Malagos Garden Resort
A lush Davao resort offering a chocolate museum, bird shows, petting zoo, and a delightful buffet lunch for a memorable day out.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler weather, fewer crowds
Malagos Garden Resort
Best Time
Cooler weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lush Davao resort offering a chocolate museum, bird shows, petting zoo, and a delightful buffet lunch for a memorable day out.
"A must-see in Davao for families, offering a wholesome mix of nature, fun activities, and delicious food."
🎟️ Book Day Tour Packages
Consider day tour packages that often include lunch or snacks for a hassle-free and value-packed visit.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the resort, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Malagos Chocolate Museum
Chocolate Museum
Discover the art of chocolate making and even create your own sweet masterpiece. A must-try for chocolate lovers!
Interactive Bird Show
Bird Show Arena
Be amazed by the intelligence and talent of various bird species in an entertaining and educational show.
Petting Zoo & Animal Feeding
Petting Zoo
Get up close with friendly goats, horses, and ducks. Kids will love feeding and interacting with these adorable animals.
Buffet Lunch Experience
Restaurant
Indulge in a delicious spread of local and international dishes, featuring fresh ingredients and local flavors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Day Tour vs. Overnight Stay
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Day Tour Packages
Consider day tour packages that often include lunch or snacks for a hassle-free and value-packed visit.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the resort, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Davao can be hot and humid; bring water or purchase drinks to stay refreshed. :droplet:
🍫 Chocolate Making Fun
Don't miss the chance to make your own chocolate at the museum – a hit with kids and adults alike! :chocolate_bar:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Day Tour Packages
Consider day tour packages that often include lunch or snacks for a hassle-free and value-packed visit.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the resort, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Davao can be hot and humid; bring water or purchase drinks to stay refreshed. :droplet:
🍫 Chocolate Making Fun
Don't miss the chance to make your own chocolate at the museum – a hit with kids and adults alike! :chocolate_bar:
🐦 Bird Show Delight
The interactive bird show is highly recommended for its entertainment and educational value.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Malagos Garden Resort is widely praised as a wholesome family destination offering a delightful mix of nature, activities, and culinary experiences. Visitors rave about the delicious buffet lunch, engaging bird show, and the unique chocolate museum. However, some guests have expressed concerns regarding animal welfare in the petting zoo, suggesting areas for improvement in animal care.
"We went for a day trip with family and availed the buffet for lunch. There is plenty of food to choose from and it was delicious! If you're a bird lover, we highly recommend watching their bird show because it was entertaining and spend some time in their bird feeding dome to see more adorable birds. If you're with kids, chocolate making is a must-try. The kids had fun and chose their own toppings. The weather wasn't that good during our visit, but we managed to enjoy the trip. The kids also loved feeding the ducks and goats. If you're in Davao, Malagos Garden Resort is a must-see."
Ellyn Terry
"It's a nice and beautiful park and the lunch package was very pleasant. However, I was thoroughly disappointed in the petting zoo after seeing these reviews. The goats are locked in a tiny square box with a wooden panel and nothing else. The horses at the stable had no water in this heat. Absolutely devastating to see. It's a very nice place to visit but please treat your animals better if you are going to exploit them through feeding moments anyway."
Allyssa
"JIC you wanna reconnect w/nature here are some activities you can do:
• Interactive Bird Show and Falconry Show
• Malagos Koi Ponds
• Malagos Chocolate Museum
• Museo de Mariposa
There’s an additional fee to have access to:
• Chocolate Molding at the Malagos Chocolate Museum
• Animal Feeding at the Petting Zoo - cute horsey & goats!
• Pizza Making
• Paper Mache Painting
Enjoy your day pass! I’ve yet to try staying here overnight, I’m sure it’s peaceful too."
Merl Peroz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
For a seamless journey, booking a Grab car is recommended for a direct trip. Alternatively, you can take an L300 van or bus heading to Calinan, then hire a tricycle or 'habal-habal' (motorcycle taxi) to reach the resort.
While public transport options like L300 vans and buses to Calinan are available, the final leg to the resort might require a tricycle or motorcycle taxi, making it less direct than a Grab car.
Malagos Garden Resort is located approximately 30-40 kilometers from Davao City proper, typically a 45-minute to 1-hour drive depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, the resort provides parking facilities for guests who choose to drive their own vehicles or rent a car.
