Things to DO in the province of Davao Del Norte
Davao Del Norte is one of the provinces covered by Davao Region with a total of almost 3,427 square kilometers located in the border of Agusan Del Sur, Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, and Davao City. Its economy depends on Agriculture and gold mining, in fact, this province is the biggest producer of Bananas exported overseas, no wonder the province earns its namesake as “the Banana Capital of the Philippines”.
Davao Del Norte is not behind when it comes to tourist attractions, in fact, you will be obsessed with the beautiful beaches, the greenery of the environment, and marvelous spots that can be found in the province. In terms of food, if you're having a hard time searching? well, you don't have an option but to try the local cuisines authentically made and produced by the locals. Here are my list of the top things to do and interesting places to visit in Davao del Norte;
#1 Spend days in the Island City of Samal
For those beach enthusiasts, then, Samal Island is the right place for you. There is numerous beach resort on the island where you can enjoy both salt and fresh water diving. Do snorkeling and diving through your island hopping at the Talicud Island and the Clam Sanctuary. Definitely, one day is not enough to explore the entire destinations of Samal Island.
Recommended Resorts:
- Pearl Farm resort - going to the main resort will not be a problem. Head to the Farm Davao Marina in Lanang Beach Club and wait for the schedule of the boat. Location -Brgy Adecor, Kaputian - Samal - Kaputian Road, Babak; Phone: +63 82 235 1234
- Vanishing Island - it is considered one of the gems of Samal Island and is visible only during low tide. This is a perfect place for diving and snorkeling especially when high tide. Can reach the Island passing the coast of Tambo in Babak District
- Kaputian Beach - is a very exceptional venue for relieving your stress by digging into the little deep clear water with a cheap entrance fee. Location: Babak - Samal - Kaputian Rd, Kaputian,
- Maxima Aqua Fun - is a must place to experience when visiting the Island City of Samal; offers several watersport activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. Also enjoy the famous 40 meters slide, the large tarpaulin, and the diving board connected to the ocean.
- Other attractions inside the Island - aside from beautiful beaches and watersport activities, Samal Island is known also for the Monfront bat Sanctuary, the Hagimit Falls, Clam Sanctuary, and Mt. Puting Bato.
#2 Take a day tour of the Banana beach (Tagum City)
Banana Beach Resort is a760 hectares combined with a huge part of the plantation, resorts with upscale facilities and amenities, and; unique food choices. The resort offers river tours, orchard tours, plantation tours, twilight safari tours, and more.
Banana Beach Resort has long shorelines perfect for watersport activities like Jet Ski, kayaking, banana boat ride skimboarding, and paddleboarding. The day tour package is P1, 200 pesos during weekdays and 1,500 pesos on weekends.
#3 Celebrate your Occasion at Gold Ridge (Tagum City)
Not a new place in Tagum City, but the Gold Ridge Resort catches the heart of most Tagumeňos who celebrate their occasions. The resort has a large pool in the main entrance and a kid’s pool with an overwhelming height.
Bringing own food is allowed with certain fees while renting the classy cottage is compulsory. This resort is truly a great place for having a short break in the chains of relentless stress from the full week of work.
#4 Engage with Nature at Uma sa Taba (Carmen)
Far from its popularity, Uma sa Taba will give you a budget-wise vacation experience that everyone can enjoy especially for family gatherings. Enjoy several activities inside the farm which are ideal for fishing, boating, and food trip. Unlike any other place, just rent a cottage, then, visitors are allowed to bring food inside.
#5 The biggest rosary at the Christ the King Cathedral (Tagum City)
Christ the King Cathedral is a Catholic church located on Gonzales Avenue and Sobrecary Street, Magugpo west; The biggest of its kind on the island of Mindanao and is known to have the largest wooden rosary with 150 meters long and each bead weighing 35 kilograms made from ironwood. This house of faith took 12 years to build in 1993 in the silver anniversary celebration of the Diocese of Tagum City through the late Dr. and Mrs. Juan Gonzales donation.
#6 Spending time in Panabo Baywalk
If you want to enjoy the ocean breeze around the Davao Del Norte, then head on to Panabo’s Bay walk. Many people used to jog here in the early morning while the sunrise boomed at the middle of the ocean with a geek background of the float cage and ships. At night, the bay walk tells a different story, it became an open field for small business owners to make money from their stalls, offering traditional dishes, grilled seafood, street food, and a variety of drinks. Enjoy your dinner while having a shot with your favorite drinks.
#7 Food trip at the Night Market (Tagum City)
Every City in Davao del Norte has its own version of the night market, but the Tagum City is the most famous and the largest in the province. Located along Bonifacio Street and Quezon Street, the Tagum night market promotes local produce made goods, street dining experience, and; trade and business opportunities among Tagumeňos.
#8 Escape at the Kapalong’s Caves
There are four out of eight caves that are open for exploration can be found in the Caving Capital of Mindanao, the municipality of Kapalong. Okbot Caves is located in barangay Sua-on, was named after the traditional doctor that uses this place as a ritual site and the famous among caves in the town. (2) Otso cave is named after the local song “Otso Otso” by the comedian, Bayani Agbayani.
Located in purok 8 in barangay Sua-on, this cave has a similar identity to Okbot cave but make more surprising is that; the cave has sightings of the most venomous snake, King Cobra or locally known as Banacon. The other two caves that can be explored are the Alina cave and the Underground River. Meanwhile, the rest of the caves are under restriction by the government.
HOW TO GET THERE
Davao City (Davao Bangoy International Airport) is the closest airport to reach Tagum City - the capital of Davao del Norte province. From the Airport, have a short walk going to the Bus stop in front of Jose Maria College. Then, Catch up a Bus bound for Tagum City, Butuan, Mati City, or Compostela for a 43-kilometers ride (2 hours travel time). Then get off to Tagum City Grand Terminal
If you wish to visit Samal Island upon your Airport arrival, then, traveling way to Tagum City may not work. Samal Island is just beside the coast of Davao City. Just hire a taxi from the airport then head on to the Sasa Wharf (the Samal Island Gateway). Grab a ferry ticket and wait for the boarding announcement. You will reach Samal Island in just 15 minutes ferry ride.
ENJOY YOUR STAY
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