Park – One-Armed Wanderer

Davao
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- Travels

Davao Crocodile Park Visit + Review, Entrance Fees, Show Schedule

Posted on December 27, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Davao Crocodile Park is one among the many tourist destinations in Davao city. Established in 1995, Davao Crocodile Park promotes conservation of crocodiles along with other wild animals. It is said that the park showcases a state of the art crocodile farming system not only in Davao but in the entire country.

Various sections in Davao Crocodile Park

Located in Riverfront, Diversion Road, Ma-a, Davao City, Davao Crocodile Park is accessible at any point in the city via taxi.
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Davao Crocodile Park Location Map

After our overnight stay in Paradise Island Beach Park and Beach Resort in Samal Island, we headed to Crocodile Park.

Just outside the park are several food stalls and souvenir shops. If you are a food adventurer, one of the food stalls sells exotic ice cream flavors such as crocodile coffee, crocodile durian, crocodile crollo and ostrich vanilla. We tried crocodile durian for only 95 Php.

After enjoying the yummy crocodile ice cream, we immediately paid for the entrance fee and entered the park. If you have backpack with you, need not to worry as they have a baggage counter right in the entrance of the park.

Crocodiles of all Sizes

As expected, Davao Crocodile Park showcases crocodiles of all sizes. The park is the home of the Philippine’s largest crocodile in captivity – Pangil.

Pangil is an 18-feet saltwater crocodile and currently holds the title of the largest Philippine crocodile in captivity. Apart from Pangil, the park showcases its self-nurtured crocodiles varying in age and sizes.

Witnessed these crocodiles being fed by one of the guests.

Koi and Ostrich Feeding

Apart from the countless crocodiles, Davao Crocodile Park visitors also get to experience close encounters with Koi fishes and ostriches. Food for these animals are available in the area for only 20 Php per pack.

The Koi fishes feeding is fun! These Koi fishes will tickle your hands!

I was first scared by the strong and hard beak of this Ostrich. Surprisingly, they are gentle and don’t hurt your hands.

Davao Crocodile Park is also home to various animals including bird species, alligators, snakes and orangutans. I felt happy to see my favorite and good smelling creature – binturong (bearcat).

Davao Crocodile Park Show

It was my second time to visit Davao Crocodile Park. This time, I was very excited to witness the park’s animal shows as I missed them during my fist visit to the park. Right after strolling around the park. We were on time for the park’s show.

Tip: To fully enjoy the park and witness various shows, visit on a weekend. Make sure to be at the park before 4:00 PM.

The ‘Animal got talent’ show started at exactly 4:00 PM. This 20 minute awesome animal show showcases various bird species and monkeys doing their tricks.

Right after the ‘Animal got talent’ is the ‘Pangil encounter’ show located in Pagil’s pen. Here, one of the staff tries to wake up Pangil so that he’ll react aggressively. It was entertaining but I’m not sure if this part of the show is healthy for a crocodile like Pangil.

Below is a short video of the ‘Pangil encounter’ show:

At 4:35 PM, visitors transferred to Tiger’s den for the ‘Tiger climb’ show. One of the staff lures this big cat to climb in a post. For some reason, we waited for like 10 minutes but the Bengal tiger ignored the staff and did not climb to the post.

After the supposedly ‘Tiger climb’, guests moved to the crocodile feeding area. Here, a staff will go inside and will make rounds in the cage feeding medium-sized crocodiles. It was very scary and entertaining at the same time!

Below is a short video of the crocodile feeding:

After the crocodile feeding show, guests transferred to breeder pen A for the ‘crocodile dancing show’. Here, a couple of park staff try to feed the crocodile from a bridge. They hang ropes with food on the other end. Crocodiles chase food and they visually appear to be dancing.

