2021 may not be the best year for thrill-seekers and travelers due to the COVID-19 pandemic but this year introduced us to new traveling perspectives.

Aside from opening our minds to diverse cultures and appreciating the undeniable beauty of the world we live in, this year also taught us to breathe new life into our delayed travel plans. Likewise, this year has redirected our focus into what truly matters: our wellness and mental health.

Even during the pandemic, I was fortunate enough to travel to different destinations here in Mindanao. The swab and PCR tests and strict travel restrictions were worth the trouble. Traveling this year was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

In this Car Rental Davao blog post, allow me to share with you the travel destinations I visited, explored and enjoyed in 2021.

Paogpogon Falls

Situated in the forestland of Barangay Mikit, Baganga, Davao Oriental, Paogpogon Falls is one of the recently discovered tourist destinations in the Davao Region.

Surrounded by flourishing greenery and is adjacent to the Caraga River, this majestic waterfall is truly a jewel of Baganga that has remained hidden from the eyes of tourists for many years.

Learn more about this waterfall here.

El Don Resort

El Don Resort is 21-hectare premiere ecotourism and wellness resort that settles in the verdant landscapes of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.

With a Mediterranean architectural design ornamented with a well-manicured garden and coconut trees, this five-star resort offers a picturesque view of Davao Gulf partnered with world-class and sophisticated accommodation: a true five-star resort with affordable rates and fees.

To learn more about why you should visit El Don Resort, read our blog here.

Limunsudan Falls

Wedged between Iligan City and Talakag, Bukidnon lies a majestic waterfall that goes by two names depending on which town you ask.

Named as Limunsadan Falls by the people of Iligan City, it is also known as Mindamoro Falls in Bukidnon.

Even though it has two different names, one thing remains unchanged about this waterfall — it is the second highest waterfall in the Philippines next to Aliwagwag Falls.

Learn more about this majestic waterfall here.

Villa De Mercedes Resort

Located in Catigan, Toril in Davao City, Villa de Mercedes Resort boasts an overlooking view of the city and a picturesque view of Davao Gulf.

This resort is not just perfect for families and groups of friends but also for couples looking for a place to spend quality time together.

To learn more about Villa de Mercedes, read our blog here.

Bahia Beach Resort

Aside from being known for Dahican Surf Resort and the Sleeping Dinosaur Island, Mati has a lot to offer.

One of which is the Bahia Beach Resort: a simple yet wonderful tourist haven with approachable and kind staff and commendable accommodation.

It is a budget-friendly resort with a mesmerizing sunset view, perfect for families, groups of friends or solo travelers.

To learn more about this place, read my Bahia Beach Resort experience here.

Dahilayan Adventure Park

Dahilayan Adventure Park offers thrilling and adrenaline-pumping activities perfect for adrenaline-junkies, as well as those who want to conquer their fear of heights.

From extreme outdoor activities to exciting obstacle courses, it is the perfect place to bring the whole family.

Located in Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon, Philippines, this one-of-a-kind tourist attraction allows you to experience the fun and thrill of a lifetime.

Read our blog here to learn more about Dahilayan Adventure Park.

Campawan Curtain Falls

Aptly called “Curtain Falls,” Campawan Curtain Falls boasts a stunning water curtain comparable to Surigao del Sur’s Tinuy-an Falls. However, due to their uncanny resemblance, photos of these two posted online are often mistaken by people.

Situated in Barangay Campawan, Baganga, Davao Oriental, its beauty remains in its best form as it is not as developed as other tourist destinations in the region.

Read more about Campawan Curtain Falls here.

San Victor Island

San Victor Island is a 3-hectare tropical island situated in the coastal town of Baganga in Davao Oriental facing the Pacific Ocean.

Currently owned by the Diocese of Mati and managed by the Catholic Parish of Baganga, this island is ideal for retreats and just about any travelers wanting to commune with God and nature entirely.

Read our blog here to learn more about San Victor Island.

Gumasa Beach

Situated in the laid-back town of Glan, Gumasa Beach prides itself with its six-kilometer stretch of powdery, white-sand shoreline that captivates those who search for tranquility and fun.

Dubbed as the “Boracay of the South,” it is the summer capital of Sarangani Province, where the annual Sarangani Bay Festival or SarBay Festival takes place.

To learn more about this place, read our blog post here.

Davao City

Lauded as the melting pot of cultures where people of different languages, tribes, and races live in perfect harmony, Davao City is recognized as one of the Philippines’ best ecotourism and cultural tourism spots.

Besides being famously known as the home of Philippine Eagle, Davao has a lot of incredible things to be known for.

Just what are the great things to do in Davao City? We list them down here.

Matigol Falls

Showcasing an astounding height of 330 feet with pristine water cascading to its natural pools, Matigol — a.k.a Bani Falls — has five cascading tiers.

This grandiose waterfall has remained hidden in the verdant valley of Arakan in North Cotabato over the years. But, due to its challenging trail, it has become one of the trails to conquer for hikers and backpackers, whether pro or beginner.

To learn more about Matigol Falls, read our blog here.

Cream Sand Long Beach

Unlike other beaches that pride themselves on fine, white-sand shorelines, Cream Sand Long Beach showcases a 9-kilometer stretch of cream-colored sand with waves ideal for skimboarding and surfing.

