Tag Archives: davao crocodile park

Meeting the tamed dragon and the 200 year-old crocodile

Posted on by
2
Translation


Taming your dragon is not just a fantasy film because the Philippines has a friendly and harmless dragon known as the Philippine Sailfin Dragon (Hydrosaurus pustulatus).  The signboard at the Davao Crocodile Park was catchy enough to attract us to get inside the den and see for ourselves.  At first glance, I thought it was an iguana. Maybe, it’s a cousin. (haven’t found much info about this specie.)

There were three of them in the den. One was shy hiding inside a log while the second one was swimming in the pond.  The third one posed for the camera.

It’s also interesting to know that these dragons are made as pets. But for me, it’s better that they’re in their natural habitat.

Aside from this dragon, we met “Pangil”, the 200 year-old crocodile. Pangil is a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porsosus), which is the largest of all living crocodilians and reptiles. He was like a statue because he was still in his position.

The Davao Crocodile Park also features tigers, birds, ostriches, wild boar and gorillas.

What I like: Varied species of animals captured on camera :) <

What I dislike: There’s no tour guide to explain the different species. Though there were signboards, I think those were not enough.  For educational trips, it would be better if someone is guiding the students and explaining the species.

Location: RiverFront Subd. along C.P. Garcia Road, Davao City

Entrance Fee: 150 pesos for adults (access to butterfly farm, croc park and tribu mindanawan cultural show), 75 pesos for kids

First time in Davao City

Posted on by
4
Translation

Davao city, the largest city in the world in terms of land area (244,000 hectares), has been known for the smelly yet tasty durian, the Philippine Eagle, and the highest peak in the Philippines, Mt. Apo. I’ve heard a lot of stories about it but seeing it made me realize that there’s more to Davao than the things that made it popular.

It was my first time in this so-called Land of Promise. Exploring it for five days proved that it is indeed a promise land. But those days were not enough to see everything that makes Davao beautiful. I’ll definitely return and conquer the 9,690 ft- high Mt. Apo. Haha. Wishful thinking.

Here’s a summary of Day 1:

April 23

I barely had enough sleep as our flight to Davao City was scheduled at 6:00 am. That means we have to check in at the Centennial Terminal at around 4:00 am. But since my brothers woke up late, we arrived at the airport an hour later than the supposed check-in time.


I told myself I would let my eyes rest during the flight. But the photoholic in me prevailed. I couldn’t resist capturing the different cloud formations. Amazing!

Fortunately, I was awake when the plane was approaching the runway. The breathtaking view of Mt. Apo caught my sight. Of course, I immediately held Rash, my canon 450d, and pressed the shutter. The travel time from Manila to Davao was approximately one hour and 35 minutes.

Isadora Photography

Fast forward. We checked in at Crown Regency located at Cabaguio Avenue in Agdao, Davao City. If you’re traveling in group, it’s best to get the Villa, which costs 3,500 pesos and can accommodate up to six persons. Cost per person is Php 583.33.


The Villa has two bedrooms: One master bedroom and one twin deluxe room connected by the comfort room. Also, it has a kitchen and a living room. If you’re on a tight budget, you can cook your own food at the kitchen.

After putting our things in place, we proceeded to RiverFront along C.P. Garcia Road, where the Crocodile Park is.

We paid an entrance fee of 150 pesos each (Adults). Tickets for children cost Php 75. The tickets gave us access to the crocodile park itself, the Tribu K Mindanawan Cultural Show, and the Butterfly farm. Aside from these three attractions, you can also enjoy rolling inside the Zorb and eating exotic food at Riverwalk Grill. These places are also within the vicinity. (I’ll write the specifics in my next posts.)

If you’re just traveling to Davao City for one day or two days, then going to RiverFront Corporate City is advisable.

Itinerary:

9am-11am Crocodile Park, Tribu Mindanawan Cultural Show, Butterfly Farm. Take photos, interact with the Badjaos

  • Other options: the Zorb, Riverwalk Grill, Zip City
  • Location: Riverfront, Corporate City Diversion Highway, Ma-a, Davao City

11:30am-Walk through the 250-meter long Japanese Tunnel at the Ma-a Diversion Road

  • Entrance fee: Php 50 for adults / Php 20 pesos for kids
  • Location: Diversion Road, Ma-a, Davao City

12:00pm- Lunch at the Japanese Resto beside the tunnel.

  • Location: Diversion Road, Ma-a
  • Food is okay. Affordable, if in group. Group meal costs Php 950 pesos (good for 6 pax).
  • Plus points for the Wifi zone resto.

1:30-3:00-Wandering around Malagos Park and Philippine Eagle Center

  • Location: Calinan
  • From Diversion Road, Ma-a going to Calinan, travel time is about an hour and 30 minutes.

6:30pm-8:00pm- Dinner at Taklobo Restaurant, Jack’s Ridge.

  • Location: Shrine Hills, Matina
  • The restaurant has an overlooking view of the city and Samal Island.

Check out more stories in my next posts.