D' Japanese Tunnel Resort and Restaurant in Davao City

D' Japanese statue on the entrance of the tunnel

One of the attractions found in Davao City is the historical D' Japanese Tunnel Resort and Restaurant located at Matina Balusong, Diversion Road, Davao City. It has been said that this tunnel was created during World War II by the Filipino slaves and prisoners of wars. It served as the hideout of the Japanese soldiers and their belongings, utilizing it for transporting their equipment and mobilizing their forces, as it made more difficult for the Americans to locate them. The tunnel seemed small but actually extends pretty much farther than you can walk. You can notice a barrier on the other part of the tunnel which is owned by the i-don't-know-who proprietor and is not yet open to the public.

There are several tunnels found in Davao City, mostly in Maa and Mintal which is a mountainous area. But after the war, most of these tunnels were destroyed as the city was rehabilitated. However, a few were preserved and became the tourist spot and historical landmarks they are today.

Signage of D'Japanese Tunnel

You won't find it hard to look for its location. A huge signboard outside is visible to the passersby. It is also surrounded by tall pine trees.

Upon entering the tunnel, a statue of Japanese soldier is standing right before the entrance which seemed to beckon us in. Well, though his expression looks not so friendly rather serious, don't bother..lol... Our guide said that the normal height of the Japanese soldiers ranges from 5 feet - 5 feet and 5 inches tall just like the typical Filipino heights. Now, lets proceed inside the tunnel!

Inside the tunnel

It was my first time to get into a tunnel, and to be honest, it's kinda creepy inside. It's dark inside though there were small lights that illuminates the tunnel. The sound of the waters dripping felt like we were on the deepest part of the tunnel. It's hard to breathe inside, maybe because i was not used to this kind of place.

The portion of the tunnel where meetings usually took place.

A statue of Japanese soldier behind bars

Statue of Buddha

The dungeon

This place used to be the dungeon or the bartolin area where Filipino slaves who defied and fought against the Japanese will get imprisoned until they died. It looked so small but actually, up to 5 persons could fit in in this cage. You could also try to get in for you to feel how uncomfortably dense it is inside.

Japanese Tunnel other facilities:

Hotel

Aside from being a historical tourist attraction, Japanese Tunnel has a hotel for those people who wanna stay a day longer.There is also a pool and a restaurant.

 

Other info:

Entrance fee: PHP 50.00

Categories: Davao City, My Travels, Philippines, Tourist Spot

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Davao Crocodile Park, Davao City

As a travel agent and ticketing officer in a Travel and Tours company, i can see the advantages being here in this industry. Well obviously, you would be given a chance to travel, maybe not outside the countries but here locally. You should have known the things you are going to offer and most especially, it should be memorable for them too. Our guests were from Switzerland and yes, i had some nosebleeds while talking to them (laughing)...

Group picture taken at Davao Crocodile Park with a phyton on their back!

They stayed in Marco Polo hotel. On their first day tour in Davao, they visited the Paradise Island Beach Resort in IGACOS (Island Garden City of Samal). My other officemates, which is also a travel agent, accompanied them in their tour. They had spent their whole day swimming and plunging in the crystal-like water of  Paradise Island. They mostly love the beaches, probably because their place were far away from the sea and mostly surrounded by mountains, unlike here in the Philippines where everywhere you go, seas are just within your reach.

On their second day in Davao, they chose to visit Crocodile Park, Japanese Tunnel and city tour as well as visiting two of the most well-established and widely known shopping mall here in Davao City, the SM Mall of Davao and the newly opened Abreeza Mall. For their sencond day tour, its my turn to accompany them together with my two office mates.

Davao Crocodile Park: A little history

Crocodiles

The Davao Crocodile Park is a major tourist destination located at the Riverfront, Corporate City Diversion Highway, Ma-a, Davao City, and is about 15 to 30 minutes from downtown of the City. It started from the enchantment of the owner, Mr. Philip Dizon, to Freshwater and Saltwater Crocodiles. It was not in his mind that this is a moneymaking business until he realized that crocodiles are raised in the United States of America not just for public viewing but for production of leather to be made into bags, belts and shoes as well.  It was in November 1995 when the government has given Mr. Philip Dizon the accreditation and permits to operate the 1st ever Davao Crocodile Park. 10 years later, on August 18, 2005, the world-class Davao Crocodile Park was opened with the help of the consultant Dr. Gilbert Buenviaje. The Davao Crocodile Park Inc. is owned and operated by a group of businessmen headed by Mr. Sonny Dizon, a resident of Davao City. (Source: http://www.markmaranga.com/davao-crocodile-park/)

