Best Trips of 2011 -- A Retrospect

I am dedicating this post to my friends who are planning their getaways next year (special mention to Deng and Nard). May I remind you that this is free of charge but it wouldn't hurt if you'd include me in your list. *wink*

January ✈ 
Manitoba, Canada

Stopover
It was a Looong Flight
The Town at Night
Routine
Breakfast All Day
A Trip to the Superstore
Polo Park
Cherry Love
Around the Town
Buffet Square
Winter Wonderland
Home Bound

May ✈ 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Transit in Kuala Lumpur
Taste of Asia
Decanter Restaurant
Marrybrown
Foodtrip in KL
Hotel Sentral Pudu

May ✈ 
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Off to the Kingdom of Wonders
Hello Cambodia.. Finally!
Tara Angkor Hotel
Before Visiting the Temples
Temple Chronicles: Banteay Srei
Restaurant with No Name at East Mebon
Temple Chronicles: East Mebon
Temple Chronicles: Ta Som
Temple Chronicles: Neak Pean
Temple Chronicles: Preah Khan
Scenes at the Old Market
Koulen Restaurant, SR
Temple Chronicles: Angkor Wat
Temple Chronicles: Baphuon & Terrace of the Elephants
Temple Chronicles: Phnom Bakheng
Temple Chronicles: Ta Keo
Streets of Siem Reap
Temple Chronicles: Angkor Thom
Ta Prom Restaurant, SR
Temple Chronicles: Ta Prohm aka Tomb Raider Temple
Khmer Kitchen Restaurant, SR
Night Market at Siem Reap

June ✈ 
Singapore

Changi Airport, SG
Robertson Quay Hotel, SG
Mondo Mio, SG
Eye Candy at Universal Studios, SG
Universal Studios, SG
Bugis Street, SG
Weekend at Singapore-lah!

August ✈
El Nido, Philippines

Enchanting El Nido
El Nido Beach Hotel
Squido's Restaurant
Seaslug's Bar and Restaurant
A Day in Paradise Known as El Nido

September ✈
Davao, Philippines

Davao City -- A Rundown
Pearl Farm Marina
Pearl Farm Resort -- Day One
Pearl Farm Resort -- Day Two
Maranao Restaurant at Pearl Farm Resort
Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee
Eden Nature Park and Resort
Eden Nature Park Buffet
Marina Tuna Seafood Market Restaurant

September ✈
Baguio, Philippines

The Manor at Camp John Hay Baguio
The Manor Baguio -- The Sweet (Suite) Room
Philippine Military Academy
Sizzling Plate Baguio
Cafe by the Ruins
Le Chef at The Manor Baguio
Little John's at CJH
Tam-awan Village

December ✈
Macau and Hongkong

Manila ✈ Hong Kong ✈ Manila
Macau in One Day
Hotel Benito, HK
Sky 100, HK
Tim Ho Wan, HK -- The World's Cheapest Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Lamma Island, HK
Maxim's Food, HK
Places I Love in Hongkong

I wonder where my feet will take me in 2012. Hanoi? Another Hongkong trip perhaps? South Korea?

But my mind says, Europe! *wink*

Eden Nature Park Buffet

It just lasted for two days.

Now I'm at Eden Nature Park and we just paid for a buffet lunch (Php450 per person) at The Vista Restaurant. I've been so proud of myself for not having buffet at Pearl Farm, but then again, today will be an adventure-filled day so I will need all the energy I can get.

What's on the table

Fresh organic salad

Potato salad

Green mango salad with bagoong

Thai fried rice

Pancit guisado

Fish lumpia -- Perfect with vinegar

Roasted pork belly -- Crunchy and very flavorful

Grilled Tanigue -- I think I had three servings, its so fresh!

Beef caldereta

Banana bread

Very sweet mangoes

Papaya, watermelon and pineapple

The selection was ordinary (read: lutong bahay) and there's really nothing to rave about, but having lunch with only the cool breeze of Davao air providing the air-conditioning in the middle of the forest is worth every centavo.

Eden Nature Park and Resort

Owned by the Ayala's of Davao, Eden Nature Park is a 95% man-made mountain resort. When the owners bought the land in 1971, they immediately saw the potential of the place, with a great view of Davao City and the gulf. They carved out the mountain and planted a thousand pine tree seedlings. Now, after 40 years, almost all of the 80-hectare forest can be accessed by a guided tour (for a fee) provided by Eden.

Day Tour Center

The guided one-hour tour around the forest cost Php100 per person.

I suggest buying tickets in advance especially on weekends and holidays so you can choose the time of your tour.

Eden Nature Park and Resort is divided into certain areas. We only had time for three though -- Fishing Village, the Guided Tour and Sky Rider.

The huts where you can wait for the staff to cook your catch.

Here at the Fishing Village, you can request to have your "catch" cooked at your preference.

The pond has Tilapia, Dory and Catfish

Nice to see a kid patiently waiting to catch a fish

Perfect family bonding

After lunch, we boarded the shuttle that will take us for a tour around the forest.

The nursery where they grow organic vegetables that they serve at the restaurant and sell outside as well.

A hanging bridge over a waterfall

Trying to play the instrument with the kids

A nice bahay kubo overlooking Davao City

Wishing well with beautiful gumamela flowers

If you're also looking for adventure, Eden has the perfect treat for you.

Kiddie playground

Adult playground

The sky rider is a 200-meter long ride at 20 meters in the air. Sounds like fun!

Safety is the number one priority here

Gears on!

Woohoo!

~o~o~o~

Eden Nature Park & Resort

Sales and Reservations Office
Matina Town Square
McArthur Highway, Matina
Davao City, Philippines
Tel.: (6382) 299-1020 / 296-0791