TAGPOPONGAN BEACH RESORT
We went to Tagpopongan Beach Resort in the morning of our third day in Samal Island – this is after we checked-out of Precious Garden at 7:30AM. We stayed at the private rest house of the owner of Precious Garden. Upon our arrival, the caretakers of the resort greeted and served us fresh buko juice. The resthouse has a bedroom, a dining area and a veranda fronting the beach. Use of snorkelling gears and vest was free of charge.
 |
| The Resthouse |
The resort is located in Barangay Tagpopongan, Samal, and is a 45-minute, mostly rough road-drive, from Precious Garden. The shoreline is basically within the same stretch of waters of Pearl Farm; hence, it’s not surprising that the water is pristine and crystal clear. Again, the resort is a haven of peace and quiet. There was only Marcial and me at the resort during our visit. For somebody who loves beaches, there is nothing more that I can say to adore the waters of Tagpopongan. I guess it’s the combination of the water and the place being so private that made me love the place so much. I can just lie down on the shore and sleep all day. That’s why among all the beaches that I’ve been to, the shore of Samal (Pearl Farm and Tangpopongan) is my second favourite in the Philippines. Coron, particularly Malcapuya and Banana Islands is still on top of my list (I’ll post a separate blog on this).
 |
| Me Sun Bathing |
 |
| Marcial's Photoshoot |
 |
| Crystal Clear Water of Tagpopongan Beach |
 |
| Low Tide at 10:30 AM |
After having our early lunch, we left Tagpopongan at around 10:30 AM and headed straight to the bus terminal to transfer to Davao City. We’ll definitely be back to Samal in the future.
PINNACLE HOTEL AND SUITES
We stayed at Pinnacle Hotel and Suites at Sta. Anna Avenue on our last 2 nights in Davao. I came to know about the hotel through the internet. Our room cost P 2,500.00 per night. The hotel is also relatively new – it was constructed about 2 years ago. The rooms are fully furnished. Apart from a bed, each room has a flat screen tv, bed-side table, a dresser and a cabinet. There is constant supply of hot and cold water in the shower room. The facilities are very clean; the interior’s design is basically minimalist which makes you feel close to home. They’ve begun setting up Christmas decors in the lobby on the second day of our arrival. Wifi is available for free at the lobby; just approach the personnel at the café area for the password.
 |
| The Hotel's Facade |
 |
| Our Room at the Pinnacle |
 |
| The Room's Interior |
The hotel offers massage services and has a pool at the 5th floor which is free for use by hotel occupants. There’s a free buffet breakfast for every checked-in guest. Food is generally fine, not spectacular. Standard check-out time is 12:00 PM; however, I requested for an extension on our last day since our flight to Manila is still at 10PM of October 30 – we were charged with half the room’s daily rate. We also availed their shuttle service to the airport on our return flight to Manila – cost of rental is P 350.00 for the car. Charge for the shuttle service varies per destination. Just approach the reception personnel to inquire and avail one.
 |
| Pool at the 5th Floor |
 |
| The Lobby |
 |
| The Lobby at Night |
ATMs and fastfood chains are very much accessible to the hotel and it’s about a 3-minute walk to Gaisano Mall. I would definitely recommend Pinnacle Hotel to travellers looking for temporary accommodation in Davao. The staffs are very warm and helpful. What’s kind of off is that the front desk staffs are useless when it comes to directions to tourist spots in the City - don’t ask them where Eden or Crocodile parks are, they can’t give you any answer on this. But, don’t worry, there are plenty of taxis in the city. It’s our main mode of transportation during our stay there.
CROCODILE PARK
After depositing our baggages in the room at Pinnacle, we headed to the Davao Crocodile Park. It’s a 30-minute drive from Gaisano Mall. You can only reach the park through taxis or private vehicles. On the way to the park, you’ll pass by a zorv ball site. It’s also open to the public for a fee. It’s similar to the zorb ride in Dahilayan Park, Bukidnon, - you are tied at the zorb’s interior wall as the ball rolls downhill, the whole ride is less 30 seconds.
 |
| Entrance to the Park |
Entrance to Crocodile Park is P 150.00 per person on a weekday and P300.00 per person on weekends. The park is actually a zoo which houses almost all types of animals, but the main attraction is crocodiles. Expect that most visitors are families and schools on educational trips. The park is clean and well-maintained. You can go in and out of the park as long as you have your hand stamped at the entrance gate. Policemen/ security personnel are visible in the area, which, I guess, helps maintain peace and order in the park. I’m not a big fan of zoos, though.
 |
| The Largest Crocodile (I've Seen) in the Park |
 |
| Iguana |
 |
| A Giant Pawikan |
RIVERWALK GRILL
There’s a restaurant within the zoo’s complex (actually, it’s the only restaurant in the complex), it’s called Riverwalk Grill. The grill is located beside a river; hence, the name. It offers exotic dishes where the main ingredient is crocodile. We didn’t order one since we’re allergic to seafoods with shell. The food is not pricey. A sandwich costs P 60.00. Cooked meals are sold at less than P 150.00. Service is slow, though. My hamburger was served after 30 minutes. Food is not delicious at all.
 |
| By the Riverwalk Grill |
ALDEVINCO
This is a small complex in the heart of Davao City where you can buy pasalubong for people back home. I think owners of establishments are mostly Muslims. Dry goods being sold here include bags, native sandals, key chains, etc. The place is also famous for money changers. You’ll be greeted by a number of our Muslim friends offering money-changing services as you enter the gates of Aldevinco. It was already late when we reached this place. Only a few establishments are open at around 7:30 PM.
PEOPLE’S PARK
We walked from Aldevinco to People’s Park. The Muslim who I talked to was kind enough to give us directions going to this place. There’s nothing extraordinary about the park – it’s just like Luneta. There are fountains, stone carvings, sellers, playground for kids – nothing much to see.
 |
| The Stone Carving That Greets Park Visitors |
 |
| People's Park Grounds |
The place is superb. I love to go there and have some nice time.
ReplyDeletePinnacles tour perth