How to Get to Malagos Garden Resort in Calinan, Davao City
Directions to Malagos Garden Resort by car, jeepney or van, what to see there, and how to pair it with the Philippine Eagle Center next door.
In this article
Malagos Garden Resort is in Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, on the cooler upland side of Davao City near Calinan, roughly an hour's drive from downtown. You can reach it by private car, taxi or ride-hailing car, or by public jeepney or van to Calinan followed by a short tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) ride. It is famous for its bird show, butterfly sanctuary and Malagos chocolate, and it pairs perfectly with the nearby Philippine Eagle Center.
Malagos at a Glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Location | Malagos, Baguio District, near Calinan, Davao City |
| Distance from downtown | Roughly 35 km by road |
| Drive time | About 1 hour, more in traffic |
| Best for | Families, nature lovers, chocolate fans |
| Nearby | Philippine Eagle Center, Calinan town |
| Climate | Cooler and greener than downtown |
Opening hours, show times and entrance fees change, so check the resort's official website or Facebook page before your visit.
How to Get to Malagos Garden Resort by Car
Driving or taking a taxi is the easiest option, especially for families.
- From downtown Davao, head north-west towards Calinan. The usual route passes through Ma-a, Mintal and Tugbok on the way to Calinan, but most drivers simply follow a navigation app.
- Before reaching Calinan proper, follow signs for Malagos and the Philippine Eagle Center.
- The resort and the Eagle Center are close to each other in the same area, both reached by a short side road.
Expect about an hour from the city centre, and longer during weekday rush hours. Ride-hailing cars can usually take you there, but booking a ride back from Malagos can be harder because fewer cars wait in the area. Consider asking your driver to wait, or arranging a return time in advance.
How to Get to Malagos by Public Transport
Commuting is cheaper but takes longer.
- Get to a Calinan-bound jeepney or van. These leave from terminals in the city, commonly from the Annex/Bankerohan area and along the route through Ma-a. Ask locals or your hotel for the current loading point, since terminals sometimes move.
- Ride to Calinan or the Malagos junction. Tell the driver you are going to Malagos or the Philippine Eagle Center, and they may drop you at the turn-off.
- Take a tricycle or habal-habal to the resort gate. Agree on the fare before you ride.
The full trip can take one and a half to two hours each way. Fares change, so bring small bills and ask the driver.
What to See at Malagos Garden Resort
The resort is set in landscaped gardens with plenty of shade trees, making it a pleasant escape from city heat.
Malagos chocolate
Malagos is best known for its chocolate. Davao has become one of the Philippines' main cacao-growing regions, and Malagos chocolate made from locally grown beans has earned international recognition. At the resort, visitors can learn about cacao and the bean-to-bar process and buy chocolate to take home. It is one of the best edible souvenirs from Davao; see our pasalubong guide for more ideas.
Bird show
The bird show, featuring trained parrots and other birds, is a favourite with children. Shows run at set times, so check the schedule when you arrive and plan around it.
Butterfly sanctuary
Walk through an enclosed garden full of tropical butterflies. Early to mid-morning, when it is warm and sunny, is often the best time to see them active.
Other attractions
The resort has offered extras such as a petting zoo, gardens, play areas and seasonal activities over the years. Attractions change, so ask at the entrance what is open on the day.
Staying overnight
Malagos Garden Resort has accommodation and dining, so you can stay the night and enjoy the cool upland mornings. Check rooms and rates directly with the resort.
Combining Malagos With the Philippine Eagle Center
The Philippine Eagle Center, run by the Philippine Eagle Foundation, is nearby in the Malagos area. It is the best place to see the critically endangered Philippine eagle up close, along with other native birds and wildlife.
A good day plan:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Leave downtown Davao |
| Mid-morning | Philippine Eagle Center, when birds are often more active |
| Lunch | Malagos Garden Resort restaurant |
| Afternoon | Bird show, butterfly garden, chocolate shopping |
| Late afternoon | Head back to the city before evening traffic |
For full directions to the eagle sanctuary, see our guide on how to go to the Philippine Eagle Center.
Approximate Costs
Prices change, so treat these as rough ranges and confirm locally.
| Expense | Approximate range |
|---|---|
| Malagos entrance fee | A few hundred pesos per adult |
| Public transport (one way) | Under ₱150 per person |
| Taxi or ride-hailing (one way) | Roughly ₱600 – ₱1,200 |
| Car with driver (full day) | Roughly ₱3,000 – ₱5,000 |
Plan your outing with our trip budget calculator.
How to Get to Davao First
If you are coming from elsewhere in the Philippines, fly into Francisco Bangoy International Airport, which has direct flights from Manila, Cebu and other cities. Travellers from Cebu can also go by land and sea; see our guide on Cebu to Davao by land.
Malagos fits neatly into a short Davao trip. Our 3-day Davao itinerary shows how to combine it with Samal, downtown food spots and Eden Nature Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Malagos Garden Resort located?
It is in Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, near Calinan in the upland part of Davao City. It is roughly an hour's drive from downtown.
How do I commute to Malagos Garden Resort?
Take a Calinan-bound jeepney or van from the city, get off at the Malagos turn-off, then ride a tricycle or habal-habal to the resort. Ask locals for the current terminal location.
Is the Philippine Eagle Center near Malagos Garden Resort?
Yes, both are in the Malagos area and are commonly visited on the same day. Allow at least half a day for both.
What is Malagos famous for?
Malagos is best known for its award-winning chocolate made from Davao cacao, as well as its bird show and butterfly sanctuary.
