About Davao
Located in the island of Mindanao, Davao is home to many of the Philippines' natural wonders. In Crocodile Park, you will be greeted by literally thousands of crocodiles as well as a wide variety of other jungle creatures. You can also visit the incubator for crocodile eggs. If you want to get an eagle-eye view of the city, head to Jack’s Ridge. You might even be tempted to stay a night in one of their luxurious cottages. Climb Mount Apo, the “King of Philippine Peaks,” or take a walk at People’s Park where you’ll find some interesting pieces of art, waterfalls, trees, and some wild eagles. For the history enthusiasts out there, Davao Museum is the place to go. See art, and rare maps and artefacts from the Philippines’ cultural minorities. Finally, cap it off at Roxas Avenue Night Market, where you can fill your stomach with freshly-cooked dishes.
Considering a trip to Southern Philippines? Start with Davao City, the largest urban center in Mindanao. Located at the foot of Mount Apo, the PH’s tallest mountain, this sprawling metropolis is where you can get a taste of Durian, meet the great Philippine Eagle, and enjoy day trips to refreshing natural sites like Eden Nature Park and Samal Island. Of course, it is also the gateway to beautiful spots in Davao Region and beyond.
Durian Fruit
Tasting durian, the 'king of fruits'
Durian is known to be one of Davao's signature fruits, along with others produced in the city. In 2014, Davao produced 500 metric tons of the spiky fruits on 3,000 hectares of land.
Did you know that durian became abundant in the land because of fruit bats in the islands of Samal and Talicud? At night, the bats fly to farms in Calinan, Toril and Baguio hence the pollination of durian flowers.
Through time, Davao has come up with products and delicacies with durian as main ingredient: coffee, durian cheesecake, ice cream, tarts, and candies.
The city's newest offering is the Durian Kape Maka sa Latik which is best partnered with pudding made also from durian meat and Talisay nuts.
DAVAO CITY, Phiippines – Davao City is known not only for its fine beaches and the endangered Philippine eagle, but also for its durian. Tagged as one of the world’s most exotic fruits, durian is now a byword not only in the Philippines but also in other countries. (READ: Davao City: Your complete weekend itinerary)
Philippine Eagle
The Philippine eagle is the world’s largest eagle with a wingspan of up to 2 meters, a body length of 90 centimetres, and a weight of 4.5 to 8 kilograms. In addition to its size, the Philippine eagle is also distinguished by what might be called a ‘mane’ of brown and white feathers on its head. This mane can be raised or lowered at will. The underside of this eagle is white except for the primary and secondary wing feathers and tail, and the upper side is dark brown. The beak and facial mask are black.
Every dollar that comes through the Philippine Eagle Center is put towards Eagle conservation and education. This incredible center dedicates time and efforts toward protecting endangered eagle species while opening up an interesting platform for the public.
During your visit, you will watch eagles feeding on raw meat as they cut into it with their sharp claws and beak, watch eagles soar around the property with huge wingspans, and take some up-close and personal photos!
Best Things to Do in Davao (the Philippines)
There is something in Davao city that you won’t experience often in other areas of the Philippines, and that is a local experience. As Davao isn’t the #1 rated tourist spot in the Philippines, you won’t bump into as many resorts, western restaurants, or high-priced tours, but what you will get is real Filipino food, experiences, prices, and interactions.
Go to a museum and learn about the city’s cultural heritage, walk down a market to taste dishes from family recipes, or walk through acres of wildlife sanctuaries to create lifelong memories.
If you start getting that craving for white sand, Davao is only a boat ride away from some of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines where you can enjoy spectacular beaches with plenty of water activities for a day or two.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Davao:
1. Crocodile Park
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Davao city is the Crocodile Park, which is home to thousands of crocodiles. Yes, thousands!
They’ve got both freshwater and saltwater crocs that are bred and born on site. You can visit the incubator room where you’ll see hundreds of crocodile eggs growing baby crocs!
