D' Japanese Tunnel Resort and Restaurant in Davao City

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.

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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

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