HomeAsiaPhilippinesMindanaoDavaoDavao del NorteMonfort Bat Colony in Samal, Night Ferry to Davao & Dinner at Lachi’s By Marcos Detourist on January 14, 2012The dimming light during our late afternoon arrival in Samal Island set the mood for one unique attraction. We were set to visit the Monfort Bat Colony, known for being home to the largest colony of the Geoffrey’s Rousette Fruit Bats.I and Ferdie dropped off at Babak (near the pier) and hailed a motorcycle to take us to the bat colony. The caves were located within a private compound, the owners of which charge an admission fee to see the nocturnal celebrities.Not a single soul was around to greet us a welcome at the entrance. My head raced when I saw the sign “visiting hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm only.” Emphasis on the until 5:00 pm ONLY. It was already 5:15pm … bummer!Eerie sight of millions of fruit bats at the Monfort Bat Colony in Babak, Samal Island, Davao del NorteMillions of Bats at the Monfort Bat ColonyA girl came shortly after and reiterated that they were already closed for the day. Fortunately, after some dialogue (begging) she agreed to take us in :) They do allow night viewing at the Monfort Bat Colony but prior reservations need to be arranged so that they could prepare for the visit.The entrance fee costs P30, which includes a guided tour of the caves and some background on this bizarre natural phenomenon. Monfort Bat Colony EntranceYou’d know that there’s an unnaturally huge presence of bats in the area because of the ominous symphony of high-pitched shrills. At first sight, I was already shocked at the sheer number of bats at the cave opening. Getting a closer view, I was overwhelmed seeing uncountable black masses covering the cave walls. It looked like the walls itself were moving. Cave Opening #1The girl showed us two more cave openings, similarly populated with bats. The Monfort Bat Colony in Babak is estimated to have some 1.8 million bat residents. The simple reason behind this phenomenon was that the area continues to be highly suitable for bat’s habitation. Cave Opening #2 Cave Opening #3Closer view of the fruit batsBabak, Samal to Sasa Wharf, Davao City RORO FerryIt was already dark when we arrived at the RORO pier in Babak. We hopped on the bus with the “Santa Ana Wharf” route. The ride involved a ferry to Davao City via Sasa Wharf. I was at the side-deck for most of the ride … enjoying the view of the silky waters and city lights.On the RORO going to Davao CityOT. of vampires.During our short acquaintance, Ferdie shared that interactions with me was sorta like an “Interview with the Vampire.” Of course, I knew he meant that I was too silent … or maybe that I had an unnaturally flat affect. I wasn’t offended since I’ve always had much difficulty opening up to other people, especially if I just met them. ANYWAYS, his comment struck me because I thought it cool that he would associate his impression of me with one of my favorite pieces of literature.Ever since I saw Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” as a kid, I’ve been fascinated with vampires. This was followed by obsessions with just about any book or movie with reference to vampires including Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s other novels … yes, even Twilight. I think my obsession is connected to my inclination for long-term backpacking … the feeling of freely walking the Earth as an observer without a care of societal concerns and the passing of time.Dinner at Lachi’sI and Ferdie ended up spending more time together when we arrived in Davao. He was also traveling solo. It was great to have some company for a change. We had dinner at Lachi’s since I wanted to try their much-raved-about grilled pork ribs. Lachi’s was located at the corner of Ruby and Sapphire Sts., Marfori Heights, Davao City.Grilled Pork Ribs – P130, New York Cheese Cake – P45, Iced Tea (Sola) – P40, Rice – P20It wasn’t the mind-blowing taste I expected but the grilled pork ribs was delicious and sold at such a bargain. New York Cheese Cake was also delicious. Lachi’s had a lot of appetizing pastries on display.People’s Park DavaoAfter dinner, we decided to take a peek at People’s Park at the heart of downtown Davao. It was one of the best public parks/plazas I’ve seen in the Philippines. It was very clean, spacious, and even had a lot of interesting attractions … a great photo-op when in the city.That concludes my first visit to Davao. The next day, I rushed to the airport to catch and early morning flight to Zamboanga. Blog post to follow…Don’t leave yet. There’s more!Isla Reta Beach: Talicud to Kaputian, Mainland Samal3 Days Davao and Samal Itinerary - DIY Travel Tips & Guide6 Days in Davao & Zamboanga - First time in Southern…Davao to Samal Ferry & Talicud Island DIY Trip - Sta Ana…Babu Santa Beach in Talikud Island, Samal by Habal-habalAmbot-ah Top Travel Adventures in 2010Comments riz saysJanuary 15, 2012 at 8:32 pmpwerte nga alagit it bah!! nde man kaladlukan? Marcos saysJanuary 15, 2012 at 11:00 pmguin