Mt. Apo - A Tribal God's Abode
Cabarisan, Davao City/Kapatagan, Davao Sur
Mt. Apo, tallest peak in the country at 10,311 feet above sea level the mightiest upward surge of along mountain range extending from North Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Davao City to Agusan del Sur and Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao.
Mt. Apo straddles a long mountain range delineating the boundaries of the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato and Davao City. The volcanic peak Apo meaning grandfather of all Philippine mountains dominates a vast area of 72,769 hectares where natural wonders lure outdoor enthusiasts to trek through this tribal god's domain and conquer this towering peak and sea an exotic display of nature at its best in its virgin state a steaming blue lake in a picturesque setting, geysers and sulphur pillars, rainwater lakes, the swift flowing Marbel, Sibulan and Baruring Rivers, waterfalls cascading with a thunderous roar from a deep gorge for a total drop of almost 300 feet. Several miniature falls in lake like spray give touches of silvery beauty to the verdant surroundings.
Climbing Mount Apo takes four days. There are many trails so climbers often ascend and descend through different routes to see more of the place. Before climbing, contact the Department of Tourism Office in Davao (Magsaysay Park Complex, Tel. (82) 221-0070/221-6955) or the Mt. Apo Climbers Association of Davao City where tents, camping, gear, provisions and guides are available. The Davao Tourism Office also organizes Holy Week climbs called "Conquer Mt. Apo" and semestral break ascents in October called "Octotrek" where large numbers of climbers join in.
The Philippine Eagle Nature Center
Malagos, Calinan, Davao City / Tel. No. 221-30-21
info@philippineeagle.org & phileagl@pldtdsl.net
Once known as the monkey-eating eagle; it is endemic(found only) to the eastern portion of the Philippine comprising the Sierra Madre mountains in Eastern Luzon and the heavily forested area of Mindanao.
The largest eagle, standing to about three and a half feet (3 1/2) may be recognized by its powerful bill, strong legs and claws. The general body color is grayish brown in the back and wings, whitish front neck and belly with shafts of gray brown streaked feathers on the head, which when erect forms a crest.
The prey mostly on monkeys, but lately they have been observed feeding on flying lemurs (caguang), wild cats (musang), and flying squirrels (tapilac) in Mindanao. Usually the male does the hunting, sharing his catch with the female and the young, especially during the breeding time.
The life of the eagle has been closely watched resulting in the following findings: pairs occupy a wide territory in lowland and medium elevation forest. Hunting flights extend to the cleared areas as well. At breeding time, they usually indulge in high searing flights and are said to mate in mid-air. The nest is a crude platform of branches and twigs, set in the tallest tree. Only one white egg is laid which hatches in about two months.
The very size of the monkey eating eagle with its majestic stance makes it a very desirable target as a trophy. Also because of its uniqueness, there is a demand for its in major zoos of the world.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
www.pearlfarmresort.com
Like the jewel for which it is named, the Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a precious get-away where guests can revel in tropical pleasures, relish life's flavors and feast on nature's bounties
The Pearl Farm Beach Resort lies in a secluded cove on Samal Island off the coast of Davao City. This 11-hectare spread was once a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters, transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Today, the resort beckons with the promise of a relaxing, private retreat, under the care of our friendly, charming staff.
The resort's Samal Houses are patterned after the stilt houses of seafaring Samal tribes of the Sulu archipelago. By day, schools of tiny fish frolic between the sturdy poles that support the houses. At night, the sound of the waves are a soothing aid to slumber.
A jar of water and a coconut shell dipper are placed near the entrance to each house so that guests may wash away the sand after a day of barefooting on the beach. In local custom, this gesture is also symbolic of a cleansing of the spirit.
