Hito (Catfish) Lunch and River Tubing
Day 4– From Bajada, we took a jeepney (Php 8) to a van terminal near a public market. We could not remember where it was exactly but the L300 vans would take you to Calinan proper (Php 26).
We had a stop over at Los Amigos (Hito or Catfish street). You can just choose whichever restaurant you want because I think they are equally good anyway.
I personally prefer the grilled catfish but the deep fried one is also DELICIOUS. Our lunch only costed us Php 600 (6 pax) including a tip to the lovely lady who served us. She was the cook, the waitress, everything.
At Los Amigos, we took another jeepney heading to Calinan, which was minutes away (Php 8).
In front of the Calinan Central Elementary School is a small store called Layak. You would need to schedule ahead of time if you want to go river tubing. Layak Paanod (Wild Water Tubing) can only handle one to three bookings per day.
Make sure you wear your rash guard, leggings/board shorts and aqua shoes/sandals. Life vests and helmets are provided.
River tubing costs Php 500 per head and requires at least 6 people. Trust me, the more the merrier.
River tubing is a “barkada” (group of friends) hobby. It is different from water rafting in such a way that in the latter, there is a leader that tells you where and how to row. In river tubing, you control your own tube or salbabida.
You are your own navigator.
Don’t worry, the guides will be teaching you how to position yourself in your salbabida before they let you go. The position will depend on how strong the current is. They will also teach you what to do when you tip over and fall into the water.
If you do tip over, do not panic. You just have to do a floating position. Lie calmly in the water so the guides can easily grab your arms and get you back on your tube.
Depending on the area and the strength of the current, you would be tubing solo, by pairs, by threes or by groups.
It lasts around 2 to 3 hours but you won’t really notice the time. Personally, I like river tubing better than rafting. River tubing is a bit less tiring yet it still gives the same adrenaline rush as wild water rafting. You just have to be careful with the rocks that may hit your butt or back. The trick is to push your body upwards.
River tubing is still not a popular tourist activity in the country or even in Davao. It is just starting so try it now and be one of the firsts to experience this one of a kind adventure.
Contact the very nice people from Layak Paanod (Wild Water Tubing) now!!!
