Whitewater Tubing : One HELLUVA RIDE!

4 Comments Posted in: Adventures, Davao, Mindanao | Tags: davao white water, tubing in davao | November 9, 2011

It was my second day in Davao and it appears that it was going to rain. The sky was gloomy and the rain was drizzling when I peered on the window outside my hotel room. It was as if the weather wants to sabotage all my plans that day.

I really don’t like rain showers and I hate rainy season especially when I’m traveling and also due to the fact that I am a big worshipper of the sun but on that moment I really didn’t care if it rains because I know later on I am going to drench and submerge myself into to the river. It’s going to be a wet and wild adventure. You know the reason why? Simply because the activity that I had on that day was to go to Davao del Sur and have my white water tubing. Yes, you’ve heard it right, White water tubing. I know that some of you never heard of it before but let me tell you guys that the activity is more extreme and fun compared to the famous white water rafting.

In white water tubing, it was you ALONE controlling the inflatable tube while passing through difficult rapids but of course if you’re not an expert and only a beginner there will be an available guide who is ready to help you along with your adventure. I know it sounds scary and crazy to do the activity but hey I’ve got to experience it. I realized that this is the moment in my life where I want to experience all the adventures and craziness. Missing the extreme activity would be a total bum on my Davao trip.

The location

If you’re not from Davao and just want to experience white water tubing , simply take a public transportation going to the location. The white water tubing activity is located in Santa Cruz , Davao del Sur Brgy . Darong. It is just close to Davao city and an estimated time of 30 minutes travel from the city will take you to the spot already. But mind you guys, you have to keep your eyes open and be alert since there is no indicated signage going to the attraction. What you need to look is the sign of Barangay Sibulan and the Ayala Agricultural Development Corporation. Once you’re in the place already, just make a right turn or better yet ask locals who live near the area just like what I did. I am pretty sure that they are willing to help you and in fact accompany going to the site of the white water tubing.

The experience

The white water tubing in Darong is very affordable compared to the white water rafting in Davao and Cagayan .In tubing you can just spend at least 400 pesos that includes the guide, the tube and other rental gears while in rafting a minimum of 1500 pesos will be spend for the gear , guides and everything. So for that humble amount being spent still you will get the same adrenaline rush since both extreme activity is being done in a river that has so many rapids and the currents is just so crazy.

Before reaching the starting point of the river, you need to pass a trail that is so muddy, slippery and rocky but on that moment I really didn’t complaint or care. I am just so freaking excited to do the activity and whining up doesn’t help at all. Upon hearing the strong waters of the river splashing through big stones I was so relieved because it means that I am so close to the river and I am just so eager to start the adventure.

Anyway when we finally got into the river I know that it’s going to be a wet and wild ride and there’s no backing out anymore. I finally prepared myself into the action while my guide was giving me a few lessons on what to do if ever I fall off on the tube. I listen to him religiously taking some of his warnings and advices and putting it on my mind.

I really enjoyed the activity as I recall it. I fell off ones on the tube and we’ve passed though gigantic stones but that didn’t worry me because my guide took care of me from the start until the end of the activity. I still remember the fresh bruises that I acquired on that day but the excitement, adrenaline rush and the joy of doing it can’t just be paid off. In fact I am so willing to do it again if ever I have a chance or if I visit Davao again.

It’s a total one HELLUVA RIDE !

4 Responses to Whitewater Tubing : One HELLUVA RIDE!

lakwatsera de primera November 9, 2011

I had my 1st river tubing in Davao as well, super fun and it was one of cheapest thrills I have ever had.

Jason Montana November 9, 2011

very true ms. lakwatsera de primera ! it was a total adventure and fun plus it’s very very cheap .. the best ever !

koolasa February 14, 2012

Hi Jason,
Did you commute all the way from the city to the actual location? You said one needs to make a Right turn — walking distance na lang ba from there? Also, is this adventure doable by just 2 persons? — I mean, is there a minimum number of persons required? We are just 2 persons kasi but we hope we can still experience this. Please advise — ice.supetran@gmail.com

Patrick May 11, 2012

Hi Koolasa,
I’m from Digos City, half an hour from Darong, Sta. Cruz. I’ll be trying the whitewater tubing the 3rd time. Will give you an update of my adventure. From Davao, I recommend that you take a bus bound to Gen San or Cotabato, make sure it’s non air-conditioned. Tell the ticket guy or conductor to drop you in Darong, or to be sure in San Miguel Beer factory.
The last time I went there, there are residents whom you can rent the tubes or ‘salbabida’ in Bisaya. You don’t really need to have a guide or trainer if you’re too brave. Been there twice without a guide though. Hope I’m helping you with your queries.

4 Responses to Whitewater Tubing : One HELLUVA RIDE!

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