Christmas break is approaching, and after all of our hard work over the past months, we all deserve a relaxing and refreshing break. Be pleasantly surprised by all that Davao has to offer! So round up your family members and book a flight to experience this gem in the southern part of the Philippines. Check out this guide to learn the best things to do in this lovely province and what cuisine or beverage you should sample while visiting.
Davao City is one of the most well-known travel destinations in the Philippines. With the proper balance of both natural and man-made attractions, the city is easily accessible from other Davao tourist spots thanks to Davao Airport.
It is a well-liked tourist attraction since it offers a wide range of interesting and beautiful places to see. You can visit many different types of parks and museums that kids will surely enjoy. The Davao region is also home to Mount Apo, one of the tallest mountains. The local markets offer a wonderful glimpse into life in Davao City.
The province has it all for you including parks, beaches, rare animal conservation facilities, outdoor activities, feasting on delectable local food, the renowned Kadayawan Festival, and of course a luxury condo in Davao. By reading on, discover which top sites and activities in Davao you should add to your bucket list.
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Top Tourist Spots in Davao: Climb the Highest Mountain in the Philippines — Mt. Apo
A trip to Davao City isn’t complete without seeing Mount Apo or the King of the Philippine Peaks. Mount Apo is the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, rising to a height of 10,311 feet. Before climbing Mount Apo, a crater lake was naturally created by volcanic activity.
In good weather, you may enjoy the stunning sunset and sunrise. A panoramic view of South Cotabato’s Mt. Matutum, Lake Venado, and other sights is yours to enjoy. If your family is an adventure seeker, one of the must-do activities while visiting Davao City is climbing Mt. Apo. Depending on your skill level, you can choose from a variety of trails. Make sure to plan well for this exciting activity. Because children’s legs are shorter, the pace must be slowed to match their speed. Allow them to set the pace, but be ready to carry them up if they become tired. Parents should be prepared for first aid and emergencies.
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Witness the ‘symbol of hope at the Philippine Eagle Center
Does your child know what is the Philippine’s national bird? Spark their nationalism by introducing them to the Philippine eagle which symbolizes the Filipinos’ will to survive and persevere in the face of adversity while soaring high like their eagles.The Philippine Eagle Centre uses every dollar donated for the preservation of the country’s national bird. While offering a thrilling and entertaining platform for residents and guests, this facility committed time and effort to protect endangered species.
36 Philippine Eagles are living in the center, 18 of which were bred in captivity. Ten additional bird species, four mammal species, and two reptile species all have sanctuaries there. It is a well-known green destination that is a part of a farm tour in Davao City.
These birds can be observed by visitors tearing raw flesh with their beaks and claws. Additionally, visitors to this institution have the chance to observe these eagles flying around the grounds freely and take distant pictures of them.
Suggested Read 4 Reasons Why must go to Davao City
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Top Tourist Spots in Davao: Discover Eden Nature Park
Visit this next location if you wish to get in touch with nature. After the renowned Biblical Garden, Davao City’s Eden Nature Park and Resort was given that name.A tour of Eden Nature Park is worthwhile whether you want to unwind by yourself or with your family and friends.
Tourist attractions in the nature park include the Amphitheater, Lola’s Garden, Flower Garden, Plaza Maria, Mayumi’s Well, and others. Look into the lives and customs of the Mindanaoan forefathers, then stroll to Tinubdan and take advantage of their outdoor pools, play areas, villas, gift shops, accessible spaces, and wireless internet business center.
The natural park doubles as a getaway. They include a breakfast buffet, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour front desk. They have a flat-screen TV, wardrobe, private toilet, and other amenities in their rooms.
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See the Reptiles at Crocodile Park
- Excite your family with a wildlife experience at Davao Crocodile Park. This location exhibits “state of the art” crocodile farming in the nation, complete with contemporary facilities and equipment. Thousands of crocodiles, both freshwater and saltwater species, are raised and born in this park. Visitors can also take a tour of the incubator room, which is home to hundreds of crocodile eggs.Davao Crocodile Park is home to numerous birds, monkeys, snakes, wild animals, and other reptile species in addition to crocodiles. Additionally, they provide talks, learning opportunities, and awareness of wildlife protection.
