#maragusan

Years ago, the world felt very small to me. It was April 2022, a time when most of us were still cautious about the Covid-19, shutting its usual liveliness of the world outside. And we retreated into the quiet safety of our homes. Well, at fifteen years old, I can still remember that I was the very definition of an introvert. My room was my sanctuary, my phone was my window to the world, and "going out" wasn't exactly on my wish or priority list. I was comfortable in my own little bubble, but life has a way of pushing you out of your comfort zone.

I remember the day clearly. My mother, who has always had a persistent personality persuaded me to go out for an adventure. Turns out, she and my stepdad had seen a place in the blue app online, a new spot called Mt. Patong Mountain Resort in Mapawa, Maragusan. They were determined to go. I was hesitant and kinda want to just stay at home, but my mom insisted. She wanted us to bond together, to breathe real air, and to witness a new project that was still in its early stages. Looking back, that persistence was a gift I didn't know I needed.

The Bumpy Road to Discovery

The journey from my province in Mati City is a story in itself. We set out shortly after we had eaten lunch, with the sun hanging high but softened by the mountain clouds. It is roughly a one-hour ride, but on those roads, time feels different. As we transitioned from the familiar streets I knew into the rugged terrain of Pantukan and finally toward Maragusan, the road became a real challenge.

The ride was long, bumpy, and honestly quite uncomfortable at times. We were traveling by motorcycle, feeling every dip and curve of the uphill climb. As an introvert, I usually spent my time lost in my own head, but the physical sensation of the wind and the vibration of the bike made me present in a way I hadn't been in months. Every kilometer we traveled felt like we were leaving the worries of the world behind. As the elevation rose, my shell started to crack. The view began to open up into something vast, green, and untouched. I found myself silenced not by shyness, but by the sheer, humble beauty of the Davao Region’s highlands.

A Warm Welcome

When we finally arrived around 3:00 PM, we were greeted by a modest front desk cottage. The entrance fees were surprisingly humble and remain so to this day, with rates around ₱30 for children and ₱60 for adults. This accessibility is part of what makes the place so special; it stays true to a mission of being a place for everyone, regardless of their budget.

The View from Above: Rice Fields and Tiny Houses

One of the moments that lives most vividly in my heart is when I stood at the edge of the hill and looked down. Being so high up, the world below looked like a miniature village. I was amazed by the sight of the rice fields spread out like a patchwork quilt, and nestled among them were tiny houses. Even though we were at the top of a resort, I could see that there were people still living their lives "below-below" in the valley.

Capturing the Potential

My stepdad brought his drone along, and that changed the entire perspective of the trip. Watching the drone lift off and disappear into the misty clouds was mesmerizing. From the ground, we could see the flowers and the paint, but from the air, we saw the true potential of the land.

He took videos that captured the "Painted Hills" effect, the way the paths carved through the greenery and the way the colorful structures stood out against the deep green of the Maragusan mountains. Because the resort was so new and not yet well-known, he felt a sense of pride in taking videos that could help promote the place. We weren't just tourists; we felt like witnesses to the birth of a new landmark. The footage showed the layers of the hill and the swirling mist that gives the area its reputation for beauty.

Lizards, Butterflies, and Paintings

Walking into Mt. Patong was like walking into a giant, living coloring book. Because it is built on a hill with multiple layers, every level offers a new perspective. Even though construction was still ongoing, the visual narrative was already stunning. The landscapes were decorated with vibrant, artistic designs that felt whimsical and surreal. I clearly remember the lizard bushes, hedges that had been formed and painted to look like giant lizards crawling across the hills.

There were also butterfly designs and mushroom-shaped seats that made the entire garden feel like a fairytale. One of my favorite spots was the swing at the very top. From that seat, you could see everything. I spent a lot of time walking alone, just taking it all in. I had colored hair back then, a bright version of my old self that was still learning how to exist in the world. The air wasn't as cold as I expected for a hilltop, but it was fresh. It was a "fresh breath of air" that my soul truly needed. From Construction to Completion:

Today, those "20 percent" dreams have reached full bloom. What was once a construction site where I wandered alone is now a complete resort with facilities designed for every kind of traveler. The Couple Rooms offer cozy spaces for romantic getaways, while the Barkada and Family Rooms provide large, comfortable spaces for groups to wake up together in the fog.

The resort now features a beautiful swimming pool that lets you swim while looking out at the very mountains we climbed. There is a cafe and a convenience store for those quiet morning coffees or late-night snacks, and a function hall that hosts weddings and reunions. It is incredible to think that the place I saw with bare bushes and wet paint is now a hub for people making their own memories. Traveler’s Tips for Your Maragusan Adventure! If you are planning to follow in my footsteps and head to Mt. Patong, there are a few practical things you should keep in mind to make the most of your journey. First and foremost, let’s talk about the weather. Because the resort is perched high on a hill, the climate is vastly different from the coastal heat of Mati City. It is often quite foggy, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons. That mist might look beautiful in photos, but it carries a chill that can catch you off guard. I highly recommend bringing a jacket or a comfortable hoodie. You want to wear something that keeps you warm so you can actually enjoy the view without shivering. Trust me, standing at the peak is much more magical when you aren't fighting off a cold breeze.

