DAVAO CROCODILE PARK

# 7 of my 2013 wish list to travel successfully savored. 

Davao City- I super miss this place. I have lived here for over a month and had wonderful memories here in Davao with my ex. Now I’m back for some personal reasons and it’s only a one day trip. The very first thing that came into my mind a week before my trip was a big question “how to utilize my time wisely during the trip”. I read several blogs regarding “must-see places in Davao” and ended up choosing Davao Crocodile Park because of its accessibility.  

I may not be lucky enough to see the longest crocodile in the world, popularly known as Lolong, but I think I am fortunate enough to see (not just once but twice) the oldest captured crocodile in the Philippines, Pangil.  Pangil is under the custody of Davao Crocodile Park.

My first visit in Davao Crocodile Park was on 2010 with my co-auditors. It was somewhat an unplanned escapade and all of us didn’t have a minute idea of what it looks like. It was a come-what-may experience and we still found it awesome at the end of the day. Revisiting the place where I have been isn’t my style but the ticket we bought during my first visit of the park caught my attention. It was a 3 in 1 ticket that cost P150.00. And includes butterfly house admission, crocodile park and Tribu K’mindanawan Show which all falls in the same location. We never had a chance to take a glimpse of Butterfly Park before because we never checked the ticket thoroughly. I promised myself then not to miss the opportunity to see those lovely butterflies.

How did I get there?

From Magsaysay (also known as Davao’s Chinatown) to Davao Crocodile Park, I paid 138.00 to the taxi driver. I think there is no other mode of transportation to get there, but to hire a taxi. It is far from the city proper, roughly 20 minutes away from Magsaysay.

The moment I arrived in Crocodile Park, I immediately asked the front desk as to where the butterfly house is located. Then he friendly replied that it is located adjacent to the park, more or less 100 meters away from the Crocodile Park and he even told me that the butterfly house will close at 5:30 in the afternoon. Since it is already 4:30 PM, I hurriedly walk and look for the butterfly house and I’ve seen ostriches along the way. 

  

There I go. Lucky I am because the butterfly house in-charge is really polite in a way that he offered himself to take pictures of me as I tour around the said place. I didn’t have much luck in seeing different alive butterflies since I arrived late. So better visit there in the morning so you can see those amazing butterflies.

 

 

After my short expedition of the butterfly house, I went back to crocodile park and this second visit was the best visit compared to my first considering that I have camera and of course I managed my own time. I am not in a hurry so I totally had a chance to visit each corner of the park. Evidently, Pangil is still situated in the same place.

As I roved around, I saw several species of terrestrial and aquatic animals. To name few: snakes, birds, fish and many more. 

Yes, it's a real snake. I paid 40 for the picture (hard copy) and that payment is collected for the maintenance of the park.

The moment my legs began to complain from walking back and forth, I took a break and ordered frozen coffee then bought some souvenirs such as key chains and t-shirt. After that, I went to Abreeza mall, paid the taxi P100.00. That's how I managed my time.