If you are in Davao City and you have six hours to spare, go visit the Monfort Bat Sanctuary and Hagimit Falls while having a view of the island life. Just take a taxi to Sasa Port and ride a ferry (only P10.00 pesos) to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACLOS). The distance is only 15 minutes from the Davao city main land. The boat trip is also scheduled in an almost every 30-minutes interval so you are assured that you can get back immediately to your hotel in a moment's notice (if you don't want to stay overnight in the island).
At the Samal Port, haggle with the tricycle drivers there for a good price. The city tour which includes the Monfort Bat Sanctuary, and Hagimit Falls usually takes about P 800 to P 1,200 transportation cost, depending on the arrangement.
The Monfort Bat Sanctuary
Batman fans like me would like to see the "Bat Cave" of Samal which is a home to about 2.5 million fruit bats. The site is recognized by the Guiness book of world records as the largest single colony of its kind.
Upon arrival, we could already hear the screeching sounds of the night creatures. There is a P 100.00 entrance fee which includes the services of the most friendly tour guides I've ever met. Here are some pictures of the place:
"Without bats...there will be no Durian.." stressed our kind tour guide. She lectured about the big role of bats in the balance of the ecosystem in the region, as well as its role as night pollinators and farmer's allies in controlling pests. The tour was enlightening. After the experience, you will see bats in a much different light. They are our friends.
Hagimit Falls
About thirty to forty five minutes ride from the sanctuary, the majestic Hagimit Falls is an oasis to the tired traveler. You just have to pay Forty-pesos for entrance fee, a One hundred fifty fee for a shed, and a Five-peso environmental Fee. The cool and fresh waters from the mountain springs? Priceless.
After dipping in the nice waters. Just tell manong pedicap driver to take you to the the best views in town before going to the sea port. Just have a feel of the island life.
Inhale all the experiences with gratitude, and proceed to the seaport back to your Davao City hotel..:) Salamat Kaayo Samal!
Related Article: Tourism Security and Safety Conference in Davao City
Inhale all the experiences with gratitude, and proceed to the seaport back to your Davao City hotel..:) Salamat Kaayo Samal!
Related Article: Tourism Security and Safety Conference in Davao City
