Dexter PrieteWhen driving along the mist-shrouded corridors of the Davao-Bukidnon Highway (Buda), it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of mountain resorts popping up left and right. But if you are looking for an accessible road-side pitstop that trades confusing backcountry navigation for a front-row seat to the majestic Arakan Valley, Alice Kitchen and Log House demands your attention.
Located at Bagong Silang, Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City, this mountainside escape serves as a perfect strategic staging point for couples and small groups exploring the highlands. It combines a rustic log house cabin with a unique multi-tiered restaurant building that frames the landscape perfectly.
🏔️ Quick-Reference Property Breakdown
| Feature / Policy | Details |
| Exact Location | Bagong Silang, Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City |
| Room Rate (Couples) | ₱2,500.00 per night |
| Check-In / Check-Out | 1:00 PM Check-In / 11:00 AM Next-Day Check-Out |
| Core Inclusions | Free breakfast for two, basic toiletries, balcony views |
| Primary Downside | No bathroom shower and no water heater |
You can coordinate your reservations, check room availability, or ask about daily menu specials by calling their line at 0933 856 5344.
🏗️ The Mountainside Architecture & Arrival
The property features a creative architectural layout built directly onto the sloping mountainside. Beside the main log house—which is large enough to accommodate groups of 12 or more people—stands a distinct three-story structural building.
[ Buda Highway Level ] ──► [ Top Floor: Alice Kitchen Restaurant ]
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[ 2nd Floor: 3 Guest Rooms ]
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[ Bottom Floor: Staff House ]
Because of the steep terrain, the top floor is the very first thing you see from the highway level. This upper tier hosts Alice Kitchen, an open-air restaurant and viewing deck.
The Arrival Protocol
The management enforces a strict 1:00 PM check-in time. If you arrive early (around 12:15 PM, for instance), the staff will ask you to wait while they complete room preparations. Fortunately, the restaurant’s overhanging viewing deck is a highly relaxing place to pass the time, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the deep green Arakan Valley while your room is readied.
🛏️ The Room Experience: Intimate Views vs. Ice-Cold Reality
The guest rooms on the second floor are tailored specifically around an intimate, romantic vibe for couples. Upon entering, the immediate highlight is the private balcony that looks directly out over the vast mountain floor. From this high vantage point, the ₱2,500 room rate easily justifies itself: you can watch the sunset drape over the ridges, observe a brilliant carpet of stars at night, and wake up to a pristine highland sunrise without leaving your bed.
[ Cozy Room Bed ] ──► [ Balcony Sliding Door ] ──► [ Panoramic Arakan Valley Views ]
The Room Amenities
- Entertainment Hack: The room comes equipped with a flatscreen TV, but it is limited to only three local channels. If you plan to lounge indoors all day, bring a flashdrive pre-loaded with movies. You can plug it directly into the TV’s USB port for a custom movie night.
- Conveniences: The space includes a wall fan (which you likely won’t need given Marilog’s natural climate), a convenient water dispenser bracket, and two glasses.
- Included Toiletries: The management provides two complimentary toothbrushes, two sachets of shampoo, and a roll of toilet paper.
The Major Bathroom Caveat
Before booking, you must be prepared for a raw backcountry reality check: the comfort room does not feature a shower or a water heater. The running tap water in Marilog is notoriously ice-cold. Bathing here requires a lot of mental fortitude, using a traditional pail-and-scoop (tabo) setup. While the overall stay remains excellent, a lack of hot water is a definitive dealbreaker for some travelers.
🍳 Dining at Alice Kitchen & Budget Travel Hacks
The culinary setup at Alice Kitchen is straightforward, but its strict property rules require a bit of planning:
1. The Dinner Constraints
The kitchen offers standard comfort food staples like Breaded Porkchop (₱165.00) and Chicken Nuggets (₱140.00). While reliable, these are simple fried dishes rather than high-end gourmet meals.
The restaurant also lists an interactive Ultimate Platter (nachos, fries, and nuggets for ₱320.00). However, management strictly prohibits bringing food inside the guest rooms, and the open-air restaurant can get excessively cold and windy after dark. Because sitting outside in the freezing night wind is uncomfortable, many guests skip ordering heavy late-night platters altogether.
2. The Romantic Breakfast Experience
In contrast to dinner, breakfast here is a genuine highlight. The complimentary morning meal options include tasty, heavy Filipino favorites like Tocino with egg and rice, or crispy Bacon with egg and rice. Eating your hot breakfast on the balcony while the cold morning wind hits your face occasionally accompanied by a morning rainbow cutting across the valley makes for an unforgettable couple’s experience.
☕ Budget Hack: The ₱18.00 Highland Coffee
Hot beverages at highland resorts are often overpriced. To save money, buy 3-in-1 coffee or milk sachets at any small sari-sari store along the highway before checking in. You can borrow ceramic mugs from the Alice Kitchen staff and ask for free hot water and sugar. You get two large mugs of creamy hot coffee for a total of just ₱18.00.
🗺️ The Strategic Marilog Staging Loop
To maximize your trip along the highway, you can easily weave Alice Kitchen into a broader, highly efficient day itinerary:
- The Lunch Staging Point: Since check-in is strictly in the afternoon, consider dropping by El Tosoy Lantawan to secure a heavy, panoramic lunch before making the final drive to Alice Log House for your 1:00 PM check-in.
- Roadside Botany: The immediate highway perimeter surrounding the resort is lined with local plant and flower vendors. It is an excellent stretch to shop for cheap, affordable highland flora to bring back to the lowlands.
- The Adventure Extension: If your knees are craving a physical trek, a small path located just a few meters ahead of Alice Log House serves as the direct trail heading down to the hidden waters of Osambak Falls.
🚀 Plan Your Next Staging Point With Us
At Manakaay ug Bukid, we believe that honest travel logs protect your pocket and your knees. Whether you are hacking your morning coffee budget or braving the ice-cold running waters of Marilog’s best ridge views, explore our comprehensive regional directories and mountain guides to plan your next outdoor escape safely.
🧐 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does a room for two cost at Alice Log House?
A: The couple’s occupancy room costs ₱2,500.00 (approximately $48.91) per night. This rate includes a private balcony overlooking the valley and free breakfast for two persons.
Q: Does the bathroom at Alice Kitchen rooms have hot water?
A: No. The comfort rooms do not feature a shower or a water heater. Because the mountain water is ice-cold, guests must use a traditional bucket-and-scoop method for bathing.
Q: Are guests allowed to bring outside food into the rooms?
A: No, you cannot bring food items into the overnight guest rooms. Dinners and heavy platters must be consumed at the top-floor open-air restaurant deck.
