Maxima Aquafun and Hagimit Falls in Samal Island, Davao City

How to get to Samal Island from Britania Island? 

Salvacion > San Frans > Davao Sasa Wharf > Samal Island

Ride a Van from Salvacion crossing going to San Frans, travel time is approx 45 min. From San Frans Terminal, transfer to another Van going to Davao City, travel time is approx 4-5 hours depending on the driver. Alight in Panaca and them ride a jeep going to Sasa Wharf. Boats in Sasa Wharf run a 24 hours transfer to and from Samal. Travel time is approx 10 minutes. 

Samal Island

The travel time from San Fran to Davao took longer than expected because the driver had to fill the van so he makes a stop in every town terminal that he passes. It was irritating at some point but we cant complain because its not a private van and the guy was just making a living. We alighted in Panaca and then had dinner in Edong's restaurant before heading to Sasa Wharf.

Boat transfer to Samal Island

Bluejazz Resort

I booked our stay in BlueJazz while travelling to Davao from San Frans. We stayed in their Dormitory Non-Aircon room for P400/pax which I think is a good deal for budget travellers. The room was clean and tidy. The downside was it doesn't have an indoor bathroom. You have to go outside to use the resorts public shower and restrooms. 

I was looking forward to our stay here because they have different pools and their very own giant slide but to my dismay it was all under construction. I guess I won't have an infinity pool in this trip. Sigh. We were just glad because during the evening they had a local band performing good music and then after that was a fire dance. 

The beach is clean and white but there are sea shells and pebbles so its kinda hard to walk around barefoot. 

Maxima Aquafun

This was the highlight of our Samal trip. It was so much fun and although our bodies were sore from all the falling and heavy splash we'd still want to do it all over again. 

A very unique tranfer to get to the waterpark

Maxima Aquafun is a must-visit when you're in Davao, especially if you're into extreme-fun water activities. They have 2 giant slides (but only one was working when we visited), 2 levels for Cliff jump and their famous Blob where you jump off the cliff to a big inflattable and then you move to the other end of the inflattable then someone else jumps so you can take off in the air. This is more fun if two guys jumps at the same time so you'll be thrown away really high up in the air. My brother and I,  we did this and he soared really high and fell to the water gracefully. Whereas for me, yes I was high up there but landed on the water with my face first. It was really painful to the point I was having a hard time breathing but I got myself back together and swam back to the surface. The Blob is a bit risky so you need to be extra careful.

The slide

Cliff jump

Its a must in Maxima that you wear lifevest everytime you try their water activities which is good to avoid accidents. They have lifeguards everywhere so feel safe to swim around and they're really nice. They will cheer you when your too scared to jump. 

His first time. 

Love my sibs. 

Hagimit Falls

The falls is a short distance from Maxima. We made a quick stop just to see what it looks like and took a few photos. We didn't get to swim because we needed to check out from our hotel. The are two falls and both looks clean and well maintained. 

A few constructions are made that time to better the falls sorroundings and make it more attractive to tourist. 

After our check out we stayed a few hours at the resort to freshen up and then we boarded the boat transfer back to Davao City

 10 pax minimum passenger. 

Island Tour in Britania Group of Islands, Surigao del Sur

How to get to Britania Island, San Agustin from Hinatuan Enchanted River?

 

Ride a jeep or multicab from Hinatuan  and then drop off in Barobo Bus Terminal, travel time is approx 45 mins. Then ride a bus or van going to Butuan and have the driver drop you off in Salvacion crossing, travel time is 1hr. From Salvacion ride a motorcycle cab to Brgy. San Agustin, it will just take about less than 10 minutes. 

Hinatuan > Barobo > Salvacion > San Agustin

Salvacion crossing, entry point to Britania in Brgy San Agustin.

Britania Tourism Office

Brgy. San Agustin is where resorts and boat docks for Britania Island tours are located. You could already see the islands from the Barangay's shoreline. The beach has fine white sand and though it is sorrounded with mangroves there are areas where you can actually swim. We stayed in Ysha's resthouse and got the room for P1100 thanks to our habalhabal driver who haggled for us. He was also our island tour guide the next day. He offered the island tour for 1200 and took it right away because I know the fix rate is 1500 although I'm sure I could've gotten a better price except I had no energy to haggle. The van, bus, and boat transfer exhausted me. I just wanted a good night sleep for tomorrows island tour.  However my siblings were in the mood for some Karaoke so I had to indulge them. We had a really good time that night. Our first karaoke sesh. 

We arrived in time for the sunset. 

Makeshift boat dock

The next day we started our island tour around 7am. We went to all four islands and enjoyed the whole morning swimming in the beach and soaking under sun. We took as much photos together. Underwater. Jumpshots. Selfies and what not. Wish the tour could have lasted a whole day but we need to leave before lunch for Samal Island in Davao, our last destination. 

