Things to do, Places to visit in Davao City
Davao City is the largest city and the third most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines with more than 2.5 million people. Davao City is administered by 11 districts; serves as the main hub of Mindanao. The name "Davao" is derived from the indigenous word Dawaw (Clatta tribe), Davah (Obos tribe), Dabo (Tagabwas tribe). Wandering inside Davao City is total "life is here" plus the honest public utility drivers and the multicultural experiences, well, just forget the downtown traffic. Here are some things to do, places that should not be missed when you visit Davao City
1. The Philippine Eagle Center (Calinan District)
The park is the home of more than 36 Philippine eagle’s sanctuary and reproduction centers. Manage by the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC). More than ten bird species and numerous mammals, reptiles, and animals can be found in this park. The park has food stalls, a playground, a resting area, a lagoon with plenty of freshwater fish, and an animal sanctuary.
2. Malagos Garden and Chocolate Museum (Calinan District)
Malagos Garden Resort is a 12 hectares nature theme park located in Calinan District, about 45-minute travel from the downtown of Davao City passing Davao-Buda Road. This Resort is known for its cool tropical weather and various activities which are suited for getting together, recreation, or even family gatherings. It is also known for its self-produced chocolate.
3. Sicao Falls Tamayong (Calinan District)
Another sport that can be explored in Calinan District is the Sicao Falls, just less than 4-6 hours away from the center of purok 6 of Datu Sicao, Tamayong. For waterfalls enthusiasts, the campsite was arranged for overnight stay.
4. The Prayer Mountain (Calinan District)
The Prayer Mountain or known as the Garden of Eden restored is a seven hectares property owned by a religious sect but open to the public. A place where you can find a peaceful atmosphere and perfect for renewal of faith and meditation. The Prayer mountain has a variety of happenings with a unique theme arrangement depending on the occasion, like turning into an Amusement Park.
5. De Leonor Inland Resort (Buhangin District)
Located at Barangay Communal in Buhangin District, De Leonor Inland resort is perfect for Family Gatherings. This 30 hectares of the property was converted into a Theme Park with plenty of rides choice and outdoor activities that everyone could be. It also features a large size wave pool.
6. Eden Natures Park (Toril District)
Eden Natures Park is one of the famous attractions in Davao City; you will not be in Davao if you’re not being here. Spend your quality time in several activities, both extreme and mesmerizing the beauty of nature with an authentic mountain experience. Check this site
7. Epol Falls or the Green Valley Waterfalls (Marilog District)
Located in the mountainous district of Marilog, Epol Falls stands 300 meters away from the Davao-Bukidnon highway in Barangay Baganihan. Experience the interesting 30 trails to the main falls surrounded by huge trees, flora and fauna, and unspoiled natural vegetation.
8. Crocodile Park (Maa District)
Crocodile Park is a long-time attraction in Davao City, located in Diversion road-Maa, just 30 minutes away from the airport. The Park promotes crocodile conservation along with other wild animals. You may also try the famous roasted crocodile and their barbeque.
9. Peoples Park (Downtown)
Peoples Park is 4 hectares of property located at the heart of Davao City, considered as one of the greenest and the cleanest public parks in the country. The Park features the dancing fountain and several sculptures impressively designed by one of the Mindanao Artists, Kublai Milan.
10. Davao Cathedral (Downtown)
San Pedro Cathedral was built in 1847 with a Neo-Gothic design. It was re-designed in the 1960s with an incredible masterpiece with Spanish - modern design by Architect Manuel Chiew, to enlarge its capacity with an arch point front along with the cross.
11. Museo Dabawenyo (Downtown)
Museo Dabawenyo is the second largest museum that can be found in the heart of the City, located inside the Insular Village, Lanang. The Museum opens to the public during the 71st Araw ng Dabaw back in 2008.
12. Japanese Tunnel (Matina District)
Japanese Tunnel is one of the historical Places in Davao City, a remnant of Japanese occupation World War II. It has 300 meters long, the tunnel still opens halfway for visitors viewing. The location is a bit far from the city center but it is still worthwhile visiting. It is now under the management
13. The Jacks Ridge (Matina District)
The Jack ridge Resort and restaurant is the best place for luxury dining in Davao City. It sits on the elevated part of Shrine Hills in Matina with 90 degrees view of the downtown. Dine at night, the view is truly breathtaking.
14. Davao China Town (Downtown)
Davao Chinatown It is the only China Town in Mindanao composes of residential and commercial areas. It is recognized by the local government in 2003. Through the Davao City Development Council, the conservation of cultural heritage and development is strictly implemented.
15. Museum of History and Ethnography (Downtown)
Simply known as Davao Museum, it is a public museum that showcases the cultural roots of Davao, costumes, artifacts, the people, cultural identity, artwork designs, tribe costumes, and more.
