Malagos Garden Resort is one of those places that has a huge impact on my childhood memories. And of course, it’s one of Davao’s pride as a tourist destination.
A little throwback, I always join the Sci-Math club back in grade school because of the club’s field trip! Yes, that’s right! And Malagos has been the go-to place for this kind of school activity. If I’m not mistaken, I’ve visited Malagos twice so this recent one would be my third time already.
So today I’m ecstatic to share my fun and laid back adventure at the famous Malagos Garden Resort of Davao city.
How To Get There?
The resort is located in Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, Calinan, Davao City. If you don’t have a private vehicle, no worries because it’s very easy to commute.
From the main city, head south until you reach the Ulas junction. Then, turn right following the Bukidnon-Davao Highway and turn left upon reaching the Calinan crossing. After that, turn right when you reach the small rotunda in the same direction towards the Philippine Eagle Center.
But of course, you can use google maps to help you out.
Using Public Transportation
- Taxi – The estimated rate from the city center to Malagos resort is around Php 500- Php 700 one way.
- L300 Van – From downtown (Bangkerohan terminal), you can take an L3 van going to Calinan. L300 Van leaves every 15 minutes. Approximately, it will take 45 minutes to an hour of travel time. Upon arrival at Calinan, another 5 to 10 minutes of tricycle or motorcycle.
But during the weekend it will be smoother and less travel time to get to the resort.
Malagos Garden Resort in Davao City
The Malagos Garden Resort is one of the frequently visited destinations in the city of Davao. This sprawling 12-hectare garden resort has parks, hotel, spa, restaurants, and they offer an educational entertainment as well that’s perfect for your kids.
Entrance Fee
- Weekdays – Php 250 (adults) and 125 (kids 4-11yrs old)
- Weekend (with Birdshow at 10:30am and/or 2pm)- Php 300 (adults) and Php 150 (kids 4-11yrs old)
- Weekend Package (with Birdshow at 10:30 am and Lunch Buffet at 11 am) – Php 650 (Adult) and Php 325 (kids 4-11yrs old)
**Senior can avail of a 20% discount.
ENTRANCE INCLUSIONS
Guided Walk Tour
Weekdays: 9am | 11am | 4pm
Weekends: 9am | 1pm | 3pm
You will have access to…
- Bird Feeding Dome
- Petting Zoo
- Chocolate Museum
- Mindanao Contemporary Art Gallery
- Butterfly Dome
- Museo de Mariposa
For more details, you can visit their website.
Things You Can Do at the Resort:
Watch Bird Show and Animal Encounter
This is the highlight of the resort but they only offer it during weekends. It’s fun watching those birds with their tricks and skills from dancing and talking to playing basketball. You don’t want to miss that! And you get the chance to meet some farm animals too.
Dine at their Food & Beverage Outlets
They have 5 outlets to choose from Viewdeck Cafe, Koi Cafe, Roberto’s Restaurant, Chocolate Bar, and Lobby Cafe.
We dine at the lobby cafe and the food is good but I recommend you order a shake. Why? Because of their customized bamboo straw. You can take it home as a souvenir — which I did. haha!
Encounter with some Farm Animals
Being born and raised in the province, having farm animals is not new to me but still brings joy whenever I see them. The resort also includes animal encounter as part of their show. It includes bunnies, chicken, carabao, ducks, goats, horses, and sheep.
Feed Some Animals
You can feed some animals at the Petting Zoo and Bird Feeding Dome. For only Php 20, you can make the animals happy and full (but they’re always hungry haha). You can feed birds, sheep, goats, koi, and rabbits. My fave would be the bird feeding! How can I not love those birds?
Check Out the Malagos Chocolate Museum
This is probably one of the most recent additions to the Malagos Garden Resort since my last visit of course. I did my research and found out that it was March 8, 2017, when they opened The Malagos Chocolate Museum and considered it as the first in the country.
The museum is divided into four parts: The Museum Section, Interactive Zone, Chocolate Bar, and Chocolate laboratory.
First, the Museum Section is where you will learn about the wonders of the cacao and chocolate-making through infographics, AVP, audio lectures, and interactive displays.
Second is the Interactive Zone. This is where you can play games and have some fun with Beanie, the Malagos Chocolate mascot.
The third one is the Chocolate Bar where you can enjoy all sorts of Malagos Chocolate food and drinks. And lastly, the Malagos Chocolate Laboratory where you can make your ‘own’ chocolate!
Make Your ‘Own’ Chocolate
As mentioned earlier, you can make your ‘own’ chocolate at the Malagos Chocolate Laboratory. We had a peek of how they do it but I decided not to try it. Due to limited time and honestly, it’s above my budget.
But if you are interested, they charge Php 450 per 200 grams of Chocolate making.
Enjoy Some Recreational Activities
We had some fun trying out some of their recreational activities. We played billiard, dart, calesa ride, and the kid’s outdoor adventure.
More activities to try! (details are from their website)
- Kid’s Outdoor Adventure – Php 150/pax
- Skate Park – Php 100/pax
- Calesa ride – Php 100/round
- Horseback riding – Php 100/round
- Swimming – Php 100 (adult) & Php 80 (kids)
- Table Tennis – Php 100/hr
- Billiards – Php 80/hr
- Darts – Php 80/hr
- Music lounge – Php 250/hr
Have Some Fun and Relaxing Time at the Parks and Gardens
It’s always a great treat when you can have that moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature.
You have a few options to choose from:
- Treeline Birdwatching Deck
- Powerplay
- Butterfly Dome
- Kids’ Outdoor Adventure
- Mindanao Contemporary Art Gallery
- Waling Forest
- Zen Garden
Learn About Butterflies at Museo de Mariposa
Ready to equip yourselves with knowledge about butterflies. Learn the science of these beautiful creature’s species and significance.
Get Pampered at Malagos Chocolate Spa
I did not try it because I don’t have an extra budget and also we had limited time but I will on my next visit. And if it interests you, Malagos Chocolate Spa is located at Legacy House retreat. The spa welcomes you from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day. The last service is at 8:00 PM.
Spa services offered:
- Head & Shoulder Relief – 30 mins | Php 600
- Stress Buster Massage – 30 mins | Php 650
- Signature Massage – 60 mins | Php 1,100
- Simple Pleasures (feet & legs massage) – 30 mins | Php 650
- Cacao Facial Care – 60 mins | Php 1,200
- Malagos Ginger Massage – 60 mins | Php 1,200
Spend a Night
Lastly, spend a night at the resort. Experience the place longer alone, with your partner, or with the whole family.
We didn’t stay overnight but I did some research for those who are planning to go there. Below are there current rates.
Accommodation
Overall
If you’re in for a day trip on a budget this may be the best place for you and the best thing is that it is not that far from the downtown. We had fun and will be back!
Other Davao Attractions:
