Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake up and Live! – Bob Marley
Perhaps you’re wondering why I am calling it BuDa, basically I went to Bukidnon and Davao. Yes you read it right too bad I wasn’t able to explore the place. I was just literally dropped off at Quezon, Bukidnon and found my way hitchhiking a motorcycle back to Davao. HAHA
Anyway, let me start by telling you all that my BuDa experience was by far the cheapest journey I’ve had. Spent roughly around PHP 3,000 only ALL IN! 😀
How?
Guess I’ve been so good these past few days that I was lucky enough to met such beautiful people along my journey that makes it quite memorable for me. Though at first I wasn’t planning on pursuing the trip but I’m glad I did it. Shout outs to my wonderful hosts Mira and Yuell << no picture together 😦
Well, my flight was delayed and arrived almost 12 midnight. It was my first time visiting the place and know nothing about. Haven’t done my research enough. Well, I say take risks and bring it on Davao! 😄
Soon as I arrived, I was looking for food too bad you can’t find food within the vicinity so had to approached a soldier and asked them regarding my concern. I ended up at McDonald’s – Buhangin branch with a lady (Ate Ging as she said). We had the same flight and she’s bound for South Cotabato however buses to their place starts to depart from Davao around three in the morning so basically she needs a place where she can stay until 03:00. She’s thinking of staying in the airport just what I am thinking but I am hungry and also, no one’s allowed to stay in the airport for too long. She looked so stressed that I tagged her along with me so we can grab something to eat.
Our cab driver was kind of pissed since I just told him to drop us off at a nearby McDonald’s, I mean no offense there’s a lot of McDonald’s but I don’t know which one is near the airport and it’s my first time.😅
When we arrived at McDonald’s, I asked her if she’s hungry but she said she’s not. Looking at her, I didn’t bother to order a chicken meal for both of us. Right then, she told me that one of her family member died and that she went home to look for money. I was hesitant at first still I consoled her. Around 01:00 my host, Mira was already awake, as much as I want to bring her and let her rest for a few hours I can’t since I don’t want my host to be shock instead I just gave her a few bucks before we parted.
The next day came, I boarded a passenger boat bound for Talicud Island and stayed at Isla Reta. Stayed for almost two hours there and head straight to the public boat 100 meters away. Just when I arrived the boat already left 🙈🙀 it’s either pay the boat or wait for other passengers, of course I don’t want to waste my money so I did wait for other passengers and waited for almost two hours. 👎👎
Then arrived at Kaputian, Samal Island. ☺ I contacted Kuya Din (motorcycle driver/ guide +63906 7951598). He was very nice because he waited for me for two hours at the port. 🙈🙈✌ if I were in his shoes, perhaps I left already HAHA
He told me he almost not believed me when I sent him a message at two AM. 😅😂😂 but anyway, he still contacted me which was a good thing.
He toured me around Samal Island despite having few hours left. I was able to visit some of the spots and the others I forgot though I wasn’t able to visit Mt. Puting Bato as I was running out of time.
Before 18:00 I boarded the RORO boat going back to Davao and met my other host Yuell.:) he welcomed me to his house and forced me to eat durian ✌✌🙈 nah, challenged I say.
Then we head out and toured around the city. We went to places I forgot the names 🙈👎🙀 oh! Remembered a few — Mansion House, SM Lanang, Damosa Street, People’s Park, Jack’s Ridge, Chinatown.
Although I was a bit sad since we weren’t able to go to the places we planned on going however I was glad because he still made time to meet me and tour around the city. He even let me meet few of his friends, thank you friend. I’ll definitely see you soon! ;)❤
Another day arrives and I have nothing much to do. I was very indecisive as to where’s my next destination. Mira, my very approachable host gave me an idea as to where to go.
I took a jeep going to the bus terminal: Ecoland looking for buses and the signs. HAHA was contemplating as to where to go eventhough I had an idea already but my mind was distracted as to Mati or Bukidnon. Hmm..
Oh well, rode the bus bound for Cagayan de Oro without a place in mind as to where to stop. The conductor was pissed already or fuming because of me. HAHA 🙈🙈🙈✌ he already gave tickets to everyone except me because I can’t tell him where to be drop off. 😂😂 I was asking him how far CDO and Bukidnon was but he didn’t answer me. Perhaps he was annoyed already. I kept on searching through google and you see Bukidnon and CDO’s tourist spots aren’t so near from each other. 😂😂😂 that’s when I told him to drop me off somewhere in Bukidnon and he was like, “where in Bukidnon?” And I was like, “huh? 😩😰:o” 😂😂😂😂 but oh well he just issued me a ticket and walked away from me. I didn’t even know where I’d be drop off. 😆🙈✌
Almost 4 hours, the bus stops and the conductor said referring to me, “Hey! This is Bukidnon, your stop.” As obedient as I can be, I followed what he said and walked out of the bus and then the bus sped off.
