Davao Oriental is a province in the Philippines situated in Davao Region, Mindanao. Its capital is Mati and outskirts Compostela Valley toward the west, and Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur toward the north. Map here.
So we have this undeclared vow that we will travel all provinces in Mindanao first before hopping to different major islands here in the Philippines. Therefore, our next destination is the tourist destinations of Davao Oriental.
The following destinations are being met:
- Panas Falls, New Corella, Davao del Norte
- Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park, Cateel, Davao Oriental
- San Victor, Baganga, Davao Oriental
- Manay, Davao Oriental
- Sleeping Dinosaur, Mati, Davao Oriental
- Mati Baywalk, Mati, Davao Oriental
Timeline (Estimated)
Day 1
1:00 am – 4:30 am Travel and Breakfast in Tagum
4:30 am -5:30 am ETA to Panas Falls
5:30 am-8:00 am ETA to Aliwagwag Falls
8:00am-2:00 pm Enjoying Aliwagwag Falls
2:00 pm- 3:00 pm ETA to San Victor Island
Day 2
8:00 am – 11:00 am – ETD from San Victor to Manay
11:00 am-1:00 pm LUNCH
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ETA to Sleeping Dinosaur
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ETA to Mati Baywalk
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm ETA to Davao City
Panas Waterfalls, New Corella
From Davao City, we need to arrive in Tagum City as early as possible. This is not really part of our itinerary but it will be a good deal if we can enjoy one of the waterfalls here in Mindanao too, so we visited Panas Waterfalls in New Corella.
Panas Inland Resort is the first inland resort in the entire New Corella. It is an LGU-worked resort created to wind up distinctly the essential eco-tourism site of the town. It settles in the timberland secured zone of Barangay Carcor speaking of multi-layered falls, streams and sifted spring waters unsullied to characterize a perfect eco-tourism experience.
Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park, Cateel
That was a long drive from Tagum to Cateel, Compostela. You will experience almost 90-degree consecutive turns going to Aliwagwag. You will pass by a cliff and waters dripping from its side. You can see good views as you go through the mountains of Compostela Valley.
When coming to Mindanao, Aliwagwag Waterfalls is one of the best tourist destinations. It is hailed as the tallest waterfalls in the Philippines with its 127 falls, 21 of which are reachable by trail.
Entrance-Adult-Php 50.00 | Children-Php 20.00
Table and Chairs-Php 75.00
Monkey Bridge – Php 50.00
Zipline – Php 200
Monkey Bridge and Zipline – Php 225.00
No overnight.| Falls will close at 5pm.
Unfortunately, I was so excited to swim in Aliwagwag and it was so hot, so I forgot to take picture of the whole thing.
The Eco Park has a lot to offer, from a 680-meter zip line with an altitude of 55 meters starting from the first level which overlooks the canopy of the rainforest and the reasonable waters of Cateel River included by the magnificence of Aliwagwag Falls out of sig_to a Monkey bridge that crosses over a raging falls, giving the tourist a perspective of the falling deluges underneath.
Before you go to a hike going to either zip line or monkey bridge, you better pay everything from the entrance coz’ they will not entertain you unless you have the ticket slip coming from the registration area. That was actually what happened to us and we just went back with a dampened heart from a 20-minute hike back from a monkey bridge.
San Victor Island, Bagangga
After our Aliwagwag Falls escapade, we went straight to San Victor Island in Bagangga municipality. It took us almost an hour so we had a chance to rest. This is where we spent our night on this beautiful island.
The San Victor Island is one of Davao Oriental’s extraordinary islands confronting the Pacific Ocean. It is 3-hectare Island situated in Barangay San Victor around 20 minutes drive from Baganga’s town appropriate and 40 minutes ride from its neighboring town of Cateel. The island is exceptionally available from the parkway and around 5 minutes vessel ride from the territory.
Manay, Davao Oriental
First thing in the morning, we took our breakfast and a little bit of ala goodbye swim to San Victor Island and went straight ahead to Manay, Davao Oriental. One of my colleagues prepared our lunch. We were so pampered that they really prepared sumptuous food and drinks. They even rented karaoke for our recreational activity. Hot soup, grilled fish, fresh papaya and watermelon, and updated karaoke lists. Thanks, Suganday family.
Early in the morning, the beauty of Manay will really astound you. The clear water, the bright and scorching sun, everything seems perfect. We had our breakfast, then we played volleyball.
Mati, Davao Oriental
After our lunch with Suganday family, we set ourselves up to go home. As you backpedaled from Manay to Davao, you will pass through Mati City. So when you say Mati City, one of the spots that you might want to visit is the Sleeping Dinosaur Island_and it’s free.
Sleeping Dinosaur Island is normally a stopover for most guests, and its inquisitive shape has collected a lot of myths and gossipy tidbits.
Locals were saying that there might be truly dinosaurs that lived and settled on the island some time ago, subsequently its shape. Be that as it may, whatever the purpose behind its fascinating development, the Sleeping Dinosaur Island is an unquestionable requirement to see, which is situated in Brgy. Dawan, Mati.
Another destination that you don’t want to miss in Mati City is their baywalk. It is just an hour away from the Sleeping Dinosaur Island, so we headed ourselves there. You can take pictures and stuff_ and embrace the scorching sun. Yes, it was super hot.
TIPS
- Bring food and snacks along the way.
- Bring water.. .Even though you will be plunging from different forms of water, you will really be dehydrated.
- All my friends were envy because I had a summer hat. This will really help you from the heat of the sun.
- Bring sunblock.. it was too hot and it will be hot.
- If you are in Aliwagwag, pay all fees like for zip line, tables, monkey bridge, and many more in the registration area.
- If you have private vehicles, leave your things inside. No one will guard your things unless somebody will have that noble sacrifice not to swim.
- Before arriving in San Victor, charge all your phones, gadgets, and even power banks coz’ all amenities in San Victor that you will be using have fees (i.e. electricity, boat..)
Laag Dabawenya 