Eden Nature Park and Resort

   A one hour drive from the Philippine Eagle Center, next stop is the Eden Nature Park and Resort.

day tour center

     We were already tired and sleepy not until we were on Eden. The temperature excites us because it's a little bit cold knowing we are already on a mountain. 

    We availed the guided shuttle tour for 120 php each. As we were waiting, we took a look on the map of Eden Nature Park and found out how big the place is.

here we are

Eden Nature and Resort Map

    According to the tour guide, the 80-hectare area is man-made. It is owned by the Ayala but not connected to the Ayala who owns big businesses. The place is used to be an open area full of wild grass. They started planting pine trees until other kinds of trees and flowers were also planted. They developed and took over the place because it is overlooking Davao City and Davao Gulf. 

Overlooking of Davao City and the Gulf of Davao

    The shuttle tour started and we passed by the area where they planted lettuce and tomatoes without using soil. The way of planting is called HYDROPONICS. According to How Stuff Works, the nutrients that the plants normally derive from the soil are simply dissolved into water instead, and depending on the type of hydroponic system used, the plant's roots are suspended in, flooded with or misted with the nutrient solution so that the plant can derive the elements it needs for growth. (http://home.howstuffworks.com/lawn-garden/professional-landscaping/alternative-methods/hydroponics.htm) 

lettuces grown in hydroponics

growing plants in nutrient-enriched water instead of soil

The tour includes 3 stop overs to have time to take a picture. First stop is at the Flower Garden. We were impress by the different variety of flowers. The tour guide gave us 5 minutes to look over the place and take a shot. 

Statue of St. Francis of Assisi at the Garden of Eden

blooming wild flower

wild flowers that lighten up the landscape

The 7 colored rainbow is used during weddings or pre-nuptial pictorials. 

a tunnel of vines with a rainbow at the end 

The second stop over is at the "Tinubdan". Tinubdan comes from the root word "tubod" which means origin of water or natural spring. The park is a glimpse of the tradition, culture and belief of the indigenous people of Mindanao. We are then entertained by a tribal dance of the elementary students.

tinubdan which means natural spring

tribal dance of indigenous people 

Tribal Dance Video

A Bagani or protector guards the entrance of the village

 Bebalay-Baylan (Shaman's House)

     The third stop is at the Lola's Garden. The garden is rich in leafy vegetables. We were given samples by the tour guide such as basil and cinnamon.

Lola's Garden (GrandMas Garden)

Medicinal Plant

view of organic garden

carabao sculpture with nipa hut  at Lola's Garden

mayumi's wishing well which is full of gumamela (hibiscus)

Cottages are also available for families or group of friends who wish to stay overnight. 

Eden Nature Park and Resort can be called a heavenly place. For it is rich in nature that could captivate every people's heart. The place is a hideout for those who live in the city. Even if you are a nature lover or not, you will be impress by it's beauty. I can say, it is a step closer to the definition of the Garden of Eden in the Bible. Try to visit it and you'll appreciate to start taking care of you own environment even just at home.