MONFORT BAT CAVE
For the continuation of our Samal Tour, our first stop was at Monfort Bat Cave. It is located at Barangay Tambo, Babak District which is just around 15-20 minutes from the Babak Wharf. The habal-habal ride is an adventure itself so just sit back, relax, and enjoy it.
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Anyway, the Monfort Bat Cave houses approximately 1.8 million Geoffroy's Rousette Fruit Bats (Rousettus Amplexicaudatus) which is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest colony of Geoffrey's Rousette Fruit Bat in the world. It is owned by Norma Monfort and the park is approximately 23 hectares in size. This was one of the few tourist spot that I was really excited to see since I have this strange fascination with animals.
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There is an entrance fee of 100php/person which I think is a bit steep, but it's for the environment. We had a tour guide to accompany us. You would not be able to go inside the cave itself. There are 5 openings which are surrounded by bamboo rails where you could peek in to see the bats. According to the tour guide, these openings were created by Japanese bomb during the World War II. It was actually pretty cool in a creepy and smelly way haha. The guide also told us that at the beginning of night time, these bats actually goes out of the cave in a huge whirlwind like flying movement which I think would be really cool to see (sayang!)
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By the way, you will be able to see the Vanishing Island from here. They also have rentable boats to go there but you have to reserve in advance.
HAGIMIT FALLS
Our next stop was at Hagimit Falls which was a long way from the bat cave. It is located in Peñaplata District in the Island Garden City of Samal. It consists of several small waterfalls and is surrounded by unspoiled nature and trees, mostly of the hagimit trees (Ficus minahassae). This is where the waterfall got its name.
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The entrance fee was 40php/person with an additional 5php/person for the environmental fee. To reach the falls, you have to go down a flight of stairs, which was already tiring but add the thought of going back up those flight of stairs and it would give you 2nd thoughts on going down haha. But, we ventured on anyway. And it was worth it. The place was beautiful, the water was clear, and the falls were magnificent. They were small but still really breathtaking. Unfortunately, we were not able to swim and stay since we were on a tight schedule so we just had some picture taking and off we go. But if you do plan on staying, you can use the cottages all around the falls which is for free, and there are also some cottages inside the resort located there which you could rent for a fee. Bring your own food by the way since we didn't see any stores there.
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Next: Onwards to Kaputian Beach!
Monfort Conservation Park
Barangay Tambo, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte
Contact Nos: (082)221-8925, (082)305-8925
Mobile No: 0917-7052228
Email Address: info@batsanctuary.org
Hagimit Falls and Nature Park
Poblacion, Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte
Mobile No: 0920-5872430
Read more:
The Davao Experience: Planning The Trip
The Davao Experience: The Uniqueness at Ponce Suites
The Davao Experience: Dinner at Jack's Ridge
The Davao Experience: Getting to Samal Island
The Davao Experience: Kaputian Beach in Samal
The Davao Experience: Fernandez Beach and Garden Resort
The Davao Experience: Lyndon's World's Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken
The Davao Experience: Taps, The Breakfast Capital of Davao
The Davao Experience: A Visit at Eden Nature Park
The Davao Experience: Harboring "Pag-Asa" at the Philippine Eagle Center
The Davao Experience: Apo Ni Lola Delicacies and Lunch at Davao Dencia's Restaurant
The Davao Experience: Pasalubong Shopping at Aldevinco
The Davao Experience: Various Sights at the Davao Crocodile Park
The Davao Experience: Trying the Nightlife with Lachi's Sans Rival, Blugre Coffee, and Abreeza Mall
The Davao Experience: The-Supposed-To-Be-Rafting-Experience-But-Not and San Pedro Cathedral
The Davao Experience: A Unique Experience at Osmena Park
The Davao Experience: Knowledge Gathering at Museo Dabawenyo and Exploring Rizal Park
The Davao Experience: Serenity at the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple
The Davao Experience: A Gastronomic Treat at Hog's Breath Cafe
The Davao Experience: Strolling Around People's Park
The Davao Experience: Return Flight to Manila
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip
Caving is a great outdoor adventure. Would love to see tons of calm bats too. Thanks for sharing your experience and sana you'll write more about Davao. Office Supplies Davao City
ReplyDeleteilang oras po ba kayo per station?
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