Looking at my surroundings, it was just trees and some construction men few meters away from me. I approached them and asked how I can get to the Blue Water Cave and they said it’s still quite far. Uh-oh! 😮They were dumbfounded on my idea telling the conductor to drop me off anywhere as long as it’s Bukidnon. They said, I should’ve mentioned Blue water cave so they can drop me somewhere nearer too bad it was late. 😅😁
Few minutes of chatting I decided I’d go back to Davao instead since it’s afternoon and I don’t want to waste my already wasted time. 😅😐 I hitchhiked a motorcycle who’s on his way to Arakan and less than an hour I was in the outskirts of Davao.
I walked my way around, captivated by the place since it was cold and so green. It reminded me of Baguio and having a cold place means the best place to have a foodtrip. Yayy!😍😍
I first stopped at an Italian Restaurant (La Toscana) but weren’t able to take a picture since it’s quite crowded so I opted to walked more then stopped at Reel Place (bulalohan house), then to the next place Wildberry Cafe where I met the owner Sir Jim and two engineers I forgot theirs names. 🙈🙈✌ we talked a bit, about politics and ME and how I am traveling solo. 🙈🙀
I excuse myself to buy some souvenirs and they told me to get back soon as I’m done buying. Once I’m finished, I went back to Wildberry Cafe and we chatted again. They asked me where’s my next destination, I told them how I’m going to stay for more hours to explore the place and look for good food. HAH! 😝 As much as I wanted to accept the other engineer’s offer to adopt me for an overnight stay in CDO with his family I opted to stay. 🙀🙀 I bid good bye to Sir Jim and the other engineer drove me to Seagull Mountain Resort and assisted me inside without any entrance fee. **happy dance**
toured around the place then went to Cicada Hills which is just in front of Seagull resort and last stop before we parted was at Highway 81. I can’t thank him enough, I invited him to the cafe but he insisted so I was left alone again. 🙂
At Cafe Binukid which is found inside Highway 81, most of the meals are for sharing. Unlucky me I was all by myself so I just look for a good place to sit and admired the beauty without ordering. 😕 few minutes and there was already food on my table. Like, WOW!!
I divulged into my food and kept on admiring the place that I forgot it’s already 19:00. Before I leave, I went to the cashier and asked for my bill too bad ‘Nanay’ said it’s on the house. Wuhooo!! So much for being a free loader huh? 😂😂 🎆
I left the place with a happy stomach and a happy heart as well. Too much kindness for the day. 😍😍😍
Went back to Davao and met up my long long virtual friend, Judel and his family at Roxas Market. After 3 years, I got to see him. :mrgreen:😁
Basically, those were the highlights of my trip to BuDa, one for the books I’d say. Too much goodness in there. I’ll repay you one day. Thank you BuDa!! 😍😍🙌👏
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 0
2330 – ETA Francis Bangoy Int’l Airport
0000 – McDonald’s – Buhangin
0100 – ETA accommodation
Day 1
0700 – wake up/ wash up
0800 – ETA Sta. Ana port
0930 – ETD to Talicud Island
1030 – ETA Talicud Island
1045 – Checked in at Isla Reta Beach Resort
1430 – ETD Kaputian, Samal Island
1450 – ETA Kaputian, Samal Island
1500 – Tour around Samal
1700 – ETD Samal Wharf
1730 – ETA Samal Wharf
1800 – Met up with my host, Yuell
1830 – a Bit of City Tour my host
0030 – back to accommodation
Day 2
0700 – wake up/ wash up
0730 – ETA Ecoland Bus Terminal
0830 – ETD Bukidnon
1330 – ETA Bukidnon
1430 – ETA Buda, Davao (food trip)
2000 – ETD Davao City
2145 – ETA Ecoland Bus Terminal
2200 – ETA Roxas Avenue (Roxas Night Market)
2300 – Accommodation
ACTUAL BUDGET BREAKDOWN:
Accommodation – Free c/o my oh so wonderful host, Mira ♥ via Couchsurfing
Transportation
| VEHICLE | DESCRIPTION | RATE | TOTAL |
| Airplane | MNL-DVO-MNL AIRFARE VIA AIRASIA | 0.02 PHP | PHP 351.22 |
| Cab | Airport to McDo-Buhangin | PHP 100.00 | |
| Cab | Mcdo-Buhangin to Accom | PHP 70.00 | |
| Tricycle | Accom to Assumption | PHP 7.00 | |
| Jeepney | Assumption to Magsaysay Park (Sta. Ana port) | PHP 8.00 | |
| Passenger boat | Sta. Ana port to Talicud Island via Joperson | PHP 80.00 | |
| Passenger boat | Talicud Island to Kaputian, Samal Island | PHP 40.00 | FREE |
