Trifter

December is the best time to visit Davao,the capital of Mindanao island (one of the Biggest three islands in Phillipines).The weather is pleasant and with Christmas around the corner ,this is an ideal place for some great bargain shopping.After Manilla’s skyscrapers,bustling activity and hawkers selling replica accessories at every nook and corner ,Davao is heaven .With its famous beaches and resorts,white sands and tranquil blue green waters ,this seems a pleasant change where tourists and locals enjoy their share of sun and sand .

Here the locals never miss a chance to highlight how safe Davao is for tourists and locals alike, and are great ambassadors for promoting tourism.

Samal Island ;a small island near Davao is also very beautiful Island.It takes about 30 minutes to reach the island by a boat which leaves from the port every 15 minutes .This route is the lifeline between Davao and Samal Island.At the Island ,there are motor bikers to take tourists to the beaches for a certain fee.The Paradise Island is another highlight.It is a long stretch of preserved beach,lined with corals and white sands in the backdrop.One can snorkel and enjoy other water sports at a very reasonable fee.

San Fernandez beach is another beach ,located about 15 minutes from the Paradise resorts.The way to the beach is very scenic and surrounded by beautiful mountains and green fields.The San Fernandez beach -named after its owner is a small strip of privately -owned beach on the southern side of Samal.The crystal -blue waters and white sands is a much better option for those looking to spend a quite family holiday.

Apart from its beaches,Davao is also famous for massages.An extremely relaxing half an hour massage costs around 160 pesos.One can choose from local and international styles as well depending on the time and the budget.Other local attractions include the People ’s Park,the Crocodile Park and the Phillipine Eagle Sanctuary.The major attraction at crocodile park is feeding crocodile in the afternoon.

Philippines has got some of the best diving spots in the world and boasts of an amazing marine eco-system.Davao’s various diving schools offer introductory packages for the first time divers and one can also get certified for open water diving at a very reasonable price.The first experience with diving is always breathtaking .The variety and colors of the corals is matched only by the shades on the spectacular fauna ;some trying to blend with the corals while others standing out courtesy their bright contrasting colors.Another diving spot is San Remirez dive spot,which is another coral paradise.The area had a lot less currents and more colorful corals.The surface of the sea is like a mountain terrain with huge corals and pathways in between.In short ,it is also worth visiting.

The jeepney is the preferred mode of public transport in the Philippines and a ride may cost one a maximum of 10 Pesos.Davao has a relatively quite night life than that to Manila and Clark except on Saturdays,when the cafes overflow with the young couples.

If you have a passion for diving then these are one of the best places to visit.