My travel to Davao City was a spontaneous decision. I remember it was the day on the departure going to Davao City that I decided to join the annual reunion of my batchmates in college. Thankfully, I had the best supervisor, who immediately said yes to my sudden request for an early out at 2:00 PM.
Thank you, ladies!I immediately went home—around 45 minutes of travel time—rushed packing my things, and then headed straight to the bus terminal going to Cagayan de Oro City. If I am not mistaken, from Iligan City, it took us more than eight-butt-cracking hours of travel to reach Davao City via land trip.
Anthony and I, together with the other two classmates, just slept for the whole trip. We arrived at 7:00 AM and went straight to our classmate's condo unit, who is working in Davao. We had our turns in using the bathroom to take a bath, and then went straight to our first destination.
San Pedro Cathedral
San Pedro Cathedral is located right at the heart of Davao City in front of the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Dabaw Building or City Council building. This church is dedicated to Saint Peter in which the English name of this church is Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral. San Pedro Cathedral was built by the first Spanish settlers in the area in the year 1847. It is also named Davao Cathedral and is widely known as the city's oldest church.
When we went there, the church was closed and there was an ongoing construction. We weren't able to enter and see the beauty inside. It was not remodeled, although this church underwent remodeling twice in the mid-1900s and 1964. This church serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao, which is then considered a National Cultural Treasure.
In front of San Pedro Cathedral is the building of the City Council or Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Dabaw. The front of the City building, a monument, is surrounded by a flock of pigeons. Of course, I would not want to miss the chance of feeding the pigeons, especially since there was a vendor selling feeds.
Museo Dabawenyo
Davao has two known museums, and one of them is also known as the Museum of the People of Davao. If you want to see a glimpse of Davao's past scenes, then Museo Dabawenyo is what you are looking for.
On the first floor, it showcases the Indigenous People of Davao Province with their collections of arts, crafts, musical instruments, and weapons. The other one is the Moro people in the province of Davao with their miniature houses, boats, musical instruments, chairs, weapons, armors, and other things used by the Muslim Royalties and Muslim people.
Needless to say, it wouldn't be complete without showing the history of Davao, how the people in Davao fought hard for the Spaniards, American, and Japanese Colonization, the aftermath of the colonization, and such. Trophies are displayed showcasing the pride and honor of Davao's accomplishments through the years.
In the other room, it shows the history of Davao and how the people in Davao fought hard for the Spanish, American, and Japanese Colonization. Trophies are also displayed showcasing the pride and honor of Davao's accomplishments through the years. Aside from the trophies, it showcases the four icons of Davao City, which they call the symbol of hope and pride: Durian, Mount Apo, Waling-Waling, and the Philippine Eagle.
The first room on the second floor was a Memorabilia Gallery where it shows the collection of olden day clothes, bills, porcelains, jar, and a lot more. Also, it shows the former and up to the present leader of Davao with a large painting made by a foreign artist dedicated to President Duterte.
D' Japanese Tunnel
The D' Japanese Tunnel is now considered one of Davao's finest tourist attractions. Tourists want to visit this tunnel since the tunnel is a reminder of the war that shaped the history of the world.
The tunnel was dug out by the war prisoners ordered by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War. Also, it became the headquarters and threshold when they were chased by the American armies.
This 300-meter-long tunnel was accidentally discovered by the landowners while excavating the area for the hotel's construction preparation.
Aside from the tunnel, this place has a pool good for some splashing and plunging, which is located above.
Davao Crocodile Park
Davao Crocodile Park is established in the year 1995, which promotes the conservation of crocodiles, along with other wild animals. Yes, you read it right. Contrary to its name, Crocodile Park offers you different kinds of animals. As time passes by, lots of animals from reptiles to amphibians to fishes and to mammals are added in the park. (I'll write it in a separate article.)
Moreover, The park has self-nurtured crocodiles that vary in age and size. Feeding the crocodile is allowed, which can be purchased in the park.
It was just a short trip. There are still lots of tourist attractions that we missed out on, but since the last boat going to Isla Reta departs at around 3:00 PM, we decided to end our city tour at Crocodile Park.
For a 2D1N travel, it was compact and exhausting but fun! We had a city tour on the first day, then an overnight stay in Isla Reta, and the following day, we toured the coastal area of Samal Island.
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That clock tower reminds me of a movie called The Great Mouse Detective. Hehe! Hmm, I am not really a fan of crocs because of there scary appearance. But I do believe that these creatures are very strong because they are still here on earth roaming after the great massive extinction.