Beyond the crocodiles, you’ll also have the chance to see monkeys, snakes, birds, and other reptiles. The Crocodile Park offers educational tours, lectures, and offers public awareness of wildlife conservation efforts. All around, a great place.
2. Jack’s Ridge
If you want full eagle-eye views of the city, you’ll want to make your way to Jack’s Ridge.
In addition to marvelous views, there are two restaurants to choose from when you make your way up here: Karlo’s Gourmet which serves coffee and baked treats, and Taklobo where you can sit in an open-air dining area sharing big portions of beautifully plated Filipino food.
If you decide to stay the night, there are cottages, a pool, and lovely views for sunrise.
There is also quite a bit of history on Jack’s Ridge as this land was previously used as the headquarters for retreating Japanese forces during World War II. You can read all about it at the Jack’s Ridge monument. Just goes to show that you’re never too far from a history lesson in the Philippines.
3. Dahican Beach
The most beautiful beach on the mainland is hands down Dahican Beach where 7 kilometers of gorgeous sand and turquoise water awaits. Rent a lounge chair for a day or bring your towel so soak up the sun for as long as you’d like.
If you’d like a more adventurous beach experience, there are shacks along the beach renting boogie boards and surfboards perfect for catching some waves. Some of the resorts here offer activities such as island hopping tours that leave from Dahican Beach.
Bring a tent and you can pitch it on the beach overnight for a small fee. Fall asleep to the sounds of waves crashing, wake up to fresh morning air then go take a bath in the sea!
4. Kopiat Island
Take a day trip to Kopiat Island off the coast of Davao. This desolate little island is home to heaps of wildlife and beautiful nature. You can go with tour group, which transports you via an exhilarating speedboat ride from the mainland. You’ll set foot ashore within a half an hour. These tours include a visit to the Lubi (coconut) plantation, some incredible food, coffee and desert. And you will of course have time to frolic on the beach as well.
If you’d like a more carefree day, hire a private boat from Davao and have them take you on a 1-2 hour tour where you can come ashore and explore the white sand beaches lined with overhanging coconut trees.
5. China Town
I bet you didn’t expect to find such a huge China Town in Davao. The Mindanao China Town is a collection of Chinese restaurants, shops, business, and malls spread out over 44 Hectares. Many of the businesses here are actually run by Chinese Filipinos who hold on strong to their Chinese roots.
You’ll enter China town under a traditional bright red Chinese archway with a shingled roof and be transported to a different universe- or at least it feels that way.
Visit the Long Hua Temple that is home to Kung Fu monks or the Mindanao Taoist Temple with beautiful Chinese architecture. Stop in some malls where you can buy electronics and makeup. And of course, eat everything!
6. Island Buenavista
Gather 10 of your favorite people and plan the most incredible overnight stay on your very own private island off the coast of Davao! Island Buenavista is a small, pristine island with white sand beaches, clear water, full staff, comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and water activities, if you please.
For just PhP 105,000, your crew gets all of that to themselves! The island is yours, which means complete privacy and total security with no day trips from random tourists. This is your chance to live like a celebrity!
7. Maxima Aquafun Resort
Set your inner child free at Maxima Aquafun Resort on Samal Island, just a quick boat ride away from Davao city.
For PhP 300, adults can enjoy a 40-meter super slide that spits you out into the sea, and a water blob that catapults your into the air.
This resort also offers water activities such as banana boat rides, snorkeling, jet skiing, and kayaking. Dry off on the canopy walk with a suspended bridge that you can rappel down. It will be an adrenaline-filled day!
8. Civet Coffee
Coffee freaks will be excited to try a weird and wild coffee brew called Civet Coffee. A civet is a cat-like wild animal native to the Philippines who helps out with the harvesting process by eating sweet coffee cherries and then pooping out the beans. Apparently, this organic process gives the beans a deep flavor that is out of this world delicious and has no bitter taste.
