If you're a travel enthusiast, you
shouldn't miss the most recent one-of-a kind attraction found only in the
child-friendly city of Davao in the southern part of Mindanao island. Where in
the Philippines can you find a collection of bones from a wide variety of
animals.
Of course, kids will surely love it here
when they see the complete skeletons of dogs, reptiles, horses, ostriches, a
tiger, dolphins, even a 41-ft sperm whale. This museum, fast becoming popular,
is indeed one of the beautiful tourist places Davao could be proud
of.
An Eye-Opener For The Situation of Animals
It was founded by a son of American
missionaries now living in Davao, as he has married a Filipina with whom he has
two kids.
Darrell D. Blatchley, originally from
Idaho, USA, is opening everyone's eyes to the plight of animals and their
survival in this world. He is doing his best to help raise the public's
awareness on the conservation and preservation. He isn't limiting it to just
marine and airborne species, but for land-dwelling animals as well.
For example, studies show that most
aquatic animals die from consuming plastics. People who visit the museum will
be reminded of how often our negligent acts can have a devastating impact on
the environment. This where Blatchley's education and awareness drive comes in
helpful.
What To Expect
The museum is housed inside athree-storey building located in Bucana, San
Pedro Extension, Davao City. On the ground floor, you can see several preserved
remains – bones, skulls, even whole skeletons – of various species.
Horses, a deer, bears, a lion, monkeys,
birds, a dugong, dolphins, snakes, crocodiles, butterflies, armadillo, whales
and insects are some of those. There's even a Cambodian python which is one of
the longest snakes in the world.
You may wonder where in the world did all
that stuff come from? Well, it's from Blatchley's extensive collection since he
was a young boy.
At a tender age, he receiveda set of mule antlers from an uncle and that
spurred his interest in animals as well as their skeletal remains. Other
remains in his collection have been donated by friends and various
organizations around the world.
So, if you're around, drop by the place
which is open from Mondays through Fridays during business hours.Also, don't forget to explore other great Philippine tourist attractions while touring around Davao.
Philippines – an archipelago on the eastern edge of Asia that’s made
up of 7, 107 islands. If you’re a tourist who just got to the Philippines,
congratulations – you’re in paradise! However, if it’s really your first time,
chances are you don’t know what you’ll do first, right?
Planning your Philippinetravel ahead of time will free you from the troubles of having to wonder
what to do, on the spot. If you can't think of anything, here’s a list of the
things you can do in the Philippines:
1. TRY SCUBA-DIVING
Philippine waters are simply amazing and one-of-a-kind. One dive and
you’ll see the wonders of the underwater world. You can see different coral
reefs, and even shipwrecks from World War II. Always remember to wear your gear
first before submerging yourselves in water.
In addition to seeing coral reefs and shipwrecks, you can also swim
with the sharks and other fishes as well. To better remember this moment,
better take your underwater camera with you.
2. WATCH TWO ROOSTERS DUKE IT OUT
Cock fighting has been part of Philippine tradition for a very long
time. Whenever you visit a village in the Philippines, you’ll oftentimes see
people gathering around to see two roosters fight.
If you’re the kind of person who thinks this is animal cruelty,
don’t. This is just a part of Philippine tradition and has been around for a
very long time.
3. ROAM THE STREETS INSIDE A JEEPNEY
If you see funny-looking vehicles on the streets in the Philippines,
they're likely jeepneys. The jeepney is one of the most used forms of Philippine
transportation. You could say tour Philippine experience is incomplete without
riding this to get to another place. Better buckle up for a bumpy ride ahead.
4. EAT LOCAL FOOD
Now, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. The Philippines
has a lot of food that you’ve never tasted anywhere before. Although some of
the foods don't have local origins, you can see and taste that Filipinos placed
their own special touch to these delicacies. Best to start with adobo
before anything else.
These are just some suggestions for your Philippine vacation experience. You can freely follow all of these
if it’s your first time in the country. But let me tell you this: once you’ve
tried them out, you’ll want to try them all over again.
Misamis
Oriental is a province located in Northern Mindanao, and is blessed with
verdant farmlands, booming industries, and pristine natural wonders and
attractions. This area serves as the perfect staging point for those who wish
to explore Northern Mindanao, one of the main towns located in Laguindingan, a
town that's only an hour away from the capital Cagayan de Oro City. If you're
searching for great swimming and diving spots in this area, here's a peek at a
few of the loveliest beach destinations in Misamis Oriental:
Duka Bay
Located
in the laid-back town of Medina, Duka Bay is one of the most beautifultourist placesin the province. At Duka Bay resort, you can spend hours
scuba diving or snorkeling, and explore Gingoog Bay's rich underwater life,
where well-preserved coral reefs teem with lots of marine life. Guests can also
board the resort's glass-bottomed boats, to see the rich marine life, without
getting themselves wet.
The
Duka Bay resort also has 9 well-appointed standard bedrooms and junior suites
and villas. Each villa has its own balcony, thus enabling you to get a stunning
view of the bay and nearby surroundings. And the hotel rooms also have hot
showers, which is something you don't see in other resorts.
