Colors of Life

 Life is full of colors, either you have red lipstick or yellow skin, working in a green issue or blue carbon, a red republicans or blue democrat, or even as mix as purple. The concept of church-and-plaza in Leon, Nicaragua somewhat is a reflection to this. You can see people praying, playing, selling any kind of things, singing, begging, sightseeing and even protesting.
You have one ticket to ride for your life, so enjoy every color of it!



Host: jalan2liburan
Tema: Warna

Mindanao Trip:The Enchanting Surigao del Sur

First thing first, Travel Alert. Many people would rolled their eyes when you say that you're going to Surigao-Mindanao. Some will ask you why because it's considered as an NPA base and some just shrugging their head coz mindanao still equal to conflict (they think). I say, Mindanao is one of the place that got underrated only because it's neighboring provinces is in a conflict. Surigao has beautiful beautiful landscape and nature. You can just go anywhere and you will find river like the famous Lo Boc river in Bohol and also blue clear river where you can swim with fishes. This place is one undiscovered place for tourism and that what make it more nice. It's where the local goes or some place that only the locals knows. Here are some hidden secret of Surigao:

1. Enchanted River
Ok, this is not so hidden I guess. It's quite famous among the locals here. The enchanted river is a somewhat magical  place. I mean, where else you can find a river that has bright beautiful color (dark blue turns into bright green) plus the fact that this is only a river located quiet remote in the coast there in Hinatuan. The water is cool and you can do snorkle here. You can't see any corals but it still feels cool cos you'll be surrounded by cliff. They also have feeding frenzy for the fishes there. Guests should out of the pool for an hour every 8 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm (sorry i'm a bit forgot the exact time). During the feeding time they will played the Hinatuan National Anthem. Try to get there with a boat instead of habal-habal, the view is very enchanting!

2. Tip Does Beach
To be Honest with you, I don't know how to write the name of this place. It just sounds like that hehehe. Sorry po! It's one of the small island near Enchanted River. It got white sand, clear water, you can do snorkle and see some corals here. Best thing? not many people knows about it so it's like having your private beach. You can play  a cast away if you're there ;)

3. San Juan
I did  a short visit to Barangay San Juan. You can do island hopping there and also visit the abalone hatchery run by CERD and the community there. They can give you kinilaw also if you are in the mood for it!

I think the only challenge to go to this area is it's quite remote. From Butuan you still have to take Mangagoy bus and have 4 hour ride until reach Hinatuan. After that you still need to take habal-habal or rent boat to go there. It's quite worth the trip though so if you happen to be in the area, you definitely should pay a visit!

Mindanao Trip Part 2: Davao for a day

This trip happen because I have problem with my Mac. Apple choose to have service center only in a city which more or less central to everything around the, In Philippines they only have 3 which represent the big three section of this country: Luzon-Manila, Visayas-Cebu, and Mindanao-Davao.

I have no option beside to go to Davao for only two day and one night just to get my laptop fix. It was a trip that I did not expect to have but eventually it end quite sweet. Davao become my sweet escape after I lived in coastal families quite a while. It was one of the moment when you feel like you see lights and big buildings for your very first time hahaha..

What can you do when you only have 1 night in Davao?
1. Shopping experience
Ok, I hate to say it and it may sounds shallow but being the biggest Province in Mindanao Davao does offer you the tempted to go shopping. They have big malls here compare to any other provinces in Mindanao. The biggest is Mall Abreeza (where Mac has its service center) and of course they have SM and other malls also.

2. Jack's Ridge

Davao from the top

splash!

Don't lock yourself inside the mall for too long. Go to Jack's Ridge and you can have the city view from top. It's a park-and-restaurant if you are not going to have lunch there you can just pay for 20php. The place is quite beautiful, quite and peaceful during the day. I went there during day time just enjoy the scenery. There was not many people when I was there so I end up taking a nap in one of the benches. The breeze makes you feel sleepy *yes, am making excuse here*

happy or sad?

I almost forgot they have swimming pool also with colorful sliders. I think it must be cool sliding with the city view from above. Don't forget to bring your swimming suit when you want to try it!

3. Crocodile & Butterfly Park
From Jack's Ridge you can take taxi to Crocodile&Butterfly Park. The security guard can help you to call the cab. It will cost you a little more than 100. his park is actually consists of three part: The Crocodile Park, The Butterfly Park, and The Tribu Cultural Village. The entrance is 150php.

I did took the pic of live one but not good enough

This place is like a mini zoo. The name of the place explain the place perfectly (d'oh!) I personally think there's too many crocodiles in one place hahaha.. never big fan of this creature. If you not a big fan of crocodile they have other animals too, like tiger, snake, birds, ostrich, etc. Oh and they have freeding frenzy challange for guests who want to feed these cool animal.
Butterfly park is a walking distance from the crocodile Park. Do not go to this park when is about to close! Seriously, I was there at 5pm and I did not see any butterflies, totally my bad hahaha. But the oark itself is quite beautiful.
Tribu Cultural Village
For you who have big interest in culture and native tribe of Davao I think this place will be worth visit. They have the mini house of the Tribu Villager there with a mannequin of the tribe also. The restaurant serve Tribu food and they are actually really good.

It's quite spooky when you only alone

I really enjoy Davao although it's only one day trip. It's a friendly city, everything is on order and clean.  Taxi drivers are friendly and not trying to make you do 'city tour' even if you are stranger and do not know the area. You can find cheap and good food also here. It is said that Davao is typhoon free-area but the Pablo storm gives this province a quite of rain. Nonetheless, it's still safe. In terms of criminality, this province also famous for it's safety. It is said that it's safe for women to walk alone in the middle of the night and they do not have to be scared of harassment. I heard about the issue of dead squad like when one did something wrong, he/she will die the day after because it consider as a threat to the community. Not sure and not know whether it is right or not. All that I know is when you know is if you only want to traveling or just visiting this place everypne will be very helpful and friendly to you.
 I would love to go here again in the future, everyone said Samal Island is also a must visit when you're in the area.

Enjoy Davao!