Discovering Dahilayan Part 1

... For the second time around. I tried to convince my college friends to go on a trip to Dahilayan Gardens & Resort when I discovered their website on the internet. I got intrigued with the beautifully-furnished cottages as well as the wonderful landscapes. So we planned the trip. After how many postponements due to unavoidable circumstances, we finally pushed through with the much-awaited trip.

The Bakasyoners

me

jiemar

ingrid

maybelle

pam pam

Dahilayan Gardens & Resort did not yet have its own transport services although they gave us contact details of a van owner - Jun (09277331658). Since there were only five of us, the roundtrip van rate at Php 3800.00 since we planned to stay overnight and asked to be picked up the next day instead was too expensive for the group (regular rate is at Php3000.00 - good for big groups). So we looked for other means of transport and stumbled upon Zip Zone Shuttles - air-conditioned van and bus traveling to Dahilayan Adventure Park from Coffee Works, Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City on Saturdays at 8 - 8:30am. This can be availed thru reservations via Dahilayan Adventure Park administration (09228801319) or walk in (first come, first serve). All along I assumed it was only on Walk In basis until I confirmed on Saturday morning if there was indeed available and asked if we can reserve and I was advised that reservations must be made 2 days before the trip and the Bus was already fully booked! Good thing the van was still available so we went to the pickup point early to make sure we still have slots.  And we did! We were the first and only group who walked in. There were a second group (a couple) who made reservations. We waited for the third group until 9am (said there were 2 persons on the list) but they were a no show. The extra 30 minutes was a waste but on a positive note, the back seats were all for ourselves (since the couple preferred to stay on the front seat)! We dropped by the Dahilayan Office to pay for the ride and we only paid Php 175.oo since our ride was only good for a one way trip.

Zip Zone Bus

 Zip Zone Van

Usually, people pass thru Puerto and enter Bukidnon-Davao Highway. But we took another route to Bukidnon via Balubal, Cagayan de Oro City (passing through Teak Wood Hills,Brgy. Agusan, CDO). It was a mix of a smooth and bumpy ride. From Balubal, we entered Alae and turned right on the junction (heading for Camp Philips; See Dahilayan Forest Park Map). It took us about 1.5 hours travel before reaching our destination. The van driver was kind enough to drop us at Dahilayan Gardens & Resort (left junction of the road leading to Dahilayan Adventure Park & Forest Park).

Balubal Road

Destination reached. The guard on post no longer asked for our entrance fees since we were staying overnight. (Entrance Fee at Dahilayan Gardens & Resort is at Php60.00-adult and Php40.00-children). We endured the hike from the gate to the reception area to get our cottage key. We paid the remaining amount of Php 2000.00 (Php2000.00 deposit fee was already paid upon reservation) for the Cottage Amaryllis which is good for 4 pax plus additional Php500.00 for extra bed since we were 5 in the group. We were also asked to pay Php500.00 for Security Deposit which was refundable upon check out. The receptionist led us to our Cottage. We passed by the Caribbean Pines Camp and Slip & Slide on our way to Cottage Amaryllis. The sight was breathtaking! Our cottage was situated overlooking the Dahilayan Adventure Park, and we could actually hear the sound of the zipline cable and screams from people who took the 840m zip ride.   

Log Book

Fun Shot at the Main Gate

Heading to Reception

At the Reception

Time Check

Heading for Cottage Amaryllis

Just Arrived!

House Rules

The cottage was elegantly decorated. We took a quick look of the amenities before arranging our stuff.

Comfort Room

- The space of the comfort room was enough - not too small.

- It has a shower heater. But at that time, it was tripping. But we already informed the caretaker about it.

- Shampoo, Tooth paste, Toilet paper and Bath Towels available.

Kitchen

- It has a Kitchen counter for your cooking preparations.

- Cooking pots, frying pan, knife, ladle, plates, bowls, cups and saucers, drinking glasses, spoons and forks, Microwave Oven, Rice Cooker, Water Dispenser, Refrigerator, Gas Stove available.

- Hand Towel, Cooking Gloves, Dishwashing Liquid and sponge available.

Dining Area

- Table is good for 4.

  

Bed Room/Living Room

- 1 Double Bed, 1 Single Bed with Pull out Bed plus 1 Bed Foam for extra person.

- TV available but no cable connection. We can only view ABS-CBN channel.

- With Lamp Shade and Emergency Light.

Outdoor

- with Patio.

- On the left side of the Cottage are Char Griller and an Outdoor Table Set.

- A Bon Fire Area is located near the vicinity (at the back of the cottage).

We took out the food we brought and placed them inside the refrigerator while Jiemar - our master chef prepared the rest for Lunch. And we, on the other hand, changed attires and put on makeup for our "pictorial" for fun. We also had balloons as props.

And so..

Thanks to Jiemar for the Beautiful Photographs. 
Picture Perfect Memories.

to be continued...