The Davao Crocodile Park is an establishment that showcases a ‘state of the art’ crocodile farming system in the Philippines. It has the most recent crocodile farm design equipped with modern facilities and equipments.  The presence of other exotic animal species like raptors, monkeys, bearcats, snakes, birds, and other reptiles makes it one of the most desired tourist destinations in Davao. The purposes of this establishment are as follows:

1. tourism
2. public viewing and entertainment
3. venue for educational tours
4. promotion of public awareness through regular lectures
5. conservation of crocodiles and other wildlife animals and
6. acts as a field laboratory for students in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine as well as for wildlife animal enthusiasts. (Source: http://psdgroupph.com/index.php?sec=3&idpage=10&name=History)

Here are some pictures of different animals i have taken from our tours:

Burmese Phyton

 It weighs 40kg. Just a warning: never dare to hurt or even pinch this snake if you want to return home safe and sound. You can carry this if you have guts and courage which i don't have.

Orangutan named Carlo

Oriental Civet locally known as "Mi-lo"

This very gentle and docile young civet catch our attention while passing by the pathway. It was tied and sleeping in the long chair. I was hesitating to hold it at first. But try to reach out your hand and it could be as gentle and tender as the cat. I wish i could have one...

Funny and clever parrot

Siberian Tiger: Sheeba and Datu

Skeleton of an Indo-pacific Crocodile named as "Boktot"

 Boktot is a 14ft indo-pacific male crocodile which died at 40.

Ostrich

Philippine Owl

Philippine sailfin water dragon

 

 

Siberian Tiger cooling himself

Turtle

Philippine Eagle

Entrance Fee (as of July 2011):
       Adult: PHP 150.00
       Child:  PHP 75.00
       Non-Filipino: PHP 300.00
Weekend Rate (Friday, Saturday, Sunday):
       Adult: PHP 200.00
       Child: PHP 100.00
Contact Information:
Phone : (082) 286 8883/286 1054
Telefax: +63.082.221.4671     
Address: Riverfront, Corporate City, Diversion Highway Ma-a, Davao City 8000 Philippines

Website: http://psdgroupph.com/index.php?sec=1

Categories: Davao City, My Travels, Philippines, Tourist Spot

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Road Trip to Mati City, Davao Oriental

Mati City, Davao Oriental is rich with lush green mountains and forests, untamed tropical islands, lofty palm trees, and serene blue seas though sometimes it becomes rough saying the fact that it is surrounded by Pacific Ocean and Celebes Sea. The beach lovers will be enticed to visit here because it is certainly one of the hottest tourists spot when beaches is concerned. Davao Oriental is always been known as a "beach destination". Mati has a lot to offer from its extensive and enormous mountains and islands down to its fine white sand beaches and marine lives. There are numerous city sights  that the person would not be able to visit them all in just one trip. For you to tour the whole city and alongside places, you should spend a week or so.

Snake Road

Heading to Mati City as I first mention in my previous post is cumbersome. You have to overcome its curvy road or what the villagers called "The Snake Road" that would surely makes you feel groggy all the way. But the scenic views outside the car are so amazing and very incredible that will certainly take your drowsiness away.

Sleeping Dinosaur
While heading our way to Mati City proper, we made a quick stop while passing by a cliff with a majestic overlooking view to one of the well-known attraction in Mati, the "Sleeping Dinosaur". It definitely captures the eye of the passersby. Its formation seems like a gigantic animal, more likely a dinosaur, in a deep slumber.

The famous landmark of Mati City: "The Sleeping Dinosaur"

Other says it's more like a turtle, well, i can't blame them because at first look, i thought the same way. But, looking intently over the image, you will find out what it really looked like.

Road Trip to Sigaboy

Another view of mountain along the road of Sigaboy, Davao Oriental. You can see huge waterlilies on its lake.

German Beach

German Beach

This is what they call the German Beach. But, i don't know why do they call it that way. Honestly speaking, there is nothing especial in this beach. It's like the typical beach where there are houses along the coastline. It has no white sands but has clean and clear waters. It has a cute cottages or also called as nipa hut that is made up of nipa (palm) for its roofing and  bamboos.

