White Water Rafting in Davao

I'm closing my Davao series with the reason why we went to Davao: To Go White Water Rafting!!! The experience didn't disappoint and I had so much fun that I want to do it again.

Let's backtrack...

There are two rafting operators in Davao but we chose to have our adventure with the lesser known Base Camp for three reasons:

1. The early morning schedule of Base Camp brought us back to the city by 2 p.m.
2. Free pick up of  Base Camp to and fro the hotel.
3. Base Camp takes better pictures than the other rafting company in my opinion. 

We were picked up at 7 a.m. by Base Camp from Marco Polo Davao to their office where we first got our gear and signed waiver forms.

We then traveled more than an hour in an open air vehicle to Davao River. 

Say hello to our tour mates who posed in front of the vehicle.

When we arrived at the rafting point, the crew of Base Camp made sure that our life vests were securely fastened. We were also given tips on how to keep safe while rafting.

With safety as the number one priority, our personal guides also gave last minute instructions before we hit the waters.

The one thing we needed to learn was how to "rescue" a fellow rafter in case someone gets thrown out of the boat. This is a poor illustration of how it's done:

Our foreign tour mate shows the right way:

With this kayaker leading the group, we were ready for the rapids!

The water looked muddy because it rained the night before our rafting trip. Do note though that it's not dirty. I know since I gulped a mouthful when I went overboard. 

It was a wet and wild experience with all of us feeling pumped up braving and fighting the rapids.

Halfway in our adventure, we stopped at this falls to rest.

Group Picture

I applaud the photographer of Base Camp for being relentless in taking pictures. This group sure looked like they were having the time of their lives.

After the waterfall stop, it was time to face the most challenging leg of the trip. Conquering the Drop & Suck rapid.

The other groups managed the course without much difficulty except for US! We wiped out and got swallowed by the raging river.  While in the water, feeling the strength of the whirlpool, the key is to not panic because the life vest is there to help you eventually surface to the water. 

SUCCESS except for US

This bridge signified that the end was near.  We were tired but adrenalin was at an all time high.

I think this group perfectly captured how much fun we all had! 

I enjoyed the experience so much that I encourage everyone who visits Davao to book a white water rafting adventure.

NOTE: Rate per person is 1,500php. It includes a shirt, lunch, and CD of all the pictures. All photos taken by Base Camp.

Base Camp is located at Door 77 Madrazo Fruit Complex, C. Bangoy Street Davao City. For inquiries, call 09323500921, 0908 894 1468, (082) 305 7624 or click here.

Overnight Stay at Marco Polo Davao

In the city, we stayed at Marco Polo Davao, one of 13 hotels operated by the Marco Polo group in Asia.

From its website:

Standing in the heart of Davao’s shopping and business district, with 245 elegant guest rooms and suites, Marco Polo Davao is your first step to the Davao experience! Retreat to any of our rooms and suites, which are elegant realisations of comfort, warmth and space. All the rooms and suites in Marco Polo Davao are equipped with broadband internet and other amenities befitting a business traveler.Marco Polo Davao is extremely close to the airport at a distance of just 12 kms and is a 20-minute drive by car or by the hotel’s shuttle bus, which plies to and from the airport at a nominal fee.

I'm happy that we chose Marco Polo Davao because the hotel was spacious and well-maintained.

Lobby Lounge

Spacious Lobby

Breakfast was at Cafe Marco and it was also not wanting in choices. Food quality was at par with international standards.

More importantly, our superior room was very comfortable and was equipped with modern facilities. We were lucky that we were billeted in the floor that was recently renovated.

Amenities at Marco Polo Davao include a lap pool,

fitness center for health buffs,

and the highly acclaimed Lazuli Spa. Having heard a lot of good reviews, we decided to give in and spend a few hours relaxing. 

My private room had its own shower and steam areas. Lazuli Spa also makes sure guests are at ease by playing soothing music and having warm lights.

I chose the signature A Touch of Lazuli oil massage which combined Eastern, Western, and deep tissue techniques. I had no difficulty sleeping that night thanks to the very capable hands of my therapist. 

Off To Dreamland

With my very positive experience, I say that Marco Polo is arguably the best hotel in Davao. I would not think twice and would stay here again the next time I'm in Davao.

Marco Polo Davao is located at 81540 C.M. Recto Street, Davao City. For more information, call (6382)221-0888 or click here.

Lazuli Spa is located at Marco Polo Davao. For more information, click here.

Eating Our Way Through Davao City

I know there are a lot of things one can do when in Davao City, but aside from zorbing...

Rolling Down the Hill

my friends and I wasted most of our time indulging in food related activities.

We first went to the Crocodile Park where there's a row of restaurants that prepare crocodile meat.

Riverwalk Grill

Having had a previous bad experience eating crocodile meat, I can only watch as my brave friends try these exotic dishes:

Croc Sisig

Crocodile Steak

Croco Roast Ribs

Still at the Crocodile Park, there was a line forming for Sweet Spot Ice Cream parlor so we all got curious.

It turned out that Sweet Spot offers unique flavors such as crocodile-durian which had a taste profile and texture that weirded me out.

During our stint in the city, we also went to Abreeza Mall and randomly chose to eat at Ranchero. It was only later that I learned that Ranchero is a popular local restaurant known for its ribs.

Food at Ranchero reminded me how comforting it is to eat good Filipino food.  

Complimentary Starter

Fried Squid

Seafood Soup

Sizzling Sisig

Bagoong Rice

Salted Egg & Chicharon Rice

Baby Back Ribs

Lechon Kawali

Most say that a trip to Davao is also not complete without eating at Ahfat Seafood Plaza. 

While the food was not bad, I would have preferred if we went elsewhere because dining in this local institution felt like eating at any other Chinese restaurant back home (read: nothing exciting or different).  On the plus side, our bill was a whole lot cheaper compared to what we usually pay in Manila.

Shark's Fin Soup

Sweet ad Sour Ribs

Broccoli in Oyster Sauce

Sauteed Prawns

Fried Eel

Crab Sotanghon

Steamed Crabs

If all the eating wasn't enough, we also chose to buy food for our pasalubong needs. Before going home, we dropped by Magsaysay Market for durian and suha....

and Lola Abon's, home of the best durian candy, for our candy fix.

Although Davao is not really known as a food capital, there certainly are a lot of restaurants in the city that make the eating experience worthwhile.

Riverwalk Grill is located at Davao Crocodile Park. For more information, call (082)2219643.

Sweet Spot Ice Cream is located at Davao Crocodile Park. For more information call (082) 225 0184 or 09152071607. 

Ranchero is located at 3/f Abreeza Ayala Mall J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. For more information, click here.

Ahfat Seafood Plaza has 4 locations in Victoria Plaza Compound J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City. For more information, call (082)2240002 or (082)2262688.

Lola Abon's is located at 23 San Miguel Village Matina Davao. For more information, click here.