When it comes to transportation, the road is a huge part of the experience. Based on my journey, a motorcycle is the most flexible way to get there. The road is a bit narrow and, as I mentioned before, quite bumpy in sections. A motorcycle allows you to navigate those small ways and tight curves with more ease. However, if you prefer traveling by car, that is definitely an option as well. Just be prepared for a slower, more careful drive. Whether you choose two wheels or four, the key is to take your time. The "uncomfortable" part of the ride is just a small price to pay for the scenery you get to witness once the road levels out and the resort comes into view.

Another tip is to check your gear before you leave. Since you’ll be seeing those breathtaking "painted hills" and the tiny houses in the distance, you’ll want to have your camera or phone fully charged. If you have a drone like my stepdad did, make sure you have enough battery space to capture the aerial view, it’s the best way to see the rice fields and the layout of the lizards and butterflies. Also, because it’s a resort that feels very natural and open, wear sturdy shoes. You’ll be walking up and down different layers of the hill, and you want to be able to explore every corner, from the mushroom seats to the very top swing, without worrying about slipping.

Lastly, don't forget to bring a sense of curiosity. Maragusan is a place of stories, from the owner’s vision to the families living in the valley below. Take a moment to just sit in one of the cottages, breathe in that fresh air, and look at the clouds. It’s not just a place for a quick photo; it’s a place to slow down and appreciate how a dream can be built on a hillside, 20 percent at a time.

Realizations of my 15-Year-Old Self

These two photos are incredibly precious to me because they are some of the only ones I personally have with us left. My phone from that time was old and eventually got damaged, and retrieving these few images felt like finding a diary entry from a version of me that no longer exists.

I learned that day that the "uncomfortable ride" is usually worth it. The bumpy roads lead to the best views. As an introvert, I realized that bonding doesn't always have to be about talking, sometimes, it’s just about standing on a hill with your family, looking at a valley of rice fields and tiny houses, and feeling lucky to be there. It’s about the people we share the ride with and the courage to step outside. If you are looking for a place that feels humble, artistic, and breathtaking, Maragusan is waiting for you. Whether the resort is under construction or fully finished, the heart of the place remains the same. It is a reminder that even when things are still being built, they can still be beautiful.

Rates and Packages

If my story has inspired you to see the sea of clouds for yourself, here is a quick guide to help you plan your budget. Mt. Patong has remained a very humble and accessible destination, ensuring that the beauty of Maragusan is available to everyone. Whether you're just dropping by for the afternoon or planning an overnight stay under the stars, here is the official breakdown of the rates:

Maragusan is the home of the country's different tribes who bring with them their own culture and speak their own dialect. They make valuable contributions here in Maragusan thanks to their efforts and maintaining their traditions and culture. The most known indigenous group in our community is the Mansaka and the Mandaya.

Mansaka's are known for their distinctive costumes and ornamentation, involving tie-dyed textiles and embroidery using a sophisticated system of symbols with named motifs. Beadwork and silver craft are also well-developed. These costumes helps us to know what tribe they belong to. I've had a Mansaka classmate before and I'm amazed how they do their traditions like making their Mansaka attire which is very difficult to do but for them it is very easy. As far as I've experienced young Mansaka's especially in the elementary level often get bullied because of the dialect they are using or for some other reasons.

The Mandaya tribe originates from Davao del Sur. “Mandaya” derives from the prefix man meaning “inhabitant of” and “daya” meaning upstream” or “upper portion of a river,” and therefore means “people living upstream. Beadwork and silver craft are also well-developed. The Mandaya maintain harmonious relationships with their pantheon of deities and spirits through rituals of appeasement and supplication. These spirits are believed to reside in a different area of the universe. One culture I love from them is their famous L'lulot dishes that are technically local cuisines among tribe of Mandaya. These are usually composed of meat (pork, chicken or shrimp) that is cooked in a bamboo along with coconut milk with a mix of ginger, onions and garlic (can add lemon grass or salay that is common ingredients). I can compare it with the common dish 'giniling' but is mixed with coconut oil. Some also describe it as having a minty taste because of the spices it contains. Most of my mandaya friends posses natural beauty enhanced by their 'mestiza' color.

Highway 906 and 907 (Mati to Nabunturan Route)

To those who are wondering about Mati to Nabunturan Route, this blog is for you.

Work brought us to Mati, Davao Oriental sometime in March this year.  And from there, we had to proceed to Nabunturan, Compostela Valley for another meeting the next day.  If one had to do such in the past, that would mean going back to Tagum City via Surigao-Davao Coastal Road.  But not anymore. In the recent years,…