It was my first time to fly out of Davao International Airport and I was looking forward to seeing the interiors / pre-departure area of the airport.

Since I was on a morning flight and did not have a lot of time to spare, I took the taxi from downtown Davao. All taxis charge by the meter and the drivers in Davao are honest so this option is not a problem. The Davao Airport is the third busiest airport in the Philippines next to Manila and Cebu … next in line would be Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro.

Davao Airport

The check-in hall was could use some aesthetic improvements but I’m not complaining since it was spacious, clean and efficient. Ate breakfast in one of the more affordable stalls on the second floor before checking in for my flight. The terminal fee was P200 – same with most major airports in the Philippines.

Hallway going to the pre-departure area

Pre-departure area

The pre-departure area was really excellent. I loved the floor to ceiling windows affording a great view of the sprawling airport and the mountains/hills of nearby Samal Island. The free public WIFI was also a big bonus.

I was surprised to discover the smoking lounge at the Davao Airport knowing how strict the city is with smoking. It was completely open air, which was a contrast to the stuffy drabby smoking areas in other airports.

The Davao Airport gets high points in my list of best airports in the Philippines. It’s waaay up there together with the Iloilo Airport and NAIA Terminal 2.

Smoking Lounge

Control Tower

Passenger Terminal Building

Davao to Zamboanga Flight

As usual, I couldn’t help taking the window seat and take lots of aerial pictures during the flight. I was excited to finally see an aerial view of the the Davao to Zamboanga flight route. I was seated at the left “A” side of the plane.

Aerial view of the Davao International Airport. Darn that ugly stain on the window.

View towards the northern part of Davao City.

Sasa Wharf in the upper right part 

Sasa Wharf

The plane turned around above Samal Island before heading westwards to Zamboanga

Samal Island

Built-up area of Davao City

That was the last decent photo I got since it got really cloudy for most of the flight :( An hour or so later, we were already approaching Zamboanga City. I could see many beautiful islets surrounding the city including the Santa Cruz Islands, one of the places I was dying to visit in this city.

Arrival in Zamboanga

Just arriving at the airport, I could already feel the multi-cultural influences that are very different from all other major cities in the country. I was really anxious since it was my first time to visit this part of the Philippines and had been aware of negative media attention it had received.

I wanted to experience for myself if the perception of many people were really true – that Zamboanga is a dangerous place to visit. Of course, I later realized that it wasn’t true. At least not for every day of the year and not every corner of the city.

Zamboanga Airport Passenger Terminal

Zamboanga Airport entrance

There were a lot of tricycle driver touts at the arrival gates. I didn’t talk to anyone and went straight to the main entrance/exit of the airport property. There was a “Canelar” jeep waiting right outside. It loops around the airport and downtown Zamboanga, locally called the “Pueblo.”

I was intently observing / taking cue from the other passengers on how to pass the fare to the triver (bayad). I’m such a noob :| Apparently, they say “Pamasahe Pabor.” I think gave off a chuckle the first time I said it.

It was really cool encountering their Chavacano dialect for the first time. I couldn’t stop eavesdropping (in a non creepy manner). Chavacano is heavily influenced by Mexican Spanish. It’s the only Spanish-based creole language spoken in the Philippines. It was very refreshing to hear the locals speak … and with a distinct accent to go along with it.

David’s Inn

Dropped off at Plaza Pershing and walked around the downtown area to scout for cheap hostels. Found David’s Inn at the 3rd level of Chowking Bldg, La Purisima St., Zamboanga City (near Zamboanga City Puericulture Center). To get to David’s you have to enter Chowking first and climb up the stairs. They had single fan rooms (shared TB) for P300 per night. The place wasn’t all that classy but they offered cheap accommodations and had a really excellent location. I loved that there was a Chowking at the ground floor and an internet cafe at the second floor … so convenient!

David’s Inn. 3rd floor Chowking Building (La Purisima St., Zamboanga City)