Talikud Island, a stunning paradise in Davao

Talikud Island is located on Samal, Davao del Norte. This is a paradise in the Davao region that bears fine white sand beaches and is surrounded by emerald and crystal clear water. On the other hand, the underwater has a sanctuary of colorful flora and fauna. The shoreline is landscaped with trees and quaint cottages. The ambiance was made perfect because of the cool wind blowing. We didn't do anything for a couple of hours, just staring at its beauty and golden sunset. This paradise was our post-climb destination after the tiring hike on Mount Apo.

SLT Homestay, Lake Sebu

School of Living Tradition (SLT) also offers homestay for travellers in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. I always wanted a unique experience, so I stayed here, just 5 minutes from the terminal. Its structure is based on the cultural wooden houses in the area; has a spacious interior, made of local and handcrafted products and musical instruments. Anything inside the house is unique. Maybe it's the reason why it was chosen as the place where Catriona Gray had her video shoot for Miss Universe.

Lang Dulay, a Filipino weaver from Lake Sebu

Photo: Sebulan Dulay weaving.

A special visit to the house of Lang Dulay in Lake Sebu was epic. She's a former National Living Treasure Awardee for the T'nalak Weaving which the designs were based on her dream, so she was called the "Dreamweaver." By the way, T'nalak is a traditional hand-woven fabric made from refined abaca fiber. This type of fabric got attention worldwide because it is done through a manual process but the finished product has amazing and unique patterns. The picture above is Sebulan Dulay, the successor, with portraits of Lang Dulay.

T'Boli Museum

The architecture of T'Boli Museum is based on traditional houses in Lake Sebu. What's inside are the gongs used for different occasions, outfits made of T'nalak (a hand-woven fabric), accessories and many other antiques that were used by the locals for agriculture. During our visit, the T'Boli Museum was still closed, but Jorie had it opened for us; he knows the caretaker. 

Lotus Farm, Lake Sebu

The Lotus Farm is one of the top tourist destinations in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. It was early in the morning, around 6, when I was brought to this paradise to witness the blooming of the Pink Lotus flowers floating on the waters of the lake. According to my guide, initially, there were 3 types of this aquatic flower farmed but only the pink ones survived. By the way, a manual canoe is used to go to the spot of the flowers.

Ozamiz Cathedral

The Ozamiz Cathedral houses the city's most significant relic and patroness - the Our Lady of Misamis, also known as the Virgin sa Cotta, The Blessed Virgin of Cotta, and Birhen sa Cotta. Initially, the statue of the patroness was set up outside the walls of Fort sa Cotta, but Fray Jorge Carcabilla moved it to this church. 1975, the statue was stolen and returned on December 8, 2017. Also, Ozamiz Cathedral is the home of the second largest bamboo organ in the Philippines, after the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ.

Ozamiz City Hall

Photo: Selfie at Ozamiz City Hall.

Click Helpful Links Below:

Read: Day 7 – Backpacking in Misamis Occidental

Read: 9 Days solo backpacking in Mindanao

CLICK HERE TO HOMEPAGE: LIST OF ALL PROVINCES

ABOUT ME: SIRANGLENTE

Fort sa Cotta

Fort sa Cotta is one of the Spanish-built fortresses in the Philippines. The main purpose of this edifice is the same as the function of Fort Santiago in Manila and Fort sa Pedro in Cebu which is to protect the city/town against the attacks of the Moro pirates. This sturdy structure is made up of coral stones, thus, during World War 2, Fort sa Cotta served as a garrison, barracks and storage area for the military. Today, it is one of the most popular historical sites and a landmark in Misamis Occidental and in the entire Northern Mindanao region. During my visit, it was closed due to renovation. READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING IN ZamBaSulTa, Region 9, and Misamis Occidental. 

Bukidnon Provincial Capitol

My accommodation was at the Green Ridge Apartelle which is near the capitol compound, so early in the morning, using Google Maps, I had my walking tour at the capitol building and to Kaamulan Park and Zoo, where I met the animals that I usually see online, and on TV. The area is surrounded by greens, the breeze is cool, the air is fresh, and the landscape is Instagrammable. The perfect time to visit Kaamulan Park and Zoo is in the morning, and the entrance fee is free. READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING: Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, and Davao City.

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Green Ridge Apartelle, Bukidnon

For 550 pesos, had my overnight stay at Green Ridge Apartelle (visible on Google Maps) near the capitol compound. From Gaisano Mall, using Google Maps, I walked on the streets to Green Ridge.

READ: Rates, Location, How to Get Here, My Solo-Backpacking in Bukidnon

Kaamulan Open Theater, Bukidnon

On a sunny day, I visited Kaamulan Park in Bukidnon, and their open theater captured my attention. READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING: Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, and Davao City. 

CLICK HERE TO HOMEPAGE: LIST OF ALL PROVINCES

ABOUT ME: SIRANGLENTE