My 2nd Visit at Crocodile Park, Davao

This post was supposed to be done last May 2014 but I was kinda busy and failed to look after it. It was only until now that I decided to finally post it. I kinda felt sorry for the long overdue and inactivity on my blog :)

It was my second time around at Davao Crocodile Park. It was my roommate who invited us to visit the Crocodile Park because she had a coupon and it's reasonably cheap!

We roamed around and took pictures with different animals. Of course, we couldn't miss our chance to have a shot with a Phyton! Yes, not just a snake but a big one at that! It wasn't my first time though. I tried it before when we were in Philippine Eagle and that one is more terrifying and bigger than this one. :)

Would you dare hold it? I just did, haha! It's scary but it worth the try. We also fed the huge bat while holding a stick, held a young crocodile with our bare hands and feeding the ostrich on our palm which is more exhilarating than the others. >.<

#EpicJumpShot

I had a blast and I would love to visit Davao Crocodile Park again! If that ever happened, I would go there during weekend to watch the fire show in Tribu K'Mindanawan.

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Celebrating Davao's Kadayawan Festival 2013

Kadayawan Festival is known as the King of all Festivals and is widely popular among tourists; local and international. With its 28th year of celebration, Kadayawan Festival 2013 has a theme "Ten Tribes, One Vibe" honoring the 10 tribes in Davao City namely the Ata, Matigsalug, Ovu-Manuvo, Klata-Djangan, Tagabawa, Tausog, Maguindanao, Maranao, Kagan, and Sama.

"Though diverse in cultures, traditions and beliefs, these tribes are very much connected by a common origin that binds them together as one and the same…an origin that traces to the very core of the history of Davao City." source: kadayawan.com

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Mana Davao Christmas Display 2012

A colorful Christmas Display at Mana Davao City.
Photo courtesy to: silaab dabaw

It was a bit too late to visit the place (well, it's better than not seeing it at all) since I initially planned to go there before 25th of December with my friends/co-workers. One of the reasons was that the lightings encountered short circuits and mostly, if not all, shut off. Few days later, they're back to normal and running again.

As usual, the area was crowded, noisy and full of laughter. The colorful lights around the area were so enticing, even the passersby couldn't help but to set their eyes on it. Road traffic was also a pain in the ass but good thing there were traffic enforcers taking care over the issue. We didn't waste a single minute and took pictures immediately.

Mana Davao Christmas Display

After taking some pictures on the background, we went to our next target, the Mascots! Yeah, it's not just purely for display. It was made for fun too especially to the kids who would surely enjoy the mascots more than we did. There were several mascots to have pictures with like tiger, monkey, chicken, polar bear, frog (which I like the most, haha) and mouse. Unluckily for us, we didn't get the chance to take pictures with all of them 'coz they were abducted and taken away from their spectators. They said it's their "feeding time". LOL.

Taking pictures with the mascots :)

It was another fun escape from the usual corporate environment which will only happen every end of the year. I am glad that although the city is not as noisy as the other during December due to Davao City's Firecracker Ordinance, they still have initiative to convey to people the feeling of Christmas.

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People's Park Christmas Display 2012

Again, another Christmas celebration had passed and as always, Dabaweños very own People's Park showcased its unique Christmas display this year. But not as extravagant as last year, this time seemed like the park's on a tight budget. This year's decor was nothing compared to the last few years.

Putting into consideration with the calamities and commotions that had happened recently brought by the super-typhoon Pablo, it would be too inconsiderate to be as indulgent and wasteful while our other fellow men were suffering in distress... hungry and homeless.

People's Park's Giant Christmas Tree 2012

The Christmas tree looked simple but uniquely made through plastic bottles of soft drinks.

Nevertheless, we shouldn't lose hope as we know there's got to be a  reason why it all happened to us. God has a reason and we should believe in Him. We cannot deny the fact that despite those tragic events, we are still hoping, deep inside our hearts, to have a peaceful and merry Christmas.

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Mana Davao Christmas Display 2011

Panoramic view of Mana Davao's Christmas Display 2012!
source: http://davaocitybybattad.blogspot.com/

Mana Davao's yearly Christmas Display is one of the most anticipated event here in Davao City in the month of December. It has become their annual tradition to light up giant Christmas trees and fill the whole areas with colourful lights and lively songs. Every night, the place was filled with crowd and flashing cameras. So, gear up your cameras and capture this awesome and colourful display.

source: http://rhemzis.wordpress.com/

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A glimpse of Davao's skyline at Jack's Ridge Resort and Restaurant, Davao City

Where to go in Davao City during night time? Well, if that is what you're thinking of, then you shouldn't miss Jack's Ridge!

