Take a Plunge at Maxima Aqua Fun Resort

If you're in Davao, you must not miss visiting the Maxima Aqua Fun Resort at Samal Island. It's less than an hour away from the city. But let me tell you this, it's not for the faint of heart. It's actually the go-to resort for those people who are tired of the usual beach bumming and for those who'd like to have a kick-ass getaway.

Famous for its giant slide and other water activities, Maxima Aqua Fun is more than just part of the growing list of resorts in the Island Garden City of Samal. It was in 2010 when my friends and I first visited this place. And I tell you, every cent you pay here is ALL WORTH IT especially if you're the kind of person who wants some adventure.

This is not another beach bumming activity ;p

Here are some of the things you can do here:

• Try their giant slide

a souvenir photo from our Maxima adventure in 2010

This giant slide is free to use. You can try this as much as you can. There are some precautions though with the use of this slide especially for those with certain health conditions (cardiovascular diseases, etc). Last year, the company put up another giant slide which I think is more 'challenging' compared to the original one. 

•  Feel the rush of using their diving boards

I can still remember how it feels like to be standing on this diving board. I was anxious but the thrill is there. And when you take the plunge, it feels like you've been suspended on air for more than a minute, where in fact, it's just a matter of seconds ;p

•  Try their water activities

Boredom seems not to exist in this resort. If you're tired of using their giant slide or their diving boards, then you still have other options. You can go water rafting (2010 rate: P300 for 1 hour), scuba diving (2011 rate: less than P1,000) or snorkeling. 

•  Face your fear of heights

I'm not really afraid of heights but for those of you who are, then this canopy walk is one of the best ways to face it. It won't cost you a fortune (2011 rate: less than P200) but the experience would definitely make you want to revisit Davao :)

There are 2 ways on how you can get to Maxima Aqua Fun Resort:

1. Ride a boat

You can ride the Maxima IV Shuttle from Sta. Ana Wharf. This option is available from Wednesday to Sunday. It departs from Sta. Ana Wharf at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM from Maxima Aqua Fun. 

How much is the fare?

It's P150 per head (round trip). 

2. Ride a bus

on our way to Maxima via bus

The other option that you have is riding a bus at Sasa Wharf (other places where you can ride the bus: Magsaysay Avenue and R. Castillo St.). You should take the bus bound for Penaplata. If you're riding from Sasa Wharf, you would only be paying P30. It's around P60 if you're riding from R.Castillo and Magsaysay Avenue. 

From Penaplata Public Market, you'll have to ride a motorcycle (habal-habal). Just tell the driver that you're going to Maxima. If you're traveling solo, you'll have to pay P60 but if you're riding with another passenger, then you can split the fare among yourselves. 

Tip: Save yourself from the hassle by getting the driver's contact number. In that way, your ride back in Penaplata Public Market would just a text away :)

If you have more queries, you can check out their website.

Have you been to Maxima Resort?
How was the experience?