Davao

DESTINATIONS philippines davao

Davao

A multicultural metropolis on the island of Mindanao, Davao is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the Philippines. With the country’s highest mountain, Mount Apo, as its backdrop, this vibrant city offers a mix of fabulous landscapes that include parks like the Eden Nature Park and the Mount Apo National Park. Besides, superb beaches, diving waters, and islands such as the unspoiled Samal Island.

The City

Indigenous tribes like the Bagabo, B’laan, Mandaya, Masaka, Manobo and T’boli mingle with migrant settlers, bohemian, Muslim and expatriate communities, as well as a steady flow of tourists. Add to this a vibrant business and investment sector, a large seaport that handles cargo in and out of the country and you have a mix that makes Davao one of the most engaging and busiest cities imaginable. To the people of the Philippines Davao is, above all, one of the most charismatic and culturally diverse cities. Its population comes from all corners of the globe. Davao, or Metropolitan ‘Metro’ Davao as it is often referred to, hugs the southernmost coastline of Mindanao island to the south of the Philippines. Although, technically, independent of any province it is generally linked with Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental and the Compostela Valley. All these areas, with Metro Davao being its capital, have their own distinct characters. Davao del Norte is known for its acres of banana plantations and citrus groves along with the beautiful Samal Island just off its coastline. Davao del Sur is where visitors will find the Mount Apo National Park dotted with orchids. The white beaches and waterfalls make Davao Oriental a natural haunt of visiting holidaymakers while the Compostela Valley affords the cream of earth’s natural wonders.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Davao is famous for many things: golden eagles, exotic flowers and breathtaking attractions and landscapes Look out for the Puentespina Orchids and Tropical Plants centre where the colours and scents will leave you bewildered, or the shops selling beautiful works in gold — the city is a major producer of gold and crafts. For adventure seekers, there’s the Davao River where white water rafting is quite popular and the Crocodile Park. No visit to Davao would be complete without enjoying one of its colourful festivals. The Araw ng Dabaw Festival in March, the Padigosan and the Sambuokan in September or the Banayan Festival in October. They all are an excellent way to see local tradition at its best.

Crocodile Park

The native home to the Philippines’s largest known crocodile at nearly 20 metres in length, the Crocodile Park is an important breeding centre as well as a popular tourist attraction. There are picnic areas and activities like horse-riding offered …

Mount Apo Natural Park

The country’s tallest peak dominates this treasure of a park. Experienced climbers can head for the Sibulan and Cooland Trails in Sta Cruz or the Kapatagan Trail in Digos to begin their ascents. The tourist office organises gentler climbs and tours …

San Pedro Cathedral

Enthusiasts of Spanish architecture will be captivated by the beautiful and highly original Roman Catholic San Pedro Cathedral (also known as Davao Cathedral). Dating from the 19th century, it is the city’s oldest church and a unique architectural …

Puentespina Orchids & Tropical Plants Centre

Some of the world’s most exotic orchids, including the famous Waling-Waling and the Vanda Sanderiana, are on display and can be purchased at this sprawling flower and plant centre along with a variety of other cut flowers and ornamental plants. The colours and scents are a …

Shrine of the Infant Jesus

This open-air shrine to the Infant Jesus of Prague and Our Lady of Fatima is a wonderful place to escape the bustle of city life, reflect and meditate, as well as enjoy an outstanding panoramic view of Davao. It takes about 20 minutes to get here by …

Eden Nature Park

Located on the outskirts of the city at the foot of Mount Talomo, the Eden Nature Park is a delight for visitors keen on walking, hiking, bird-watching and seeing native plants. It is peaceful and a great way to relax away from the city centre, weekend stays are possible at the …

Philippine Eagle Conservation Centre

The Philippine Eagle is the national treasure of the country, but an extremely rare and endangered species. The conservation centre has a breeding programme to protect this, one of the world’s largest eagles. Visitors can see them in special habitat …

Davao River

The Davao River is famous for its 30 or so rapids spaced along a stretch of water that starts in the Baguio district’s highland areas and flows to the lowlands. It has become ‘the’ place to enjoy extreme white water rafting. There are a few picnic-perfect areas on its banks, …

Samal Island

Offering a mix of beautiful white sandy beaches, superb diving and snorkelling waters, waterfalls and heritage sites, sports and top notch holiday resorts, Samal Island is a tourist hotspot. Motorcycles (called habal-habal) are a is Visitors can stay or visit for the …

Tribal Villages & Plantations

Be sure to visit some of the tribal villages that are dotted around Davao City, including the B’laan Cultural Tribal Village at Matanao and the Tagakaolo Cultural Tribal Village at Digos, along with plantations like those at Hagonoy and Padada (banana and other tropical fruits) and the durian farms at Santa …

Bankerohan Market

Visit the the lively, fragrant Bankerohan Market to take in the authentic atmosphere of a busy marketplace, stock up on fresh produce, sample some local fruit (durian is widely available) or grab a bite at one of the market's street food stalls. Morning (before noon) is the best time to …

Dining

Dining out in Davao is an international affair. There are restaurants that serve traditional Cantonese style dishes of beautifully prepared seafood, fruit and vegetarian dishes and Mediterranean themed eateries specialising in kebabs, pizzas, mezes, hamburgers, and grills. There are French, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean restaurants as well. Davao is a culturally diverse city and this is reflected in its vast range of places to eat. It's famous for its grilled tuna, known as inihaw, and its version of tuna sashimi called kinilaw.

