Sunday, October 21, 2012

COSTA MARINA

Costa Marina beach resort is just beside Paradise Island Resort. And too crowded, not too developed and not too expensive. This resort gives you the right tastes to everything in a beach resort. For me, the perfect resort to relax and enjoy.

modern day Tarzan??
modern day Jane??
The resort also boast a portion of natural greens. Even on a summer you can opt to come to their shades to avoid the heat of the sun.




Enjoy the touch and feel of the soft white sand while getting wet with the calm wave of the sea.


Deep your whole in the cool turquoise water while the suns warm embrace awaits as you get out of the water.


You may avoid the sun and immerse yourself in the water under the shade.












There is also a playground for the young and the young at hearts.


The resort offers complete family satisfaction. This relaxing piece of moment lingers for a long time.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

DAVAO DEL SUR




Places to go when in Davao del Sur:


PASSIG ISLET




Passig Islet is man-made, used to be a headquarters for the Philippine Coast Guards. Abandoned, but the local government of Davao del Sur found a way to make use of the Islet. Now a tourist magnet located in Brgy. Bato, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

From Davao City, take a bus or jeepney going to Digos City. An hour ++ ride will get you to Brgy. Bato in Sta. Cruz. Just tell the drivers or conductors you wish to be dropped in Brgy. Bato going to Passig Islet.

From there, you can walk or take a tricycle to the dock. There you will be collected with entrance fees and payment for a round trip boat ride.

The boardwalk to the dock
A view of the islet from the dock
The 5 minute boat ride
Now, here are some photos of what to see and do in the islet.

Picturesque Views
Volleyball
Photo shoots
Cottages
The Sea
Isdang Bato sold in a really low price
Don't forget your sunblock, its going to be really hot. Specially in summer, low tide means the sea really dries up. You could actually walk from the islet back to the boat dock.

low tide
you could actually walk from the islet back to the boat docks
High tide comes back at about 3:30 - 4:00 PM.


And its now time to go home.


Thursday, April 5, 2012

EDEN NATURE PARK






The Eden Nature Park is just one of a few relaxing semi rural life experience within the city. It is 95% man made and 5% natural. The area has been deforested due to logging in the early years and was reforested by the Ayala family in the early 70's I think. Oh well, to have the exact details, just visit this place and take the tour. The guide knows everything even the number of trees within its fences (as if we'll ever have a way to know if the number he's saying is the correct or not).


It was a bit late of schedule when we left downtown Davao to Toril so we took time to fill our tummies. Anyway check in time is still at 2:00 P.M. Though the park would allow you to loiter before check in time.
From downtown to Toril Proper you pay P20.00/head in a jeepney ride. 


After lunch, we took off. You can arrange for a pedicab to bring you to your destination. We had the ride for P100.00. That was February 04, 2012. I put the date to give you an idea and make some estimates on the coming years when you finally decided to come.

Along the way you see nicely build houses with a panoramic view of hills and mountains. And of course, alot of greens. Here are some:

A house with a panoramic view of hills and mountains
greens
greens!
more greens!!!

Finally we're at the lobby. A shuttle will pick you up from the lobby and transport you to your room. We reserved for a Vista. We were given the Vista 4. Luckily a very nice location.


our room key
our crib
a really nice view from the veranda
 
And so, the FUN starts!


We went out to take some remembrance before we loiter around and see what else we can do. Here are some:

peacocks and peahens roam around freely. no, you can't take them home as souvenir

 

After some photo shoots we started to see the "what else's" that I've said earlier.


Let's start walking. We could call for the shuttle but you'd miss a lot riding it. Better tire those feet and legs. It's worth it!


This is the mountain trail. You just follow the trail but its really fun for beginners. And those who aren't really extreme on mountains. Just an experience. If you're lucky you get to encounter bear cats, dears and snakes.

Djuzamdjin sitting on a dwarf pine tree

The Vista Restaurant. Your main course here is served in buffet. Their burgers and pastas are heavy enough to fill a hungry stomach.


And here is their "Pasyalan" (travel for leisure). It is connected to their aviary. 

the expert inspects a tree
observing the surroundings

 
The Gazebo. This is where weddings are usually held.


They also have this souvenir shop. You can buy local products. Clothings, Hats, Foods, etc.



The Deer Park. You are not allowed to enter over the fence.


Holiday Terraces. This is where you can hold your functions and other events.



Enter...The Prayer Garden.




The Flower Garden. 



Tinubdan shows the different tribes of Lumads in Mindanao. Don't miss the sounds of gongs and drums every weekends.





Lola's Garden grows a number of ready to eat leaves and herbs with medicinal values.



The Fishing Village. Here they cook your catch.


The Eden Art Gallery




Horse Back Riding

 




Obstacle Course


Zip Line (we didn't try it though...but its there)





The Indiana Jones



The Insectarium. Collected for three (3) years. All insects are found in the area.


And finally...the Pool. Really really cold.

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