120.00php / head (Maxima~Bat Cave~Ferry Terminal)
1630 ETA Davao (ferry 10.00php)
SAMAL
ISLAND Budget | Expense
10 Ferry fare Davao-Samal
60 Habal-habal fare Terminal
– Maxima Resort
200 Maxima Entrance fee (non student)
100 Lunch
100 Bat Cave entrance fee (mon-fri)
10 Parking fee
120 Habal- Habal fare Maxima-Bat Cave – Ferry terminal per head
10 Ferry fare Samal – Davao
610.00 Total Expense
