Canibad

The habal-habal drive to Canibad took about 30 minutes to 1 hour. We drove through elevations and depressions and very rocky roads. The drive was cool so we must have been high up.

Never ever agree to riding in three's because my 3 friends ended up being stranded in a place with no cellular phone network signal since the shock (whatever it is) of the motorcycle got broken. Good thing, the driver borrowed another motorcycle to take them to Canibad.

The drivers claim that Canibad is Samal's secret. My friends commented that it should have stayed a secret because they were traumatized by the motorcycle drive. Haha.

The sand is not as fine but the waters are cool albeit rocky. :-|

We swam anyway, showered when we were done, paid PhP20 to the owner of the lot we trespassed to reach the beach, then endured another brain-shaking ride to the warehouse where we boarded a bus to Davao.

They say Isla Reta in Talicud Island is better. I must include that in my itinerary on my next visit to Davao. :)

Maxima Aquafun

We boarded a habal-habal to Maxima Aquafun. The trip costs PhP25 excluding a PhP10 fee for marine rehabilitation.

In Maxima, there are 2 packages. The difference is the sole addition of a Canopy Walk activity. This, however, was not available on weekdays so we ended up taking the other package which costs PhP200 and includes use of life vest, tables, chairs, diving board, trampoline and giant slide, and 15min snorkeling.

They claim to have the longest slide. We tried it shortly after lunch. We were first skeptical about wearing lifevests but when we tried the slide, we really deemed it fit to wear one. The point below the slide is claimed to be 120ft. I asked if it was natural and the staff answered it was. They offer taking your pictures while sliding (pretty much like Jungle Log Jam in Enchanted Kingdom or Space Mountain in Disneyland or any other roller coaster) and charges PhP60 for it.

After sliding, we swam to the diving board. It was scary because there appeared to be a rock right below you. Of course it was very far down but it was real scary just seeing it. I may have taken 15 minutes before I dived. :D

It was my first time to wear a lifevest while swimming and it was pretty difficult. I feel like I have no freedom since I am used to just swimming. My friend felt the same way as I and took off her lifevest. She ended up wearing it again because she got scolded. Haha!

There were about 50 other people but it didn't feel cramped at all. We transfered to another beach, however, because we wanted something with sand not cliffs. :)

Maxima Aquafun
Island Garden City of Samal
Maxima Website
Maxima on Facebook

Davao-Samal

Destination: Samal
Date: May 21, 2010

We boarded a taxi for Sta Ana Wharf beside Magsaysay Park. This is where one can ride a bus to Samal.

I think there is only one bus, the Island City Express. It costs PhP32 for regular passengers and PhP28 for students like me from the Wharf to the Warehouse (Samal Central Warehouse Club). The trip takes about an hour including the very slow barge ride across the narrow body of water that separates Davao and Samal.

Upon arrival, habal-habal drivers flock around us to offer their services. This can get very irritating but it is wise to bring patience with you and just ignore their bickering when you are waiting for someone or heed to one and leave right away.

We bought supplies in the warehouse which has pretty much everything except sunblock. :D They have clothes, grocery, appliances, motorcycles and a Mang Inasal outlet.