Ed’s Bonita Park offers tranquil, forest-like tour

Tourists enjoy the scenery and fruits provided by Ed’s Bonita Park located in Upper Navy Hill. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

Strolling through the hidden gem that is Ed’s Bonita Park sometimes feel like seeing a unicorn is part of the package or that fairy-like creatures are lurking beneath the broad leaves of this botanical treasure. It just makes you want to take a deep breath, to savor the lush, authentic forest feel.

Ed’s Bonita Park, a 45-acre park surrounded by beautiful, luscious green forest that highlights the beauty and serenity of the outdoors, has been in the Manglona family for over 10 years.

A co-owner of the park, Michael Manglona, only officially got on board with the family business this year but has already committed most of his time and effort into developing the woodsy refuge, making it more accessible to the public and tourists.

The tract of land where the garden sits has been with Manglona’s family even before World War II. He said its rich luscious greenery isn’t just a beautiful sight but holds a lot of history and has withstood the test of time and unpredictable weather.

Because the park withstood the war, many of the caves that surround the park are still littered with the belongings of Japanese soldiers and artifacts that date back to the war.

According to Manglona, with today’s generation so attached social media, to electronics, and has basically lost touch with nature due to modernization, the park is intended to re-ignite that connection and provide a temporary escape for the soul.

The park doesn’t only let people walk through the beautiful green forest; it also allows you to appreciate its ageless beauty while learning first-hand about the childhood of Manglona’s mother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who all grew up frolicking in that tranquil garden.

Ed’s Bonita Park doubles as a farm and a stop for tourists in search of nature. During each tour, fresh fruits from the garden are given to guests to try as a part of the tour package.

According to Manglona, all fruits grown in the garden are 100 percent organic. “My father refused to use pesticides then and now. He always said, ‘It’s either us or the birds,’” said Manglona.

Guests also get to take part in tilapia fishing that Manglona claims is popular with families, especially children.

Ed’s Bonita Park offers several packages like the jungle tour package, wedding sunset package, and the family package.

Manglona wishes to keep the location of the park exclusive for the safety of guests and the park’s staff so for individuals interested in taking a tour, visit Ed’s Bonita Park’s Facebook page or call them at 783-3276 for information on their current promotions and for reservations.