View of Davao's skyline at Jack's Ridge, Davao City
Source: valtok

Its magnificent overlooking view of Davao's skyline during night time is truly wonderful and splendid! You will experience the colorful city lights right in front of your eyes! It has been known as one of the must-visit places here in Davao City. 

Located at Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City, Jack's Ridge holds an interesting historical past that is apparently visible within the resort which is intentionally preserved to mark its history. 

Jack's Ridge! Oh, yeah!

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Holiday Getaway at Water World Beach Resort, Davao City

Lately, we've been into some stressful days, physically and more mentally. We badly need to wind up to recharge. Fortunately, November 07, 2011 was declared a regular holiday in observance of Eid al-Adha, so we had to grab this timely opportunity for us. We thought for some places where we could spend our holiday wisely given our very little budget but I don't want it to be a night out activity 'coz honestly, I am not into it. I want it to be more like an outdoor activities and relatively closer to nature. Finally, we came up with a decision... We will go to Water World Beach Resort at Bago Aplaya Dumoy Toril, Davao City. 

Since it was my first time... ahmmn, "Yes, first time", I promptly said "Common, let's go!" I was super excited even though it was just the two of us, me and my friend/roommate/officemate. 

Swimming pool for adults

The climate was not so friendly that day. It was raining slightly, glad it didn't rain heavily though. But the good thing was, it wasn't blazing hot like it used to be therefore, I preferred it this way.

Children's pool

Slide time! Scary but excited.

I almost got drowned here! Noticed that fat young boy behind me? I didn't know he was just next to me. Unfortunately, I got stuck halfway and he was approaching! So, I had to slide myself so hard it hurts my butt, lol! The moment I reached the surface and about to catch my breath back, he bumped me from behind. I drank lots of water (yuck). I haven't completely recovered from the shock, another man (with a child) slide again and splashed us with such a wave! Apparently, I was out of breath. My friend witnessed it and couldn't help herself but to laugh her ass out. I couldn't blame her. Even me found it pretty funny. 

Teach me how to doggie...:D

I didn't know how to swim and so I just suited myself in the shallow part of the pool. I badly wanted to swim in the adult pool but I couldn't swim, such a pity! Moreover, the lifeguard was so arrogant. We told him to save us (just in case we couldn't make across the pool) if we got drowned. You know what he said? "If you don't know how to swim, do not swim here!". Yeah, I knew. He got some point but, what's his "use" if he wasn't willing to help? He would just sit there watching those sexy girls enjoying themselves swimming in the pool? What the heck! I really wanted to yell at him but I didn't have the guts. My friend did it for me. She made her voice louder and let him heard what he must hear.

back to back =)

Tired of swimming so we just made some alluring poses, lol. Yay, no no. It's just a trip!

Umbrella style cottages

Canal -- poolside??

Beach front area of Water World beach resort

They've said you could watch the sunset in this area but that time when we were there, it's was raining so we hadn't seen such momentous phenomenon (ganun?) here.

Striking poses from these gaudy girls-at-heart

These sisters drew my attention while taking pictures of the sea. They kept on calling at me to take some pictures of them which I had granted. 

Yours truly :)

It was really fun! I am planning to encourage my family to visit here and have some good time. 

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D' Japanese Tunnel Resort and Restaurant in Davao City

One of the attractions found in Davao City is the historical D' Japanese Tunnel Resort and Restaurant located at Matina Balusong, Diversion Road, Davao City. It has been said that this tunnel was created during World War II by the Filipino slaves and prisoners of wars. It served as the hideout of the Japanese soldiers and their belongings, utilizing it for transporting their equipment and mobilizing their forces, as it made more difficult for the Americans to locate them. The tunnel seemed small but actually extends pretty much farther than you can walk. You can notice a barrier on the other part of the tunnel which is owned by the i-don't-know-who proprietor and is not yet open to the public.

There are several tunnels found in Davao City, mostly in Maa and Mintal which is a mountainous area. But after the war, most of these tunnels were destroyed as the city was rehabilitated. However, a few were preserved and became the tourist spot and historical landmarks they are today.

