At the Peak of Davao City’s great adventures

EDEN NATURE PARK AND RESORT

While much has been abuzz about the City of Davao gaining prominence as an increasingly attractive investment destination, it has also long been drawing local and foreign tourists wanting to explore the hidden marvels that this so-called “Crown Jewel of Mindanao”—along with the rest of Davao Region—can offer.

Whether you are a resident of or a passing traveler in Davao, you will not be left wanting for an adventure should you choose to stay within the comforts of the city or explore the outskirts and neighboring towns—you have nature trails, rich and exotic flora and fauna, wildlife refuge, parks, island resort getaways, pristine beaches, and the breathtaking sceneries atop the highest peak at Mt. Apo.

Add to that a promising gastronomic adventure that thrusts the world famous durian into the spotlight—durian-flavored coffee, chocolates, ice cream and a whole lot more.

Here are some of those destinations that will surely be worth your visit down south.

EDEN NATURE PARK AND RESORT

Barangay Eden, Toril, Davao City

Commune with nature within this 80-ha resort that will take you through an authentic mountain experience.

The Eden Nature Park, steeped in the pristine beauty of nature and rich cultural heritage of the city, affords one to relax and recharge in any of its choice cabins, cottages and lodges, while you revel in the area’s crisp mountain air, cool weather and tranquil surroundings.

The more active youngsters and the adventurous would be spoiled for choice as you can choose in the multitude of activities that can be done here—horseback riding, sky cycle, sky swing and fishing, among others. You can also choose to spend time at the amphitheater, birdwalk, deer park, flower garden, hiking trail, Lola’s garden, playground, and of course, the Tinubdan.

As Eden Nature Park had described it, the Tinubdan takes you to a “cultural journey into the heartland of Indigenous Wisdom.” Occupying some 5,000 sqm, the Tinubdan offers guests a glimpse into the customs, traditions, beliefs and the way of life of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao, specifically, the several dimensions of the Lumad existence.

MALAGOS GARDEN RESORT

Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City

It’s one sweet escape that will allow you to pause from life’s doldrums and indulge in nature’s bliss for that much needed recharge.

Set within a lush tropical greenery, the Malagos Garden Resort treats the weary urbanite to an “all-inclusive retreat” with its wide array of leisure amenities that include the Bird Feeding Dome, Butterfly Sanctuary and Museum, an avant-garde themed playground, the first ever Chocolate Museum in the country, a Skate Park, Chocolate Laboratory, a Zen Garden, Noah’s Deck, the Mindanao Contemporary Art Gallery, and the Moonlight Theatre, among others.

But if you want to practice the art of doing nothing, you can while away the time in any of their spacious villas. You might want to go for a therapeutic massage at the Malagos Chocolate Spa, where you can choose to use the cacao butter, citronella, tropical fruits or local oils, which are said to be “vital to an authentic Filipino healing and wellness experience.”

1. APO

Start your ultimate adventure in the rolling foothills of the majestic Mt. Apo, the country’s highest mountain. Dubbed as the “Grandfather of all Philippine mountains,” Mt. Apo has been tagged as the ultimate (local) climb of many mountaineers.

According to mtapoadventures.com, you can choose from several trails to reach the peak.

These include the Sibulan-Mt. Apo Peak trail, which starts from Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and covers a distance of 13.7 kilometers; the widely used Ko-ong Kidapawan Trail, which takes off from Kidapawan, North Cotabato; the Kapatagan Trail that begins from Digos, Davao del Sur; and Tamayong Trail that begins from Davao City, and is reportedly “the toughest and longest way to the peak” according to mtapoadventures.com.

Once at the top, enjoy the stunning and breathtaking views of Davao, seemingly blanketed in lush vegetation; the colossal boulders; and the gorgeous hues from the rising and setting sun. Hot springs will welcome you back at the foot of Mt. Apo, ready to ease those muscles from that arduous, back-breaking trek.

Due to the El Niño spell however, Mt. Apo is temporarily closed off to trekkers effective April 1 to “avoid potential forest fires and risks to climbers’ health.” But make sure to check on the updates and who knows, there might still be a chance for you to conquer this majestic peak before the year’s over.

Indeed, destinations abound in the City of Davao and within its outskirts. But of course, there’s no place like home.

So if you’re looking to settle down here or at least set up a vacation home within this bustling district, you might want to consider one project that will allow you to be at the peak of this bustling regional hub while remaining close to these exciting destinations.

The 202 Peaklane, which is being developed by Anchor Land Holdings Inc., is a two tower residential condominium project that promises “business forward prospects and future ready living spaces catering to the underserved market in the south metropolis.”

It offers not only a highly strategic location, but also a smart and sustainable architectural design, as well as a host of top-notch amenities suitable for the modern city lifestyle. It’s one development that will surely allow to remain at the peak of everything that the exciting City of Davao can offer you.