A snorkeler’s gem, Governor Generoso: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary

 

Governor Generoso is a small, sleepy town in Davao Oriental that boasts of underrated dive spots. Drew and the crew visited this snorkeler's gem and explored its waters. Check out the itinerary they used here:

Fast facts:
Governor Generoso used to be called Sigaboy. In 1948, former President Elpidio Quirino changed the town’s name to honor the municipality's former governor, Sebastian Generoso.
Many residents of Governor Generoso spend the whole day fishing, as the municipality is the fishing capital of Davao Oriental.

Getting there:

By plane, you can reach Davao City from Manila in two hours. From Davao City, you can reach Governor Generoso by bus or a rented van. The journey will take three hours.

Where to stay:

Donna Hotel
Dahlia 2 Tibanban, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental

At Donna Hotel, the rooms are painted pink as this color helps people relax. For 1,000, you get a room good for two pax.

Travellers' Inn
Tibanban, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental

If you're on a budget, head on over to Travellers Inn, where you can stay for P200. The rooms are dormitory-type though and you only have communal bathrooms. There is also no air conditioning.

Where to eat:

Mayjoy Fastfood (Basco Resto)
Rose Street, Brgy Tibanban, Governor Generoso

At Mayjoy Fastood, you can either order from the menu or bring your own ingredients for the restaurant staff to cook. The eatery’s bestsellers are the seafood tinola, the kinilaw, and the sinugba, each priced at P120 for servings enough for two persons.

Other offerings of the restaurant include binagoongang baby, chicken curry, and pancit canton.

After a hearty meal, the staff will treat you to an entertaining cultural show featuring difference tribal dances.

"J" Bakeshop Pan de Pugon
Banaybanay Bus Terminal, Davao Oriental



Going to Governor Generoso from Davao City would require you to make a stopover at the Banaybanay Bus Terminal. You can take a food break here by getting your bread and pastry fix at "J" Bakeshop Pan de Pugon. Order their signature cassava cake (P10/piece) for your dose of sugar on the road.

Aloy Farm and Tilapia Hatchery
Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental

"Kung gusto mo namang pinaghihirapan muna ang iyong kakainin, bisitahin ang Aloy Farm and Tilapia Hatchery," says Drew.

At the farm, you can catch your own fish (P100/kilo) and have it cooked by the staff.

Where to go:

Brgy. Tamban Coastal Road
 

For a panoramic view of Mindanao, the “best seat in the house” would be in Brgy. Tamban Coastal Road, where you can rent bikes the whole day for only P100. Bike around the town with the fresh, cool breeze of the province kissing your face.

Parola/Pink Beach
Cape of San Agustin
 

From the town proper, Governor Generoso's famous pink beach is a 2.5-hour road trip away. From afar, the Cape of San Agustin looks like your normal white sand beach, but if you look closely, you'll see the red powder from crushed corals creating a pinkish effect on the pristine sand.

The Altar
Parola Beach, Cape of San Agustin



The Altar, a 60-foot-high rock formation, is considered a historical landmark in Governor Generoso because it stood witness to the spread of Christianity in the province.

Take note, though: Going to the Altar is quite challenging. From Pink Beach, you have to do a bit of trekking over huge rocks to reach the place. Going back, however, is easy as you can go horseback riding for only P200.

Parola Lighthouse
Parola Beach, Cape of San Agustin

The town’s parola or lighthouse was built in 1938. This place is great for sunset viewing as you can go up the top of the lighthouse. At the deck of the lighthouse, you will also be treated to a panoramic view of the Celebes Sea.

Calvary Hill
Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental

If you like overlooking views, go to Calvary Hill, where you'll have a 360-degree view of the entirety of Governor Generoso.

Coco Pearl Beach Resort
Brgy. Tagbebe, Governor Generoso
 

A trip to Governor Generoso would not be complete without a trip beneath the waves. Go snorkeling at Coco Pearl Beach Reort and see colorful schools of fish and elaborate gardens of corals. For only P200, you can rent full snorkeling gear at Coco Pearl Beach Resort.

---Bernice Sibucao/BM, GMA News