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Relax at People’s Park in Davao City
Visit Davao People’s Park, one of the most coveted parks in the Philippines. It is one of the most pristine and lush parks in the nation. One of the park’s features and one of Davao’s most popular photogenic sites is the Durian Dome.
Children’s table picnics are also available in People’s Park, although most people eat in the fields or through the ponds with large sculptures. Enjoy the park’s nightlife and get the chance to see the walls lit by “waling-waling.”
There is a fitness center nearby for anyone looking to work out. An educational facility for children and adults is located on one side of the property. Children of all ages can read their books whenever they like at the Children’s Library, the Garden Haven, and the Sunken Garden, which are all situated in one part of the park. Kids will enjoy swings, slides, monkey bars, and many other things in the children’s playground. You will surely be awestruck by large replicas of statutes of the Philippine eagles. Make sure to have loads of camera or phone memory for unlimited views to capture.
Most importantly, if you are looking for a place to stay in Davao while on vacation, Brittany Corporation offers luxury condominiums with stunning views of the city’s perfect view of nature and mountains. The luxurious condo property is wonderfully decorated with high-end fixtures and finishes, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the cooler weather
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Top Tourist Spots in Davao: Fly, Fly, to Davao Butterfly House
Following the paths through the lush grass, trees, and vibrant flowers is just the start of exploring this popular tourist destination. A protected haven for various species of butterflies, flowers, plants, and exotic insects and animals is the Davao Butterfly House.
Davao Butterfly House breeds colorful butterflies in the Learning Garden in addition to showing them off to the general public.
They enable these butterflies to pollinate Davao City’s flowering plants, enhance their beauty, and draw both domestic and foreign tourists. The growth of butterflies from eggs takes a month at the Davao Butterfly House.
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Unwind at Malagos Garden Resort and Chocolate Museum
The Malagos Garden Resort is one of Davao City’s top tourist destinations. It is a 12-hectare Davao nature theme park and a one-stop location for tourists looking to take in the scenery while also finding solace in the tranquility of the place. At the bird feeding dome, you may interact directly with several bird species by feeding them with your two fingers.
When you take a Malagos Garden tour, you can pet animals in the petting zoo, learn about the behaviors of butterflies at the butterfly sanctuary, or engage in a fun outdoor activity for kids and teenagers.
Malagos is home to the first chocolate museum in the Philippines in addition to these natural areas. The well-known tree-to-bark confection from Malagos is produced and exported, particularly to nations outside of Japan. Malagos is home to the Mindanao Contemporary Art Gallery, which offers historical and artistic perspectives on the vibrant culture of Mindanao.
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Explore Samal Island
Go to Samal Island to escape the city’s clamor. One of the top locations in the Philippines for island hopping tours, this sliver of paradise is frequently the first stop for tourists exploring this region of the nation. This island offers a variety of sights for a varied Davao to Samal route. Hagimit Falls is a lovely location to unwind and relax.
Although some people may find the falls to be too built, they nonetheless have a certain allure. Swim, dive into the pool from one of the tiers, or simply take pictures.
To work up a sweat or to see breathtaking vistas, climb Mount Puting Bato. There are many resorts and beautiful islands nearby where you can lounge about or wade in the sea to get a tan.
Monfort Bat Cave might potentially be included in your agenda. You can witness them come out of the caves during their night immersion! It’s a fantastic method to interact with these creatures. Flash photography is not permitted, though, as it might upset the subjects
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See Panoramic View at Jack’s Ridge
Jack’s Ridge is the way to go to get the full eagle-eye views of Davao City. Other than the marvelous views, visitors can also find two restaurants here.
Karlo’s Gourmet, which serves coffee and different baked treats, and Taklobo which serves Philippine food while sitting in an open-air dining area and a majestic view of the whole city.
Jack’s Ridge is also part of the history of the Philippines. It was initially used as the headquarters for fleeing Japanese during the Second World War. Then half a century later, Jack’s Ridge is filled with memories of its intervening years.
Caves were dug in the area by the Japanese pocket mark, and sometimes people still find projectiles and other war materials in fertile soil.
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Try Civet Coffee
Because of the process of how it is being made, as well as the fact that it is one of the most uncommon and expensive coffees in the world, civet coffee is well known for a reason. The only source of Civet Coffee is a civet, a cat-like wild animal of the nation, especially in Davao. It consumes the tasty coffee cherries before passing the beans.