Trying buying Civet Coffee in the United States and you’ll pay a fortune for these beans, but the closer you go to the source, the less expensive it gets. Mt. Apo has a shop and café where you can buy a cup of Civet Coffee or a bag to take home for cheap!
Mount Apo
"King of Philippine Peaks”, as it’s called, Mount Apo is one of South East Asia’s highest mountains and it’s right here in Davao. The mountain’s peak reaches an elevation of 10,311 feet which is 3,144 meters above sea level. Towards the top, there is a 500-meter wide crater lake created by volcanic activity. The mountain is home to rubber plantations, a 150-meter tall waterfall called Tudaya Falls, along with wild boar and deer.
During the moths of March, April, and October, experienced climbers can climb the summit during a two-day hike organized by various tour groups around the area.
..And a lot more..
How to get there and Where to stay in Davao
Hotel in Davao City
13 km from Deca Wakeboard Park, OYO 192 TCC Condo-Hostel is located in Davao City and provides air-conditioned rooms. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and free WiFi.Good job Oyo TCC! The rooms are renovated now. Staff are also friendly and I felt welcome. Will definitely stay again.
Hotel in Davao City
Boasting a shared lounge, OYO 235 R Residencia is situated in Davao City in the Mindanao region, 2.9 km from Matina Town Square and 3.4 km from SM City Davao. Staff are helpful and bed is comfy. I had a great stay
Hotel in Pampanga
OYO 217 T-Ara Hotel is a 2-star property situated in Pampanga. With a restaurant, the 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Spectacular place to stay.. Nice staff and clean room.. Cant wait to go back
Now You Can Fly to Davao for LESS!
Good news, dear fans. Right now is a great time to book your flight to Davao! We're offering some truly incredible roundtrip deals. So whether you're a frequent business traveler, or if you're just looking to get out of town for a while, you can fly for less. And don't forget, SMB (Sarap Mag Biyahe) Travel & Tours, also has great deals on hotels and cars waiting for you when you land. Just think - with the money you've saved on your flight, you can splurge on what matters - attractions, shopping, dining out, and more. So don't delay - grab a cheap ticket to Davao today!
The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Davao City, Philippines
Mention “Rodrigo Duterte” to any Filipino and you’re guaranteed to get one of two reactions – fierce adulation or bitter disgust. Without question, he is a polarizing figure. Ever since he won the Philippine presidency, there seems to be no middle ground when it comes to how people feel about him.
But regardless of where you stand with this man, one thing isn’t in question – the city which he governed as mayor for 22 years is one of the country’s best and most progressive. We had heard many good things about Davao before our trip and it was nice to find that all of it seemed true. The city was indeed cleaner than Manila and it felt safe to walk around. What struck me most was how the pawnshops in Davao looked more like retail jewelry shops compared to the mini-fortresses we have in Manila! Davao has the second lowest crime rate in Southeast Asia, behind only Singapore, and the relatively lax security was proof of that.
Most important of all, the citizens of Davao seem to respect President Duterte. Our taxi driver for two days went on and on about him and all the good he’s done for Davao. And it wasn’t out of fear or blind worship either. It sounded more like a child mature enough to understand that all the difficult things his disciplinarian father made him do, were for his own good. We got to experience that first-hand on our trip to Davao and with this guide, we hope you do too.
WHEN TO GO
Like the rest of the Philippines, Davao is hot, its hottest months being April and May when daytime temperatures frequent the lower 90s. This peak of summer is then followed by the monsoon season from May to October. If you aren’t a fan of such weather extremes, then I suggest avoiding these months. Instead, shoot for December to February. It’s the coolest and driest time of the year.
Festival goers will prefer to visit Davao in August when the annual Kadayawan Festival is held. Be warned that this is the most popular time of the year to visit, with the most number of tourists and the highest prices. Reserving a hotel room months in advance is a must.
HOW TO GET THERE
Located two hours south of Manila, you’ll be arriving at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport. Local airlines with direct flights from Manila are Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia.