Davao Crocodile Park Show Schedule

Monday

10:00 AM – Animal Got Talent
4:00 PM – Crocodile Feeding
4:15 PM – Animal Petting

Tuesday

10:00 AM – Animal Got Talent
4:00 PM – Tiger Climb
4:15 PM – Animal Petting

Wednesday

10:00 AM – Animal Got Talent
4:00 PM – Crocodile Feeding
4:15 PM – Giant Crocodile Feeding
4:25 PM – Animal Petting

Thursday

10:00 AM – Animal Got Talent
4:00 PM – Tiger Climb
4:15 PM – Animal Petting

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

10:00 AM – Animal Got Talent
4:00 PM -Animal Got Talent
4:20 PM – Crocodile Feeding
4:25 PM – Pangil Encounter
4:35 PM – Tiger Climb
4:40 PM – Crocodile Feeding
4:45 PM – Crocodile Dancing
4:50 PM – Tightrope Walking
5:15 PM – Animal Petting
5:45 PM – Spectacular Fire Show

Davao Crocodile Park Schedule

Opens at 8:00 AM
Closes at 6:00 PM

Davao Crocodile Park Entrance Fees

Davao Crocodile Park offers cheap and budget-friendly entrance fees. The published entrance fees include tour to Davao Crocodile Park, Tribu K’Mindanawan and Butterfly House:

Adults – 250 Php
kids – 150 Php
Senior Citizen / PwD – 150 Php
children below 2 years old – FREE

Overall, I enjoyed our Davao Crocodile Park visit. The entire park is clean and well-maintained. The entrance fee is fairly-priced if you witness the shows. Just make sure to plan your park visit on a weekend afternoon.

Related Blog Post: Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City

Davao Crocodile Park

Address: Riverfront, Corporate City, Diversion Highway
Ma-a, Davao City, Philippines
Contact Numbers: (082) 286 8883 or (082) 221 7749
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: http://crocodilepark.ph/

Visiting Davao City? Book your hotel HERE or HERE.

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Cavite
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- Travels

Do Not Visit Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky Until You Read This

Posted on June 26, 2016February 25, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Old structure tagaytay people's park in the sky

Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky is located in the summit of Mt.Gozales in Tagaytay City, Cavite. The park was originally an unfinished mansion known as the Palace In the sky which was built during the Marcos era. What’s left today is the unfinished and rusting structure of the supposedly mansion.

During our second day in Tagaytay, Jen and I left Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast early to catch the sunrise at Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky. We arrived at the park at around 6:30 AM and soon found out that it opens at 7:30 AM. As we waited, tourists started pouring in. We ended up falling in line as the park opens.

Schedule: opens everday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM

People's park tagaytay entrance — Park Entrance

Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky Entrance Fee

I was surprised that the park has a 30 Php entrance fee. Aren’t public park supposed to be free? Among all the Philippine public parks I’ve visited, it was only Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky chargers entrance fee, I told my company Jen. We proceeded anyway thinking that the entrance fee might be for the maintenance of the park.

Just behind the park’s gate are jeepneys that bring visitors to the highest point of People’s Park in the Sky. Fee is 5 Php each and 40 Php for special trip. Alternatively, you can walk on your way up to the peak.

Since the park just opened and the jeepney that brings guests to the peak was fully occupied, Jen and I decided to walk. While walking uphill, I noticed a number guests taking groupies and selfies with the plain view as their background. At that point, I was just focused on reaching the highest peak. I did not stop to take any photos as there was no Instagram worthy view.

People's park tagaytay city — Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love

We reached the Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love. Built in 1974 and was formally inaugurated by Bishop Luis Tagle in 2003, the shrine is one among the most photographed spot in the park.

Cottages at People's Park in the — Cottages

If you get tired and hungry, there are a number of stores selling drinks and snacks.

I was dismayed that the use of cottages are charged 100 Php given that this is a people’s park.

Jen and I continued walking uphill until we reached this rustic old structure which is supposedly the unfinished “Palace in the Sky”. Well, the structure looks old and abandoned but it I actually liked it. It looks hunted but can be a good location for professional photo shoots.

The Views From Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky

As we entered the structure, we were welcomed by the beautiful panoramic view of Tagaytay.

