I visited the place twice already,not for a vacation but
both for school projects purposes only.The first time i went to the
place, we conducted a research study so basically its a thesis.During my
trip,i expect the unexpected because we planned not to go swimming on
that day but we can't stop ourselves to jump on the very cold spring of
Durano eco-farm resorts.Behind my super quick vacation & research i
didn't brought any extra clothes with me cuz like i said, we didn't
planned about it and i didn't gave up to search & search for clothes
to have something to use as a swimming attire.And thank God i found
something, even though the shorts was undersized, it doesn't matter
anymore.As long as i can jump and play the clean cold spring. Its so
natural because its "no chlorine" water.It was too relaxing and super
stress reliever.
Anyway, about the ambiance! i was 100% inlove with the
nature and the man-made forest that amazed me because it looked so real
& natural.Plus
that day was not so crowdy because summer haven't started yet.I really
enjoy my short stay while conducting a research.Its totally a Study
& vacation trip.There are pools with various depths each, that is,
there are pools both for adults and children.Basically its a free
flowing spring water that is very clear, clean and cool enough to
refresh you especially when you visit or live in a tropical country like
the Philippines.
The second time i visited the place was a compulsory tour
for my Ecotourism subject.The whole trip was fixed i mean we're using
our school bus as means of transportation.So less hassle & not so
adventure.I also didn't enjoy the place much because i was so busy
interviewing the employee and other staffs.I also asked plenty of
questions about the farm & the quaills which will be needed as an
output to passed the subjects.During this tour it was more on
sightseeing and a super quick stay.If you want to know more about the
resort i have here from WWW.CEBU-BLUEWATERS.COM
Basic facilities & natural environment
Where the fresh spring water pools are being built, you can
enjoy the view of the creek nearby. By the creek sides you’ll discover
trees and other wild plants surviving as they used to since the
foundation of the natural world.
If you are a naturalist, I mean one who loves nature and
cares for them, you would certainly enjoy being in this place observing
tropical trees, wild flowers, birds, insects and all. (By the way,
expect that you’ll get some mosquito bites since this is a tropical
area.)
So, as much as they can, the management of Durano Eco Farm
Resort tries to keep nature intact and without much intervention to the
natural environment. (However, as part of their endeavor, plants of
various species are being planted in this farm…)
For instance, you would notice that the pools are neither
that very artistic nor intricate. You wouldn’t see many tiles and all
those fancy decors. In fact, the walls of the pools are quite rough (so
be very careful, unless you want a scrubbing on your back!), which are
basically made of bare stones, sand, and cement (or plaster).
Anyway, see it for yourself.
Plants & Activities at Durano Ecofarm Resort
Being an eco-farm in progress, Durano Eco Farm Resort
offers various natural environment and ecology being preserved and
planted with diverse collections of plants and trees.
There are about 400 plants and trees that have been identified and all of which have scientific names.
To name but a few (by their common names, of course!), the
farm has mango trees, red dragon plant, coconut trees, ferns (such as
Bird’s Nest Fern), palms, giant yams, flowering and more ornamental
plants.
The responsible pollinators of these fruit trees are the
bats who made a home just nearby the farm. They are residing in a cave
located at a cliff facing the farm itself. What a convenient place for
them!
Aside from the plants, you can also find an apiary and a quail farm.
Nature Walk or Trek
The management of Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort offers a nice
nature walk showing you the resources inside the farm, if you love the
idea. Just contact them in advance so that they can arrange a guide for
your.
Of course, there are shades, cottages, benches and other
resting places inside this farm. I think it’s more of a big garden than a
farm. You can check it out at their facebook page which I provided
below this page, and please, let us know what you think.
Having described all that, I think the management of Durano
Eco Farm Resort is trying to create a sort of paradise in this part of
the province. Although, the creation of this paradise is just
commencing, I guess, it is on its third day or something!
Here are the basic facilities and services you can avail when visiting this natural resort and farm…
Eco-facilities & Accommodations
I’m sure you’re wondering how much you should spend when you decide to come and enjoy.
Don’t worry about that because the rate of facilities and services are very minimal and affordable.
The regular ENTRANCE FEE is 60 pesos(The price is subject to change)
Cool Spring Pools
Durano Spring Resort has five (5) pools that are built one after the
other. It means that the spring water flows from the topmost pool and
down to the last one.
The water keeps of flowing, so there’s no need to worry about soaking in stagnant or dirty water.
The five pools have various depths each.
Fun Durano Ecofarm's Treehouse
Of course, the deeper ones are for adults (and good
swimmers) while the shallower pools are for children (kiddie pools) who
loves to play all day in water (like me when I was little and got
reprimanded many times over^^).
Tables & Chairs
Tables only for your food and other provisions are available for rent
(from 200 pesos up) with rates depending on the size. Of course, simple
chairs go with tables.
Cottages are available if you prefer to have a little bit
of privacy with your family or friends (but not so private because it’s
actually open - no walls, only wooden or bamboo railings (or fences)
surrounding the hut cottage).
Tree House (Cottage)
You’ll notice also that there are tree houses available. It would be
interesting but probably not advisable if you have smaller kids or for
people with height phobia. The rate of these cottages is basic and
affordable (from 300 to 500 pesos up).
I heard that some cottages are available for overnight’s stay, probably the tree houses are.
Okay, let’s check out how to get to Durano’s Spring Resort.
Reaching Durano Eco Farm Resort
It is not difficult to find and get to Durano Eco Farm
Resort. Just take a bus from North Bus Terminal bound for Carmen. Don’t
miss to get off at Carmen’s Public Market, where you can see from the
right window of your bus.
From Carmen Public Market, you can take a tricycle
(improvised bicycle with a lightweight side car). The fare is minimal
(about 30 pesos or less than a US dollar).
If you prefer, you can tell the operator to pick you up at a
certain time. Of course, this is a no problem if you got your own ride.
If you are driving (or somebody is driving for you), here’s the guide…
From Carmen Market go straight ahead until you reach
Carmen National High School, then drive left for about 4 kilometers or
so until you see a big mango tree at which “This way to Durano Eco Farm
Resort” billboard is being posted.