ANYWHERE near could actually be your summer capital if you just know how to do a little research. You don't have to go as far as Baguio City just to experience cool breeze and Baguio-ish feels if you are from Davao City.
In my case, I went to Buda (Davao-Bukidnon Highway) and was mesmerized at what I was able to find there.
Pine trees? Strawberries? Frigid temperature? No worries. We got your back.
So here are some of the things you can do when you are in Buda:
Hillsview Mountain Villa
Your body will definitely wrestle with the frigid weather once you reach the Hillsview Mountain Villa in Datu Salumay village, Marilog District, Davao City.
I bet you wouldn't argue with me when I say that you wouldn't be able to drop your camera as soon as you have it in your hands since the place is just so good for photo ops and blogger poses. The villa's balcony is overlooking the mountains that are always wrapped in fog during the morning. Your eyes would surely bathe at the sight of the sharp green coming from the grass and trees, the soft orange glow of the sun in the morning, the detailed outline of the mountains, the blue sky and the fog we're not used to seeing in the city. These scenes are even made more beautiful by the sound coming from the chirping birds and other sounds that come from nature.
The Jive Highland Resort
Reserve some of your adventure hormones for the next stop: the Jive Highland Resort at Sitio Tagumpay, Datu Salumay in Marilog District.
Strolling around the resort, you will be captivated by the Mountain View. What's unique about this place is their attention-grabbing A-House, a house shaped like letter “A,” a waterfall inside its premises and a cave.
Bemwa Farm
Inside this farm, there grows rare gems: strawberries.
We don't often see strawberries growing in our lawns or at the backyards and that's what makes this adventure exciting. Strawberries actually grow there as the place's climate is suitable for cultivating the fruit. When you say Bemwa farm, strawberries and strawberry jams wouldn't be set apart from its name. Aside from that, they are also known for their lettuces.
Another important thing to note is that this farm provides employment to Indigenous Peoples living in the area as they hire them to work for the farm.
Lola Mommy's Rainforest
Among my adventures in Buda, this is probably the most memorable. I really had a good laugh at my colleague and friend, Ace Perez, who just seemed to have a hard time keeping his kayak in place and his awkward drop from the zipline handlebar was just epic.
If you want to get away with friends or family, then this will be the perfect place for you. You would probably drool over their beautiful flowers whose name I couldn't even recall. They're just too beautiful for words.
You would also be amazed to learn that Lola Mommy's is home to Rosette, the biggest anthurium plantation in Mindanao for the variety Holland. The place would be ideal for barkada getaways or family reunions as it offers more fun in the form of kayaking and Zipline handlebar.
Alice Log House
Alice Log House in Bagong Silang, Baganihan, Marilog District is also a good place to catch the sunset. It is just perfectly rooted at the right spot which is overlooking the mountains.
We were supposed to leave already but as we happened to pass by the place, we couldn't just help but stop as we figured it was the best place to watch the sunset. And we were never wrong. We indeed had a good photo shoot with the sun as we watched it set and eventually vanished right in front of our eyes to give way to the night.
So need I say more? We have a good place to watch sunrise and sunset here in Davao City and we can also find a summer capital here that we have been dreaming of visiting.
Now, you can pack your bag and travel just around the corner of the city. If you want all of these, drive south.
Have a summer blast then!