Dexter PrieteWhen the lowland humidity of Davao City starts to bake your system, your outdoor instincts naturally point you toward the cooling highlands of Toril. Most casual travelers crowd into the standard commercial rest stops, but if you are willing to look a little closer, a peaceful, uncrowded sanctuary is waiting for you right past the popular landmarks.
Located in Purok 1, Baracatan, Toril, Davao City, Araw Araw Sunday Campsite is an exceptional highland escape that feels miles away from the urban rush, yet sits just minutes away from Sentro Toril. Owned by Engr. Espiridion “Jun” Calinawan, this hidden gem is set within a lush, active 2-hectare jackfruit farm. Positioned right beside the historic Baracatan Bridge, it offers a refreshing blend of cold mountain air, glamping convenience, and raw river exploration.
🏔️ Quick-Reference Visitor Matrix
| Stay Option / Amenity | Rate / Capacity | Inclusions & Features |
| Day Tour Admission | ₱50.00 per person | Access to grounds, river trail, and cafe lounge |
| Overnight Base Rate | ₱1,300.00 | Good for 2 pax; full access to amenities |
| A-Frame Cabins | 3 Units Available | Charming timber build with cozy glamping vibes |
| Camping Tents | Fits up to 3 pax | Spacious, weather-resistant ground setups |
| Kitchen Privilege | FREE / Included | Complete sets of cooking wares, kitchen utensils, and plates |
| Recreation Hall | FREE / Included | Full use of Videoke, Billiards, Basketball, Darts, and Jenga |
🚗 The Infrastructure Lore & Road Breakdown
Reaching Araw Araw Sunday Campsite is remarkably straightforward, but the road network itself holds an interesting piece of local history.
[ Twin Fork Highway ] ──► (Upper Fork: Catigan Toril Route)
│
▼ (Lower Fork)
[ Pass: Sunridge Entrance & Open Space Cafe ] ──► [ Steep Decline ] ──► [ Baracatan Bridge / Campsite ]
To locate the property, keep going past the main entrances of Sunridge Resort and the Open Space Cafe and Bar. As you drive up, you will pass a distinct twin-fork highway layout—the upper fork leads up toward Catigan, while the lower path keeps you on track toward Baracatan. Then follow the winding road as it slopes downward toward the Baracatan Bridge. The entrance to Araw Araw Sunday sits right at the side of the structural bridge lines.
The Parking Situation
Because the property sits right at the base of the valley, guest parking is designated along the street near the bridge. While street parking can sometimes feel risky, it is relatively safe here.
💡 Local Road History: According to local trackers, this concrete road was originally engineered to serve as a major connecting highway linking Toril to Arakan, Cotabato, and onward into Bukidnon. However, construction was permanently halted, turning this dead-end sector into a quiet, closed road. With almost zero passing traffic, your vehicle sits undisturbed.
⛺ Cozy Glamping, Free Utilities, and Farm Friends
Araw Araw Sunday eliminates the heavy logistical strain of traditional backpacking. For ₱1,300 (good for two people), you can settle into one of their three charming A-Frame timber cabins or opt for a spacious ground tent setup.
The resort completely removes the need to haul heavy cooking gear up the mountain. Guests enjoy free, unrestricted use of a fully equipped communal kitchen, heavily stocked with complete sets of cooking wares, pots, pans, kitchen utensils, and dining sets.
The main pavilion transitions into a lively Recreation Hall where groups can unwind over a videoke machine, a billiard table, a basketball ring, dart boards, and giant Jenga blocks. While you play, the authentic countryside vibe is brought to life by the resort’s friendly residents—a flock of pet chickens and majestic turkeys that roam freely beneath the jackfruit trees.
🌊 Under the Bridge: The Ice-Cold River Hideaway
While the farm grounds and recreation hall offer plenty of entertainment, the true hidden treasure of Araw Araw Sunday lies just beneath the highway infrastructure. The management has constructed a set of rubber stairs leading directly down from the property lines to the riverbed under the Baracatan Bridge.
[ Rubber Camp Stairs ] ──► [ Under the Baracatan Bridge ] ──► [ Upstream Secret Pool ]
(Deep Nature Swimming)
If you follow the crystal-clear water slightly further upstream, away from the bridge structure, the ravine opens up into a completely quiet, nature-filled pool. Surrounded by overhanging wild foliage and massive river rocks, this secret swimming spot features incredibly cold, crisp, and refreshing water. It is an exceptional spot to sit put, submerge your legs, and let the mountain current wash away your mental fatigue.
⚠️ Beyond the Bridge: The Elite Backcountry Ridge
If you look across the Baracatan Bridge and decide to keep moving forward, be prepared for a steep physical challenge. The road past the bridge scales into a very high, steep slope incline that can easily cause weak or low-clearance vehicles to struggle or lose traction.
However, if your vehicle has the horsepower and torque to conquer the grade, this upper ridge reveals itself as a hidden hideaway for high-end luxury retreats. Pushing deeper into this exclusive highland pocket leads you to premier, highly secluded private destinations such as Karl’s Nature Resort, Paris Hill, and Pine’s View.
🔄 Elevating Your Mindanao Adventure Itinerary
To get a complete taste of the Davao Region’s geographic diversity, pairing this cool mountain farm stay with our other regional field guides makes for an incredible week. After exploring the low-cost water basin trails at the waterfalls in New Corella or studying the coastal ecosystem preservation down at the Panabo Mangrove Forest Park, ascending to the crisp, jackfruit-scented air of Toril provides a stunning contrast.
For more honest, field-tested trail maps, budget breakdowns, and hidden camping reviews, return to our Manakaay ug Bukid homepage to chart your next weekend loop safely.
🧐 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is Araw Araw Sunday Campsite located exactly?
A: The campsite is situated at Purok 1, Barangay Baracatan, Toril, Davao City. To find it easily, follow the road past the Sunridge Resort entrance down to the edge of the Baracatan Bridge.
Q: How much does it cost to stay overnight at Araw Araw Sunday?
A: The overnight rate is highly budget-friendly at ₱1,300.00 good for two persons. For day-trippers who just want to explore the jackfruit farm, drink coffee, and swim in the river, admission is just ₱50.00 per person.
Q: What entertainment and kitchen amenities are included in the price?
A: Your overnight booking grants strictly free use of their recreation hall (equipped with an automated videoke machine, a billiard table, a basketball ring, darts, and a Jenga board) along with a fully stocked kitchen containing complete cooking wares and utensils.
Q: Is the water under the Baracatan Bridge safe for swimming?
A: Yes. The management has built rubber stairs dropping down beneath the bridge structure. If you follow the river trail slightly upstream, it opens into an isolated, natural, and exceptionally cold and refreshing swimming hole surrounded by wild greenery.
Q: Is it safe to park a vehicle along the street near the bridge?
A: Yes. While parking is located along the street margins near the bridge, it is uniquely safe because this road functions as a closed road at the end. Since it is a dead-end with no heavy public through-traffic passing by, your vehicles remain secure.
