If you're traveling to Davao City, Philippines and you're looking for a place with fresh air, beautiful views, and a little bit of thrill-seeking, Eden Nature Park is definitely a good choice! Located on the slopes of the Toril area in Davao City, this park is about 900 meters above sea level, much cooler than the city, and the scenery is superb, making it perfect for a relaxing vacation. Not only are there huge forests, colorful gardens, and cute animals, there are also various outdoor activities such as Sky Swing, Skycycle, horseback riding, and fish feeding. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, a photo op, or a challenge, there's something for everyone. Today, we'll show you how to have the most fun on a day trip to Eden Nature Park!
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The park opens at 8:30 AM every day, so if you want to make the most of your day trip, we recommend arriving early. There are several options for arriving:
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Taxi/Grab (most recommended): A taxi from Davao City Center will take about 1 hour and cost PHP 500-700 (about US$10-13).
Jeepney + Motorcycle (cheap but cumbersome): Take a jeepney to Toril Terminal, then take a motorcycle (habal-habal) up the mountain for a total of PHP 150-200 (less than $4 USD).
Self-drive/car rental: The park offers free parking for self-drive tours.
Upon entering the park, head to the Visitor Center to pick up a map and check out the schedule of events for the day. If it's a weekend or holiday, we recommend reserving your tickets online in advance to save yourself the hassle of queuing up on site.
Eden Nature Park is very large, so hiking will be a bit tiring, so the park provides Shuttle Tour, you can take a mini bus to walk around the park, and there is also a tour guide to introduce the park's special attractions.
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Tour time: about 1 hour
Main stops:
Flower Garden: colorful flowers, take pictures of super beautiful!
Japanese Garden: quiet and elegant, suitable for walking and relaxing.
Fishing Village: You can feed the fish and experience the fun of fishing.
Organic Farm: Organic vegetables, strawberry garden, herb plants, super for photos.
Tip: If you don't want to rush, you can choose to walk slowly back to the visitor center after the guided tour, taking photos and enjoying the scenery along the way.
After all the relaxing activities, it's time to challenge your guts! Eden Nature Park offers several exciting outdoor activities, so don't miss out!
Skycycle: Ride a bike on a 60-foot (about 18-meter) steel cable with a superb view for those who like thrills but don't want to be too extreme.
Sky Swing: If you like the thrill of free-fall, you must try this! Being thrown out from a high place instantly is heart pounding but super exhilarating!
Horseback Riding: If you don't like high altitude programs, you can choose Horseback Riding to experience the feeling of a western cowboy.
Tips: these projects need to pay extra, if the holidays are crowded, it is recommended to book a time to avoid queuing for too long.
After a morning of fun, you're sure to be hungry! The park's most famous restaurant, Vista Restaurant, offers a buffet of Filipino specialties made from fresh and healthy ingredients from the park's own organic farm.
Recommended dishes:
Davao-style Chicken: Grilled to a crisp and tender texture, the flavor is superb!
Organic Vegetable Salad: The park grows its own vegetables that taste super fresh.
Mango Dessert: Philippine mangoes are super sweet and a must try when you're here!
Tips:
Lunch: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM (Advance reservation is recommended to avoid running out of seats).
If you don't want the buffet, you can order from River Walk Grill, which is a bit cheaper but has fewer options.
After you've had your fill of food and drink, you can take a leisurely stroll through the park to enjoy the views and take photos. A few recommended places for relaxation:
Rainbow Garden: with its colorful flowers, it's superb for photo ops.
Japanese Garden: A quiet and elegant environment, perfect for lazing around and meditating.
Fishing Village: You can feed the fish or rent a small fishing rod to experience the fun of fishing.
If you have enough time, you can also go to the Butterfly Garden to see the beautiful butterflies fluttering, or go to the farm area to pick some fresh strawberries!
In the afternoon, take a break at the park's café for a cup of coffee and some local snacks. We recommend you to try the Philippine Coconut Macaroons, which are sweet but not too sweet and very popular among tourists.
Want to buy some souvenirs? The park has a small store that sells handicrafts, organic teas, and local specialties, so you can bring some back as gifts for your friends.
After a full day of fun, it's time to get ready to head back to the city! Optional:
Taxi/Grab: most convenient, around PHP 500-700.
Public Transportation: jeepney + motorcycle, less expensive but can be tiring.
Of course it's worth it! Eden Nature Park is definitely one of Davao's best spots for relaxation, with superb natural beauty, fun outdoor activities, great food, and superb photos. Whether you want to relax, be adventurous, or enjoy a good meal, this place has it all!
