DavaoZone

Diving Spots

By Peter on Apr 16th 2009 | Attractions,Personal

It’s been a while since my last post. I’ve been busy with finishing yearbook layouts and teaching at university. Finally, school is out and summer is here. What better way to welcome the summer season than diving into the deep blue? And that’s exactly what I did. Literally.

My friends and I decided to go scuba diving around Davao Gulf. Since all of us were inexperienced, we took the “Diving 101″ course from the Carabao Dive Center, located at the Sta. Ana wharf. This only cost us P750 inclusive of the diving equipment, fee for the instructor and boat fare. Plus photo and video coverage of your diving experience. Neat deal. The diving instructors oriented us about the basic techniques of scuba diving, safety precautions, how to operate the oxygen tanks and of course, hand signals since you can’t talk underwater. Each person was assigned one instructor, and they will let you dive a depth of 30-50 feet(depending on the underwater terrain) for about half an hour. So we dove, saw strange and beautiful corals, colorful fishes and had a great time.

If you are looking for some fun under the sea, Davao can offer some great dive spots to enjoy. There are several dive sites in the Davao Gulf, which are only 45 minutes to 120 minutes away from the city proper. You can choose from the following dive spots: Ligid Islad, Aundanao, Tagbobo, Pangubatan, Mushroom Rock, Paet Point, Coral Garden, Isla Reta, Talisay Wall, Angel’s Cave, Mansud Wall, Malipano Island, Pearl Farm, Punta del Sol, and Paradise Island.

me and my buddies

dancing jellyfish

Nemo and family!

Tags: diving
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Aldevinco Shopping Center

By Marlene on Feb 26th 2009 | Malls

In all the places to shop here in Davao City, there’s no place quite like Aldevinco. This is the place to visit for all ethnic handmade products.

For more than 40 years, Aldevinco has become a landmark of the city. It showcases the rich culture and heritage of Mindanao through the abundant array of Batik products like bags, dusters, slippers, table cloths, textiles and indigenous musical instruments.

The place actually is a mini-mall with plenty of small stalls. Access is easy because it’s located at the heart of the city along C.M. Recto Avenue. The shopkeepers are friendly and very accomodating and if you are skilled in haggling, you can save lots of shopping money.

Everytime a friend from Manila comes here in Davao for whatever reason, I usually take them here and they’ll just be thrilled at the unique and beautiful handicrafts and the low prices.

Inside Aldevinco

Malong

Stalls. Tired store assistant.

Plenty of Sarongs like this. Attractive body not included.

Tags: aldevinco shopping mall, batik, sarong
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Aliwagwag Falls

By Peter on Jan 16th 2009 | Attractions

Located in the middle of the forest, Aliwagwag Falls is considered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.

It is a series of 84 falls appearing like stairway to heaven with various heights among the steps ranging from 6 to 110 feet. One step is measured 72 feet and another is 67 feet. Overall Aliwagwag Falls is 1,110 feet of cascading energy and 20 meters in width. All these in the midst of virgin forest. River at the foot of the falls. 13 rapids to cross.

Located amidst thick forests just some 25 kilometers away from Cateel proper, Aliwagwag Falls offers adventurers and vacationers alike a wild exposure and relaxing in its refreshing waters will give you an unforgettable and fun experience.

Cateel, Davao Oriental is some 360 kilometers from Davao City is accessible by bus at the Ecoland Transport terminal. L300 vans are also available from Davao City.