The breathtaking panoramic view compensated my earlier disappointments with Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky.

View of the open threatre

View from the side side of the old structure

If you are looking for activities, there is nothing much to do in People’s Park in the Sky. Well, except for sightseeing and having your photo taken while riding a horse for 20 Php.

How to get to Tagaytay People’s Park the Sky?
commute: From Tagaytay circle, take jeepneys bound to the park. Fare is 17 Php.
by car: From Tagaytay circle, head to northeast of Tagaytay via Tagaytay-Calamba road.

People’s Park in the Sky Map

Well, I should say that expected too much before visiting Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky. There are fees everywhere. From the parking to the entrance and even the use of their cottages were a bit off. The park could have been better if there is a proper maintenance and efforts to improve the place. The only highlight of our Tagaytay People’s Park in the Sky tour were the beautiful views.

Visiting Tagaytay? Online hotel booking here.

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Davao
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- Solo Travels

Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City

Posted on June 19, 2016December 26, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Apart from being the 4th safest city in the world, Davao is also known as the home the Philippine Eagle Center. The center is the conservation breeding facility of the Philippine Eagle foundation. It is home to a total 35 Philippine Eagles, 18 of which are bred in captivity.

Since it was my flight back to Manila in the evening, I left Iron Inn Lodge early to see the Philippine Eagles up close. I was too excited as seeing the national bird of our country is one among my Philippine travel bucket list. On my way to the center, I suddenly remembered the owl in Residence Inn Zoo Tagaytay as it looked so surreal to me. That owl in fact made me decide that my next trip will be in Davao to see the Philippine Eagles.

Philippine Eagle Center Location

The center is located situated in the foothills of Mt.Apo in the municipality Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. Please see my separate post on how to get to Philippine Eagle Center.

Philippine Eagle center philippines — Top: Malagos Watershed Reservation, Bottom: Entrance to the Philippine Eagle Conservation Center

After an hour commute from Davao city proper to Malagos, I arrived in the Malagos Watershed Reservation. I paid 5 Pesos to enter the park which I later learned that the proceeds is for the Davao City Water District, a local government unit of Davao responsible for conserving the Malagos Watershed.

As I entered the park, it seemed that I was the only tourist in the area. A number of souvenir shops on the left side near the entrance were just starting to open. I continued walking wondering where the Philippine Eagles were. I soon realized that I was not in the actual Philippine Eagle Center, I was in the Malagos Watershed Reservation where the Philippine Eagle Center is situated.

Tip: The habal-habal will drop you off at the Malagos Watershed Reservation. Pay the 5 Php entrance fee and proceed to the right side of the park where the Philippine Eagle Center is located.

Since I was too early for the 8 AM opening of the center, I waited for about 10 minutes before the clerk opens the ticketing booth. I paid the entrance fee and was officially the first visitor of the mighty Philippine Eagles that day!

Philippine Eagle Center Entrance Fee

Adult – 150 Php
Youth – 4 to 18 yrs. old – 100 Php

Philippine Eagle Center Operating Hours

Opens daily from 8 AM to 5 PM

I started exploring the Philippine Eagle Conservation Center. Few meters from the entrance is a small board that reads the DO’s and DON’Ts inside the Center.

Guidelines Inside The Philippine Eagle Center

Keep noise level down so as not to disturb or startle the animals
Throw your garbage properly
Wildlife rule: Don’t touch, don’t catch, just watch
Don’t pick flowers or plants
Do not tease the animals – ex. throwing stones, coins and other objects; calling or shouting at them; tapping and rattling their enclosures
Do not feed the animals – They have a special diet. feeding them can lead to poisoning or death.

I was amazed by the rain forest-like environment of the Philippine Eagle Center. There are various species in the center but the stars are undoubtedly the Philippine Eagles.

