Staycation and New Normal

Over the last 10 months or so, we saw how the travel industry has suffered on a global scale from the impacts of the covid 19 pandemic. But following lockdowns after lockdowns, travelers all over the world are feeling a much higher degree of wanderlust and are now looking to book holidays once the crisis eases up. The difference now is - now they’re looking for places to travel to which are much closer to home.

“Data from Sojern, a company that helps travel firms understand what people around the world are searching for online, has noted a rise in inquiries for holidays in travelers' own countries as international searches have dropped off.” Now as lockdowns are gradually lifted and we can leave the house for more than an hour at a time, escaping this cabin fever has become more important than ever. One of the most efficient ways that the travel industry has seen to embrace this newfound freedom is through staycations. Coupled with new rules on how foreign travel will move forward and the threat of localized lockdowns, the popularity of staycation is something that we need to see through, encapsulating a make-do attitude, which we think, could really make us appreciate more the resources that we have locally. 

“The term staycation is loosely defined, involving either a holiday in your own country or a holiday in which you stay at home and venture out for day trips. However, beyond its definition, the emphasis placed on valuing what we have around is perhaps more important than we may realize.” Leaving the house now and taking staycation trips to local areas is also an effective alternative budget-wise considering the fact that the economic conditions worldwide are in a whirlwind. Perhaps being trapped in the house for too long has garnered these travel-hungry people a dormant love for whatever is available in their hometowns.

Locally, we have a handful of places to relax in Davao. There’s Malagos Garden Resort, which is planning to open their doors for guests again soon. Staycation in Davao might be something new to your travel plans, but considering the situation, you might wanna make do with these worthy Davao tourist attractions first. Check out malagos.com for more updates.

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A Greener Living

As a Davaoena, I have my top favorite spots here in Davao where I feel like I have a peace of mind. There’s Samal whenever I want to go on a beach escapade. There’s Buda if I feel like the city’s too hot for me and I want to enjoy a cozy weekend. Then there’s Malagos Garden Resort, my favorite spot to reconnect with nature.

I am a huge fan of Malagos Garden Resort not only because of the many animals that they have but because of their well-landscaped gardens. They have species of plants that are hard to find and that makes me feel like I’m not in Davao when I go there usually during Sundays to enjoy the bird show and animal show. But everything changed when the pandemic came. From having our usual lunch buffet with the family at the resort, and spending the rest of the afternoon there just strolling and enjoying their classic hot chocolate drink and desserts, we are now stuck at home. Good thing it’s already MGCQ, so we can now go out more than we did before during the ECQ. But Malagos Garden Resort is still closed and I really miss the feeling of being under the canopy of their large Bignay trees and smelling the cacao inside their museum.

Good thing, they have Malagos Homegrown Produce. I know that the resort transferred to online to still share their food and harvest with their customers and I am happy that they were able to adjust almost immediately to the crisis. First, they sold many vegetables and their signature chocolate and cheeses. Now they already expanded and included plants also in their list of products! With Malagos, urban gardening is made easier for us who live in the city. Why do backyard gardening? Well, first it makes me feel like I’m closer to nature. Second, it is a good way to clear your mind and it has a lot of mental health benefits. Science says that if you feel that your eyes are tired, you just need to focus your eyes on something green and you will feel more relaxed. Third, I feel like  I’m one with Malagos Garden Resort’s advocacy to support locals whenever I do my Davao urban and backyard gardening sessions. It’s like I’m helping out a farmer also in my own little way. If you want to try out a greener living like me, then check out www.malagoshomegrownproduce.com now! 

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Villa Christina Orchids Garden and Resort

Villa Christina Orchids Garden and Resort

Dreaming of a place where you can relax and get out from stress in a weekend? Or even celebrating a pool birthday party..Hmmm I know a place where you can spend your day together with your love one in a nature and full of beautiful flowers a garden heaven scenario.  Well, if you are in Davao City then it’s not a problem to locate the place. This Resort is called Villa Christina Orchids garden.

Villa Christina Orchids Garden Resort is located at Los Amigos, Tugbok Davao City. 30 to 45 minutes ride from Davao city proper. The resort is a garden type full of flowers and fruit barring trees like manga, durian, rambutan and pomelo. Together with the plants they have a garden of flowers from orchids to vanda.  Over all the place is cold a perfect get away from the sizzling weather of the city. If wish to go there you may contact Ms. Cecille the receptionist of the resort via local call. 082-297-1498.

Amenities and Facilities

* Swimming Pool

* Fish pond

* Comfort Rooms

* Function Hall

* Open cottages

* Garden

*Billiard Hall

*karaoke Room

Feel free to drop a comment or any suggestion. I really appreciate your comments..

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Forest Hill Resort

Forest Hill Resort

Forest Hill Resort

Forest Hill Resort

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Forest Hill Resort is one of the most visited inland resorts in Davao City. Forest Hill is located at La Vista Hills Subdivision in Diversion Road, making the resort the main feature of the subdivision.

The place plus its nice view is a good venue if you want to relax but do not have the luxury of time to travel outside the city. Their cottages are clean and nicely located right in front of the pool. Forest Hill is good whether you enjoy swimming alone or with your family. They have a large pool for adults and a kiddy pool as well.

If your getaway is not that planned, be worry-free! Their canteen offers a variety of food and drinks. They also have a space if you want to sing your heart out. An area for videoke is open for all amateurs and professionals who have the confidence to be heard by everyone in the resort.

How to get there:

There are two ways to get there. First is to ride a taxi, it will take just 15 minutes from the heart of Davao City. Second will be combination of jeepney and motorcycle. Ride a Matina route jeep then drop at Matina Balusong. From there, ride a motorcycle going to Forest Hill.

Rates:

Entrance Fee (Free cottage & free use of the pool)        - Php 100.00

Amenities & Services:

Function Hall

Canteen

Tent Cottages

Open Cottages

Nipa Huts

Washing Area

Shower Rooms & Comfort Rooms

Adult Swimming Pool

Kiddie Pool

Forest Hill Resort

Forest Hill Resort

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