Mindanao | Things to Do in Panabo City, Davao Del Norte
Panabo City is a 3rd class city in the province of Davao Del Norte located on the border of Metro Davao with a population of more than 180 thousand people and one of the fastest-growing cities in the Davao Region.
It is formerly known as Magugpo (an old barangay of Tagum) and was originally inhabited by the native group of Aetas that directly engage in hunting using the bow and arrow (Pana sa Baboy) and root crops production as their daily diet.
In the 20th century, Panabo became the center of trade or known as Taboan, immigrated by the Christians, then later, the indigenous group moved to the highland.
The Baywalk
Bay walk is always part when it comes to the development of a city in the coastal part. Part of the activities in the bay is to bond with the breathtaking sunrise while enjoying the fresh air neither witnessing the epic view of the sunset with the great panoramic background as the day end. At night, the bay walk turned into a party place which everyone can enjoy a food trip, and drinks can be ordered in the numerous food stalls.
Bay walk is always part when it comes to the development of a city in the coastal part. Part of the activities in the bay is to bond with the breathtaking sunrise while enjoying the fresh air neither witnessing the epic view of the sunset with the great panoramic background as the day end. At night, the bay walk turned into a party place which everyone can enjoy a food trip, and drinks can be ordered in the numerous food stalls.
The Panabo Park
Panabo Park is located in the Old City Hall building, near Panabo City Grand Terminal. The Park has displayed an impressive sculpture design made by the Mindanaoan Artist, Kublai Milan. Inside the Old City Hall is the exhibit of several artifacts, historical insights, and paintings with connections to the City's history.
Panabo Park is located in the Old City Hall building, near Panabo City Grand Terminal. The Park has displayed an impressive sculpture design made by the Mindanaoan Artist, Kublai Milan. Inside the Old City Hall is the exhibit of several artifacts, historical insights, and paintings with connections to the City's history.
The Mangrove Park
Since Panabo City is situated in the Davao Gulf, the mangrove has a vital role in keeping the city from any catastrophic event. The environmental activists believed that the mangrove helps stabilize the coastlines and control erosions caused by floods and waves. Today, the mangrove turned into a Park which is perfect for walking, mesmerizing with an Instagramable background.
Since Panabo City is situated in the Davao Gulf, the mangrove has a vital role in keeping the city from any catastrophic event. The environmental activists believed that the mangrove helps stabilize the coastlines and control erosions caused by floods and waves. Today, the mangrove turned into a Park which is perfect for walking, mesmerizing with an Instagramable background.
The Panabo City Hall
Panabo City Hall is a local government office and the mayor’s office is located. It has an impressive modern design and turned into a Christmas village when it lights up during the Christmas season.
Panabo City Hall is a local government office and the mayor’s office is located. It has an impressive modern design and turned into a Christmas village when it lights up during the Christmas season.
Panabo Mariculture Park
This Mariculture Park is a sustainable project made by the Local government of Panabo in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that provides a stable livelihood to more than 50 fishermen. This partnership aims for continuous support on infrastructure improvement, equipment, and other support services.
This Mariculture Park is a sustainable project made by the Local government of Panabo in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that provides a stable livelihood to more than 50 fishermen. This partnership aims for continuous support on infrastructure improvement, equipment, and other support services.
This farm produces varieties of commercial fish such as dangit, milkfish, kingfish, Lapu-Lapu, lobster, prawns, and other first-class harvests. If you wish to try their fresh catch, get on and dine at BSK restaurant located at the Panabo City Bay walk area, near the fish port.
The Panabo Night Market
Located at the central market, a dynamic night market can be experienced with a unique blend of cultural identity through several food variations they served, apparel shops, and the selections of the famous Ukay-Ukay (second-hand items). Parts of the street are closed from 5:00 PM up to 2:00 AM daily to give the space to the small entrepreneurs by putting up their stalls.
