Canyoneering AdvenTour

Davao del Norte is rich in natural resources like caves, mountains and waterfalls. They are home of some endangered species of plants and animals. One of its municipalities, Kapalong, is now gaining recognition because of its beauty and richness of resources not found in other municipalities.

With this, the Municipal Government of Kapalong made use of its resources by making it an eco-tourism attraction. It will make people experience climb mountains, see exotic species of plants and animals, enter caves or appreciate the beauty of waterfalls and many others.

Last February 7, we went on a canyoneering adventure with my friends together with the staff of Municipal Tourism Office, DSPECS (Davao Speleological Conservation Society) and KARES (Kapalong Rescue and Emergency Service). My friends and I explored the Tugtugonan Falls and experienced our first canyoneering adventure.

The falls is 150 feet, and it is situated 128 meters above sea level. Although the travel to Barangay Gupitan takes 45 minutes from the town proper and the trekking is far, we enjoyed every step and were excited to reach the falls.

Of course, we volunteered first to try canyoneering and the experience was unforgettable! It was hard to climb and reach the top, but once you get there and ready to rappel, mixed feelings were felt. I was nervous, scared, excited, happy. But one thing is for sure, when I got down, it was so fulfilling! Another adventure off my bucket list.

What’s nice with our gears was that everything is from Petzl. It is a brand trusted for its caving and other outdoor equipment. We were truly safe with what we used. It was worth the 550 pesos fee.

It was such a nice experience and we hope to experience more of Kapalong. We plan to have caving soon.

For more information about Kapalong Adventour, you can contact Kapalong Tourism on their Facebook page.

Mid-Year In Bukidnon

I didn’t know if there is a “mid-year” evaluation because what I do know is that evaluations happen every December. When I heard the “good news” that the City Mayor’s Office will be having a mid-year evaluation at Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon, I was very excited. It will be my first time. A lot of my friends have been there and their testimonies were great. I know the place will be very nice and the experience will be unforgettable.

Of course, I was soooo right! It was a very nice place but it was very far. From Davao City to Bukidnon, from Bukidnon highway to the innermost barangay named Dahilayan, I guess we spent most of our time just sitting around and waiting to arrive.

When we were there, my friends roamed around and explored the area. It was very wide. We took pictures right away even if our baggage were not yet settled.

Then we went to our room which was very cozy. We were in the second floor so we can really see a huge part of the area from above. I really liked our room. We also had a terrace.

After placing our things inside the room, we began to explore.

     One of the most unforgettable event that happened in Dahilayan was when I experienced the deadly ride “Drop Zone”. I cannot describe my feelings that time. We were dropped from a height of a tower. I just shouted so hard, then laugh so much because I conquered my fear.

Of course, our adventure will not be complete without good food so we roamed around and tried their cafes and restaurants.

It was such a very nice experience. I want to go back there with my kids.

Water Rafting – Advanced Level

Last April 29 and 30, we were in Zamboanga del Norte. We took the opportunity to tour the place in just 2 days, with an overnight stay in Dakak Beach Resort, free meals, free rides in Fantasyland, roam around Dapitan and many others in just P1,199.00 per person. Of course, me and my daughter Jillian joined, together with my mother and my nephew, Justin.

We were in Cagayan de Oro City two days before the tour. We went there ahead because it will take almost one day to travel from Davao City to Cagayan de Oro City. Also, we have other plans to do on the next day.

Speaking of plans, me and Jillian went on a whitewater rafting again the day after we arrived. But we did the advanced level this time. It was more fun and more thrilling. We enjoyed it so much, although our skin did not. We had sunburn because our attire, which I totally ignored and forgot to prepare, was so inappropriate.

Next time, we will try the extreme level. I just hope Jules can join us.

First Water Rafting – Beginner Level

Last May 13, 2012 was Mother’s Day. Since we were in Cagayan de Oro City (except Jules), I planned to celebrate it in an adventurous way. I called my friend to book us for white water rafting. Good thing she was able to include us in a group of some local tourists and foreigners in 1st Rafting Adventure.

It was a very unforgettable experience for me and Jillian. I guess she was not scared or shocked. I was so happy that she really enjoyed it and the next time we will be in Cagayan de Oro again, we will try white water rafting extreme/advanced level.