When people think of Davao, probably the first thing that comes to mind is durian, followed by the Philippine monkey-eating eagle, and perhaps the Pearl Farm in Samal Island. Getting more and more popular though, not just with the locals but the visiting tourists alike, is Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort also on Samal Island. Actually, Paradise, as it is popularly called, is one of the most accessible and I’m guessing (last visit when this photo was taken was in 2011) most developed beach resort in the island garden city of Samal. It’s quite easy to get there via the regular boats that ply the route, found in the (if I’m not mistaken) port in the northern part of Davao City. If you’re in the recognized capital of Mindanao and have time to spare, a quick beach getaway to Samal Island is definitely a must!>
While the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular seven wonders of the world, very little is known about the beautiful river in which bank it stands — the Yamuna River. Also referred to as Jamuna, the Yamuna River is the biggest tributary river to Ganges River, one of the holiest rivers in India and Hinduism. I learned that today by reading the Wikipedia entry on the Yamuna River since I’ve already forgotten! Hinduism promotes the belief that the Yamuna River is actually a goddess, and revered as such, with the legend that bathing in her waters will “free you from the torment of death” (I don’t really know what that meant). So, when you happen to visit Taj Mahal (or Agra Fort, where I took the photo), take a moment to enjoy the view the Yamuna River offers and maybe, just maybe, your whispered prayer or wish might be granted by the goddess. In the meantime, there’s a YouTube playlist widget (on the right) on my Taj Mahal and Agra Fort tour, with more Yamuna River views should you want to armchair travel!>
Phuket was my 8th city/province in my 6-county 12-city South East Asia backpacking tour of four weeks back in October 2011. Of the entire time, I’ve only actually been in the beach (as in, in the water or the islands) twice. Viking Cave was part of the one-day island hopping tour of some Ko Phi Phi (or was it Phi Phi Leh) islands in Phuket, which looked so much like El Nido in Palawan. Although we didn’t really go into the Viking Cave (we were on a BIG boat for like 90 or so people), the scene just got my attention. I actually called it shipwreck cave coz of the bamboo structure in the facade. Only while reading Matt Smith’s Blog did I learn that it’s actually a platform where the “guardian” of the cave stays during he entire month that he watches over the nests of swiftlets, the highly-valued resident birds of the cave. He also shared that it was called Viking Cave because of the painting of ships in the cave’s walls. If you want to take a word tour of Viking Cave, you should visit his site.>
On our way back to Puerto Princesa after the Underground River tour, we stopped by Sabang Beach to partake of the buffet lunch that was part of the tour package. Though I think it isn’t a top tourist, at least for tour package enjoying Pinoys, Sabang Beach is actually pretty cool — blue waters, nice sand, and a lot of coconut/palm trees. Eating all you can, enjoying the waves, and basking in the midday sun — just some of the things you can do while chilling by Sabang Beach, even just for an hour or two. >
When I did my first solo backpacking trip in March and April of 2011, Tikling Island was among the highlights. While I was researching, I read a blog which referred to Tikling Island in Matnog, Sorsogon as among the most pristine she has ever seen. And she was right! A very long shoreline stretch, cool rock formations, and nice trees. I imagined that’s how Boracay would have looked like back in the 80s when it has not yet been developed into the beach capital that it is today. Anyway, I’m not sure how Tikling Island looks like now since it’s been years but I’m guessing there had been developments already. If I were you, I’d head down to Matnog and make sure to enjoy Tikling Island, it’s fine white sand, strong waves hitting the rocks, and lush vegetation before it becomes a seashell short of what it used to be.
Life is short so take a leap of faith. Let’s wander, explore and discover. Come and journey with me.
The Diarist Wanders 