Besides being a haven for surf enthusiasts, it has also become a sanctuary for those who want to de-stress. Not only is it not packed with tourists, but it is also not heavily commercialized. Moreover, its laidback look gives its visitors a soothing feeling.

To learn more about this scenic beach in Cateel, read our blog here.

Mahoc Beach

Wedged between the verdant terrains of Barangay San Antonio in Cateel, Davao Oriental and the great seas of the Pacific, Mahoc Beach boasts a long stretch of powdery, white-sand shoreline surrounded by coconut trees.

Because of unforeseen accidents on this beach, locals started to call this beach “tawhan,” which means this place shelters mythical creatures like Diwata or Engkanto.

They reckon that its waves envelop people as a sacrifice to supernatural entities. But, of course, it goes without saying that these are just hearsays, presumably with the intent to scare out people to limit visitors in the beach cove.

Learn more about this picturesque beach cove here.

Kapuka Falls

Sitting along the Lamiawan River, Kapuka Falls remains hidden from the eyes of tourists in the flourishing forest of Barangay Lamiawan in Caraga, Davao Oriental. Because of this, this majestic waterfall with its white-water curtain and 160-feet cascade preserves its unadulterated beauty over the years.

It also has a turquoise-hued natural pool draining directly to the river. Apart from that, it has water so pristine that it rarely appears cloudy and muddy even though it rained the night before.

Read our blog here to learn more about this waterfall.

Pujada Bay

Recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful bays by the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Association (MBBWA), a prestigious award-giving organization, Pujada Bay prides itself with beautiful islands worthy of international distinction.

Situated in Mati City, Davao Oriental, this stunning bay comprises three islands: the vanishing Oak Island, Waniban Island and Pujada Island.

Are you interested to know more about what makes Pujada Bay one of the world’s most beautiful bays? Read our blog here.

Lake Leonard

Situated at New Leyte, Maco, Davao de Oro, Mt. Leonard Kniazeff nestles a 200-hectare caldera lake — no less than Lake Leonard.

Mt. Leonard is one of the 22 active volcanoes in the Philippines that sits on the pacific ring of fire, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Aside from the fact that Lake Leonard has clean water and is surrounded by flourishing greenery, it also has a colorful and rich history before it got its name.

To learn more about this, read our blog here.

Awao Falls

Tucked in the forestland of a barangay of the same name, Awao Falls is an enchanting 3-tiered waterfall that sits on the gold-rich land of Monkayo in Davao de Oro.

Even though this majestic waterfall has become a popular tourist destination in the region, it preserved its nearly untouched beauty over the years. Thanks mainly to Monkayo’s local government unit for taking action to maintain its unadulterated beauty.

Read more about Awao Falls here.

Bilawa Mainit Hot Waterfalls

Formerly Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring, Bilawa Mainit Hot Waterfalls is a steaming waterfall — a unique combination of waterfall and hot spring — located in Maco, Davao de Oro.

As a matter of fact, its new name, “Bilawa,” is a tribute to the Mansaka tribe. The Mansaka natives have always called the place Bilawa, which translates to ‘waterfall’ in their native language.

To learn more about this steaming waterfall, read our blog here.

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

Acknowledged as the most extensive and least disturbed freshwater marshland in the country, Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is composed of different lakes and natural watercourses covering an expanse of 15,000 hectares — roughly the size of Metro Manila.

Besides its vastness, it is also a critical habitat for sixty-seven endemic avian species and Philippine crocodiles, as well as a refuge for migratory birds escaping winter from East Asia and Russia.

Located in the Province of Agusan del Sur, Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses six municipalities and 38 barangays. It is also home to the Manobo tribe from time immemorial, where they live in floating houses that rise and ebb with the changing water levels.

Read our blog here to find out why this vast wetland is ecologically, economically and culturally significant not just in Agusan del Sur but also in the Philippines.

Bao-Bao Falls

Situated in the laid-back town of Lianga in Surigao del Sur, Bao-Bao Falls showcases its turquoise water and its overall scenic view.

However, unlike other waterfalls with towering rock boulders, it has a short cascade that makes it uniquely appealing.

In addition, its name’s origin is emanated from the Bisaya word “Bao,” which directly translates to a tortoise. Residents who discovered this waterfall perceived the different rock formations in and around the area resembling tortoises.

Learn more about this one-of-a-kind waterfall here.

Camp Sabros

Camp Sabros is a mountain and adventure resort located in the highlands of Digos City, Davao del Sur, that is a go-to place not just for families and groups of friends looking for a fun getaway but also for solo travelers looking for serenity and tranquility.

Aside from having cool weather all year round, it also offers a scenic view of the highest mountain in the Philippines: Mount Apo.

To learn more about Camp Sabros, read our blog here.

 

How to get to these tourist destinations

To get to these travel spots, you have two options: either take public transportation or rent a car from us.

If you prefer the former, be ready to spend a significant amount of money and transfer from one mode of transportation to another. Aside from these, it will also take a little longer to arrive at these destinations if you opt to commute.

Skip all these hassles by renting a car from us. Have an easy and convenient trip with Davao’s leading and only 5-star rated car rental agency: Car Rental Davao.

Ranging from sedans, SUVs, trucks and vans, we have everything you are looking for in a car rental agency. Aside from that, you are also guaranteed to get 24/7 roadside assistance upon renting a vehicle from us.

Book a unit now via our Booking Page or call/email us at +63906-059-1323 or sales@carrentaldavao.com. We look forward to doing business with you.

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