Panas Falls -- New Corella, Davao del Norte

About two or three years ago, I stumbled on a blogpost featuring the magestic Panas Falls -- a promising tourist destination located in New Corella, Davao del Norte province.

The breathtaking waterfall offers layered streams and a few number of pools enveloped in a forest protected area operated by the local government unit.

Since then, I included this on my to-go-list and it was only this year I was able to tick it off from my long list of "places to be".

It was during a long weekend with my officemates that we decided to stay in New Corella instead of crossing the sea to Samal Island. Davao traffic is becoming insane these days, we might not be able to catch the last boat trip as we'll be leaving our place after work hours.

Moreover, we've been to Samal Island many times so checking out the beauty of Panas got us more excited than going to the beach.

But to our dismay, this is what Panas Falls looks like now. It's beauty is already fading, far too different from its unspoiled state years ago as posted in this blog.

The water is no longer flowing abundantly, considering it is the water basin of the province, and the water does not appear to be fresh anymore.

Perhaps it was not the best time to go there or the place has been abused by travelers. I actually caught someone on camera who was engraving his name on the boulders.

Caretakers deployed by the government should be strict in imposing policies(if there is) in protecting nature. After all, this ecotourism site is one of their economic drivers that attract tourists to visit New Corella. And for visitors, we have to respect and be responsible. Never leave traces is the number one rule, which pertains to your trash and imprints that will certainly spoil the place.

Though our trip was a little bit disappointing, I don't regret coming to this place. Because finally, I was able to put a check mark after Panas Falls on my bucketlist and seeing its fading beauty reminded me to be a responsible traveler.

I hope the Department of Tourism and airline companies based in the Philippines would launch an information drive about 'Responsible Traveling'. We have a lot of tourism campaigns promoting hundreds of our natural wonders but I haven't seen one that promotes for its protection.

With traveling just within our reach because of cheap promo fares and tour packages, our tourism sector is booming. Travelers from local and abroad flock to different tourism spots but not everyone knows what traveling etiquette is. Maybe it is high time that everyone be educated about it before everything gets spoiled.

#travel #environment #adventure #traveldiary #waterfalls #nature #trip #davaodelnorte #itsmorefuninthephilippines #philippines #mindanao

Samal Island Hopping

Samal Island, which is located in the province of Davao del Norte and an arms reach from Davao City, has a lot to offer to WOW its visitors.

One of its in demand activities is the Samal Island hopping---an organized boat trip that brings visitors to pristine and white sand beaches and other famous landmarks in Talicud and Samal islands.

For as low as Php400, this exciting island getaway can take you to seventeen (17) sites and five (5) stopovers, inclusive of resort entrance, docking fees, and cottage:

1. Talicud Island Coral Garden

The 150-hectare Coral Garden and Marine Conservation Park in Talicud Island is famous for its unique diving grounds and abundant marine life open for beginners and professional scuba divers.

For those who cannot afford scuba diving lessons, you can opt for snorkeling. Equipment rental is Php150 only for the whole day.

This gear is a must if you don't want to go scuba diving, for you not to miss the amazing creatures under the sea! No worries if you're not a pro at swimming, as life vests are available for everyone.

2. Babu Santa Resort

Babu Santa Beach Resort is one of the top destinations in Talicud Island. Its laid-back ambiance will make you want to stay overnight. It's a perfect spot for barkada or family getaways minus the fancy offerings from commercialized resorts.

Babu Santa also serves as the "grilling spot" for island hoppers who would like to have sinugba for lunch.

3. Angel's Cove

Another popular diving and snorkeling spot in Samal's many reefs is Talicud Island's Angel's Cove or "haven for angels".

The calm and shallow water of the site owned by the Dizons is said to be fit for snorkeling but is also attracting professional divers because of its rich marine biodiversity.

4. Sabang Cliff Jumping

Taking a break from diving and snorkeling, the island adventure tour will also take you to Sabang Cliff Jumping spot in Kaputian, Samal Island.

It has three jump spots-- first is the ideal ones and what beginners usually take, the 14ft spot; second is the 20ft jump spot; and the most difficult ones is the 40ft jump spot.

Jumping off the cliff will require you to take off your life vest so be sure you are physically capable for this, though life guards are on standby once you dare to conquer your fear of heights.

5. Diaz Island

Last stop in the island adventure is the Diaz island, fronting Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Aside from another round of snorkeling, the site also offers another activity where you can hike up at the rock formation and view the surrounding islands from the top. There's nothing much to see here, but a final round of swimming would be great before capping off the fun island adventure.

If you want to add more stopovers like the Wishing Island and Vanishing Island, you may arrange this with your island tour provider. You can also choose to have the boat exclusive for only Php12,000 with 30-person seating capacity.

Meanwhile, tourists/island hoppers are not allowed to bring their own drinks including water. All beverages should be bought on board for the benefit of the local community in Samal.

PRO-TIP: Make it sure to bring your Go-Pro or an underwater camera, for you to document your wonderful encounter with marine life under the sea.

#islandhopping #samal #talicudisland #snorkling #davaodelnorte #travel #traveldiary #corals #itsmorefuninthephilippines #mindanao