Philippine Eagle Fighter — Fighter, Philippine Eagle

Quick facts about the Philippine Eagle

also known as the monkey eating eagle with a scientific name of Pithecopaga Jeferyi
local names are Agila, Haring ibon, Kalumbata
average height: 1 meter (3 feet)
weight: 4 to 7 kilograms
wingspan of 2 meters 7 feet
distinct features: massive arch beak, long crown feathers
considered as one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world
only blue eyed raptor in the world, eyes can see 8 times distant than that of humans
courtship and breeding behavior: breeding season from July to February
monogamous, only has one partner throughout its lifetime
a female eagle lays only one egg every other year
male and female eagles parental responsibility, alternating sitting the egg during incubation and watching the chick while it hatches

Fighter and Mindanao, Philippine Eagle Ambassadors

Interestingly enough, the center has Philippine Eagle Ambassadors namely Fighter and Mindanao. Unlike the other Philippine Eagles in the facility, they are out in the open for visitors to see them up-close. There is a perimeter fence to protect both Fighter and Mindanao so make sure to bring your Camera with zoom lens!

fighter philippine eagle davao — Close up photos of **Fighter**. The staff of the center noticed that I was tirelessly taking photos of Fighter from the perimeter fence. He was so kind that he borrowed my camera to take these wonderful close-up shots of Fighter.

My favorite in the center is Fighter, a Philippine Eagle originally from Davao Oriental. He was rescued, adopted and rehabilitated by the Philippine Eagle Center in 2011 when a ruthless hunter shot him leaving his left-wing amputated. Sadly, he is now incapable of flying and will never be released in the wild again. Fighter’s story is really heartbreaking but despite of his inability to soar, Fighter shows how confident, mighty and strong a Philippine Eagle is.

Philippine Eagle Mindanao — Mindanao, Philippine Eagle

Mindanao is a 15-year-old male Philippine Eagle. He was hatched and bred in the Philippine Eagle Center.

Other Philippine Eagles in the Center are Kalayaan (24-year-old male) and Pag-Asa (29-year-old female) who are currently being matched. There is also Kaibigan (27-year-old female eagle), Maginoo (16-year-old male eagle) and Dakila (11-year-old female eagle). Except for Pag-Asa, all these Philippine Eagles were hatched in the Center.

Apart from the Philippine Eagles, there are various species in the center. I personally liked the cute and innocent looking grass owls.

Bird species philippines — Top Left: Grass Owl; Top Right: Philippine Scops owl; Bottom Left: Brahminy Kite; Bottom Right: Philippine Serpent Eagle

Critically Endangered Philippine Eagle

I must say that I left the Philippine Eagle conservation Center with mixed emotions. I was very happy to see the Philippine Eagles up-close, they were so surreal. It also feels great that there is such an non-profit organization like Philippine Eagle Foundation promoting the welfare of our very own Philippine Eagles. At the same time, I learned that there are only less than 400 pairs of Philippine Eagles left in world, I felt sad that these majestic creatures are now critically endangered. Hunting and deforestation are the threats to their survival. Despite of the laws to protect them, up to this day, Philippine Eagles are still being hunted. With continuous deforestation, the home of the great Philippine Eagle is becoming smaller. Forests are their only home. It is where they live, find food, reproduce and nurture the next generation of Philippine Eagles.

How to get to Philippine Eagle Center

From Davao City proper, take a cab going to Bankerohan Terminal. In my case, cab fare from Ironn Inn Lodge in Ecoland to Bankerohan Terminal is 70 Php.
In Bankerohan Terminal, ride a van going to Calinan. Fare is 40 Php and travel time is around 40 minutes depending on traffic. Just tell the van driver that you are going to Philippine Eagle Center and ask to drop you off to a habal-habal terminal in Calinan.
From Calinan, take a habal-habal to Philippine Eagle Center. Fare is 80 Pesos and travel time is around 15 minutes. I highly suggest to arrange with the habal-habal driver for your return trip to Calinan.

Philippine Eagle Center contact Number: +63 82 3241860

You can help in the conservation of the Philippine Eagle by donating, adopting or volunteering via the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

Visiting Davao City? Book your hotel HERE or HERE.

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