Diving is one of my unaccomplished goals last year. But, it doesn't mean I would stop trying that's why I was so happy when last December Air Asia Zest had a sale on all their domestic flights including Cebu, Davao and Puerto Princesa. Seat Sales are rare that's why we should not let moments like this pass so we immediately booked our trip to Davao on a weekend. We really scored a great deal because the round trip all-in airfare only costs 800 php per person. We just purchased extra kls for our checked in baggage because we're planning to bring home plenty pomelos.
We departed from Manila Terminal 4/Old Domestic Airport at 7:10 PM on a Friday and arrived in Davao at around 9:30 PM. We went directly to our hotel and had a good night sleep. I'll talk about where to stay in Davao on a different blog post.
At early morning on a Saturday, we went to the port and ride at the Maxima boat that would take us to Maxima Resort in Samal Island. This is where we'll have our first diving experience. Travel via boat would take 30-45 minutes and costs 250 each.
Upon arriving at the resort, we already had a glimpse of its crystallized blue water, the longest sea drop slide in the Philippines and its different charm.
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| arriving at maxima resort |
This resort is situated in a mountain and has no shoreline. When you stepped into the waters it's already 100 feet deep that's why all guests are required to wear life vests all the time. This place caters more to the adventurous people. If you're just after beach bumming and sun bathing by the beach, well, this resort is not for you.
Entrance fee is 250 each. There are many cottages that you can use for free. Trying out their longest sea drop slide, jumping off a cliff, canopy walk and snorkeling are the different activities that you can also try free of charge. They also have a restaurant just in case you didn't bring your own food.
After fixing our things, we headed directly to their diving office. They oriented us about important pointers in scuva diving like proper breathing and how to equalize pressure underwater. Scuva diving costs 1200 per person. This is already inclusive of all the gears that you will use, pictures and fee for the professional scuva diver that will guide you underwater.
For the pictures, I suggest that you bring your own usb or memory card so
they will be able to save the soft copy of all your pictures. In case, you have no usb or memory card, you can get your pictures by liking their facebook page and grab your pictures there. You can choose your best shot and have it printed for 5php each.
There are only 2 divers that will assist so if you're a group of 4 or more, you have to go by batches. While waiting, I was really having the jitters and there's a moment when I just want to back out. Glad, I didn't.
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| this is me, practicing to breathe through my oxygen tank |
The scuba diver will let you test your breathing underwater and if you're no longer having a hard time and already got used to it, slowly, he will bring you deeper and deeper into the ocean.
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| my sister, Joan, starting her scuba diving experience |
The view under the sea is surreal. The real beauty can never be captured by photos or videos. It's so nice looking at the corals and swimming with the fishes. You'll know you're already getting deeper if it starts to feel cold and if the pressure is already hurting your ears. It's important to equalize the pressure because if not it will really make you feel uncomfortable.
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| my brother Nins |
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| Joan posing with the fishes |
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| Ate Ria posing with the corals |
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| Me, trying to hold my breath so as not to produce bubbles that will ruin the picture |
My scuba diver guide let me touched the clams and some corals. I also saw many nemos. The fishes are luminous underwater which adds more charm to my scuba diving experience. It lasted about 30-40 minutes and I was so happy when we were done. I would definitely do it again.
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| me, trying to touch a clam and see if it close when it detects my hand. Well, it did! |
After diving, we ate our lunch and rested in our cottage and then we tried the longest sea drop slide. Before taking the slide, the staff would double check your life vest and make sure that it's tightly fastened. After that, you'll be asked to sit down on the center of the slide, splashed you with water and without a word, pushed you down. The next thing I know, I was screaming on top of my lungs and then I plunged into the sea like a stone dropped into the ocean. My siblings tried it again for the second time but for me, Call me a weakling, but no thanks!
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| my brother Nins preparing to slide |
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| even my mom tried it! |
At around 4:00PM, we already packed our things and rode the last trip of their boat back to the city.
Overall, it was an incredible experience and we had fun. I truly recommend Maxima Resort for all the thrill geeks out there. This resort was already featured in different travel shows like Kris Tv and Pinoy Explorer so you might as well give it a try.
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| just some of the celebrity pictures posted in their cottage |
One regret I had was I did not try jumping into the water thru this small wood. You'll jump at approximately about 10 feet, then you'll land on a huge balloon and will go the edge. Another person will jump and upon jumping, it will cause the person sitting on the edge be thrown directly into the water. It looks easy but it's not. Oh well, maybe, next time.
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