Maxima Aquafun: Summer getaway in the south

MANILA, Philippines - I’ve gone to a lot of places for many years now. Many of these places I’ve traveled to are in Mindanao — from Lanao del Sur to Tawi-Tawi. But no other place has ever captured my heart like Davao.

I’ve always loved the beautiful city of Davao. I am charmed by its historical landmarks, the magnificence of its island getaways and its breath-taking beaches and mountain resorts. Davao City also boasts of loving and accommodating people whom I work with whenever I’m there visiting.

When I called up Sonny Dizon, a long-time friend and the owner of the famous Crocodile Park in Davao City, and asked what his latest project is under his Tourism Venture campaign, he replied that I should go visit the city myself, so I could see the beautiful resort Maxima Aquafun.

I quickly packed up, and flew right to the city. Not far away from where I landed, at Pearl Farm dock in Sasa, Davao City, we took a boat ride that led to San Jose Wall, Samal. The 30-minute ride, which showed us a fascinating scenery of the paradise that is Davao, directed us to the sight of the gorgeous Maxima Aquafun.

Maxima was full with guests enjoying its water attractions and peaceful scenery. While our boat was being readied for the mooring, we caught sight of a man getting ready to jump into the sea — from a notably large and long slide.

The waters that surrounded Maxima was refreshingly cool, clear and clean. With a depth of 10 to 17 feet below reefs, people are required to wear life vests for security.

Among Maxima’s main attractions was the giant water slide. The slide is made of canvas material, which measured about 40 meters long and a meter wide. Getting down the slide leads you right to the depths of the sea.

When we finally got to the moment we have been waiting for — sliding down the long, giant tarpaulin slide — we were thrilled beyond compare. And dare I say fun is an understatement for the awesome experience that was.

Maxima also boasts of its Eagle View Canopy Walk, where guests can amble along on a hanging bridge. The walk offered a great view of the resort, and the blue waters of the Davao Gulf.

For an overnight stay, Maxima has a fully furnished two-storey beach house nestled securely on heavy stilts found above the seawater. The structure houses four bedrooms which can accommodate up to 22 guests. It’s complete with a living room, a dining room, three bathrooms, a kitchen with a refrigerator and cooking facilities, and an audio-video component. A butler also comes available to provide premium service.