Mantangale
Alibuag Dive Resort
Located in Balingoan, the main jump-off point to Camiguin Island, the
Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort gives expert divers easy access to more than a
dozen well-preserved dive sites in the Misamis Oriental mainland, as well as in
nearby Camiguin Island.
The resort has a well-stocked dive shop with lots of well-maintained
equipment, and it also has professional instructors for those who need to
further polish their diving skills. The resort also has a restaurant which
serves tasty local and international treats.
Agutayan Island
If you've already been to stunning Camiguin Island,
perhaps you'll say that the Agutayan Island looks like a smaller version of the
famous white island. Agutayan Island is actually a marine sanctuary near the
coast of the town of Jasaan. Visitors can hire boats which cost around P1,000,
for the 20-minute ride to the sand bar.
Like most sand bars, Agutayan Island is devoid of
trees and other vegetation, but there's a cottage there, for guests as well as
the sanctuary's watchers. The perfect time to visit the island is early in the
morning, so you'll avoid the harsh heat of the sun at noon time.
The reefs here are truly amazing, and you'll be
mesmerized at the sight of hundreds, if not thousands of jacks, clown fishes,
and other colorful aquatic animals swimming in your direction! Next time you
come to Misamis Oriental, drop by the most popular tourist destination
in Jasaan, and enjoy seeing the rich marine life in the waters around the town!
Feeling tired and weary
from the hustle and bustle of city life? Looking for the perfect place to enjoy
a quiet, relaxing holiday? Try this new resort tucked far down southeast of the
island of Samal in Davao.
Island Garden Resort in
Purok 4, Brgy. Pangubatan, Kaputian District may not yet be among the top ten beautiful tourist places in Davao but, said
resort has been reaping good words from its clients from near and far.
Located a little bit
far as compared to the other resorts in
the island, this family-run business which just opened to the public in 2013,
is fast becoming the favorite of urban dwellers, business people hooked to the
Internet 24/7, and adventurous travelers longing to soothe their fatigued
spirits.
Couples who have been
there and have experienced life in the island were quick to say that its remote
location and rustic ambiance just fitted their romantic escapades perfectly.
Indeed, this hidden
resort gem has passed the taste of those in search of a serene getaway with
only the essential amenities available - enough to satisfy their simple
vacation needs. There's a bar and restaurant, amenities for persons with
disabilities, shuttle service for convenient transport, and more.
Things To Do
Guests can enjoy indoor
games in the designated area, get a rejuvenating massage by the beach, indulge
in water sports or just relish the wonders of creation by the garden. You could
even get lucky to catch sea turtles laying eggs on the beach or get a glimpse
of the hatchlings.
The coastline in this
part of Samal is unlike others – no fine powdery white sands rather, kind of
the grainy and crushed corals type. Yet,
this isn't enough to daunt you as you're guaranteed to enjoy an overwhelming
view of the ocean and nearby islets. Though a bit rocky but just the same,
still picturesque.
This is a haven for
divers and snorkelers as there's a nearby sanctuary and some other fantastic
spots that any underwater lover will surely enjoy. With less Internet activity
as the Wi-Fi is quite limited, you'll soon be grateful to experience life in
this secluded paradise. Good food with reasonable price, approachable staff
with their warm smiles plus, the exhilarating nature will make you forget the
life you left behind.
Bet you've been
dreaming of an unforgettable and most enjoyable holiday? If you want a brief
respite and get away from the roaring voice of your inconsiderate boss, or just
want to escape the hurried city life, head to the beach.
Luckily, people in and
around Davao have access to these magnificent Philippine tourist attractionsthey can go visit in
no time. However, if you're from out of the region, then, satisfy yourself with
interesting blogs like this and feast your eyes on colorful photographs that
look so real you'd want to jump right there in the blue waters.
A Private Island Getaway
It wouldn't cost you
anything to fantasize being in a secluded island paradise and have the place
all to yourself, even for just a day. But, it would be more exciting if your
significant other were around, especially when you're in a luxurious resort
like Island Buenavista.
Save for the trip and
make it real. Yes, because renting an island as exotic and exhilarating as
Buenavista (which can accommodate around 35 people) will certainly cause a
small dent on your pocket. But, it will be all worth it.
Things To Do In Island Buenavista
Imagine this – the
crystal clear waters are not only perfect for leisure swimming. Rather, you can
go kayaking, snorkeling, even diving all you want without limit.Besides outdoor fun, you'll be pampered with
mouth-watering buffet served at the Pavilion.
Savor a wide array of
great food from fresh seafood, to pork or chicken barbecue, grilled fish and
other local delights. Quench your thirst with refreshing buko juice to complete
your sumptuous meals.
Then, when you get
exhausted from all the day's frolic in the sea, sun and sand, enjoy total relaxation
in the comfort of either the air-conditioned villas, open beach huts, and suites.
Likewise, take time to dip in the kidney-shaped swimming pool. The villas
having their own hot and cold showers will surely make you feel like you're
living rich!
If you're a couple, the
open air beach hut is perfect for a romantic evening interlude. In close
proximity to the sea, you'll get a breathtaking view of the iconic islands
nearby.
“Own” an island for just a day and
commune with nature in one of the beautiful tourist places in Samal Island, Davao.
