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. 

The Philippine Eagle Center

    "Haribon" (Philippine "monkey-eating eagle) is the Philippine's national bird. When you are in Davao City, you should not miss going at The Philippine Eagle Center. It is located at Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City a 45 minutes drive from the airport. An affordable entrance fee is being charged to the guests, 50php for adults and 30php for ages below 18 years old. 

Welcomed by Albino Burmese Python

    It is a center owned by the government where the endangered eagles are taken cared of. The place is really suitable for the eagles because of the natural surroundings. You can see big trees and different variety of plants. As i have remembered, we saw 4 Philippine Eagles caged separately and inside the cage is a big tree where they can settle in peacefully. A lot of species of eagles where also there.

Alex on his place

Alex the Brahminy Kite

DAKILA- The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga Jefferyi)

White Bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

  

    This center is perfect for education for all ages. There is an available tour guide that will give you knowledge about the eagles. When we went there, we did not joined the tour guide. Instead, we explored the place on our own. You will also gain knowledge without the tour guide because there are complete details in front of the cage of eagles and other animals. While we were walking, we noticed a lot of names engraved on the path walk. Those names were said to be the people who had helped maintain the beauty of the Philippine Eagle Center. 

Information

    I truly recommend this place to visit especially for us Filipinos so that we will not be a stranger to our own national bird. Even just a simple knowledge about their way of life is somehow enough for us to be proud that we have the "Haribon" only in our country. Those eagles are struggling for survival of their species and may we be an instrument of hope for them. 

purple flower welcome us

call it Yellow

wild fruits

    "Malagos" is named after the Tagalog term "agos" which means running water(malakas na agos). The place is rich in natural running water especially in the Philippine Eagle Center. The sound of the running water is so magical that you will be tamed instantly and get the stress out of your mind.

Malagos Garden Resort

    An estimated 15-30 minutes drive from the airport of Davao City is the Malagos Garden Resort. As what we have known, this 12 hectare land is famous for it's bird show and bird feeding. We are welcomed by the running water in the facade and cannot help but to take a picture of it. 
   

    Unfortunatley, we cannot witness the Bird Show because we are not in time for the schedule. But, as we entered a cage of birds, the caretaker suddenly puts a bird food on our hands and the birds started to fly. We were so thrilled and so happy that the birds settled in our hands. The feeling is so different and unexplainable. The caretaker said that there are about 30 lovebirds inside but there are also other kinds of birds. It was so addicting that we asked for more food for the birds to eat but they said it's already enough because the birds might be overfed. But even though without food, once you raise up your hand,the sweet birds will still settle in your hand.

    Next stop is a mini zoo. You can see different kinds of animals such as ponies, crocodiles and deers. What is also nice about the place is the trees and the flowers. The scene is so calm and relaxing.

Miniature Pony

Wild boar (baboy ramo)

Philippine Crocodile

Rabbit

    There is also an available 'kalesa' for a group of friends. Roaming around the 12-hectare garden, you can also see a lot of pavillons for family gatherings.

Kalesa Riding

    

    Malagos Garden Resort is worth going. And you'll instantly fall inlove with place.