| Passenger boat | Samal Island to Samal Wharf | PHP 10.00 | |
| Tricycle | Samal Island short tour c/o Kuya Din | PHP 500.00 | |
| Jeep, Tricycle | A bit of Davao City evening tour (Downtown OLD & NEW, mansion house, SM Lanang, Damosa Street, People’s Park, Jack’s Ridge, Chinatown) | PHP 100.00 | |
| Cab | Chinatown to accommodation | PHP 60.00 | |
| Jeep | 7eleven to Ecoland | PHP 10.00 | |
| A/C bus | Ecoland to Quezon, Bukidnon | PHP 165.00 | |
| Motorcyle | Quezon, Bukidnon to Buda, Davao | FREE | |
| A/C bus | Buda, Davao to Ecoland Terminal | PHP 165.00 | |
| Cab | Ecoland Terminal to Roxas Avenue | PHP 90.00 | |
| Cab | Roxas Avenue to accommodation | PHP 70.00 | |
| Jeepney | Water District to Damosa Mcdo | PHP 7.00 | |
| Cab | Damosa Mcdo to Airport | PHP 60.00 | |
| TOTAL | PHP 1,853.22 | ||
Activity
| DESCRIPTION | RATE | TOTAL |
| Isla Reta Beach Resort | PHP 100 | PHP 50 |
| Viewing Deck – Samal | PHP 10 | FREE |
| Hagimit Falls – samal | PHP 45 | FREE |
| Bat Cave – Samal | PHP 100 | FREE |
| Mansion’s House – Roseville | PHP 30 | FREE |
| Seagull Mountain Resort | PHP 150 | FREE |
| TOTAL | PHP 50 |
Food
| DESCRIPTION | RATE | TOTAL |
| Chicken Meal – Mcdo | PHP 99 | PHP 198 |
| C2 | PHP 25 | |
| Moby | PHP 15 | |
| Meal at a Carinderia | PHP 50 | |
| Meal at Isla Reta | PHP 150 | FREE |
| Meal at Goldilocks | PHP 129 | |
| Canton w/ Coke in can at Reel Place | PHP 145 | FREE |
| Suman w/ Hot Choco at Wildberry Café | PHP 85 | FREE |
| Ham & Cheese Sandwich at Café Binukid | PHP 120 | FREE |
| Four Seasons Juice in Can | PHP 45 | FREE |
| Kalabasa Fries | FREE | |
| Breakfast Meal – Mcdo | PHP 129 | |
| 2 Kilos of Pomelo (5 pcs) | PHP 90 | |
| Durian Candies (3 plastics) | PHP 100 | |
| TOTAL | PHP 736 |
Miscellaneous
| DESCRIPTION | TOTAL |
| Davao Terminal Fee | PHP 200 |
| Souvenirs (ref magnet and key chains) | PHP 250 |
| TOTAL | PHP 450 |
REMINDERS:
1. I’m not sure if everyone’s aware but I can tell you that Davao City is really a safe place after all. I walked through the streets of Davao having my camera on the open side pockets of my bag as well as my mobile phone and after hours of walking its still on the side pockets just how I put them.
2. When your flight is late in the evening, make sure you’ll have dinner before boarding the plane or a packed food as there are no restaurants outside the airport of Davao.
3. Most establishments closes at 10 in the evening don’t worry there are fast food stores and convenience stores that are open 24 hours.
4. The locals are so nice. Haven’t been to such kind place or perhaps I’m just lucky enough to met those beautiful people.
5. Transportation wise — the drivers (cab, jeep, tricycle, motorcyle) are not rude and very accommodating. They ask you the exact fare and gives you the change even if it’s 50 centavos. 🙂
6. When in Davao, plan ahead of the places you want to check out as Davao City itself is big. A Day or two won’t let you be able to tour the entire Davao City.
7. Samal Island is quite big too, perhaps a day in the island or an overnight stay will satisfy you.
6. Haven’t toured the entire Talicud Island but I guess half day will do.
9. When you plan on going to Samal Island and Talicud Island in same day make sure you start with Samal Island first basing from my experienced I went to Talicud Island first and was waiting for hours for the boat to depart to Samal Island that wasted a bit of my time unless you’ll pay the entire boat then you’ll arrive Samal Island fast.
10. Check the weather first when going on a place so you’d know what to bring and pack in that bag of yours.
11. Davao has two government sea ports: Sasa Port and Sta. Ana port and these twoare 30 minutes away from each other, make sure you know which port you’re going to go so it won’t waste your time.
12. Research on the place and its rules so you’d be aware of what NOT to do upon arriving on the said place.
Safe Travels my wanderers!! See you on the roads. ^_^
I found this while I was searching about Reel Place and I enjoyed reading your post. Glad you had fun exploring Davao city.
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Oh yes I did, can’t wait to be back. Wasn’t able to explore wholly but thank you. Glad you enjoyed reading. 😊💛
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My Pleasure!
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