We are in the middle of the summer and it was a little odd for me to go hiking when I know that this season is hotter. I was in Mt Megatong last week and I felt like I might need some staycation somewhere with colder temperature.
BuDa is the place to consider if you are looking for a colder one. BuDa means Bukidnon-Davao as it connects or the boundary between the two. Bukidnon has a nickname of Highland Paradise in the Heart of Mindanao and its location explains its weather. Some people consider it as a little Baguio City and they are not wrong.
There are some great destinations in BUDA but in this blog, I will gonna talk about the resort we visited and that is the Buda Vista Garden Resort.
I’ll try to make this blog helpful for you if you want to visit the place. I’m not a pro yet in terms of blogs as I have just started it but thank you for reading.
Also, take note that I’m not paid for this since I don’t have the number of following yet, I just want to write and give you some information.
Anyway, first things first, there are two different BUDA Vista with different management, the Buda Vista Vacation House and Buda Vista Garden Resort and I will gonna talk about the resort one.
Buda Vista Garden Resort just begun its operation in 2015, management was good and our overall experience is great. However, there are some things that need improvement. Let’s skip that first and let’s talk about the good things.
RESERVATION
It was easy, I only called once and just a few minutes, I’ve got the reservation. I think you must reserve first to make sure that everything is fine. Walk-in guest is okay but you as a guest, it might be a trouble since you don’t know if the place is full or not, so make a call. You can also chat them as well in their official Facebook page.
Call them – 09236821288 | Chat them
How to Get There
There are 3 best options to go to BuDa, it is either bring your own car, rent a van or riding a Bus bound to Cagayan De Oro.
Bringing your own car or your friend’s car is the easiest solution because BuDa is a place where commuting is really a big deal. Just make sure that you fuel your car up. The good thing is that there is a gasoline station at Seagull Mountain Resort, another great place to visit. The bad news is that sometimes they have a power shortage and there are no other gasoline stations nearby.
Renting a van is also a good option if you are traveling with 10 to 14 friends. The estimated rent cost is P3,000.00 per day depending on the rate of Van owners.
The most practical way is riding a Bus bound to Cagayan de Oro City and just stop at BuDa. Always be attentive because you might already pass the resort. Use Maps and always communicate with the driver or conductor, the travel time is only an hour or two from Davao Ecoland Bus Terminal.
Here are the bus schedule details:
Davao to Cagayan de Oro City
Aircon: First Trip: 2AM / Last Trip: 6PM (30 mins interval) / Fare P535* Non-Aircon / Deluxe : 24 hours (30 minutes interval) / Fare: P400 Three Trips Non-stop: 7PM, 9PM and 10PM / Fare: P600
Take note that the price listed is for Davao to Cagayan de Oro City, the rate for Buda must be lesser.
The road going to the resort is a bit narrow and curvy, 2km in distance from BUDA highway and is part of barangay Napaliko. They have parking space, which is a must, and the resort is big in terms of hectares. You can definitely feel the cool breeze and bringing a jacket is advisable. They only have 6 house types with amazing architectural designs, all made of wood and glass.
They have a restaurant and they also sell things you might need, like alcoholic drinks for Barkadas, chips, foods, etc. They strictly implement CLAYGO or clean as you go.
Activities
Kayak – P50/head/hr
Bird feeding/Fish feeding – P50
But the best activity is with your friends or families doing crazy games inside the house.
Best things
The staffs are friendly, which is very opposite to their facebook page’s reviews. Good job on working on that because customer service is a big deal.
The entire place is just great, I love to stay there longer.
The bathroom has heaters which is a must for a very cold place.
Buda Vista Garden resort is absolutely a recommended place but here are some key points that they must look into.
Totally clean the house. I understand that they implement CLAYGO but cleaning the spiderwebs is not part of it. They must check the ceiling as the house we rented has so many spider webs. It may not a big deal but they must consider looking into that small details.
Prepare towels, mugs and other guest’s necessities beforehand. They already know the number of guests coming and I think it is best that they prepare the towels ready at the house rather than wait for us, guests, to request for it. I feel sorry for the staff who always go back and forth whenever we have a request considering that our house is a bit far from the lobby or resto.
The lagoon is great knowing that it has running water and some small waterfalls but the water itself is a bit off. Maybe they have to work on cleaning it more but for sure it will be better soon.
I think that’s it. Our experience is great and you must also try visiting Buda Vista Garden Resort. Please let me know if this blog is helpful for you or if you have any questions.
Thank you for reading and have a great day!