Travel Blog

Singaporeans can’t help but to take some time off their work schedule to travel, have a break and enjoy the wonderful sights around the world.

Recently I was in Mindanao (Southern Philippines) to attend an annual meeting of travel associations of ASEAN. The flight on PAL to Davao was a tiring and long one having to transit in Manila for almost 4 hours! Should have taken the direct Silkair flight but understood it was full.
I was actually sceptic of being in Mindanao having read in the papers about all the kidnapping, natural disasters and terrorism activities! But knowing that almost every travel personalities from the ASEAN region would be there provided a huge sense of relief.

What I discovered in Davao eventually turned out to be wonderful surprises. Here is a list of what I found out:

A: Food galore especially seafood where tuna sashimi (maguro) is aplenty, grilled tuna jaw (inihaw na panga) is just heavenly tasty and durian is a big time favourite

B: Davao boasts itself as the largest city in the world with a land area of 244 000 hectares (or 2211 sq km) [Singapore is only 683 sq km]

C: Here is a melting pot of cultures, Dabawenyos (as they called themselves) are made up of tribal people (Bagobos, Manobos, Mandayas and Mansakas), Moslems and Catholics living side by side

D: Davao is located in a virtually typhoon-free region blessing it with marvelous nature, booming industry, year round celebrations and happy people

E: Davao has the lowest crime rate in the Philippines and I got the assurance from the Mayor Duterte himself! And they even have a 911 emergency assistance system!

F: White sand beaches are mere minutes away and mountain resorts less than an hour’s drive.

At the end, I had a wonderful time in Davao. Best of all, moving around Davao is cheap and convenient as taxi charges only 30 peso (air con) to most places around city. And the drivers are polite! If you are tempted in visiting Davao now, don’t hesitate. I will be going back there again!

It is always a good time to plan early for that special educational trip overseas and while there are plenty of opportunities to grab the great travel bargains, I know many are concerned about the current view of the bird flu. One good thing though is that we can mostly be rest assured by our government’s action in taking every precaution to update everyone of the situation. There is even a website set up by MITA dedicated to the flu bug (www.flu.gov.sg). At ISE, we have in place our risk assessment management system and always take stringent view in regularly assessing the risk situation before embarking on a travel programme. After the Asian Tsunami disaster of 26 December 2004, our team undertook several RAMS visits to Khao Lak, Phuket and Krabi between February and May 2005 until we are satisfied before we brought the first group of students and youth for a learning journey cum community work programme. Since then more than 200 have traveled with us to the area in 2005 to assist the community while enriching their understanding outside the classroom. Irregardless of the situation, we will always place upon ourselves to remove any uncertainty, be it small or major, so we can work worry-free in executing the travel programme. In addition, we are fortunate to have an established network of reliable people on the ground to report to us even on the smallest details in that particular area. In times like this, we never take unnecessary risks.

Till next month, wishing you a belated Valentine and here is a question to ponder on.
If money doesn't grow on trees then why do banks have branches?