Eden Nature Park | Davao City

Eden Nature Park & Resort is a sprawling mountain resort located 3,000 feet above sea level in the foothills of Mount Talomo in Davao City. It is a premier eco-tourism destination known for its cooler climate and diverse flora and fauna.

Visual Characteristics

The park spans 80 hectares of man-made forest, featuring thousands of pine trees and various garden landscapes. The architecture consists of rustic log cabins, open-air pavilions, and terraced gardens. The grounds are characterized by sweeping green hills, flowering gardens (such as the Flower Garden and Rainbow Pass), and well-paved trails that wind through the forest.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Bo. Eden, Toril, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur.

Access: Situated in the highlands of the Toril district.

Transport:

Private Vehicle: The most efficient method; the drive takes approximately 45–60 minutes from Davao City center.

Shuttle Service: The resort often provides shuttle services from specific pickup points in the city (reservation required).

Entry: Admission requires an entrance fee, which typically includes a guided shuttle tour or a buffet meal option.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site was originally a logged-over area with very little vegetation. In 1971, the Ayala family (unrelated to the Ayala Corporation) began the massive task of reforestation, planting over 100,000 pine trees and various fruit-bearing plants. It has since evolved into a balanced ecosystem that serves as a sanctuary for local birds and deer.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided Shuttle Tour: A 45-minute tour with stops at the Flower Garden, the Cultural Village, and the Lola’s Garden.

Adventure Sports: Features the "SkyCycle" (biking on a cable), "SkySwing," and "SkyRider" (zipline).

Fishing Village: A dedicated area where guests can catch tilapia and have it cooked on-site.

Hiking Trails: Several kilometers of nature trails for bird watching and forest exploration.

Deer Park: A sanctuary where visitors can observe Philippine deer in a natural habitat.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The resort is a full-service facility including multiple restaurants (Vista Restaurant, Cafe Vista), a swimming pool, and various accommodation types ranging from campsites and dormitories to executive suites. It is a popular venue for conventions, weddings, and retreats. 5G cellular coverage is intermittent.

Best Time to Visit

Operating Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Morning: Arrive by 08:30 to secure tour slots and enjoy the crisp morning air.

Weather: Best during the dry season (December to May) to fully appreciate the outdoor trails and adventure rides.

Facts & Legends

The park is entirely man-made, proving that a devastated landscape can be restored through committed reforestation. The temperature at Eden is consistently 5–10 degrees Celsius cooler than the city center, often resulting in fog that covers the pine forest in the early morning.

Nearby Landmarks

Mount Apo: 30 km (visible from specific viewpoints)

Davao City Center: 30 km Northeast

Philippine Eagle Center: 50 km (approx. 1.5-hour drive)