Birthdays always make for a good excuse to stop and do something nice for one’s self. A few months ago, we visited Jack’s in the Sky for a quick cup of coffee. We were so enamored by the place that we vowed to come back for an overnight stay. I turn thirty-something this month and the husband decided that we will celebrate at the resort.
Fantastic Place Close to Davao City
There is a Jack’s Ridge in Davao City that overlooks the Davao Gulf and the expansive metro. The view is quite stunning especially at night. Jack’s Ridge is home to a collection of restaurants, cafes and even a function area for special events. Well, Jack’s in the Sky Buda is quite the same and even better.
The place is located in Davao’s highlands — not quite part of the city but still in Davao, nonetheless. Barring any traffic, Jack’s in the Sky Buda is barely an hour from downtown Davao. It is actually one of the first good places accessible from the Davao-Bukidnon highway. So as far as ease of travel goes, Jack’s Buda takes the cake.
Hidden Beauty on a Ridge
The last time we visited, we only stayed at the restaurant and the kids just hung out at the small playground. Jack’s in the Sky offers Sightseeing and Day Tour packages for visitors who want to explore the park situated a few steps higher than the restaurant.
I have seen photos of the park but was not prepared to see it with my own eyes. We rode a golf cart going up the slope on account of our overnight bags. The one-minute ride transported us to the seemingly secret garden on the ridge. Perfectly manicured gardens, a small pool, and view decks looking out into the valleys and mountains of Marilog.
Accommodations at Jack’s in the Sky Buda
Overnight stays at Jack’s in the Sky have recently become available. Guests are housed in A-shaped villas situated at the edge of the small park. The villas are named after endemic flowers and we stayed in one called Sampaguita. Our villa is right beside the owner’s big house and across the swings which we all enjoyed.
Accommodations are simple and functional. Inside the small villa is a double-sized bed and a loft where a single-sized bed can be fixed up upon request. The bathroom is in an outhouse right beside the villa — this is shared with the villa next to ours. Bath towels and basic hygiene kits are provided as well as bottled water, a water heater, and an electric fan. Electricity and internet signal in these parts can be finicky but I am happy to report that both are stable in the resort.
Things to Do
Places in BUDA do not offer much in the adventure department. After all, we go to these places to hit pause and unwind. While I was perfectly content sitting in a corner admiring the view and taking occasional photos, the kids wasted no time getting into the pool. The water was cold but it was a welcome respite from the afternoon heat.
Jack’s in the Sky offers a 674-step trail around the property. This is a challenging trail with some parts involving a steep climb on steps along the perilous ridge. Jun took on the challenge while I watched the kids. Excuses, excuses.
There are a few common sitting areas where you can hang out and eat. Alcoholic beverages would have been perfect for the weather and chill vibe but the resort management discourages it. Also, you can comfortably watch the kids play in the swings.
When the weather permits, the staff sets up a bonfire. Drawn to the heat, we stayed by the fire until B decided she’s already bored with counting the stars. Adie made a mental note to bring marshmallows to roast on our next stay.
Food at Jack’s in the Sky BUDA
We already know coffee at Jack’s in the Sky is great and we were excited to try their food. They did not disappoint. We only ate two meals in the resort since we also wanted to explore other places in the area. Meals are served exclusively at the restaurant close to the entrance.
We had a simple dinner of sinigang (sour soup), chicken inasal, pork barbecue and of course, rice. The soup was delicious and hearty, packed with vegetables and perfectly balanced flavors. The meat was tender, too! The grilled dishes were also delectable.
Rooms come with breakfast and I was prepared for the basic plate of rice, meat and eggs served with coffee or tea. To my surprise, their “free” breakfast was a bed of rice, a tomato and cucumber salad, your choice of protein and scrambled/sunny side egg served in a nice wooden bowl. It was aesthetic to say the least. Breakfast was very filling and delightful.
A Few Tips
The family had a great experience celebrating my birthday at Jack’s in the Sky. Here are a few tips I would like to share:
- Plan your meals and look at other restaurants in the area. You will have to drive a few kilometers but it’s part of the Buda experience.
- Bring snacks and chips. Jack’s in the Sky imposes corkage on food except for chips and water. You can always order food from their restaurant but they don’t offer room service.
- Bring a swimsuit. The pool is fantastic especially during the early morning hours before day tour guests arrive.
- Request a villa away from the fire pit. Smoke from the bonfire reaches the villas close to the pool and I promise you, it’s not pleasant.
- Bring insect repellant.
- The loft space gets very cold during night time so bring extra clothes to keep your warm and toasty.
- Sunsets and sunrises at the resort are fantastic. Take lots of photos!
Have you stayed overnight at Jack’s in the Sky Buda? Tell us about your experience on Facebook! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to like and share our post. See you around!
