There was a tour guide in front who talks about every spots we passed. He was using this amplifier so everyone could hear but it wasn’t beneficial for us at all who are situated at the back. So instead of listening to him, we just let the tour map guide us. They gave out maps as well. In addition, as part of their gimmick, they raffled out our tickets and gave out simple but memorable tokens of all sorts, from keyholders, tumblers, bracelets, necklaces, hammocks, etc.

There were 3 dropoffs…first stop was on the Vanishing Island which I really loved. It was truly beautiful! They call it the Vanishing Island because it actually vanishes when the tide is high. They built a cottage there though for whatever purpose people may use it for. There aren’t many trees as well but I noticed that there are mangrove trees just planted so I guess, in the future, we’ll be able to see more trees on the island. The sands is so, so white!!! We spotted huge starfishes as well with different colors. The dropoff was just for 15 minutes so we took the chance of taking as many photos as we can on the place.

On the way to our next stop, we passed on many beach resorts, and I was amazed at how resorts has mushroomed the island of Samal. There were a lot!!! We were able to pass on Pearl Farm which, unfortunately, I still haven’t stepped on to, and there was also this zipline where you’ll land right on the beach. Cool! I’d like to try that one of these days.

Next stop is on our lunch dropoff which is in Kaputian Beach Resort. The place is also nice with its real blue waters and white sand. There were many people that time so we were not able to grab a cottage so what we did was just put some blankets on the grassy parts of the island and enjoyed a picnic-style lunch buffet. Lunch is only for an hour so we just lazed in the island for a while and then boarded again the boat.

Our last stop is at Babo Santa, Talikud Island for some quick swimming. On our way there, we passed by Isla Reta which I haven’t gone to as well, and which I would really love to go to. One of these days, I hope. Finally, our last dropoff, Babo Santa. It was kind of different compared to my last visit more than 2 years ago. It’s more crowded and the beach was flooded with boats. Sadly too, I was looking forward to enjoying fresh bukos which I was able the last time, but there weren’t any this time. So, to pass the time, I decided to just take pictures instead of swimming. I was able to capture some nice shots of the island with my models (Mishi and Val) in tail. After an hour, we were already getting ready on our way back.

In conclusion, it was a tiring but fun and educational day…

I would say, the trip to Eden is quite long, but the higher you are in the mountains, the more you’ll enjoy nature and its wonders. You’d immediately forget the hassles of the city.

We purchased a lunch buffet package of Php420.00 each and a guided shuttle tour to the garden at Php50.00 each. The whole tour took an hour with our English-speaking guide explaining to us how the park came to be. And with each spot we passed by, she sure has a lot to say about it. Along the way, we got to see the different cottages in the park all available for accommodation. We also passed by their green houses, all abundant with vegetables. There were a lot of planted herbs which the guide gave us samples to smell….and I would say, they smell really good, I had no idea there were herbs like those.

We had 2 stopovers during the tour, one at the ampitheatre which has an overlooking view of Davao and which has a variety of pretty and colorful flowers. It is very ideal for weddings. The second stop was at Lola’s Garden which is filled with gumamelas and other native flowers. There was a nipa hut in there with a carabao at its side. There was also this wishing well, which they named Mayumi’s wishing well, the owner’s daughter’s name, which is filled with floating gumamela flowers of different colors. It was truly beautiful. As the tour continues, the guide showed us all the other attractions in the park which we could later on check out. The guide also brought us to the highest level of the park which is 3000 feet above sea level. What I also love about the park is that it has so many pine trees and the climate is nicely cold, you’d think you’re not in Davao.

While waiting for lunch, we let Pia play at their playground and we enjoyed ourselves as well riding in the Indiana Jones ride. And then lunch time came….There were so much food of all varieties. If I were a vegetarian, I would definitely enjoy their very colorful super fresh salads. All the vegetables they used in their menus were taken right from their gardens. I super enjoyed their baked macaroni, I had 2 servings. I would have to say, the package was kind of expensive but it was worth it.

Right after lunch, the magic show which they prepared for the kids started. The magician was James of Okiddo, a local show, and Pia, as expected, was so amazed with his tricks…all kids were.

Later, we explored more of the place by hiking and ended up in the Fishing Village. We tried our luck on fishing…they all caught some, all of them except me!!! All in all, we were able to catch 2 kilos of tilapia, 7 pieces in all and we decided to have it cooked and ate all of it. Whew!!! We had it cooked in 3 different dishes, 1. deep fried, 2. grilled and 3. pinaputok (covered in banana leaves and deep fried…unique!) All were sinfully delicious!!! I felt so bloated after eating.

After all that, we headed straight home and slept!! The hike got us all tired. No one dared eat dinner anymore.