Roxas Night Market

If an authentic dining experience is what you're after, head to Roxas Night Market where vendors sell everything from finger foods to complete meals prepared on the spot with fresh local ingredients. Savor the atmosphere and enjoy the abundance of …

Jack's Ridge

Jack's Ridge is a longstanding Davao establishment and holds somewhat of an iconic status - visitors to the city are often brought here by locals. The restaurant serves scrumptious Filipino food (Davao-style) and offers an unbeatable birds-eye view over the entire …

Vikings Luxury Buffet

One of the best buffet-style restaurants in town, Vikings Luxury Buffet is guaranteed to have something to suit any taste. The selection of foods is truly staggering - some of the cuisines represented are Asian (Japanese - sushi - included), European and American. Drinks and dessert are also included in the …

Ahfat Seafood Plaza

Ahfat Seafood Plaza is an Asian restaurant (with Chinese cuisine at the foreground) serving an enormous variety of seafood dishes. Lobster, fish, calamari, shrimp, crab, oysters and more are cooked to perfection and offered at reasonable prices. Portion sizes - larger than …

Fabulous Fifties Café Bar

With its unique 1950s-style décor and bright and informal atmosphere, the Fabulous Fifties Café Bar is a good place to enjoy a light (all-American) meal at any time of the day. Located within the Crown Regency Residences, it is within arm's reach of the city’s main tourist …

Luz Kinilaw

Luz Kinilaw is a fun if simple iconic eatery that's been in operation for decades. It promises good, wholesome local Davao dishes. Eating here is rather like a cultural experience but one that shouldn't be missed. Tuna is the star of the show, but one can't go wrong with any of the seafood …

Cafes

Cafes and coffee shops are scattered throughout the city; however, you should head to F. Torres Street. It's lined with restaurants and cafes serving all kinds of local and international food and drinks.

Bistro Rosario

While this attractive little bistro has a good choice of informal light meals based on Filipino and continental recipes, it is also famous for its sandwiches, pastries and cakes that are made in its bakery. This is a good place to stop for a lunch …

Kopi Roti

Kopi Roti is an import from Singapore, bringing with it super strong and very tasty coffee as well as breakfast that can be ordered any time of the day. The name means coffee and bread and that is exactly what you can expect to find here ("bread" being fresh cakes and pastries) …

Cafe Demitasse

Bars & Nightlife

Nightlife in Davao might not seem quite as vibrant as you would expect from a cosmopolitan city. This may be due to the alcohol curfew currently imposed here. The curfew forbids the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places between midnight and 8 am. This regulation has forced many business owners to convert bars into restaurants and massage parlours, a transformation most noticeable in Torres Street, the former Davao nightlife hot-spot. Despite the curfew, there are some popular evening venues still in operation, including jazz clubs and piano bars, excellent restaurants with live music, and even nightclubs, leaving visitors with quite a few options to choose from.

Matina Town Square

Matina Town Square is the well-established nightlife centre of Davao. The MTS (as it is often referred to) teems with bars, pubs, cafes, and restaurants of all sorts imaginable, and hosts nightly live music shows as well as indigenous music …

Rizal Promenade

Located in the old part of town, the Rizal Promenade is an alleyway that is home to a number of restaurants, bars, and clubs (some with KTV, if karaoke is something you're up for). The vibe here is quite laid-back, and bar-hopping couldn't be …

Club Echelon

Currently one of the hottest nightclubs in town, Echelon is an upscale nightlife establishment that draws a diverse crowd. DJs spin the hottest tunes, and live shows are hosted frequently.There is an entrance fee that includes a complimentary drink. …

Some Place Else Bar, Restaurant & Coffee Shop

At this relaxed bar, you can take the chance to try an authentic Egyptian Shisha Pipe. Take a seat in a comfy lounge chair and make your selection from the over 30 flavours. The bar also offers an array of liquors and drinks, including artisan …

Blue Room Jazz Bar

A great place to relax, the "Blue Room" has live jazz musicians playing each evening. Cocktails and drinks are served, and visitors can enjoy dining on buffet-style food in its Entrée …

Pirates Pub

This pub offers everything for the sport and beer-fanatics. Order a cold beer from the tap and play some pool or dart with your friends while you are waiting for the next football game to start on the TV screen. There is also a menu with typical pub food such as pies and fish …

Shopping

Shopping in Davao is a serious affair and a collection of huge, impressive multi-floored malls that have emerged in recent years proves the point effortlessly. For a fine selection of local and international brand boutiques, visit the Abreeza Mall, and do not skip the Aldevinco Shopping Centre for some of the best deals on 'pasalubong,' a Filipino word referring to gifts and souvenirs brought to loved ones from foreign lands. Davao has some fabulous markets, too, where everything from fresh produce to jewellery and crafts can be found. Haggling is acceptable.