More adventure awaits
After a full day of chasing waterfalls in Davao de Oro, I retired at Calamba Farm located at Sitio Patung Brgy. Mapawa, Maragusan. It's the ideal place to spend the night since it's near the last waterfall we explored on my first day of backpacking around Davao Region. My driver dropped me off here; I asked him to come back for me the following morning.
I'd usually get the cheapest hotel room I could find that's near the town center. This way transfers are easier. Aside from the waterfalls, there's nothing much to see in Maragusan, so I wanted to try something different in my accommodation.
Calamba Farm offers two types of accommodation, namely: tents and rooms. Nothing was set in stone but I was leaning towards getting the tent; it's just one night and I haven't camped in a very long time. But upon the realization that I was the only guest that night and if I go with the tent, I'd have to pitch it near the construction workers' bunker, my anxious self told me better be safe than save money.
The farm is situated on the mountainside of Maragusan, overlooking the vast valley one would expect in this part of Davao. It was already drizzling when I entered the premises of the farm; the place gave off doleful energy. Covered with thick fog, I couldn't roll out if there was indeed a valley below. At some point, I felt hopeless to witness Maragusan's picture-perfect view. "I might just rest early and wait for the morning to see what's in this farm," I told myself.
To my surprise, after a few moments of wandering around here and there, the skies cleared and Calamba Farm proved to be one of the best location to witness the grandeur of the golden hour.
Finally all of the thick mist covering the valley below us moved aside and I was left in awe of the real beauty revealed right before my naked eyes. I was then quick to notice that Calamba Farm is similar to Cebu's Sirao Pictorial Garden; there were a lot of replicas of famous destinations outside of the Philippines just like the huge bird's nest in Bali and gigantic open palm (bridge) in Vietnam to name a few.
Additionally, it was hard to miss the concrete replica of a high heel where tourists like me can reach its tops using its well designed stairs. We Filipinos love to display our creativity in ways many wouldn't think off. 🤣
Other things you can see in Calamba Farm include a massive replica of rafflesia (flower), and Mayon Volcano (the famous cone-shaped volcano in Southern Luzon).
I thought that was it until I reached a seemingly unfinished narrow path leading to the highest point in this farm where I saw an even more amazing view of Calamba Farm.
When visiting new places, I always, and I mean always, leave no stone unturned. It was starting to get dark but I chose to advance further away from the front desk. I noted that the road looked unfinished if not damaged by a storm or other natural calamities. In fact, during my stay, it was the last safe part of the farm to explore.
Here I found an immensely tall tree and beside it a huge steel boat facing the valley of Maragusan. It stayed on top of a steel deck but I wasn't sure if it was safe to ride. No one's gonna see me if I fall here. I took pictures and marveled at the unbelievable background and that's it!
The last few minutes of that late afternoon surely was something else. This time fog gathered below in smaller and more compact clusters hovering over just above the trees below the farm. What was already spectacular evolved into a heavenly view I was blessed to witness that day. At this point, I was convinced I got the best accommodation in Maragusan. I stayed here until total darkness eclipse the entirety of Maragusan.
Dinner was served in my room and I was shocked to learn that the entire place is run by solar power. Unfortunately, charging gadgets wasn't possible inside my room; there's a car battery that they use to charge devices but I had to leave my phone in the front desk/canteen. I didn't mind and enjoyed a restful and cold evening inside my room.
The morning after
Based on my research, Calamba Farm is home to the most beautiful sea of clouds in Maragusan and perhaps, in the entire province of Davao de Oro. It's too far away from civilization and roads leading to this place could turn muddy when it rains. Such was the case during my visit.
I slept early so around 4 in the morning, I was wide awake and checked from time to time if I could see anything outside. It was pitch black until past 5:30 am when I started hearing motorcycles arrive right outside my room.
I fell in love with Calamba Farm the day I arrived but with the morning view, I was taken aback. Everything made sense; why many people come here very early in the morning to witness the sunrise and the unimaginable massive sea of clouds.
Even locals love coming here to be one with the heavens. Since I already had the entire place to myself a day prior, I stood amongst the flock of tourists coming in and was glad I wasn't alone this time. It was a good thing I already took a lot of photos; there's no way I could get decent photos with the number of guests inside the farm.
But of course, I also took advantage of their presence asking one guest after the other to take my photos in the spots inside the farm. In exchange, I took their photos, too. Give and take, just like anything in life. 😉
Even at past 8 in the morning, the fog was everywhere. The place looked enchanting but some of the tourists weren't happy about this as they weren't able to see the green valley below the farm. A little over 8, my driver arrived to pick me up and dropped me off at the terminal for another adventures awaits for me in the road.
In Maragusan proper, it was getting warmer and cozier. I would want to stay a bit longer but Davao is a huge region and for me to stay on track with the other destinations I plan on visiting, I need to move forward and stick with my plan. Maragusan will remain in my heart; remembering its places and people makes me happy. :)
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