Signage of D'Japanese Tunnel

You won't find it hard to look for its location. A huge signboard outside is visible to the passersby. It is also surrounded by tall pine trees.

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Davao Crocodile Park, Davao City

As a travel agent and ticketing officer in a Travel and Tours company, i can see the advantages being here in this industry. Well obviously, you would be given a chance to travel, maybe not outside the countries but here locally. You should have known the things you are going to offer and most especially, it should be memorable for them too. Our guests were from Switzerland and yes, i had some nosebleeds while talking to them (laughing)...

Group picture taken at Davao Crocodile Park with a phyton on their back!

They stayed in Marco Polo hotel. On their first day tour in Davao, they visited the Paradise Island Beach Resort in IGACOS (Island Garden City of Samal). My other officemates, which is also a travel agent, accompanied them in their tour. They had spent their whole day swimming and plunging in the crystal-like water of  Paradise Island. They mostly love the beaches, probably because their place were far away from the sea and mostly surrounded by mountains, unlike here in the Philippines where everywhere you go, seas are just within your reach.

On their second day in Davao, they chose to visit Crocodile Park, Japanese Tunnel and city tour as well as visiting two of the most well-established and widely known shopping mall here in Davao City, the SM Mall of Davao and the newly opened Abreeza Mall. For their sencond day tour, its my turn to accompany them together with my two office mates.

Davao Crocodile Park: A little history

Crocodiles

The Davao Crocodile Park is a major tourist destination located at the Riverfront, Corporate City Diversion Highway, Ma-a, Davao City, and is about 15 to 30 minutes from downtown of the City. It started from the enchantment of the owner, Mr. Philip Dizon, to Freshwater and Saltwater Crocodiles. It was not in his mind that this is a moneymaking business until he realized that crocodiles are raised in the United States of America not just for public viewing but for production of leather to be made into bags, belts and shoes as well.  It was in November 1995 when the government has given Mr. Philip Dizon the accreditation and permits to operate the 1st ever Davao Crocodile Park. 10 years later, on August 18, 2005, the world-class Davao Crocodile Park was opened with the help of the consultant Dr. Gilbert Buenviaje. The Davao Crocodile Park Inc. is owned and operated by a group of businessmen headed by Mr. Sonny Dizon, a resident of Davao City. (Source: http://www.markmaranga.com/davao-crocodile-park/)

The Davao Crocodile Park is an establishment that showcases a ‘state of the art’ crocodile farming system in the Philippines. It has the most recent crocodile farm design equipped with modern facilities and equipments.  The presence of other exotic animal species like raptors, monkeys, bearcats, snakes, birds, and other reptiles makes it one of the most desired tourist destinations in Davao. The purposes of this establishment are as follows:

1. tourism
2. public viewing and entertainment
3. venue for educational tours
4. promotion of public awareness through regular lectures
5. conservation of crocodiles and other wildlife animals and
6. acts as a field laboratory for students in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine as well as for wildlife animal enthusiasts. (Source: http://psdgroupph.com/index.php?sec=3&idpage=10&name=History)

Here are some pictures of different animals i have taken from our tours:

Burmese Phyton

 It weighs 40kg. Just a warning: never dare to hurt or even pinch this snake if you want to return home safe and sound. You can carry this if you have guts and courage which i don't have.

Orangutan named Carlo

Oriental Civet locally known as "Mi-lo"

This very gentle and docile young civet catch our attention while passing by the pathway. It was tied and sleeping in the long chair. I was hesitating to hold it at first. But try to reach out your hand and it could be as gentle and tender as the cat. I wish i could have one...

Funny and clever parrot

Siberian Tiger: Sheeba and Datu

Skeleton of an Indo-pacific Crocodile named as "Boktot"

 Boktot is a 14ft indo-pacific male crocodile which died at 40.

Ostrich

Philippine Owl

Philippine sailfin water dragon

 

 

Siberian Tiger cooling himself

Turtle

Philippine Eagle

Entrance Fee (as of July 2011):
       Adult: PHP 150.00
       Child:  PHP 75.00
       Non-Filipino: PHP 300.00
Weekend Rate (Friday, Saturday, Sunday):
       Adult: PHP 200.00
       Child: PHP 100.00
Contact Information:
Phone : (082) 286 8883/286 1054
Telefax: +63.082.221.4671     
Address: Riverfront, Corporate City, Diversion Highway Ma-a, Davao City 8000 Philippines

Website: http://psdgroupph.com/index.php?sec=1

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