The highly urbanised city on the island of Mindanao nicknamed “King City of the South” is a land of delight for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers.
Hagimit falls in Samal Island. Photo from Adobe Stock
How To Get There
Located 2 hours south from the main capital of Manila, easily get to Francisco Bangoy International Airport via domestic flights. International airlines like Singapore Airlines and AirAsia have direct flights to Davao. Besides travelling on road, one may also travel by sea to Davao on ferry rides from Manila.
The rare and endangered Philippines Eagle. Photo from Adobe Stock
What To Do
Bird lovers can spend their day at Philippine Eagle Centre, home to the largest eagle species in the world. The conservation center is also a breeding facility for the critically endangered Philippine eagles. Afterwards, head to People’s Park to see life-sized sculptures of the native peoples of Mindanao.
Take a quick ferry ride to neighbouring Samal Island and spend a day there by visiting the cave of Monfort Bat Sanctuary, play in giant slide at Maxima Aqua Fun and dip in Hagimit Falls. For the adventurous spirit, try whitewater rafting in Davao river and ziplining at Asia’s longest and fastest zipline at Outland Adventure.
Photo from Red Planet Davao
Where To Stay
Red Planet Davao is a budget hotel strategically located close to shopping hotspots. Perfect for business and leisure travellers, the hotel is also equipped with wheelchair-friendly facilities. Alongside, Bahay Ni Tuding is a homely inn in the city with minimal accents of Filipino decor. This inexpensive inn is also walking distance to Davao River.
Where To Eat
Dine at Kaonanan sa Tribu K’Mindawan Davao to taste authentic Mindanao cultural food and tribal inspired meals. The Palosebo meal is a vegan food to try made of banana blossom cooked in coconut milk. For a good range of Spanish and Filipino cuisine, go to Tiny Kitchen & Dulce Vida restaurant.
Good To Know
• Davao is home to the highest peak in Philippines, Mount Apo, a dormant volcano near 2,954m in height.
• Durian, the “King of Fruits” is amply grown in Mindanao and can be found almost everywhere in Davao.
• Kadayawan Festival is Davao’s biggest annual festival in celebration of life and thanksgiving for good harvest held on every third week of August.
Text by Jessy Wong
