Davao is known to be bounteous with natural
attractions in its countryside. Beautifully landscaped resorts,
botanical gardens and weekend retreats attract not only locals
but as well as tourists who want to experience the natural wonders
of Davao.
Malagos
Garden Resort (Malagos, Baguio District)
is a sprawling hideaway in a garden setting,
showcasing Davao’s famed orchids, tropical plants and
fruit trees. It also has a butterfly sanctuary, fishpond, camping
area, horse back riding, swimming pool, restaurant, adventure
playground, convention facilities, a bird park and environmental
conservation center.
Nestled
at the foot of Mt. Talomo, Eden Mountain Resort (Eden-Bayabas,
Toril)
is another favorite nature destination. At
2,630 feet above sea level, the resort boasts of cool climate
all-year round. The nature resort has a variety of accommodations,
multi-function hall, restaurant, playground and swimming pool
overlooking the city. The area is towered by pine and fruit-bearing
trees that provide cool mountain breeze and a spectacular view
of the city and the gulf.
Loleng’s
Mountain Spring Resort (Eden-Bayabas, Toril)
is another resort that commands a dramatic
vista of metropolitan Davao. Blessed with a cool climate, the
resort has accommodation, convention and sports facilities.
They also have a vast playground, chapel, restaurant and a free-flowing
swimming pool.
Crocodile
Park (Diversion Road, Ma-a)
is where one can find the country’s
largest known crocodile – at 18 feet - aptly named Pangil
(fang). This 5.4 hectare mini-zoo houses mindorensis and porosus
crocodiles species as well as mini-zoo with wild cats, python,
turtles, monitor lizard, monkeys and various kinds of birds.
Leisure Island
As Davao is the gateway to Southern Mindanao,
it is also the portal to the Island Garden City of Samal across
the gulf. For the sea, sand and sun worshippers, a 10-minute
motorized outrigger ride is all it takes to enjoy the island’s
row of immaculate white sand beaches and numerous dive and snorkeling
sites.
Davao Gulf is indeed an amazing marine world
pulsating with an enchanting and colorful aquatic life. Its
natural resources have not gone unprotected as fishes and corals
riot in colors, frolicking in a kaleidoscope playground. The
island is also a favorite eco-adventure site.
Island resorts such as Paradise Island Beach
Resort, Costa Marina and Samal Beach Park in Peñaplata
area, Pearl Farm Beach Resort and Tambang Beach in Kaputian
area, Isla Reta and Pacific Little Secret in Talikud Island
and Buenavista Island in Ligid Island provide guests all the
creature comforts for that perfect vacation.
Mainland Davao has also a string of beach resorts
along Matina, Talomo and Toril. Resorts, such as Seagull Beach
Resort (Punta Dumalag), Felis Beach Resort (Punta Dumalag),
Villa Victoria (Talomo), Vales Beach Resort (Toril), and High
Ponds (Toril) as well as numerous seaside restaurants which
can be found along the waterfront.
