The Davao region is blessed to have the highest mountain in the country, Mount Apo. The expansive mountain range extends to the regions of Davao City, Davao del Sur, and Cotabato.
If there’s a place in Mindanao to enjoy a high-altitude climate, Davao del Sur has several resorts to enjoy the cool weather and view of Mt Apo just a couple of hours away from the city. Check out Camp Sabros, Montefrio Garden Resort, Haven’s Dew, Twin Mountain Resorts, Sir Ped’s, Altamers, and Jardin de Senorita.
Montefrio Garden Resort
Location: Sitio Mainit, Brgy Kapatagan, Digos City
Stay: 2 nights
Day trips allowed: Yes
Montefrio Garden Resort is probably the highest mountain resort I have stayed at, with its elevation at 1,470 meters above sea level. And believe me, it was cold even without AC. If you like the Greek-Santorini style resorts with white-washed walls, this would appeal to you. It has great facilities, like a lovely pool, function room, restaurant, karaoke room, game room, souvenir shop, bar, a sunflower garden, and reliable wifi. My favorite was probably the Frio Cafe. The cafe had a cozy space and good pastries.
There’s not much to say about the room where we stayed. Highlights of my stay were the amazing views of Mt Apo and the surrounding area, the friendly and helpful staff, speedy wifi, and Frio Cafe.
Facebook Page: /montefriogardenresort
Camp Sabros
Location: Sitio Barras, Upper Digos, Philippines
Stay: Overnight and 1 visit
Day trips allowed: Yes
Somewhat Americana kitsch but done tastefully amidst a lush pine forest on the slopes of Mount Apo. Camp Sabros has been around for a while and is continually developing. I love the overall theme of the place as if I’m stepping inside an old American country with all the vintage items in their restaurants. Music from the 80s and 90s like REM, Spandau Ballet, and Roxette blaring from the speakers adds to the ambiance.
We stayed at the Upper White House Mansion which is a two-story area that can fit up to 12 people, yet spacious enough to run around indoors. It has handsome interiors, an open veranda with a long table for socializing, and an attic room with a glass wall for an unobstructed view of the trees, stars, and Mount Apo.
Highlights of my stay were our wonderful accommodation, cozy common areas, a theme that blends so well with the surroundings, views of Mount Apo on one side and Mt Matutum on the other, and the exhilarating zip-line experience! Service has room for improvement but overall, my personal favorite among the places we stayed.
Faebook Page: /campsabros
Haven’s Dew Resort
Location: Purok Neptune, Sitio Balutakay, Brgy. Managa, Bansalan
Stay: Overnight
Day trips allowed: Yes
A lot is going on at Haven’s Dew Resort like the flower garden, stationary bikes, a pool, and various icons like Greek goddesses, Merlions, and world landmarks all combined in one area. If you like Instagrammable, TikTok-style locations, this might appeal to you. Though most people really go here for the sky bike and zip line.
We stayed at the A-house which is a teepee-like 2-story accommodation. They had good food too, but the highlight for me was the night lights. Despite its over-the-top kitschiness, it looks captivating in the evening.
Facebook Page /havensdewresort
Twin Mountain View Resort
Location: Sitio Balutakay, Managa, Bansalan
Stay: Just visited for lunch and sightseeing
Day trips allowed: Yes
I like the resort’s artsy vibe. I wasn’t able to see the rooms since we had limited time, but I enjoyed the walk on their Sky Walk. The highlight for me was their Gemelo Restaurant. They probably have the best-tasting food in the area. Definitely one of my favorites in terms of dining.
Facebook Page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066440952746
Jardin de Señorita
Location: Sitio Bacoco, Brgy Kapatagan, Digos City
Stay: Just visited for snacks and sightseeing
Day trips: Yes
We came here on a foggy afternoon so it was a bit hard to fully appreciate. They have a nice cafe but the highlights here are the flower gardens. Jardin de Señorita is clearly inspired by the Chungshe Tourism Flower Market Sea of Blooms in Taiwan, complete with a white piano in a sea of lavender and a windmill. But they added a few touches of their own like the telephone booths and Eiffel Tower replica. It’s actually done well and quite fun to walk around.
They have a few candy-colored houses for accommodations if you want to stay overnight. They are quite popular for events and photoshoots.
Facebook Page: /jardindesenorita2021
Sir Peds Coffee Mount Apo
Location: Pedregosa Farms, Sitio Balutakay, Brgy Managa, Bansalan
Stay: Visited for snacks and sightseeing
Day trips: Yes
Sir Peds Coffee shop has scenic views aside from its Balutakay homegrown coffee and snacks. I had their signature Sir Peds Latte which tastes a lot like Spanish Latte. Their pizza and fries were filling. They have an attractive A-house type accommodation too and an interesting coffee farm.
Facebook Page: /Sirpedscoffee/
Altamers Mountain Resort
Location: Kinambulan, Kapatagan, Digos City
Stay: Visited for snacks and sightseeing
Day trips: Yes
Altamers Mountain Resort is currently having a soft opening and their restaurant is the area that’s open to visitors. Altamers is owned by the highly popular eatery in Davao, Mers, and is designed to bring a next-level experience to this high-altitude resort. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience. I enjoyed their Avocado smoothie.
Their accommodations were still under construction when we visited but they look really promising.
Facebook Page: /altamers
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
