THE PACIFIC JEWEL
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_6fe46b8b67e444f88405a0504af12978~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_720,h_405,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/44140c_6fe46b8b67e444f88405a0504af12978~mv2.jpg)
Oriental came from the Latin word orient which means rising or east. This area is considered to be the east of the Davao province. In 1967, the Province of Davao was divided into three provinces: Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur.
Davao Oriental is filled with nature landscapes. Let's tour the rich province!
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_b61f3b678b22471780c575379aba40fb~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_804,h_701,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/44140c_b61f3b678b22471780c575379aba40fb~mv2.jpg)
Going to Davao Oriental from Davao was swift yet it depends on your trip if it involves frequent stops and pictorials on the way. We traveled by renting a van which could fit up to 16 people.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_796cfdc844b1448493ea0fca16d650c6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/44140c_796cfdc844b1448493ea0fca16d650c6~mv2.jpg)
This spot is called the Sleeping Dinosaur. As you can see, you can see there's a dinosaur shaped island. Unluckily, we went there when everything was dry and so humid. Going there during summer require us to wear sunblock or else you'll get roasted. The view was used to be green matching the blue waters.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_4d6f7b6e2cef4c7da41b0d99498eb94e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_720,h_540,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/44140c_4d6f7b6e2cef4c7da41b0d99498eb94e~mv2.jpg)
Next stop, it is an ancient pilgrim shrine. As we observed, it is similar to other Spanish-inspired churches in the Philippines. It is great to visit such an archaic church.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_fcc5cdaaa2ac44edb24852811e37f2e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_720,h_540,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/44140c_fcc5cdaaa2ac44edb24852811e37f2e1~mv2.jpg)
Pusan point is a place where the sun rises first in the Philippines. It is a newly discovered tourism landmark in the country. So if you want to witness the sunrise first among others, head now to this glorious place!
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_d6cc0494fd0547528702cb40d35c2980~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_717,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/44140c_d6cc0494fd0547528702cb40d35c2980~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_3a3a5264713e437ab200b138c0cc53f6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_717,h_960,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/44140c_3a3a5264713e437ab200b138c0cc53f6~mv2.jpg)
Next up is the Carolina Lake located in Bagangga, Davao Oriental. This water is crystal clear. We felt so close to nature when we were there. There was an entrance fee of Php 5 - Php 10.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_07456a794b3f4b46884633e70965e8dd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_720,h_540,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/44140c_07456a794b3f4b46884633e70965e8dd~mv2.jpg)
We wanted to go inside the Subangan Museum but unfortunately, it was closed due to a recent renovation. There's one reason to go back next time then!
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_2a53920e4f414ecda83f8ddefe47bc6d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_720,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/44140c_2a53920e4f414ecda83f8ddefe47bc6d~mv2.jpg)
After which, we planned to spend a night in another island called San Victor. It is a hidden treasure of Davao Oriental. Upon going there, we need to hire a boat.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_1b47787d0bab47bd9a89854cf6790542~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_717,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/44140c_1b47787d0bab47bd9a89854cf6790542~mv2.jpg)
San Victor island
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_35317bfbd1994906a40d465409ba8dc5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_717,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/44140c_35317bfbd1994906a40d465409ba8dc5~mv2.jpg)
We weren't surprised how strong the waves here were knowing it is located near the Pacific ocean. It is good for photo shoot since it's untouched and a small island.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_9cd5ae725e2a4b519be77ba20a3f7af1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_720,h_474,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/44140c_9cd5ae725e2a4b519be77ba20a3f7af1~mv2.jpg)
Upon going back, we discovered a hot spring in the main island. It was clear and looked unreal. No filters needed. It is natural so no worries. We spent few minutes dipping here. Nature is full of amazing jewels like this.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_c0fe8439bda74a309853dc300ca3539b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_717,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/44140c_c0fe8439bda74a309853dc300ca3539b~mv2.jpg)
Aliwagwag Falls is one of the most famous natural spots in the province of Davao Oriental. It is a series of 84 falls, mimicking a stairway with various heights in between steps, ranging from 2m to 33.5m (7ft to 110 ft). It is pretty long!
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44140c_a9b9fb41327046088b34c3f0dd545141~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_717,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/44140c_a9b9fb41327046088b34c3f0dd545141~mv2.jpg)
Climbing up the top of the falls was pretty challenging especially for people who are not used to hiking.
They used to have souvenir items for the tourists but they were out of stock because of the large number of visitors. Some people spent their night here.
Truly, Davao Oriental is just one place you need to visit in the Philippines. Discover all the natural landscapes they have to offer.