We thought we had already made the most out of our Davao trip until we visited this garden resort.
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Davao is known for many things: from durian, which often gets divided reactions from first-time tasters, to its succulent and affordable tuna; from the vibrant Kadayawan Festival to being the gateway to Samal Island and the home of Mt. Apo. In recent years, the city has also been gaining a reputation for its emerging matcha scene.
What many people don’t realize, however, is that Davao is also carving out a name for itself in the world of chocolate—thanks to Malagos, which has helped put Philippine-made chocolate on the global map.
Inside Malagos Garden Resort, you’d be amazed to see a 24-hectare farm with over 10,000 cacao trees, as well as a chocolate museum that allows guests to have a more immersive tree-to-bar experience.
What’s a tree-to-bar process?
If you’re looking for a refreshing detour from the usual resort activities, like taking a dip in the pool or lounging in your hotel room with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, visiting Malagos Garden Resort’s Golden Sunset Farm is a fantastic way to make the most of your stay.
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Formerly known as Malagos Farm, the cacao farm offers an immersive look into the tree-to-bar process, showcasing the full journey of chocolate—from planting and harvesting to fermentation—before it finally becomes the rich, indulgent bars we all love.
At the farm, we discovered just how tedious and complex the chocolate-making process is—but also how intentional and passionate the team is in ensuring that every chocolate produced meets their high standards.
We saw how harvested cacao is carefully filtered, with slightly damaged beans separated and given to local markets where they are used to create traditional tablea products. Through this process, it became clear that Malagos ensures its chocolate bars and other cacao products are of the highest possible quality, while also making sure that cacao beans that are still usable are never wasted.
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Beyond chocolate bars, we were surprised to learn that cacao extract can also be transformed into vinegar and tuba. This highlights Filipino craftsmanship and resourcefulness, showing how the cacao fruit can be maximized and utilized in more ways than one.
Exploring the cacao farm was truly an experience to remember. We were guided by knowledgeable tour guides who shared in-depth insights into how cacao is grown and transformed into chocolate. They patiently answered our questions while also introducing us to the hardworking farmers tending to the crops under the sun, giving us a deeper appreciation for the craft and the people behind every bar.
Yes, you can make your own chocolates!
After a fun and refreshing visit to the farm, you can head straight to the Malagos Chocolate Museum, the first and only chocolate museum in the Philippines.
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Inside the museum, guests are invited to learn and indulge in the delicious world of chocolate. The space is divided into four main sections. The first is the museum proper, where visitors are treated to a visual and auditory learning experience about cacao and chocolate-making. Aside from exploring interactive displays, infographics, historical artifacts, and audio presentations, we were able to gain deeper insights from our guides, who thoughtfully answered our questions throughout the tour.
There is also an interactive zone where children (and those young at heart) can play games and unleash their creativity and curiosity while learning more about chocolate in a fun, hands-on way.
Of course, no visit to a chocolate museum would be complete without a stop at the Chocolate Bar, where you can fully indulge in Malagos Chocolate’s offerings. From their iconic chocolate bars and cookies to rich and decadent chocolate drinks, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings and treat yourself after the tour.
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We were also treated to a curated chocolate tasting experience, where we sampled raw cacao beans alongside Malagos’ 65%, 72%, and 85% dark chocolate varieties. If you get the chance to try this, don’t forget to smell the chocolates first before tasting them, as it enhances the experience and allows you to better appreciate the distinct flavors of each variety.
But the best—and our favorite—part of the visit was the Malagos Chocolate Laboratory. Here, we were able to make our own chocolates and let our imaginations run wild. We were given the chance to choose two free ingredients, ranging from nuts and marshmallows to dried fruits. We settled on nuts and happily molded our chocolates, feeling our inner child healed in the process.
After crafting your chocolate, you only need to wait for less than 30 minutes. This gives you ample time to explore the museum once more or finally shop for Malagos’ iconic chocolate bars and pasalubong to take home.
A heartwarming sanctuary away from the city
Malagos Garden Resort offers the kind of healing getaway you need if you’re looking to escape the bustle of Davao City.
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During your stay, you’ll have access to a variety of resort attractions designed for both relaxation and discovery. Beyond the Malagos Chocolate Museum and the farm, guests can spend time at the Bird Feeding Dome or the Petting Zoo. Those visiting on weekends can also catch the Interactive Bird Show in the morning and the Falconry Show in the afternoon.
If you’re coming from Lanang, the drive takes about an hour, but any exhaustion quickly melts away the moment you step inside the resort. Far from the chaos of the city, your mind and soul are refreshed as you immerse yourself in nature and embrace the calm that comes with it.
Planning to visit when you’re in Davao? Malagos Garden Resort is located in the Baguio District, Calinan-Baguio-Cadalian Rd. Meanwhile, Malagos Chocolate Museum is open every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
ALSO READ: This Café in Makati Lets You Craft Bouquets While Sipping Coffee
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