Cottage style of German Beach

If you have weak stomach, better bring a medicine to prevent and relieve dizziness and vomiting caused by motion sickness such as bonamin, sunflower or even vicks vaporub.

Categories: Davao Oriental, My Travels, Philippines

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Cinco Masao Beach Resort, Mati City

Cinco Masao Beach Resort

       Cinco Masao Beach Resort is located in Barangay Tamisan, Sitio Masao Mati Davao Oriental. It's a perfect place in Mati City to unwind from stress, pressures and turbulence from the city. The tranquility of the sea breeze and the coldness of the wind that strike against your face can give you mental freedom. It's also suitable for summer outings, get together and family/ school reunions. It has complete amenities like restaurant,cottages, lodging, reception area, function hall and even souvenir store.

View from the Function Hall..
From the beach, you can see the Waniban island from the distance. For a better view, you can go to the Function Hall to catch sight of its turquoise waters. Satiate your eyes by its magnificent view and majestic panorama surrounding it.

One of cottage styles found in Cinco Masao

It boasts its simple yet elegant inexpensive huts and cottages. It has huge spaces for your children's playground and you can even set picnic fronting seawaters view.

Cinco Masao Food Hauz and Restaurant

Masao is not only for beach views but also has its restaurant and food hauz for especial occasion's reception such as weddings, reunions, baptismal and company outings. Even those craving customers need not to worry where to go when hungriness strikes.

Masao's Souvenir Shop 

You can also buy souvenirs for presents to your loved ones and friends. They sell seashells accessories, key chains and a lot more.

Mermaid Statue

One of Masao's beautiful spots to take some pictures is the Mermaid Statue along with the dolphins behind it. The mermaid is about human height, i guess its 6ft. It is erected in the middle of the resort facing the resort's restaurant.

One thing that is unusual in the resort is its big trees with hanging stems. I really can't figure out what is it like hanging, but its incredibly wonderful. Feels like we are in the forest with clinging branch of trees around us...

Cinco Masao cottages over the sea.

You can catch a nice view of the resort here. Feast your eyes with the different school of fish varying from colors to sizes. Feel the breeze of the wind and the calmness of the sea.

Categories: Beach, Davao Oriental, My Travels, Philippines, Resort

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Vanishing Island in Mati City, Davao Oriental

Have you heard of an island that vanished when there is a high tide and appears when low tide? Well, maybe yes but not for me. I do heard a lot of these kind of islands but only in the movies. I never thought this would actually exist. That's why i was surprised when our tour guide (one of Villa's staff) told us that we'll going to this so-called vanishing island. I don't really know its real name. Some people called it White Sand Beach Island, few said it's Oak Island and others was Vanishing Island. But i preferred to call it the "Vanishing Island", unique and appropriate for its nature.

The Vanishing Island in Davao Oriental that disappears during high tide.

The simple beauty that captivates the passerby. A closer look of the island

Our trip to this tempting island is not that easy. You have to overcome its rough waves that will strike you or seemed to hinder you from going through. But those obstacles didn't stop us... We had the guts!hehehe... But those trials are worth it for the island deserves the hard work... Nothing can compare its beauty. Nothing can beat its distinction, its uniqueness... It has no trees to boast, no inhabitants to look for. But what it has right now is merely its best attraction. It's one of a kind island.

Its raging waves almost upturn our boat

Funny how we set our footprints in its fair sandbar

Magnificent stones surrounding the little island

What to bring?

• First and foremost,when going to this island, bring something for sun protection. Either umbrella, though it's so strange to bring umbrella in a beach. Just a piece of advice, if you don't want to get toasted alive, the put something on (clothes) to protect your skin.
• Water. Just bring a lot of water. You could hardly find some in there. Not unless if you drink sea water (wink).
• Sun block. The heat is unbearable.
• Extra shirt. It's up to you. 
• Last but should not be missed. CAMERA! Get as much shots as you can. You wouldn't want to miss this kind of experience and you couldn't afford not sharing this to your friends... 

The heat of the sun that seemed to melt us, the raging waves that seemed to wash us out didn't matter at that time... What matters most is the feeling we had, the amazement that reflected to everyone's facial expression. That was really incomparable and extraordinary.

Categories: Beach, Davao Oriental, Island, My Travels, Philippines

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