Naked Island

This is all that there is in this island. A pile of white sand in the middle of the ocean where the waves meet. No trees whatsoever. 

It was raining when we got to the island but it didn't last long. The sun came out and then this happened. 

Double the rainbow, double the fun. 

Hagonoy Island

This island has the longest stretch of white sand. Its was beautiful except that it was sorrounded with rocks that made it difficult to swim. There are few locals selling souvenirs when we arrived here and they were really nice and accommodated the tourist intrigued by the items they're selling. 

Banol Island

Out of the four islands we visited this was my favourite because of the Grotto and the fine sand and the fact that there are more vendors selling souvenirs and snacks that made the island looked festive.

Locals selling island souvenirs

Boslon Grotto

Sibs Jumpshot

This was the only island where we got to swim and take underwater shots. During lowtide you can visit the Panlangan Island across. Too bad we visited so early its still high tide. 

Hiyor Hiyoran Island

This island looks really gorgeous from afar but then when you get to the beach theres nothing much to do. The sand has lots of pebbles and sea shells and at one side there were traces of cut mangrove trees which can be dangerous so wear your slippers. Good for photo ops but not for swimming. 

The entire experience was beyond as expected. The islands are as awesome as they are in photos and not a single ounce of regret that my original plan to visit Socorro and Bucas Grande didn't push through because Britania is such a paradise. I can't wait for my office friends to experience Britania Islands when they come here March next year. #itsmorefuninmindanao

Exploring Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River in Surigao Del Sur

Surigao's Enchanted River, Tinuy-an falls and Britania Islands are every travelers local dream destination and I couldn't be any happier to have spent this vacation with my brother and sister. This is our first together and hopefully not the last. 

Davao

We didn't do much on our first day because we arrived in Davao late night. Me coming from a delayed flight in Manila and my siblings from a 15hrs land travel from Zamboanga. On out first night, we stayed in Oh George, a drive through motel near Ecoland Bus Station. I know its a lovers motel but who cares we just need a cheap place to crash for a few hours. The room was really nice except that the bathrooms are see through. Haha. The next day we woke up really early and started our adventure.

Tinuy-an Falls

Bislig , Surigao del Sur

Our first stop was Tinuy-an Falls in Manggagoy, Bislig. Upon arriving in the town proper, habal-habal drivers quickly approached us and offered their services but instead we decided to rent a van for 2000 pesos to take us to Tinuy-an falls and Enchanted River in Hinatuan. It was just a one way ride because I planned to go directly to Britania, San Agustin the same day and spend the night there.

Meet my not so little sis. 

There were only a few people when we arrived in Tinuy-an. Entrance fee is P50/person and P20 for parking. The falls was grand and it does look like a little Niagara Falls, not that I've seen Niagara in person but at least in photos. We climbed up the falls with a guide and saw the magnificent view of the forest and falls basin from above. The stairs were steep and rustic, and some railings are already broken. Its safe to climb but climb with caution. After climbing we decided to ride the bamboo raft and went under the curtain falls. I recommend doing both because it was so much fun. I've never seen any falls this huge. The bamboo raft costs 150 per hour and then just tip the guide that will take you to the top of the falls. 

Stairs to the falls platform up top

No babe, you cant jump off the cliff its too high. 

Right under the curtain falls. 

Like any other destination it is best to come early to avoid the scramming tourist and for a better photo op. 

Enchanted River

Hinatuan , Surigao del Sur

From Bislig we went next to Hinatuan Enchanted River. Travel time was roughly 1hour. Entrance fee to Hinatuan is 30 per head and there are cottages for rent from 100 to 200 pesos. I rented 2 life jackets for my siblings, 30 pesos each, coz they don't know how to swim yet. 

After settling our bags in our cottage, we hurriedly jumped to the water and took as much photos while almost none were swimming at that time. It was so beautiful I cant believe I'm finally seeing the river in person. No wonder almost everybody wants to visit the place. 

There's are makeshift stairs at one side of the river that you can use to jump off to the river. 

#thesibs

Come to Hinatuan as early as you can to avoid the crowd and make sure to stay for the fish feeding from 12-1pm. 

Boat docks for island hopping and transfer to Sibadan Fish Cage. 150/hr

Sibadan Fish Cage. Entrance fee is 10/head. They charge 300 pesos per kilo which already includes the cooking fee.

Sinigang, Fried,  Grilled and fish Ceviche (Kinilaw). 

Sibadan has room accommodations. Cheapest was 500 with air-condition for 2 pax. Would love to stay here next time. 

 

Van Ride from Tinuy-an in Bislig to Enchanted River in Hinatuan. 

 

At 3pm we went back to Hinatuan River and then hailed 2 motorcycle taxis also known as habal-habal, outside the river park to take us to the towns terminal.

 

Check back for my next post on how we travelled from Hinatuan to Britania Islands in San Agustin.

 

Oh George Drive In

https://www.facebook.com/Oh-George-Drive-In-237532756292488/