26. T' Bone Museum
It is located in Bucana Davao City, just five minutes walk from the City Hall. This new museum features the collections of more than five thousand bones around the country.
17. The Temples and churches (Downtown)
Davao City is bind with a multicultural identity from cultural beliefs to religions. Numerous temples and churches can be found inside Davao City center.
- Long Hua Buddhist Temple - located in J.P. Cabaguio Avenue in Agdao District.
- Polian Temple - considered one of the oldest Buddhist Temples in the City locate in Quirino Avenue, between Emilio Jacinto Extension and J. P. Laurel Ave.
- Santiago Temple - built-in 1957, a hidden or not visible temple with the few know it due to Narrow Street. Located in J.P laurel, near Gaisano Mall of Davao
- The Mindanao Taoist Temple - located between Cabaguio Ave. and Dacudao, Adgao District.
- The Catholic Churches founded during Spanish colonial - Santa Ana Parish Church in Santa Ana Avenue and San Pedro Church in San Pedro St.
18. Food Trip at the Night Market
There are several spots that you can enjoy eating the Davao City but the most popular location that can complete your Davao food trip is in the Night Market. Located in Roxas Avenue (beside Ateneo de Davao), the side of the street is closed at night while the selection of food stalls serves their best dishes. It is also a place to buy cheaper pieces of stuff, either second-hand or new.
Food must try in Davao City
- Balbacua served in different food stalls outside the Mall
- Vulcachong in Illustre Street
- Chicken Inasal in Ilustre Street
- Grilled Tuna and Kinilaw, Sinuglaw at Luz Kinilaw in Magsaysay Street
19. Shop at Aldevinco
If you’re an antics enthusiast, visit the Aldevinco which is located beside Marco Polo, a variety of shops offers traditional and cultural stuff made by Mindanaoans.
20. The Beach Resorts
Davao City, although, not so famous when it comes to white sand beaches but there are numerous resorts with awesome beach views like Mergrande, Ocean world, Seagull beach resort, and more. If you want to find beautiful beaches with milky white sand, then, head on to the Island City of Samal. This Island province is covered by Davao del Norte province but the easiest way to get here is taking flight or make a land journey heading to Davao City. Samal Island is just a 15 minutes ferry ride from Sasa Port.
Recommended attractions in the Island City of Samal;
- Canibad Beach
- Kaputian Beach
- Talikud Island
- Vanishing Island
- Pearl Farm Resort
- Maxima Aquafun
- Monfort Bat Colony
- Baga Cave
- Mt. Puting Batu
- Igacus Festival
21. The Mountain
Mount Apo is the tallest mountain in the country with an elevation of 2,954 meters (9,692 ft) above sea level, a sleeping volcano, and gives a spectacular background of the City, sleeping but deadly when it was wake-up. You can hike through different trails from different Cities (Digos City, Davao City, Kidapawan City). Mt. Apo is a protected area under Mt. Apo Natural Park.
22. The Festivals
Each year, thousands of both local and international tourist flock to Davao City witnessing numerous events and festivals that gives more life to tourism industries and local entrepreneurs; the Kadayawan Festival in the month of August and Araw ng Davao every March. Make sure to book a flight and hotel accommodation in advance when you visit Davao City timing that month.
23. The Fruits
Davao Region has a tropical cool climate in the elevated district in the covered provinces. No wonder that several farms choose this place to raise the plants and today, Davao is considered as one of the fruit baskets in the Philippines. Try to deal with the King of the Fruit, Durian with the best location to eat? – In Magsaysay Park that managed by the vendors association. Davao City is also known as the sweetest Pomelo, lanzones, mangosteen, rambutan, and more…..
24. The Bemwa Farm (Marilog District)
Bemwa farm is one of the coolest summer destinations in Davao City, featuring greenery views, plants, and unique tropical cool weather. Enjoy the strawberry picking, the picturesque locations of sunflowers, and numerous herbs.
Bemwa farm is one of the coolest summer destinations in Davao City, featuring greenery views, plants, and unique tropical cool weather. Enjoy the strawberry picking, the picturesque locations of sunflowers, and numerous herbs.
HOW TO GET HERE
Book a flight bound for Davao City (F. Bangoy) International Airport from the airport near you - Luzon (Manila, Clark, Palawan); Visayas (Cebu, Bacolod, Ilo-Ilo City, Tagbilaran); Mindanao (Cagayan De Oro, Siargao, Zamboanga City)
Land Travel
You can reach Davao City by Land Travel (By bus or Van) from General Santos City (3 hours travel time), Cagayan De Oro City (8 hours for non-stop bus), Cotabato City (5 hours by Bus), Butuan City 6 hours by Bus), and Surigao (8 hours by Bus).
