DISCOVERING DAVAO-Day 5: The Samal Island Adventure, Hagimit Falls

Day 5 (March 19,2016)
Samal Island isn't only filled with jaw dropping and breathtaking beaches but also with looming waterfalls that will surely leave you awestruck. Just like the last but not the least stop on our last day in Davao-The Hagimit Falls, located at Barangay Cawag, 2 kilometers away from Penaplata proper. To get there you need to hire a habal-habal and hike more or less 10 minutes. Upon entering you have to pay 5php environmental fee. Entrance is 40php for adult and 20php for kids. Cottages cost 300php-1000php. We didn't rent since we just stayed there for an hour, Kuya Igo's friends just voluntered to look after our stuff, aren't they really nice? Don't worry guys, it's ok, we're not in Manila-we're in Davao.

Hagimit Falls is a cascade of small waterfalls that stream into a natural catch basin of cool waters. It is quite small and the falls aren't that high but all falls naturally. It was surrounded by Hagimit trees, where they got the falls name. The place is not yet fully developed and the forest was unspoiled, which I think is a good thing.

We visited the place after lunch so it was a bit crowded but that didn't stop us, we just put down our stuff  and voila-we threw ourselves under the waterfalls and the rest was playtime for the kiddos, haha! The water was very cold that we started shuddering but we were enjoying the waterfall massage and the soft sound as it drizzle onto the rocks. We (with a local guide of course) even tried passing under the rock entry way into the cave, how cool was that? One brave girl here! And the boyfriend even tried jumping into the falls like a pro, haha! Like what I've told you, it wasn't that high-don't freak out. Lols!

Too bad we didn't have enough time so we couldn't stay long, we only had an hour but it was all fun. We enjoyed the fresh ice cold breeze water, tropical rainforest feel and the cool refreshing feel of the cascading waters. A perfect place for those who love nature and lazy break. Another must visit when in Davao.

And here's the most challenging part for me, going back to the entrance, you have to go up the stairs. Oh yes, you have to--there's no other way but up, haha!

Million thanks to our very nice and reliable tour guide/photographer, Kuya Igo. He speaks pure tagalog because he's from Manila. I promised him that I will recomend him to you guys, so if you will visit Davao and Samal Island--here's his contact #09489276108--you'll like him for sure!

We looked so tired and quite sad here because it was our last day and we didn't want to leave Davao just yet--we still want to stay a little longer. Five days seemed too short to visit all the wonders it offers. Our Davao trip was the best trip we've been to so far, it's just so beautiful, we just didn't want it to end. But just like any other vacation it has to come to an end. Sigh! Just by writing this blog made me miss Davao, please take me back! I would love to come back soon, especially now that the great Mayor is now our President--going back to Davao will be very special. Oh well, that's all for our Davao trip guys. I hope you enjoy all my posts and you find them helpful. Till the next trip folks!

PS

Breakdow of expenses (Hagimit Falls)

Environmental Fee: 5php x 2=10php

Entrance Fee: 40php x 2= 80php

Total: 90php

PPS

Day5 Breakdown of expenses

Cab Fare (two way): 130php x 2=260php

RORO (two way): 10php x 2=20php x 2=40php

Habalhabal Whole Day Tour: 700php

Monfort Bat Sanctuary:  210php

Villa Amparo Beach Resort: 200php

Hagimit Falls: 90php

Total: 1500php

DISCOVERING DAVAO-Day 5: The Samal Island Adventure, Villa Amparo Beach Resort

It's been raining for a few days now and I am starting to feel that summer's finally drawing to a close--but it ain't over, till my summer posts are over. Okay? I have not done blogging about my summer adventure yet, so before the rainy season officially begin, lemme get this post done. I'd say rainy days are soothing when you get to stay in, curling up warm in sweats, in bed-- eating pizza while blogging but still summer will always be my fave. The blazing sun and the beach, I have always love the beach. The sand castles, the smell of the ocean air, the whooshing waves, the wind in my face, the sun-kissed hair, the colorful bikinis, tan lines and the carefree days away from the hustle and bustle in the city. Oh, how I miss the beach, how I miss summer. Though I always complain of being a 'pandesal in a pugon' and  my migraine usually kicks up because of the scorching heat, summer is when I am the happiest and honestly this sepanx is killing me! So lemme brighten our day with these photos from our Samal Island adventure, okay?

Day 5 (March 19,2016)
Second stop of our Samal Island adventure was at Villa Amparo Beach Resort. There are so many beautiful and picturesque beach resorts in Samal Island and VABR is just one of them. Located at Sitio Dasag, Barangay Camudmud in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte. Villa Amparo is endowed with white powdery sand shores in pristine blue waters. However, it doesn’t command a view of Davao City. You’ll see nothing but the beauty and wonder of the resort and hear nothing but the gentle cool breeze from the sea and the wonderful sounds of nature. The sprawling 100 – meter area is a declared Fish Sanctuary because of its abundance in marine life great for snorkeling and diving.

One of the resort’s amenities includes its charming Boardwalk Gazebo that may be reached by a footbridge and can accommodate 12 to 15 persons. Enjoy the night or eat with delight at their Bar and Restaurant or spend some time talking with friends or family while having some merienda at their Snacks and Refreshments Kiosk. Children will definitely enjoy their stay with the Kid’s Sandbox where they can start practicing sand arts. A paradise getaway wouldn’t be complete without indulging yourself to water sports activities. The resort offers its guests with a list of water sports facilities, to which you may approach in their coordinator. Other amenities include Little Samal, Japanese Garden, View Deck, Boat Dock, and The Pavillion, x, Videoke Rooms, Outdoor Fun Station, Spa, Grilling Area, Fishing Area and camp site.

(source: samalbeaches.com)

To be honest, Villa Amparo wasn't my first choice, I really wanted Pearl Farm but it's quite pricey and far from Babak so Michael and I just promised to visit Pearl Farm next time. But all in all Villa Amparo is really great, if you're looking for an affordable solemn place where you can relax, chill and unwind Villa Amparo Beach Resort is perfect. Though we only stayed for a few hours, Michael and I really enjoyed our stay. Day Tour entrance is only 100php and you can get a cottage for as low as 300php but since we told them that we will just stay for a couple of hours or so, they allowed us to use any available cottage for free, see that? They're so nice and very accommodating. We were very grateful! There you go for now, last part of our Samal Island adventure is coming up next so yeah, see yeah!

PS
Unfortunately, I didn't get much info about their overnight stay and accomodation rates and their website seems not working as of the moment, so I suggest you guys to just research and read some blogs for now. Will update this once their website is working. Sorry.

PPS

Breakdown of epenses (Villa Amparo Beach Reasort)

Day Tour Entrance: 100php x 2= 200php