Davao Tourist Spots + Travel Guide + Hotels
DAVAO CITY TOURIST SPOTS + TRAVEL GUIDE + HOTELS
Contents
DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES AND IT’S TOURIST SPOTS
Davao City, Philippines, is one of the most progressive cities in the country today. Contrary to the notion of the place, the place is safe and must be on your travel bucket list.
Davao City has been making a name as a tourist destination in the entire country. Who would not be familiar with it? Aside from the fact that prominent personalities (politicians) were born in the place, the beauty and serene aura of the city makes it extraordinarily different from the rest of the other cities in the Philippines.
Considered as the largest city in the country when it comes to land area, the most populous city outside Metro Manila, and a highly urbanized country in the Island of Mindanao, the place has proved itself worthy of being known and a must-see city. Davao City is also the home of Mount Apo, which happens to be the highest mountain in the country. With the comprehensive coverage of the City as per the land measurement, it is, of course, surprising that the media describe it as the “safest” city in the world. What makes it deserving of such a title? Well, this is because Davao City is very strict about its rules, regulations, and policies. This makes it a perfect or ideal place for tourists who would like to enjoy the beauty of Mindanao.
Local Delicacies [Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels ]
Currently, the city is continuously working on its progress as well as economic development. It is evident that business in the area is booming so much so that more and more business companies and investors in the field of art, trade, and profession are investing and are choosing to be in Davao City, Philippines. Aside from that, the city is also vibrant with agricultural as well as industrial growth.
The people of Davao City, just like the other Filipinos, are hospitable. They make it a point that they make their visitors and tourists alike feel at home. They are so warm and accommodating most, especially if they know that they are talking about is a tourist or new to the place. They are happy to give directions and guidance to the visitors of the city.
Davao City, Philippines, is famous for is their trademark “King of Fruits” called “durian.” I am sure that as you see and smell this fruit, you will feel that it is not palatable at all due to its unusual odor. But the moment you get to taste it, you will surely ask for more! Who would not be? They have the best and the sweetest Durian in the entire country. The unusual odor will not be a matter anymore because you will undoubtedly focus on how good it tastes rather than how it smells.
Fresh Produce of the Land [ Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels ]
Another icon which represents the city is the Eagle (Philippine Eagle), considered as the rarest eagle in the world, this species of bird is being taken care of at the Philippine Eagle Center.
With all the fascinating facts about the city, it is no wonder that tourists are choosing the place to be their top travel destination in Mindanao. Albeit far from the Capital or City Center of the country, tourists still do their best to have a glimpse of this peaceful and beautiful Davao City.
Davao the largest city in the Mindanao region and the Philippines in terms of land area. The place is also one of several locations in the Philippines that are independent of any province. Not to mention that the site is home to the Philippine’s President, Rodrigo Duterte, the city is a business, investment, and tourism hub for the entire southern Philippines. The place has excellent beaches, mountain resorts, close to diving spots, and the highest peak in the Philippines, Mount Apo.
DAVAO CITY TOURIST SPOTS | THINGS TO DO
The Famed Durian [ Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels ]
TRY DURIAN
While in Davao, try their famous Durian fruit. You can’t help but associate Davao with the Durian Fruit being the number one producer of this fruit in the country. Tagged as the king of fruits, this hostile spiked brown exterior and the offensive scent is the ambrosia of the gods and is famous for the maxim, “smells like hell but taste like heaven.”
Apart from durian fruit, the city boasts of its other fruits produce, which are high in demand like Pomelo and Mangosteen. In my recent stay in Davao City, I went to Bankerohan Public Market, where a variety of fruits are being sold at a shockingly low price.
When buying Durian from the fruit stand, you can ask the vendor to give you what is already ripe and ask them to open it for you. If you can’t stand the smell of the fruit, you can opt to buy candies and other delicacies with durian flavor. I have tried a Durian Roll and Durian Icecream, it has no strong smell, but the durian flavor is just perfect.
Crocodile Farm [ Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels ]
SHOP
There are several malls located in the city. Notable malls are SM City Davao, Abreeza Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao, NCCC Mall of Davao, Gaisano South Mall, Victoria Plaza Mall, Robinsons Cybergate, and SM Premier in Lanang along J.P. Laurel Avenue. If you want to take some domestic products with you, visit Aldevinco Shopping Center.
Aldevinco is a premier shopping destination in Mindanao where tourists and locals alike go for souvenirs. You can buy native products, various Batik products (bags, dusters, slippers, tablecloths, etc.), textiles imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, antique and brass items, and even indigenous musical instruments. It has become a significant tourist attraction for its wide variety of ethnic products. The place is currently hosting over 100 shops, most of which are operated by the second generation descendants of the original tenants. A typical shop is only approximately 10-12 sqm.
Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels
VISIT THE CROCODILE FARM
The only crocodile park in the region provides a home to the locally bred crocodiles. On display are also dozens of species of birds and snakes, as well as tigers and great apes. One can take pleasure from viewing, horseback riding around the park, or feeding the young, fierce reptiles.
Must Read: Crocodile Farm
TRY DECA WAKEBOARD PARK
The place is considered to be the biggest wakeboarding park in the Philippines, offering the best venue for extreme water sports, wakeboarding, and water-ski. The park also offers a scenic view of Mt. Apo that boosts amusement while riding.
Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels
EXPERIENCE RIVER RAFTING IN DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES
An hour ride from the downtown area, the starting point is near Tamugan Bridge along the Davao-Bukidnon Highway. With a 13-km stretch of whitewater adventure, the rafting ends near the Lacson-Lamanan Bridge. The trip package can be availed by booking with River One Adventure, 082 305 7624, or with Davao Wildwater Adventure at Crocodile Park.
Must Read: White River Rafting
TRY THE ZIP CITY
Experience the most accessible, most scenic, and the friendliest Zipline for the adventurous souls. It is located at the Hilltop, Barangay Langub, Davao City. On-site is a resto-bar to cater to your cravings.
Must Read: My Zip City Zipline
EXPERIENCE EDEN NATURE PARK, DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES
A very popular Davao City Tourist Spot is located in Eden, Toril District, some 40 min away from the city center. It is situated 3,000 ft (910 m) above sea level, giving it a fresh and moderate climate. It is 95% human-made with pine trees dotting the landscape. It covers 40 hectares of developed land.
Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels
VISIT THE PHILIPPINES EAGLE CENTER
Home to the Philippine Eagle (previously named Monkey-eating Eagle). It is considered as the largest eagle in the World. It is where they are bred in captivity to increase their population and prevent extinction. Located in Malagos, a 45 min drive from the city center. Aside from being a temporary home for the Monkey-eating Eagles, it also hosts some other exotic animals native to Davao’s forest. As of April 2010, 18 eagles are on exhibit. Note that if the Crocodile Farm is visited first, a 4-day waiting period must be observed before visiting the Eagle Center to avoid disease transmission.
Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels
STROLL AT THE PEOPLE’S PARK
On December 15, 2007, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte led local officials in opening the P72-M People’s Park (old PTA Ground). This Davao City Tourist Spot features a mini-forest and large sculptures representing indigenous groups in Southern Mindanao.
Must Read: People’s Park in Davao
Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels
FOOD TRIP
The city offers a variety of restaurants that offers international and local cuisines. On one of my trips to the city, I was invited to join a food tour, to experience a different kind of gastronomic experience. Please see my review below.
Must Read: Davao Food Tour
KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL
Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, Philippines, is held every third week of August.
Must Read: Dadayawan sa Dabaw Festival
Giant Slide at Maxima Aqua Fun
Monfort Bat Sanctuary [ Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels ]
TAKE A SIDE TRIP TO SAMAL ISLAND
Samal Island is home to many beautiful resorts like the Pearl Farm and the Maxima Aqua Fun.
Must read:
- Samal Island Travel Guide
- Maxima Aqua Fun
- Monfort Bat Cave
- Things to do in Samal Island | Tourist Attractions
Pearl Farm in Samal Island [ Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels ]
HOTELS IN DAVAO CITY
Davao City, Philippines, offers a wide array of Hotels, Inns, and Pension Houses ready to cater to any guests visiting the place. You can choose between luxury, middle, and budget accommodations.
Listed below are the List of Hotels Davao City in the city as well as the Accommodation Guide should you decide to have a side trip to Samal Island. Click the link below to make your bookings.
BOOK A ROOM – HOTELS IN DAVAO CITY
BOOK A ROOM – HOTELS IN DAVAO CITY
RedDoorz near Robinsons Cybergate
Davao Royal Suites and Residences
BOOK A ROOM – HOTELS IN DAVAO CITY
Must Read:
- List of Hotels in Davao City, Philippines
- Accommodation Guide | List of Hotels and Resorts in Samal Island
HOW TO GET TO DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES
The most convenient way to reach Davao City, Philippines, is by plane through Francisco Bangoy International Airport. The airport is also known as Davao International Airport catering to local and foreign flights to the city. Singapore Airlines, with its regional airline Silk Air and Cebu Pacific, is currently servicing the city from Singapore.
Several direct flights are coming from various major cities in the country.
Samal Island [ Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels ]
GETTING AROUND
Car Rentals
Of course, the most convenient way of getting around Davao City, Philippines, is by car rentals. Many car rental companies Another alternative ride aside from the jeepneys and taxis, is to rent a car. There are many cars for rent. If you don’t know the routes, you can hire drivers by asking the attendant of the rental company. Local companies tend to be cheaper than national ones.
Another convenient and the fastest way of getting around the city is by Taxi. These taxis are metered, and some of them issue receipts to the passengers.
Jeepney
If you are not in a hurry and would want to see more of the city, then you can opt for a colorful jeepney. Simply ask your hotel or anyone you meet in the street for which route to take to avoid getting lost. To pay, just say “bayad po” and simply pass your fare to the person next to you. When reaching your destination, just say “lugar lang” or knock your coins on the steel handle to get the attention of the driver and say “para.”
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Davao Tourist Spots / Things To Do + Travel Guide + Hotels
Davao is more than just tourist spots and malls and food trips. There are still a lot of things you could do there once you visit and it would still be worth it.
Such a lovely City. Great list.
Davao is on my list there are lots of beautiful tourist attraction in Davao and I would love to go there someday awesome photos!
I love Davao! I miss tuna belly and durian! Hope I can go back.
For the 30 years of my life in the Philippines, I have never been to Davao. That’s a place I want to explore with my family when we visit PI again.
Had never heard of this city! Looks really interesting 🙂
It’s is the home City of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte 🙂
Walking in the presence of giants here. Cool tihkning all around!
great review of davao Ton.
thanks chris, it was jojo who wrote it 🙂 hehehe