Davao, The Crown Jewel of Mindanao | Philippine Destinations

Davao City is the main city of the Davao Region and the third largest city in the Philippines. It is the most populous city in Mindanao and the largest in Mindanao. Davao City is one of the island’s most important economic centers, and it is the country’s third most populous city. With its bustling economy, urban development and modern amenities, the city is a top destination for tourists and residents alike

Published date: 05 October 2021,21:16 | Updated:13 October 2021,20:33

A brief historical overviewThe Spaniards explored the Gulf area of Davao during the 16th century, but did not begin colonizing the region until 1848 because of resistance. There has been a claim that all of the Gulf was conquered peacefully, but the population was divided in 1892 between those who supported the Spanish rule and those who sided with the Moros.
In 1941, after bombing the harbor, the Japanese occupied Davao and made it a stronghold of their defense. It was only after the American forces liberated the country in 1944 that many Japanese structures were demolished and the Japanese economy was stifled.
After 1945, when Mindanao became the regional capital in the southern part of the country, Davao underwent numerous improvements that made it an urbanized city.Several conflicts erupted in the city, including those caused by communist guerillas, criminals, and leftists. With the election of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte in 1988, social stability was restored.

What are the top attractions to see in Davao City?We can find a series of exciting attractions from beaches, parks, to interesting food establishments in Davao, which is not only home to our current Philippine President.

Come and see the Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo

Opened in 2005, the farm is one of the most visited attractions in Davao, where you can observe saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, snakes, birds, lizards, ostriches, orangutans, and tigers. It is also worth noting that the crocodile farm is now home to ‘Pangil’, an 18-foot saltwater crocodile, which is the largest in captivity in the country.

Source: Sun Star Davao

Discover the beaches of Samal Island

The stunning Samal Island, with its white sand beaches and tropical grandeur, is another gem to check out in Davao. To name a few, top-rated resorts on the island include Pearl Farm Davao, Babu Santa Beach Resort, and Island Garden Resort in Pangubatan. Take out your cameras and check out the fine sand on the island of Samal. To reach this island, head over to Sasa Wharf, where the boats are docked before heading to the island

More details about Samal island

Explore Davao's Chinatown

Enjoy Chinese cuisine while visiting the largest Chinatown in the Philippines in terms of land area here in Davao. It was established in 2009 with an arc made of Chinese figures that symbolize unity between Filipino and Chinese in Davao.

Source: Shubert Ciencia

Source: Eden Nature Park and Resort

Eden Nature Park & resort

In Eden Nature Park, you can enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, skywheeling, sky cycling, fishing, and skydiving along with nature. Also, you can take a look at the Bamboo Maze to see how good your navigation is.

In addition, the property has balcony rooms where guests can enjoy a relaxing stay. Another interesting feature of the park is the amphitheater, which is used for special events like weddings and concerts.

Check out their website

Come shop at Aldevinco Shopping Center

You can find excellent Handicrafts, Mindanao textiles, batik, weavings, carvings, and jewelry at Aldevinco right outside the Marco Polo Hotel Davao. Be sure to bargain and compare prices among the many stalls before you buy an item. Money changers can also be found inside the shopping mall.

Source: sandundermyfeet.com

Source: Philippine Tourist

Take a tour of the Philippine Eagle Center

The Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) is a bird sanctuary set within the Malagos Watershed located in Malagos, Baguio District in Davao City at the foothills of Mount Apo. As a conservation breeding facility for Philippine Eagles and other raptors, the Philippine Eagle Center is primarily dedicated to conservation.

Dahican Beach

It is unanimously voted the most beautiful beach on the mainland, Dahican Beach, with its seven kilometers of gorgeous sand and turquoise water. Rent a lounge chair for a day or bring your towel so you can soak up the sun for as long as you like.

Source: youtube

Source: travelinglouie.blogspot.com

Kopiat Island

Kopiat Island is a barren, desolate little island that boasts wildlife and beautiful scenery. You can take a speedboat trip during a day trip from Davao to this island. During these tours, you’ll see the Lubi (coconut) plantation, sample some delicious food, coffee and desert, and of course have time to enjoy the beach.

Event lists in Davao

Community events

Mt. Apo 3D2N

Nov 24th, 2021 22:00 to Nov 27th, 2021 10:00 GMT+8

Entry point: Kapatagan via Gudi-gudi Boulders trail Exit point: Sta.Cruz via Lake Venado Almaciga Century Tree Sibulan trail

Mt. Apo, 8000 Davao City, Philippines, Davao, Philippines

09984486150

Link to organizer

How to get therePlanning a trip to Davao City? This Southern Mindanao city is accessible by air, land, or sea. Here’s a guide on how to get there.

By air

Davao International Airport is the largest airport in the southern Philippines, with a capacity to accommodate more than one million passengers a year. Local airlines with direct flights from Manila are Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and PAL Express. Flights are available from other key cities such as Butuan, Clark, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog, Iloilo, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga. From the airport, passengers can take taxis into the city. Hotel pick-up is also available, and people can rent cars if they want to drive themselves.

By land

Taking the public bus is the cheapest and most convenient way to get to and from Davao City. Manila (via Ro-Ro; roll-on, roll-off) and other parts of Mindanao, such as Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan del Sur, Digos, General Santos, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Surigao, and Tagum, offer bus service.

By sea

There are ferries traveling from Manila to Davao. They have routes going to and from the different islands of the country. Small boats are available for those who plan to travel to any of the several islands near Davao, like Samal Island. Davao is a great destination for tourists, as they can enjoy great food, see the Philippine Eagle, and take part in the Kadayawan Festival.

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Recommended bars/restaurants in Davao

Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps

Seafood

Restaurant with a variety of seafoods and savory Filipino dishes that was converted from a former bar.

+63 82 221 8360

Visit the website

Branch1: In Between SM Lanang and Dcwd Branch2: Lanang Business Park, Mindanao 8000,, Dabaw, Lalawigan ng Davao del Sur, Philippines

White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge

Japanese, European

Located 20 minutes away from the airport, The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge serves sumptuous French-Japanese fusion dishes, such as Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Tonkatsu, Duck Leg, Duck Confit, Steak, Wagyu Beef, Sashimi

+63 82 282 4540

Camella Northpoint, JP Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City