Eden Nature Park & Resort
Eden - Bayabas, Toril, Davao City
info@edennaturepark.com.ph
Voice: +63 82 299-1020
Voice: +63 82 296-0791
Fax: +63 82 299-0313
Cell #: +639189307590
www.edennaturepark.com.ph
This mountain resort reservation offers a cool climate, lush forest, and natural surroundings, overlooking the city and the gulf. Suitable for camping, nature hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding.
Lolengs Mountain Spring Resort
Eden - Bayabas, Toril, Davao City
Voice: +63 82 221-1099
Mountain Spring Resort is another nature resort that commands a dramatic vista of metropolitan Davao. Blessed with a cool climate, it has accommodation, convention and sports facilities. It also has a vast playground, chapel, restaurant and a free-flowing spring water swimming pool.
Malagos Garden Resort
Calinan, Davao City
sales@malagos.com
Tel : +63 82 221 1545
http://www.malagosgarden.com
This garden resort is filled with tall trees and a multitude of rare orchids. It has a restaurant, butterfly sanctuary, horseback riding facilities, fishponds, golf driving range, swimming pool, adventure playground, seminar halls, campsite, and cottages.
Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague
Matina, Davao City - about 6 kms, South of the city
Attractions: Open air chapel with replicas of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague and that of Our Lady of Fatima, magnificent views of fruit bearing trees and coconut plantation.
Facilities: Retreat house, seminar hall, canteen, children's playground, pilgrim's hall, restaurant, souvenir shop selling religious articles, rosaries, medals, pamphlets, novenas.
Jack's Ridge Resort and Restaurant
Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City 8000, Philippines
Tel : 63.82.2978830 to 31
E-mail : info@jacksridgedavao.com
Website : www.jacksridgedavao.com
The land on which Jack's Ridge now stand once formed part of the headquarter of the retreating Japanese forces towards the end of the World War II. The Americans had landed in Davao on May 1, 1945, forcing the Japanese to beat a path to Matina Hills where they had a commanding view of the Davao Gulf where the American ships were anchored. Fierce fighting soon erupted between the two forces, and as history shown us, the Japanese lost.
Today, more than half a century later, Jack's Ridge is filled with reminders of its historic past. Caves dug by the Japanese pockmark the area, and once in a while people still find bullets and other war materials in the rocky soil.
Jack's Ridge was built to offer a completely new experience to dinners, and its not over yet, more development are under way to make it the premier dining resort in Davao City.
Indeed, Jack's Ridge is making it's own mark in Davao City's History.
Davao Museum
Insular Village, Lanang, Davao City - 12 kms. from Davao City
Attractions: A landmark which offers the opportunity to understand the soul of the people of Davao. Its main gallery is a repository of tribal art and other material culture such as: tribal art costumes, jewelries, handicrafts and others. Also a gallery of paintings, sculptures and ceramics and a souvenir shop of native crafts.
San Pedro Cathedral
San Pedro Street/C.M. Recto Avenues Davao City
Attractions: Davao City's oldest church named after San Pedro, the patron saint of Davao. The church was built in the year 1847 during the Spanish period led by Don Jose Uyanguren, the Spanish Conquestador of Davao. The old altar of then San Pedro Church is preserved at the right wing of the cathedral featuring old/antique images of saints and that of Saint Peter.
Gap Farm
Ma-a Diversion Road, Davao City
The GAP Farm has deluxe cottages and campsites, Olympic size swimming pool, picnic area, horseback riding facilities, convention hall, and a World War II cave among others. Its garden is filled with exotic flowers and tropical fruits.
Crocodile Park
Riverfront, Corporate City, Diversion Highway
Ma-a, Davao City 8000 Philippines
Phone: (082) 286 8883 or (082) 286 1054
Telefax: +63.082.221.4671
http://psdgroupph.com/index.php
The only crocodile park in the region provides home to locally bred crocodiles including the country's biggest crocodile named "Pangil" (or fangs) measuring over 18 feet in length. One can take pleasure from viewing, horseback riding around the park, or feeding the young fierce reptiles.
