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| Entrance to D' Japanese Tunnel Family Resort with two statues of Japanese soldiers |
Along the Diversion Road in Davao City, there is a Japanese tunnel that dates back during the World War II. The tunnel was carved out of the hilly section of Matina Balusong, west of the city by Davao Prisoners of War in 1942. The tunnel was used by the Japanese as a hide-out, and as a means of transporting their equipment and mobilizing their forces against the American liberating army. It was accidentally discovered by the owners of the land while constructing a hotel. They were excavating the area when they uncovered damp passageways and rooms underneath the land, and soon discovered that those were tunnels used by the Japanese soldiers during the war.
The owners decided then to name the place D' Japanese Tunnel Family Resort, which is now a hotel, a restaurant, and has since become one of the major tourist attractions in Davao City.
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| Signage at the main entrance |
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| Main Entrance |
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| View of the Resort |
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| Closer view of the Resort |
The tunnel is about 300 meters deep, which ends at a blocked passageway, the other side of which is owned by a different owner. Inside the tunnel, visitors are met with several life-sized statues of Japanese soldiers, and Japanese women in traditional Kimono. One of the main attractions of the tunnel are what remained of the various vintage weaponry found during the discovery which are beautifully displayed inside the tunnel such as, machine guns, bombs, explosives, and several ammunition and bullets. Deeper into the tunnel are compartments of water bankers, and makeshift offices used by the Japanese soldiers, and a dungeon for the prisoners of war. There are several chapels as well, where replicas of a Golden Buddha and gold bars can be seen.
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| Air conditioned rooms above the concrete inscription |
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| The Tunnel |
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| Several of these Japanese statues are found in different portions of the tunnel |
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| Replica of a Japanese Golden Buddha |
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| One of the chapels with a Golden Buddha |
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| Japanese money during World War II |
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| Outdoor Swimming Pool |
The Resort is a three-storey hotel with a number of air-conditioned rooms suitable for families. It also has an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves delectable Chinese, Filipino and Japanese dishes, including Western steaks. The menu offers a variety of these dishes that are reasonably priced.
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| The Menu |
There still remain quite a number of Japanese tunnels in Davao City, particularly in Ma-a and Mintal that are still intact today which used to run several kilometers and would crisscross and intersect at some points, but the inevitable rehabilitation of the city immediately after the war have destroyed much of these tunnels and were eventually lost in the pages of history. What remain of these tunnels became historical landmarks and a favorite destination of foreign and local tourists.
How to get to D' Japanese Tunnel Family Resort
Located near the end of the Diversion Road in Matina Balusong towards the junction of MacArthur Highway in Matina area, the Resort is easily accessible by public or private transportation, and is only 20 minutes drive from downtown city proper.
Contact Information
D' Japanese Tunnel Family Resort
Hillcrest Subdivision
Diversion Road, Matina Balusong, Davao City
8000 Philippines
Tels +6382 299 0975 | +6382 298 3705
i've been here! nice experience..
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you again, lzlpio90! You hardly blog nowadays. I have been following your blog, "MY TRAVELS" and was hoping to see fresh updates on your posts. Hope you will blog some more. Best regards.
ReplyDeleteit looks good... :)
ReplyDeletethanks for the info...
what is the contact number of D'Japanese Tunnel?
ReplyDeleteD' Japanese Tunnel Family Resort Telephone Numbers: +6382 299 0975 | +6382 298 3705
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteIs this located at the corner of the Pan-Pacific Highway (Diversion Road) and the access road to Forest Hill Resort? We used to live near Balusong Matina. During our high school years (late '80s) we've exlpored this tunnel as well as few more located where the subdivision leading to Forest Hill resort is now situated. If this is the same tunnel then i remember there were two very deep holes that went straight down. One located very near the mouth of the tunnel and another at the far end. Being high school students we did not have access to climbing equipment to explore these. There were also rooms dug into the sides of the tunnels. I remember it to be very muddy inside and without regard for any safety we explored the whole length of the tunnel only to leave because after reaching the end the air was thick with the smoke from the coconut palms we burned to light our way. It was a very very nice adventure albeit with no regard for our own safety (the misplaced notion of invincibility when you're young). Sure wish i can see this resort and the tunnel the next time im in Davao.
That's right. The resort is along the Pan-Pacific Highway close to the corner of the road that leads to Forest Hill Resort.
DeleteI certainly hope that your next visit to Davao City will bring you to the resort and perhaps retrace your adventure to one of these tunnels again.
Warm regards, and thank you for your comments.
how much is the entrance of their pool?
ReplyDeletehow much is the entrance fee if you're just going to visit the tunnel?
ReplyDeletecan i have the email address of japanese tunnel?
ReplyDelete