Coffee aficionados prefer this organic process because it offers the beans a richer, softer flavor without any bitterness. However, buying it in Europe or America might be extremely expensive! Purchasing it directly from the source is less expensive. Visitors to Mt. Apo can purchase a cup of coffee there and bring a bag of it home.
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Taste the Durian Fruit
Durian has almost entirely come to be associated with Davao City (durian capital) because of its prevalence there and its rarity in other regions of the Philippines. The freshest, tastiest Durians are made possible by the region’s rich, fertile volcanic soil and climate. The region of Davao is free from a typhoon. Throughout the year, the town has balmy weather. It has a constant rainfall, temperature, humidity, and air pressure distribution.
The smell of the fruit is well-known. Most people claim that it has an odorous flavor. However, some people enjoy eating the fruit and can even equate its scent to perfume! During your visit to Davao, you can sample a variety of Davao durian products in the fruit stands, including shakes, ice cream, and many others.
Suggested Read Interesting Facts in Davao City
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Spend Time at Roxas Night Market
The Roxas Avenue Night Market allows visitors to sample the various cuisines that Davao City has to offer. Seafood, vegetables, meat, and other foods, both fresh and prepared, may be found at the numerous stalls in this renowned night market.
Sit down and enjoy a nice bowl of soup or catch up with friends over some barbecue that has been prepared.
The clothing and accessory stores open after the food stalls close. Go ahead and spend some time shopping if you want to! The Aldevenco Shopping Center and the ADD University are both close to the Roxas Avenue Night Market. Visit some “pasalubong” stores and go sightseeing during the day before stopping by the night market to eat.
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Stop By at Museo Dabawenyo
One of the most well-known museums in the nation is the Museo Dabawenyo, often referred to as the Museum of the People of Davao. This structure, once known as the Court of First Instance, was renovated and restored to highlight the city’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage.
Visitors can view reconstructions of stilt homes, native American weapons, and musical instruments inside the museum. Additionally, it has a large gallery of artifacts from the Moro People, including armor, chairs, crowns, and lamps, as well as traditional Filipino clothing, money, clothing, and other items.
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Immerse in the Kadayawan Village
In the Kadayawan Village in Magsaysay Park, you can see how the homes of the eleven indigenous and Moro communities in Davao City are built to seem like the places where they reside in various parts of town.
It is a well-liked site during a trip to Davao for sightseeing because it demonstrates a deeper understanding of indigenous and Moro heritage as well as a love for Philippine architecture.
The Dabawenyos in the village can see how the Lumad and Moro people live and practice their traditions. Most ethnic groups, including the Ata, Ovu Manovu, Bagobo-Klata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, and Matigsalug, are located in the lower portion of the house with a veranda or a waiting shed. The gorgeous residence on the park’s flanks is where the Maranao draws visitors’ attention.
The village will always serve as a reminder of the history and culture of Davao, in addition to the unification of these eleven settlements in the city retained in Kadayawan. Make sure to visit Kadayawan Village at Magsaysay Park on Saturdays, especially during cultural events.
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Visit Nearby Tourist Spots in Davao Region
Outside of Davao City and Samal Island, explore the local tourist attractions. Visit Dahican Beach and Aliwagwag Falls, two well-known sites, if you’re up for an adventure! Making the most of your visit to Davao is the ideal method to do so.
Dahican Beach
This beach in Mati, Davao Oriental, is unquestionably one of the most visited destinations and one of the most stunning beaches in the country.
Visitors can rent a lounge chair, unwind for the day, or bask in the sunshine while exploring the stunning 7-meter-long sandbar and the blue ocean.
Aliwagwag Falls
One of Davao Oriental’s most well-known natural attractions is this. Additionally, it is regarded as the state’s tallest waterfall. The waterfall complex, which has more than 100 waterfalls, is only 30 to 40 minutes from Cateel.
This consists of variously sized and shaped rock formations.
Your family and friends will never run out of activities in the “Crown Jewel of Mindanao!” The numerous excursions in Davao highlight both the natural beauty of the city and its rich past. Get out of your comfort zone and add Davao to your list of future travel destinations. If you want a hassle-free trip, you may also look into possibilities for Davao vehicle rentals. And if the city has captured your heart and made you stay longer even for good, now is the best time to invest in a luxury condominium in Davao.