From the airport, you can take a taxi to your hotel. Be sure to take a metered taxi because operators offering “set fares” will charge you 2-3 times as much. A taxi from the airport to the city center should run you around PHP 240, depending on traffic and the location of your hotel. If you’d rather book a private transfer in advance, then you can do so through Klook. Travelers to Samal will be arriving at the airport then taking a ferry to the island. More on that later.
Most travelers will probably fly to Davao but there may be other ways to get there depending on where you are. I suggest checking Sarap Magbiyahe Travel & Tours, to find route options available to you. You can click on the link or use the widget below. SMB is a popular transportation website that services Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines.
HOW LONG TO STAY
If you’re the type of traveler who doesn’t like to rush, then I’d say 4 nights in Davao is perfect. It will give you enough time to tour the city and spend a day or two on neighboring Samal Island. With just 3 nights in Davao, we skipped Samal on this trip because I didn’t think we had enough time. I realize in hindsight though that we did. It would have made our trip much more hectic and faster paced, but it is possible. Here’s a 3-night itinerary for travelers with ADHD:
Day 1
Arrive as early as possible, then go straight to your resort on Samal Island. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the island.
Day 2
Check out at noon, then stay as long as you like before taking a ferry back to the mainland. Check in at your hotel in Davao City.
Day 3
Hire a car for the whole day. If you start early enough, around 8 AM, then it’s possible to visit Malagos Garden Resort, the Philippine Eagle Center and Eden Nature Park all on the same day. If you want to do the “Sky rides” at Eden Nature Park, then it’s best you visit them in this order:
8-9AM – Drive to Malagos Garden Resort 9-10:30AM – Malagos Garden Resort 10:30-11:30AM – Philippine Eagle Center 11:30AM-12:30PM – Drive to Eden Nature Park 12:30PM-4PM – Eden Nature Park 4-5PM – Drive back to Davao City 5-7PM – Have dinner at Jack’s Ridge
The reason why I suggest doing it like this is because the SkyCycle, SkyCider, and SkySwing rides aren’t available until 1 PM on weekdays (Mon-Thurs). For that reason, it’s best to go to Malagos Garden Resort and the Philippine Eagle Center first. If you can make it to Eden Nature Park by around noon, then that would be perfect since the price of admission comes with lunch. If you go over the weekend (Fri-Sun), then it matters less in which order you visit these places since the aforementioned rides at Eden Nature Park are open from 8AM-12NN and 1-4PM.
You can stay as long as you want in this area before driving back to the city. I suggest having dinner at Jack’s Ridge that same night to make full use of the rental car.
Day 4
Visit Bankerohan Market and D’ Bone Collector Museum before flying out of Davao.
HOW MUCH MONEY TO BRING
Like most Southeast Asian cities, Davao City is cheap, much cheaper than Manila. Jeepney rides start at PHP 8 and a modest double room should cost around PHP 1,000 a night, less if you’re getting a single. Since many of the attractions are located outside of the city, you can rent a chauffeured car for eight hours for anywhere between PHP 2,000-3,000 depending on the vehicle. If you’ll be sharing a room with someone, then a budget of around PHP 2,500-3,000 a day per personshould be plenty. Add a little more if you’ll be spending time on Samal Island since accommodations there will be more expensive.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY
If you don’t already have PHP with you, then the best place to exchange currency is at money changers in shopping malls. You can try Gaisano Mall, Abreeza Mall, or SM Mall. I’ve read that Aldevinco Shopping Center along Claro M. Recto Ave. offers good exchange rates as well. But as much as possible, try changing your money in Manila if possible as you’ll probably get better rates there.
Another thing you can do is withdraw PHP from an ATM. I’m starting to do this more myself when we travel. The rates are good but just make sure to let your bank know before you leave that you’ll be using it abroad. That way you don’t run into any problems. In my experience, it works in some machines but not in others.
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