Ah, Davao! A 1st-class city of Mindanao, also known as the home of the great prey, Philippine Eagle, and the custardy fruit, Durian. Davao is not just another urban place, it has a variety of travel spots and an array of activities to offer tourists.
If you’re thinking of traveling the Philippines, Davao should be on your list. Whatever your travel agenda is; whether you’re up for the scenic spots, extreme activities, or local cuisines, Davao is one of the best places to be in the country. We have listed below the 10 best places to visit in Davao and why you should not miss one of them.
Philippine Eagle Center
The Filipino eagle is a very rare and endangered species living in the Davao province in Philippines.
One hour from the city proper, you will reach the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC), the home of the Grand monkey-eating eagle that can only be found in the Philippines. Not only you will have a close look at the great eagle, but also to other rare species such as sea eagle, hawks, along with other mammals and reptiles. The PEC is a home of 36 Philippine Eagles.
Visiting PEC, you would have an incredible experience having to encounter these rare species. It is also a wonderful experience to visit the safe haven of these extinct animals.
The Philippine Eagle Center
Address: Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Phone: +63 82 324 1860
8AM–5PM
Davao Crocodile Park
Not far away from the city proper, you can visit Davao Crocodile Park, the place where you will find delight in nature and wild. This park does not only have crocs but tigers and other variety of animals as well. Technically, it is a zoo, but not the typical kind of zoo. The Davao Crocodile Park also offers several shows such as tightrope walking, where a staff will walk on a tightrope over wild crocs.
After a plunge in the noisy, urban city of Davao, a visit to the Crocodile Park will take the stress away from you. The breathtaking shows along with the sight of adorable animals will entertain you and will make you love nature once again.
Address: Gadi Road, Talomo, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Phone: +63 82 286 8883
8AM–7PM
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
A quiet cove in the Island Garden of Samal, unlike other resorts Pearl Farm will give you an exclusive getaway experience without the noise of beachgoers. The resort offers warm accommodation. The rooms are in the contour of the island to give guests a delightful and awe-inspiring view of the horizon where the blue beach and cobalt sky meet. The resort was formerly known for cultivating pearls.
As for today, Pearl Farm Beach Resort offers a variety of fun water sports and activities such as water polo, jet skiing, and scuba diving. A game room is also available for sports enthusiasts who would love to play basketball, badminton, or tennis.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort offers relaxation and diversion that the city cannot provide. It is a place not only for leisure but also for getting attached to the countryside.
Address: ONB Babak Building, Babak – Samal – Kaputian Rd, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal, 8119 Davao del Norte, Philippines
Phone: +63 82 235 1234
Talicud Island
An island behind Samal is the Talicud Island. The islet is yet unknown to several travelers. But I feel obliged to tell you, Talicud Island is a place never shall you miss! One of the favorite resorts in Talicud Island is the Isla Reta, a simple resort that offers an economical stay to keep you cozy through the night. There is nothing really much to do on the Island, but you can dive the beach and enjoy the magnificent sea creatures that you will see. You will definitely enjoy snorkeling! At night, you can rent a single sleeping mattress and place it in the seashore. Forget the city lights and enjoy star-gazing the vast night sky.
Eden Nature Park
You might have noticed; Davao is blessed with countless beautiful landscapes. And here’s another one, the Eden Nature Park, an 80-hectare land of botanical plants and trees. Eden Nature Park does not only showcases greenery but as well as vegetables and hundreds of eye-catching floral. You will get to know the culture in Davao as you wander to the park. There will be children singing and performing a cultural dance. The aviary and the butterfly garden will make you wish you could fly. Extreme activities you can try in Eden Park is the Skyrider, Skycycle, and the Skyswing.
Eden Nature Park is a place of foliage and green, green grass. It is a perfect place for the family; sure, the children will enjoy the beautiful flowers, green plants, as well as the birds and butterflies.
Address: Emilio Jacinto Street, Batangas Eden, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur, Philippines
Phone: +63 82 299 1020
9AM-5PM
Mount Apo
The highest mountain in the Philippines, this mountain has an elevation point of 9,700 ft. above sea level. The beautiful boulders of Mt. Apo along with the canopies of green pasture and grass and the colorful faunas, you will surely enjoy trekking the mountain. You will be enchanted with the awe-inspiring, breathtaking epic sunrise in the morning as well as the spectacular sunset that will surely give you an unexplainable pleasure and adrenaline rush.
Trekking the Mt. Apo can be one of the amazing things to do (and shall be included on every traveler’s bucket list). It is the best way of challenging yourself and knowing your limit and to getting commune with nature.
Elevation: 2,954 m
First ascent: October 10, 1880
Prominence: 2,954 m
Getting to Mount Apo: Summitpost.org
Rodrigo Duterte’s House
Does Pres. Rodrigo Duterte ring a bell? Sure he does! He is Philippine’s president, an empowering leader, admired by lots of Filipinos because of his robust and tough-talking personality and his firm principles. Before he became the President, he served as a Mayor of Davao City for seven terms.
The President’s house is rather simple and not luxurious. As you visit his home, you will see the simplicity he has had. You can also take a tour inside and see his bed with Kulambo (mosquito net).
Museo Dabawenyo
There are two museums in Davao City, the Museo Dabawenyo and the Davao Museum which is slightly bigger than the first one. If you want to know more about the culture and ethnography of Davao City, a visit to MuseoDabawenyo shall be your first step. The museum shows the art, music, instruments, and weapons carved and made by the indigenous people of Davao City.
Address: Andres Bonifacio Rotunda, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Phone: +63 82 222 6011
9AM–6PM
Roxas Night Market
In other places, nightlife is about bars, cocktails, and ladies in bikinis. But not here in Davao. The Roxas Night Market will help you define what “night life” is in Davao City. Instead of ladies in two-piece bikinis, you will see women grilling seafood and barbecues (that includes chicken intestine, chicken head, chicken feet, pork barbecue, longganiza, etc.) You can also try Mang Danny’s Ice Cream, according to the opinion of those who have tried, the dirty ice cream tastes like a gelato. You can also enjoy buying merchandises in a bargain.
The Roxas Night Market is one of the best places in Davao where you can enjoy being one with the Dabawenyos (the people lives in Davao). The items and street food are cheap!
Address: Roxas Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Phone: +63 915 259 2811
Water Rafting in Davao River
If you want another wild adventure, you can visit the Davao River. From the city proper, you will have to travel for an hour going to the west to reach the genesis of the river. You will experience an hour of water rapids, splash, and capsizes. Water rafting is best enjoyed with friends or family. This activity is ideal for those who are looking for extreme venture!
That’s just 10 of the best places in Davao that you can visit. Verily, Davao is not just the typical city you may have known. It is a place blessed with nature, beautiful spots, and extraordinary wildlife. Start planning an itinerary and pack your things up, Davao is ready to satisfy the wanderlust out of you.
Address: Roxas Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Phone: +63 82 321 6311
Recommended Book on Davao City
