Dexter PrieteWhen tracking down highland getaways in Davao del Norte, most travelers stop as soon as they reach the famous, cascading curtains of Panas Falls. But if you are willing to push past the lowland crowds and keep ascending into the mountains, a serene pocket of quiet solitude is waiting for you just up the ridge.
Located in the San Jose Highlands of Brgy. San Jose, New Corella, Camp Jovert Burlat is a budget-friendly hillside sanctuary designed for slow weekends, cold mountain breezes, and clean views. Sprawling across a wide, cleared-out property that offers absolute peace away from dense residential developments, it is the kind of isolated spot where you can just sit put, drink brewed coffee, or unwind with your closest circle of friends.
🏔️ Visitor Checklist & Cost Breakdown
| Item / Amenity | Rate / Policy | Remarks |
| Entrance Fee | ₱30.00 | Per person day-rate |
| Food & Drink Corkage | ₱0.00 (No Corkage) | Pack your own baon and drinks freely |
| On-Site Resto | Varies | Serves silog meals, quick dishes, and custom orders |
| Beverages | Varies | Hot brewed coffee, beers, liquors, and gin available |
| Overnight Stay | Available | Choose between tent camping or rustic wood cottages |
🚗 The Route & The Parking Reality Check
Reaching the San Jose Highlands requires navigating a few distinct terrain bottlenecks. To keep your transit stress-free, keep these field notes in mind:
- The Access Road: To get here, you will pass directly by the primary entrance of Panas Falls before starting your steep climb up the mountain. The access road is mostly cemented, but expect several broken sectors and narrow, winding curves that require defensive driving.
- The Parking Dilemma: The entrance to the camp does not currently feature a structural gate.
- Motorcycles vs. 4-Wheel Vehicles: If you are riding a motorcycle, you can drive all the way up to the main reception area parking lot, which is highly secure and right next to the staff. However, four-wheeled vehicles and cars cannot make the final incline and must park in an open area below the camp.
- ⚠️ Overnight Safety Note: Because the lower parking lot is far from the reception and lacks a perimeter gate, it is a bit uncertain if leaving a 4-wheel vehicle there overnight is entirely secure. For overnight stays, arriving on two wheels is highly recommended.
🍳 Resto Vibes, Brewed Coffee, and No Corkage Fees
The focal point of day-trips at Camp Jovert Burlat is its open-air restaurant. The structure has been carefully cleared around its margins to ensure a wide, unobstructed, and highly picturesque view of the surrounding mountain valleys.
[ Highway Incline / Panas Falls ] ──► [ Narrow Winding Road ]
│
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[ Cottages & Stony Tent Grounds ] ◄── [ Open View Resto ] ◄── [ Motorcycle Parking Area ]
(Common Restroom Access) (Silog Meals & Coffee)
The cool highland wind gallops right through the dining area, making it an incredibly relaxing space to pass the time. The kitchen serves up a reliable selection of heavy Silog meals, quick short-order comfort foods, and hot brewed coffee. If you have specific group cravings, you can also request the staff to cook custom menu items.
For those planning an evening session under the stars, the resto is fully stocked with liquors, beers, and gin. Best of all, the camp enforces a strict no corkage fee policy, meaning you can bring your own marinated meats, snacks, and extra drinks without breaking the bank.
⛺ Woods Camping & The “Coral Rock” Terrain
If you decide to extend your stay past twilight, walking further down from the main resto ridge will lead you directly into a wooded area where the overnight facilities are located. Here, you can either rent a rustic wooden cottage or pitch your own camping tent.
To ensure you pack correctly, take note of these unique campground conditions:
1. Watch Your Footing
Unlike standard grassy campsites, the ground in this wooded sector is incredibly stony and lined with sharp, coral-like rock formations. Because of this jagged subsurface, you must exercise caution with your footing while walking at night. If you are tent camping, bringing a thick, durable ground tarp and a high-density sleeping mat is mandatory to protect your tent floor and your back.
2. Common Toilet Setup
While the campsite is kept clean, emptied of clutter, and well-maintained, overnight guests should note that the property utilizes a common toilet system. The restrooms are located up the hill inside the main resto building, so you will have to make a short uphill trek from the woods when nature calls.
🚀 Plan Your Next Staging Point With Us
At Manakaay ug Bukid, we are dedicated to bringing you the raw, unvarnished truth behind Mindanao’s best backcountry hideaways. Whether you are hunting for a quiet highland campsite or mapping out an affordable weekend road trip with your friends, explore our updated regional directories to plan your next outdoor escape safely.
🧐 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much is the entrance and corkage fee at Camp Jovert Burlat?
A: The entrance fee is ₱30 per person, and there is strictly no corkage fee for outside food and drinks.
Q: Can cars and 4-wheel vehicles park overnight at the camp?
A: Cars must park in an open area below the camp because only motorcycles can climb to the main reception. Since the lower lot has no gate, overnight security for cars is uncertain; motorcycles are considered safer as they park directly near the reception area.
Q: What is the campsite terrain like at Camp Jovert Burlat?
A: The overnight camping area down in the woods is very stony, with coral-like rock formations. Campers should wear sturdy footwear and bring extra padding/tarps for their tent setups.