Located at the central market, a dynamic night market can be experienced with a unique blend of cultural identity through several food variations they served, apparel shops, and the selections of the famous Ukay-Ukay (second-hand items). Parts of the street are closed from 5:00 PM up to 2:00 AM daily to give the space to the small entrepreneurs by putting up their stalls.
Try the best Kwek-Kwek (boiled egg then fry with coated flour mix in orange color) and fish ball dip with the homemade sauce, then pair it flavored juice drink. A selection of barbeque stalls and roasted meats on the other side can be ordered on the spot then cook and have a fine dining experience under the stars.
Panabo City Sports Center
One of the Philippines' Identities is that every city has its own sports center which is built by the government and several basketball courts around the communities. The sports center in Panabo City held several events and was the only arena in the province of Davao Del Norte where the Professional Basketball team played in selected games. The Arena’s backyard is also used by the aspiring soccer kids club for their daily routine training.
One of the Philippines' Identities is that every city has its own sports center which is built by the government and several basketball courts around the communities. The sports center in Panabo City held several events and was the only arena in the province of Davao Del Norte where the Professional Basketball team played in selected games. The Arena’s backyard is also used by the aspiring soccer kids club for their daily routine training.
Mabunao Eco-park
Mabunao Eco-Park is located in Barangay Mabunao featuring 281 steps of stairs toward the campsite. This place has not had many activities and is still under development but has potential in years to come.
Mabunao Eco-Park is located in Barangay Mabunao featuring 281 steps of stairs toward the campsite. This place has not had many activities and is still under development but has potential in years to come.
Panabo at Night
If you’re a nightlife enthusiast, there are two famous Bars in the city. Ultrabowl - a restaurant that served local dishes (try the Sito’s Grill) in the daytime with the bowling (pin) amenities inside while a live band performance and an entertainment disco at night. Another famous Bar in Panabo is the PADs Kamayan; which attracts youngsters and frequent party goers who love the disco and the Live Band.
If you’re a nightlife enthusiast, there are two famous Bars in the city. Ultrabowl - a restaurant that served local dishes (try the Sito’s Grill) in the daytime with the bowling (pin) amenities inside while a live band performance and an entertainment disco at night. Another famous Bar in Panabo is the PADs Kamayan; which attracts youngsters and frequent party goers who love the disco and the Live Band.
Try the best food in Panabo
Aside from fast food and restaurant, there are several food establishments that are local brands from Panabo City. As a food lover, searching for something unique but affordable dish became a strange routine in every place I go. There are a lot of places to eat in Panabo City but these are just my recommendations.
The Binulig festivalAside from fast food and restaurant, there are several food establishments that are local brands from Panabo City. As a food lover, searching for something unique but affordable dish became a strange routine in every place I go. There are a lot of places to eat in Panabo City but these are just my recommendations.
- Darwin Balbacuahan - is the oldest stall serving the best Balbacua in town.
- Food centrum - located beside the old City hall. The best time to eat here is at night with a lot of choices from a variety of food stalls.
- Mervic Lechon - one of the best Lechon (roasted pig) in Panabo, located on the national highway in front of Rivera hospital
- CARAs food haven - served local food in a mid-price range located on Mahogany street
- Dens café - a Filipino food (a typical Lutong Bahay) served through the buffet at a good price; located in Quezon Street, Barangay Sto. Nino
- Maria Clara Restaurant - located on Panabo wharf road, Barangay San Pedro; this classy restaurant served Filipino and international food.
Binulig festival is a thanksgiving celebration for the abundance of the year-round harvests that is marked every 19th – 25th of September with lots of awaited activities like street dancing competition, trade fair, sporting events, and more.
HOW TO GET THERE
Book a flight bound for Davao City (Bangoy) International Airport with a daily flight schedule available from the major airport in the country. At the Airport, have a short walk or hire a taxi to reach the bus stop near the exit gate in front of Jose Maria College. Then, Catch up a bus bound for Tagum City, Butuan, or Mati City, then, gets off at Panabo City Grand Terminal.
