Wednesday, March 15

Davao City Adventure: Day 3 - Philippine Eagle Center and Malagos Garden Resort



The next day, I planned to visit the magnificent Philippine Eagles. They are one of my reasons for visiting. They are endangered and needs to be cared for because they are only endemic to the Philippines and one of the largest birds of prey in the world. Through my visit, at least, I am helping with their conservation. The Philippine Eagle Center is located in Malagos. An hour away from the main city which I rode a jeepney to instead of a Van or A/C vehicle. It's amazing that a jeepney that can take you outside of the city passes by on the main road. Most cities in the Philippines offer buses already for that kind of distance and those public vehicles don't pass by the main city roads, only at the terminals. When I saw the eagles personally, they are really magnificent. It saddens me to know that we have very few of them left in the wild.

"Fighter"

Hagibis

After spending time with the eagles and other bird species at the center, I went to Malagos Garden Resort. I was just expecting that I will just be around 15 minutes there but I was surprised that it a large place with playground, farm, bird domes and even have a skatepark. I ended up spending nearly an hour there. Before going back to the metro, I stopped by at the Malagos Dairy Farm - where you can buy flavored milk from their cow farm at a very affordable price! A 1-liter bottle of flavored milk just costs Php56 and the best part of it is that it's not from factories.  Downside of it though is that I wasn't able to bring those back at home. It is not enough to freeze those but they have to be in a container so that they won't spill. I learnt a lesson but I was able to get a taste of the milk before my departure thanks to a lady security guard asking me to go with her on her lunch break. I left her the two bottles as my thanks. 
Malagos Garden Resort Map

Chocolate and Melon Milk from Dairy Best

I was hungry after my trip and I wanted to go to President Duterte's favorite kinilaw place - Luz Kinilaw. The fish was so fresh and doesn't smell at all even without vinegar on it. I also ordered some Chicken BBQ though I wanted their squid or their tuna panga but they weren't meant to be eaten alone. The plate costs Php120 but it was all worth it.
The president's favorite place
The yummy Kinilaw

Seafood for charcoal grilling to choose from :)

Oh I forgot to mention, before going to the airport for my flight back home, I asked my taxi driver who gave me a tour the other day to go to the President's house for picture taking. I wished he was at home that time so that I can meet him but I know his schedule is pretty busy.

The president's house
Here are the overall expense I had with my trip and also info with entrance fees:



Again a disclaimer as I am a foodie and I do take home a lot of souvenirs/pasalubong, you can definitely save if you don't spend too much on them. I took out the amount of food and pasalubong and you could end up with just Php4,131 for the trip excluding airfare.

What I want you to know:
  1. Tourist spots in Davao City are very far from each other. You can take a tour package or you can talk to the Taxi drivers and they can offer you that tour. Prices range from Php2000-Php3000 depends on where you want to go. You can try contacting Warren, who was my guide/driver there, at 09952867892. He is very accommodating and nice. 
  2. Luz Kinilaw is not a fancy place so expect to have some flies there. You can dine on the second floor which may have a better setting than the one on the ground floor.
  3. The Roxas Night Market has a lot of food choices that is cheap and some delectable treats like the fried ice cream. They are just food stalls so bring cash with you. And expect a lot of people!
  4. Davao City has their police visible around and is safe but it is always good to be mindful.
  5. Eden Nature Park has a buffet at 12noon so if you prefer to have that than just snacks when you go there - be early. They have a canteen and you can buy food but that buffet is already included with entrance fee which is their Day Package.



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