From Talikud Island, we went back to Kaputian for our stuff and to go to Davao city proper. Red Parrot Inn is really very convenient since it’s near the bus station going back to Davao. And I must say their buses are super nice! They even have a breastfeeding mother seat and charging station! I have to say that their system in Davao is very safe and convenient for travelers. One thing that amazed me the most was the bus also drives into the ferry and dropped us onto the next island to the city. Whereas when we were on our way to Kaputian, we rode a taxi to the wharf and rode the ferry. I guess there was an option also to ride the bus going to Kaputian? Anyway, we were assisted accordingly with our luggage in the trunk of the bus and when we hopped off the bus, our luggage was immediately by the curb. I didn’t even realize they had already taken it out! Simple things like that are a big deal especially when you have a squirmy toddler with you.
Back in Davao City, we stayed in Alu Hotel. It’s very accessible, near restaurants, and the famous Roxas night market where you can everything you would want and need! This night market strip is super safe too, within every section there are police officers to keep everything in order. It’s also fairly near the airport so it’s an easy and fast commute for your flight! Rooms are nonsmoking and very baby-friendly. They have a really nice outdoor lounge or veranda where I took my son for some sunshine and so he can play freely and stretch.
The hotel is also fairly near to Davao City’s best attractions and to top it all off, they offer their own tours so you won’t have to make arrangements. They have their own restaurants for breakfast or dinner or room service too! If you stay in Alu Hotel can have everything done for you just call through your room to book the tour you’ll be brought to and fro all the best sights and head back for a relaxing in-room massage and dinner – Now, how does that sound?
I wore this beach dress since it was so comfortable and wearing long dresses make you feel so pretty! It’s great for date night or wine night with the girls! It’s also sooo amazing to wear this if you’re going on a date by the beach.. So romantic! I got this beach dress from My Clothes Line and I also got a super cute bandeau from their shop! They have such great finds and if you know what you are looking for there are tons of breastfeeding-friendly choices. There are sexy pieces but also fits a large frame like me! If you are XL-sized or maybe you just gave birth and haven’t lost the baby weight, My Clothes Line has amazing finds for us!
It’s great if you’re on a diet since their food there are often halal or vegetarian. They have chicken everywhere in all shapes in sizes! If you love chicken, you’ll be in heaven! I had the sinful chicken skin! They have chicken siomai, chicken fried dimsum and etc!
We also tried chocolate buchi since it’s also something you don’t normally see in Manila – it’s super chewy and the chocolate was like from tablea! Best when hot! Yum.
I would also like to share a bit about my wonderful bestfriend during our davao trip and her commitment against plastic and sustainable living! She was very mindful that we would be going to the night market and brought her own ecobag to put her fruits in. It made me kind of embarrassed of my ways! When we bought food, she chose to use the small paper plates and toothpicks instead of plastic bags. She even thinks she could have done better since she forgot her tumbler and reusable utensils (spoon, fork, straw!). Another tip is to eat ice cream from a cone instead of a plastic (even paper cup) additional thing to enjoy too!
Before heading on to the airport we had breakfast, included with any stay at Alu Hotel, and I was really pleased with their coffee! I can’t live without it throughout the day and this coffee was super good! Probably it’s their own blend there and in Davao but oh my goodness! And Davao is really famous for their sweet fruits and the watermelon for breakfast was on point – my son was obsessed!
On our flight back, I was and always am on the look out for rows, window seats or two seats available together to ask to be transferred. On our first flight, my bestfriend and I were at the window seat. She willingly gave her window seat for Sven and I so he could see through the window. Although my bestfriend did book the window seat on our flight back there must have been a mix up. Its also probable that it was because this was a smaller plane. Shrug.
Luckily though there was a whole row across us that was completely empty! When everyone was boarded, I immediately called for a stewardess to ask if we could transfer. She checked for availability and true enough, it was empty! We were such lucky ducks! I would suggest to always be on the look out or ask the cabin crew if there are any other rows or seats available such as window seats and two seats free. I would suggest two seats if you have an infant with you since you need the extra room to wriggle and not disturb anyone else as much as you can. A whole row was ofcourse just lucky and rare. I was even able to change my baby’s nappy just at our seats! I don’t even know if thats allowed but I did it anyway haha. Obviously its easier and I wasn’t a bother to anyone, anyway.
Davao was amazing for our little family! It was fairly baby-friendly and if you’re eager for a vacation and looking to bring your baby and toddler – I hope these tips helped! It is completely doable and even easier with a bit of help. Enjoy your off-peak vacations! We all know it’s a good way to go! ‘Til our next baby-friendly travel!
Beach Must-Have: Vegan Sunblock!
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