Sunday Fun Day at Malagos Garden Resort
 |
| Instagram: @msjoyangco |
Malagos Garden Resort has been part of my childhood summer vacations. I spend days at my cousins' houses in Calinan, and we used to come to this place to swim in the afternoon. It has been a lot of years since my childhood (ho-hum) and I haven't checked out the place again. Its facade has not changed at all so I thought it's all the same.
 |
| The beautiful waling-waling up on that arch |
And then there's this National Hero's Day weekend just a week after the Kadayawan long weekend. The city is boring so I thought of checking out Malagos Garden Resort's bird show which happens only on Sundays. Their rates are surprisingly affordable. It is only Php275 for adults and Php250 for kids of up to 10 years old for entrance fee with bird show and buffet lunch.
I was thrilled that Malagos Garden Resort has improved a lot. It is far from being just an orchid garden with some butterflies and a cold swimming pool. This 12-hectare property owned by the Puentespina family is filled with spots that deserve some space in your Instagram gallery. If you are with kids, they have areas where the kids can play while you sit on a perfectly shaded bench. You may also ride a small calesa (horse carriage) to take you around their property. Play with the butterflies in their sanctuary. Feed the colorful birds in the bird dome. It will be the best Php275 you can ever spend on a Sunday.
 |
 |
| My loveys with Dr. Bong Puentespina |
 |
| Traditional Filipino house and garden set-up |
 |
| Kino had his chance to pose with the stars of the show. |
Lunch buffet is open just as soon as the bird show is over at Roberto's Garden Restaurant, It is an inexpensive lunch buffet and yet you get a decent meal with three main dishes, pasta, fresh garden salad and fresh fruits. Now is the best time for fruits so mangosteen was part of the menu. It is sold for at least Php70 in the market. I probably ate about a kilo and a half so it was really a great value for my money.
 |
| When you've eaten too much mangosteen... |
If you are not that hungry and just need snacks, the adjacent Viewdeck Cafe is open for you. Their menu is still under construction as it is still in its soft opening. But right now, they offer burgers, pastries and sandwiches. It is also where you can buy delicious Malagos Farmhouse Cheese and their award-winning Malagos Chocolate to take home with you.
 |
| Opening soon! |
They are still improving more of their spaces. Their swimming pool is under renovation. Their attractions are mapped out so every turn you make is not a waste of time. They have an interesting Kids Outdoor Adventure where there is an obstacle course that they are still improving. I am sure it will be a hit for big groups, kids and adults alike. I am also looking forward to the opening of their Skywalker. It also has a series of obstacles from wall climbing to hanging bridge and zip cycle. It's great for team building, but not for the scaredy cat. I will definitely go back, probably spend a summer night in one of their cottages.
Not a Davao Local?
If you are visiting Davao and you want to make most of your time, it is best to leave the city center at 8AM so you arrive at Malagos Garden at 9AM. Take a walk around, enjoy the bird show, have a sumptuous lunch. After lunch, you can see more of the property or just spend a little lazy time under a tree, then have a 5-minute drive to the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary. A tour in the sanctuary will take more or less an hour. Drop by Davao Dairy Best (still in Malagos) to buy some fresh milk and yogurt drink. If you need fruits to take back to your hometown, there are fruit stands along the highway, usually priced lower than fruit stands downtown. If you feel the need to, haggling with a smile won't hurt.
Malagos Garden Resort website: http://malagos.com/
Note: Rates have already changed in 2017. Please check their website for the updated rates. http://malagos.com/tour-packages/
Comments
Post a Comment