google ko pa kung ano “alagit it,” dalum ba, hehe. Seeing so many of them made me jumpy at first but since they didn’t seem to be hostile. I kinda find them cute, haha … I didn’t expect them to be so furry :D bertN saysJanuary 15, 2012 at 10:04 pmWere you able to enter any of the bat caves? It is probably best to visit the caves just before or immediately after the sun sets so you can witness the bats flying out of the caves to search for food. Marcos saysJanuary 15, 2012 at 11:01 pmnope. Entering the cave isn’t allowed to protect the bats from human interference. Yeah, if only we waited for another 30 minutes or so :( Martin saysJanuary 16, 2012 at 3:49 amMukhang interesting bisitahin yung bat cave, pero parang nakakatakot din..haha.. Marcos saysFebruary 2, 2012 at 1:43 amNakakatakot sa simula pero parang di naman sila pumapansin sa amin, hehe Joseph Reyes saysJanuary 16, 2012 at 3:58 pmI also enjoyed seeing these bat caves in September, 2008. Sayang naman, you had just a little time.. you could have gone to other places in Samal Island.. like the Hagimit Falls, the white sand beaches of Babak and Kaputian, the sand bar and Mount Puting Bato (which I plan to see if ever I had the chance to go back to the island). There is another waterfalls, Tagbaobo Falls, far from Babak. At first I thought it will be more beautiful than Hagimit but it was not (not worth the long travel going to this waterfalls)… I just enjoyed the view of the sea and the mainland view of Davao Oriental & Comval Province. Marcos saysFebruary 2, 2012 at 2:07 amOo nga, I was planning to visit Mount Puting Bato too but didn’t have the time. It’s great that AirPhil Express has direct flights between Iloilo and Davao now. For sure, I’ll be visiting Davao and Samal in the near future. Thanks for the tips Joseph! taz saysJanuary 20, 2012 at 3:49 pmThe entrance fee is now P100. I dont know why they are charging too high. We were so disappointed and decided not to go kasi marami kami. Very excited pa naman. Hope babaan nila since its a natural attraction naman and so more locals can enjoy.Im proud of People’s Park. Not the typical park usually seen in other cities na may mga kalat. Its truly one of the city’s attraction.Great blog and pictures of my second home! Thanks. Marcos saysFebruary 2, 2012 at 2:49 amwoah, really? such a big increase… thanks taz! Davao is truly beautiful and unique compared to other major urban centers in the Philippines. tots saysJuly 6, 2013 at 10:12 amthanks to this ill be using it as a guide! Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Marcos saysJanuary 15, 2012 at 11:00 pmguin google ko pa kung ano “alagit it,” dalum ba, hehe. Seeing so many of them made me jumpy at first but since they didn’t seem to be hostile. I kinda find them cute, haha … I didn’t expect them to be so furry :D
bertN saysJanuary 15, 2012 at 10:04 pmWere you able to enter any of the bat caves? It is probably best to visit the caves just before or immediately after the sun sets so you can witness the bats flying out of the caves to search for food.
Marcos saysJanuary 15, 2012 at 11:01 pmnope. Entering the cave isn’t allowed to protect the bats from human interference. Yeah, if only we waited for another 30 minutes or so :(
Martin saysJanuary 16, 2012 at 3:49 amMukhang interesting bisitahin yung bat cave, pero parang nakakatakot din..haha..
Marcos saysFebruary 2, 2012 at 1:43 amNakakatakot sa simula pero parang di naman sila pumapansin sa amin, hehe
Joseph Reyes saysJanuary 16, 2012 at 3:58 pmI also enjoyed seeing these bat caves in September, 2008. Sayang naman, you had just a little time.. you could have gone to other places in Samal Island.. like the Hagimit Falls, the white sand beaches of Babak and Kaputian, the sand bar and Mount Puting Bato (which I plan to see if ever I had the chance to go back to the island). There is another waterfalls, Tagbaobo Falls, far from Babak. At first I thought it will be more beautiful than Hagimit but it was not (not worth the long travel going to this waterfalls)… I just enjoyed the view of the sea and the mainland view of Davao Oriental & Comval Province.
Marcos saysFebruary 2, 2012 at 2:07 amOo nga, I was planning to visit Mount Puting Bato too but didn’t have the time. It’s great that AirPhil Express has direct flights between Iloilo and Davao now. For sure, I’ll be visiting Davao and Samal in the near future. Thanks for the tips Joseph!
taz saysJanuary 20, 2012 at 3:49 pmThe entrance fee is now P100. I dont know why they are charging too high. We were so disappointed and decided not to go kasi marami kami. Very excited pa naman. Hope babaan nila since its a natural attraction naman and so more locals can enjoy.Im proud of People’s Park. Not the typical park usually seen in other cities na may mga kalat. Its truly one of the city’s attraction.Great blog and pictures of my second home! Thanks.
Marcos saysFebruary 2, 2012 at 2:49 amwoah, really? such a big increase… thanks taz! Davao is truly beautiful and unique compared to other major urban centers in the Philippines.