Monkeys found new home in Youthville Paradise and Recreational Center, North Cotabato
North Cotabato is one of the provinces blessed when it comes to natural resources, one of which is the Asik-Asik Falls of Alamada, Mt. Apo Natural Park in Kidapawan City, the Bungulanon Falls in Magpet, and many more. These are just one of the ones we have visited in recent months.
From downtown, we traveled for a 15-kilometer ride to the intersection going to barangay New Israel and another three kilometers, left turn, from the national highway. The road is generally paved with a slight curvature sublet mild.
Along the road before reaching the entrance is a checkpoint area where all tourists are required to pay 20 pesos for the environmental fee, and 10 pesos for children. There will be a bit of orientation about the recreational park and a guide towards the entrance landmark - the gym.
At the entrance, you will be greeted by monkeys as if trained; as well as local volunteers or guides. Upon entering the park, each tourist group is required a local guide who can be the storyteller on the long walk to the main attraction.
Wear comfortable shoes, and tread the unpaved and uphill path to the overlooking attraction. The huge trees, floras, and endangered wild deer locally known as binaw, and faunas are breathtaking as you walk and the chirping of the environment is soothing. This place truly relieves stress due to the noisy and chaotic city life.
At the park, each tourist has to pay 100 pesos for the entrance fee. Is it expensive? well, let’s try to make the most of whatever we can do inside. Entering the park will pass a stone staircase uphill. A Ship replica will open with a paradisiacal overlooking view.
Inside, you will find various Bali-inspired attractions such as nests, windmills, colorful objects, unique flowers, rooms, and cottages. My favorite thing about the place is the cold climate in the afternoon and the overlooking view.
If you are tired of walking around and taking pictures. The small resto is the best location to relax where they have best seller fox coffee and homemade hot chocolate. they also have a lot of short orders and heavy meals.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Davao City (104Kms)
- From the Ecoland bus terminal, ride a bus going to Kidapawan City
- Get Off to Bulatakann Crossing
- Ride a motorcycle to reach the Park
From General Santos City (127kms)
- From Bulaong Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Davao City
- Get off to Digos City
- At Digos city, Ride a Bus going to Kidapawan City
- Get Off to Bulatakann Crossing
- Ride a motorcycle to reach the Park (Brgy. New Israel)
* * * ENJOY YOUR STAY * * *