of late, [meaning: probably in the past decade or so] "Hito-an"s have become popular as well. A Hito-an is a place that serves Hito [catfish] as it's specialty. Hito, being fresh-water fish have become very abundant in Davao because it can be easily farmed, hence it is also very affordable. It is cooked in numerous ways but is most popularly ordered either deep-fried or grilled.
I have had the chance to revisit three places which are a 'must-do' by tourists and locals alike in the last 2 months and i must say, though a bit far from the city-proper, they were worth every second of my visit.
Philippine Eagle Center of Davao
Home to the king of all eagles as well as many other birds and some native wild animals.
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| This beautiful bird greets you as you enter the main park area. |
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| Lush bamboo, also a rare sight nowadays |
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| Meet Dakila, he peers right back at you |
It is located at the Davao City Water District’s (DCWD) Watershed Park in Malagos.
Travel Time from city proper: 30-45 minutes without traffic, go south and take the Calinan road at the Ulas Junction
Entrance Fee: P20.00 per person
My recommendation: go there either really early in the morning or around 4pm to avoid the intense midday heat; more importantly, slather on mosquito repellent lotion. There are souvenir stands at the entrance area selling everything from sari-sari store products to batik to souvenir shirts. There is also a boa constrictor at the entrance you can take a picture with, hold or drape over your shoulder for a 'donation'. i steered clear of this one as snakes freak me out, but there was quite a crowd gathered around the brave of heart.
Malagos Garden Resort
i had the chance to visit the place because of my daughter's recent field trip. Please click on the name[link] for details about the place.
Entrance fee: P120.00
My experience:We were treated with a nature show which showcased the animals living in the resort, and they provided us with a good background on each specie and some trivia about them. It was very interesting especially for the little ones. The place is huge and the tour was quite exhausting but worth it just the same. they had a huge playground which the children enjoyed the most.
My recommendation: same as with the Philippine eagle Center, it is better to avoid the midday heat but if you still opt to go there to enjoy their restaurant offerings for lunch, there are many shaded places and covered buildings to stay in. and DON'T forget the repellent lotion!
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| the welcome dance at the start of the show |
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| a miniature pony and his mama |
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| a family of ducks running for show |
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| a family of birds who ran away as we neared them |
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| a finely-plumed bird, the picture doesn't do it justice |
i would still recommend that you take your lunch or dinner at one of the Hito-ans that line the main road [Calinan] either before going to Malagos or right after your trip there. The deep-fried Hito alone will make the whole trip worth your while and will be a very satisfying ending to your little nature trip!
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| grilled hito |
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| my personal favorite - deep-fried hito, add steaming-hot rice and spicy soy sauce and calamansi dip and you are in gastronomic heaven! |
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