Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Calinan
The small but lively town of
CALINAN
, 45km northwest of Davao on the main highway
to Cagayan de Oro, became a major Japanese farming community in the 1930s.
Though there's little evidence of this today, the period is commemorated at the
Philippine Japanese Museum
, and there are a few attractions nearby. It's worth coming
out here during the week to avoid the crowds, but if you find yourself in Calinan on
a Sunday you could head for the
Malagos Garden Resort
(see below) bird show at
10.30am (P125).
Philippine Japanese Museum
De Lara St, in the Durian Village section of Calinan • Mon-Sat 8am-5.30pm • P20 • Take a habal-habal - it's hard to find
Calinan's curious and largely forgotten Japanese history is remembered through a
collection of old photos and the fascinating written testimonies of Japanese settlers in
the
Philippine Japanese Museum
. You'll also see pictures of the many memorials to
Japanese people killed during World War II in the area.
Philippine Eagle Center
Malagos • Daily 8am-5pm • P50, Philippines Water Authority Grounds P5 •
T
082 224 2337,
W
philippineeagle.org • Many hotels and
travel agents in Davao offer day-trips; alternatively, take a tricycle (P50) or habal-habal (P20-30) from Calinan
he
Philippine Eagle Center
, 5km west of Calinan, is known for its excellent work
breeding the Philippine eagle, a majestic creature with a fearsome beak, distinctive frilly
head feathers and a 2m wingspan. Sadly, the eagle is now o
cially on the endangered
species list, with only a maximum of four hundred believed to be living in the wilds of
Mindanao, Samar and Leyte. The centre's captive breeding programme focuses on
developing a viable gene pool, the goal being to reintroduce the birds into their natural
habitat. The first captive-bred bird, Pag-aso (meaning “Hope”), was born here in 1992
and the centre is now home to 34 Philippine eagles.
To get to the centre you first walk through the Philippines Water Authority Grounds
before reaching the entrance proper and a pleasant café overlooking a lily pond. In
addition to the large aviaries containing the big eagles, there are plenty of other birds of
prey on display, from grass owls and kites to screeching fish eagles, and there are
compounds for the Philippine brown deer, warty pig, long-tailed macaques and even a
giant crocodile. In truth the centre is a bit like an old-fashioned zoo - some of the
birdcages are very small. It can be uncomfortably busy at weekends, so try to schedule
your visit for a weekday. Overall it's certainly educational and the eagles are
awe-inspiring - it helps to bear in mind that eventually they will be released.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
8
CALINAN
By jeepney or bus
Take one of the frequent a/c jeepneys
(P40) or buses to Calinan (45min) from the Annil transport
terminal on San Pedro, just north of Quirino Ave near the
Bankerohan Market.
By car
You can rent a vehicle from your hotel for the trip, or
negotiate directly with a taxi driver - expect to pay P2000
for a day-trip including waiting time.
ACCOMMODATION
Malagos Garden Resort
T
082 221 1545,
W
malagos
.com.
A slightly faded garden resort with comfortable,
worn, wood cabins set deep in extensive grounds. Family
cottages can sleep four to six and have verandas. Camping
(P350/person) is technically only possible if you come with
a group of fifteen or more, but it's worth asking. Also on site
there's a past-it pool, and an aviary and butterfly enclosure.
Activities on offer include h
orse rid
es and cycling. Day entry
P100 (excluding activities).
P2400
Mount Apo National Park
Looming over all Davao,
Mount Apo
(2954m) is the highest mountain in the country:
the name Apo means “grandfather of all mountains”. Apo is actually a volcano, but is
