Adventure Accounting

Two days of my Davao adventure were happily spent in a paradise called Isla Reta . With only 36 hours, I ditched my planned Samal Island daytrip plan and opted to check out the museums, restos, and of course... shopping. I only have one whole day for all of these. I chose another place this time: MyHotel, located in the very busy San Pedro St. Dinner: some random buffet place On the night of my arrival, I randomly picked a buffet resto near my place. The restaurant was wel-lit, and the diners were decently dressed (like they came from an event). Seems like a good choice.  For Php 139.00, I had two whole plates of the main course and one small plate of dessert. Hina ko no?  I wanted to try some local sushi buffet ( meron ba??? ) but I didn’t get to research on that. The kilawin was enough to fill that craving. Comes with a free glass of iced tea.

While having dinner at Penong’s , I wasn’t really crazy about doing the day trip in Samal Island and exploring the bat caves and waterfalls. I was craving for some solid white sand paradise beach. I also traveled to Baler, Donsol and Guimaras this year, but their beaches are not exactly not at par with Calaguas ( ang taas naman kasi ng peg no? ). I needed my dose of white sand. I whipped out my mobile phone and searched "White beaches in Davao". I encountered Isla Reta in my pre-trip research but I promptly dumped the idea because 1) I was uncertain that I would enjoy a solo beachbumming experience and 2) there’s not a lot of info about it. I found bits and pieces about how to go there and where to stay. How to go to Isla Reta: Proceed to Sta. Ana Wharf. I did this by taking a cab. I asked the reception how to commute but they didn’t really know (!?!?!). Cab from Sampaguita Inn to the wharf costs around Php 71.00.  Find the boat going to Talicud Island. One way far...

Davao is one relatively expensive plane ride away from Manila. I have been unlucky scouting for cheap flights, since I started traveling in 2009. One of my bestfriends traveled to Davao in 2010 , while I drooled with her stories about food.I'll have my own dose of Davao someday. January 1, 2012, Airphilippines offered delectable seat sale prices. This is my chance. Armed with one solo travel experience , I decided to try out solo traveling in my own country. I booked a round trip MNL-DVO flight for Php 940.00 (that has a round trip base fare of Php 24.00). What a great way to start 2012! The trip was scheduled two weeks after my two-week Indochina adventure . I was still on such a high from all the great pictures experience from all those countries. I had to free some space in my memory card. Time to discover Davao. Someday is here. There’s a lot to do in Davao. A lot. Too many suggestions. There’s a lot of info in blogs and forums for a “standard” Davao first-time...