It's best to inquire directly with Malagos Garden Resort about any transportation assistance or partnerships they might offer for guests.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day tour passes are available, with options like a PHP 699 pass for the day tour and snack, or a PHP 999 pass for the day tour and lunch buffet. Additional fees apply for specific activities like chocolate molding and animal feeding.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for packages or during peak seasons, is advisable to secure your spot and potentially avail of discounts.
A standard day tour pass typically grants access to the resort's general areas and gardens. Specific activities like the bird show, chocolate museum, and petting zoo may have separate fees or be part of package deals.
The resort generally operates during daylight hours, with specific timings for attractions like the chocolate museum and bird shows. It's recommended to check their official channels for the most up-to-date operating hours.
Yes, Malagos Garden Resort offers overnight accommodations for those who wish to extend their visit and fully experience the resort's amenities and serene environment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Families can delight in the petting zoo, interactive bird show, chocolate museum with hands-on molding, butterfly sanctuary, and feeding the koi fish. Papier-mâché painting is also a popular creative activity for kids.
Yes, the resort features an outdoor swimming pool, providing a refreshing option for guests to cool off and relax.
The museum offers an educational and fun experience about chocolate, from its origins to production. You can also participate in chocolate-making sessions and create your own personalized chocolate bars.
Some reviews have raised concerns about the living conditions of animals in the petting zoo. It's advisable to observe the animals and provide feedback to the resort management if you have concerns.
The resort is known for its bird sanctuary and interactive bird show, featuring a variety of local and exotic bird species. Visitors can also engage in bird feeding sessions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The resort offers a buffet lunch with a wide selection of dishes, including grilled tuna belly, seafood java rice, and Filipino desserts. There are also cafes on-site.
Many visitors find the lunch buffet to be delicious and satisfying, offering good value for money, especially when included in a day tour package.
Typically, drinks are charged separately and are not included in the buffet price.
Yes, pizza making is one of the available hands-on activities at the resort, offering a fun culinary experience.
The buffet often features Filipino kakanin like sapin-sapin and kutsinta, as well as mini chocolate cupcakes and other sweet treats.
📸 📸 Photography
The lush gardens, the colorful butterfly sanctuary, the chocolate museum, and the various animal enclosures offer picturesque backdrops for memorable photos.
Yes, photography is encouraged, especially in the bird feeding dome and during the bird show. Be mindful of the birds' comfort and avoid using flash excessively.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas. However, it's always good practice to respect any posted signs or staff instructions regarding photography in specific exhibits or private areas.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens would be ideal for capturing wildlife and scenic shots. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the gardens and resort architecture.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's essential to check with the resort management beforehand to confirm if drone photography is allowed and to adhere to any regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a day tour package that includes lunch to make your visit seamless. The resort's spacious grounds and various activities ensure that kids will have plenty to explore and enjoy, making it a memorable family outing.
✈️ Day-Trippers
Plan your visit for the morning to make the most of the cooler weather and avoid the midday heat. Arriving early ensures you have ample time to explore the various attractions and enjoy the resort's offerings at a relaxed pace.
🍫 Foodies & Chocolate Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to sample their award-winning chocolates. Beyond the chocolate, the resort's buffet lunch is a culinary adventure in itself, showcasing local flavors and fresh ingredients. It's a perfect opportunity to indulge in a variety of dishes while surrounded by nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Malagos Chocolate Experience
Beyond the museum, the resort itself is surrounded by cacao trees, giving visitors a direct connection to the source of their favorite treat. The resort's commitment to quality chocolate production is evident, making it a unique destination for both leisure and culinary exploration.
While the museum offers a delightful experience, some visitors note that the resort's overall focus on chocolate is a significant draw, making it a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth exploring Davao.
Nature and Wildlife Encounters
The resort also features a petting zoo where guests, especially children, can interact with animals like goats and horses. While the experience is generally enjoyed, some reviews have pointed out concerns regarding animal welfare, suggesting that visitors observe the conditions and provide feedback.
For those seeking a more serene nature experience, the Malagos Koi Ponds provide a peaceful setting. The resort's commitment to showcasing local flora and fauna adds a significant layer to the visitor experience, making it a wholesome destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
Culinary Delights at the Buffet
Beyond the savory dishes, the buffet also features a vibrant salad and fruit station, along with traditional Filipino 'kakanin' like sapin-sapin and kutsinta. For those with a sweet tooth, mini chocolate cupcakes and other desserts provide a delightful conclusion to the meal.
While the buffet is a highlight, it's worth noting that drinks are typically an additional charge. Many guests find the buffet package, especially when combined with a day tour, to be 'sulit' or good value for the full experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit