Davao City or the City of Davao, is a highly urbanized city in the island of Mindanao in the Philippines.
It is the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area, and the most populous city in the country outside Metro Manila.
It is geographically situated in the province of Davao del Sur and grouped under the province by the Philippine Statistics Authority but being a highly urbanized city, it is governed and administered politically independent from it.
The city has a total land area of 2,443.61 km2 (943.48 sq mi), and a population of 1,632,991 people based on the 2015 census. This figure also makes it the third-most-populous city in the Philippines and the most populous in Mindanao.
It is the center of Metro Davao, the third most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines as of 2015 census with a population of 2.5 million, after Metro Manila's 12.8 million and Metro Cebu's 2.8 million.
The city serves as the main trade, commerce, and industry hub of Mindanao and the regional center of Davao Region. Davao is home to Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines.
The city is also nicknamed as the Durian Capital of the Philippines. The city is divided into three congressional districts, which are subdivided into 11 administrative districts with a total of 182 barangays.
Davao has been inaccurately described in national media reports in the Philippines as one of the world's safest cities.
However, the city has the highest murder rate and the second highest rape rate in the Philippines, according to police data.
Davao's topography dazzles with a variety of picturesque landscapes. Fruit plantations and orchid farms, mantle volcano-fed hills and valleys. Virgin forests nurture rare wildlife. Coral islands lie on mirror flat water. And the country's highest peak, Mt. Apo, magnificently lords over the hinterland.
Just as enchanting is its brilliant tapestry of harmony, woven from the diverse cultural threads of its people.
In Davao, the contemporary fuses with the traditional as migrant settlers from all over the country peacefully co-exist with a sizeable expatriate community and numerous ethnic tribes who continue to live as they did centuries ago.
Davao is home to the majestic Philippine Eagle, the country's national bird and considered the largest eagle in the world.
It also boasts of the most priced Philippine orchid species like the Vanda sanderiana and some of the most exotic fruits like Durian and Mangosteen.
Davao is an anchor tourist destination, a natural haven for both sedate and daring pursuits. It is the jump-off point to satellite destinations on the island of Mindanao.
Davao enjoys a tropical climate, along with the rest of the Phillipines with only a mere 2°C (3°F) difference between January and May, the coolest and hottest month prespectively. Humidity remains very high year-round 81%.
The city also receives plenty of rainfall all year-round and there is no true dry season.
Cebuano is the native language used in Davao. English is also widely used and understood by the people.
The region's name is derived from its Bagobo origins. The Bagobos were indigenous to the Philippines. The word davao came from the phonetic blending of three Bagobo subgroups' names for the Davao River, a major waterway emptying into the Davao Gulf near the city.
The aboriginal Obos, who inhabit the hinterlands of the region, called the river Davah with a gentle vowel ending, although later pronunciation is with a hard v or b.
The Clatta or Giangan/Diangan called it Dawaw, and the Tagabawas called it Dabo. To the Obos, davah also means a place beyond the high grounds alluding to settlements at the mouth of the river surrounded by high, rolling hills.
When asked where they were going, the usual reply was davah pointing towards the town.
Davao City is approximately 588 miles (946 km) southeast of Manila over land, and 971 kilometres (524 nmi) by sea. The city is located in southeastern Mindanao, on the northwestern shore of Davao Gulf, opposite Samal Island.
Davao City's land, totaling about 2,443.61 square kilometres (943.48 sq mi), is hilly in the west the Marilog district and slopes down to the southeastern shore.
Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, is located at the city's southwestern tip.
Mount Apo National Park the mountain and its surrounding vicinity, was inaugurated by President Manuel Quezon in Proclamation 59 of May 8, 1936 to protect the flora and fauna of the surrounding mountain range.
The Davao River is the city's primary drainage channel. Draining an area of over 1,700 km2 (660 sq mi), the 160-kilometre (99 mi) river begins in the town of San Fernando, Bukidnon. The mouth of the river is located at Barangay Bucana at Talomo District.
Mount Apo is home to many bird species, 111 of which are endemic to the area. It is also home to one of the world's largest eagles, the critically endangered Philippine eagle, the country’s national bird.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation is based near the city. The orchid waling-waling, also known as the Queen of Philippine Flowers as well as one of the country's national flowers, is also endemic in the area.
Fruits such as mangosteen also known as the queen of fruits and durian known as the king of fruits, grow abundantly on Mount Apo.
Despite Davao City's location in the Asian portion of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the city has suffered few earthquakes and most have been minor. Mount Apo, 40 kilometers southwest from the city proper, is a dormant volcano.
The population of Davao City is 1,632,991 according to the 2015 census. Metro Davao, with the city as its center, had about 2.5 million inhabitants in 2015, making it the third-most-populous metropolitan area in the Philippines and the most-populous city in Mindanao.
In 1995, the city's population reached 1,006,840 inhabitants, becoming the first city in Mindanao and the fourth nationwide to exceed one million inhabitants.
The city's population increase during the 20th century was due to massive immigration waves coming from other parts of the nation and the trend continues to this day.
Residents of Davao City and the whole corresponding Davao Region are loosely known as Davaoenos. Nearly all of local Davaoenos are Visayans but majority are Cebuanos,native Davaoeno people, with minority are Ilonggos.
While others from other ethnicity such as Lumad and Aeta form up the remainder of the local population.
The Moro ethnic groups are the Maguindanaons, Maranaos, Iranuns, Sangirese and the Sama-Bajaus. Non-Filipino Asians such as Indonesians, Malaysians, Koreans, the Chinese, the Japanese and Indians have settled and made small communities in Davao City.
Non-Asian foreigners such as the Americans and Europeans are also present in the city.
Davaoeno Cebuano, a sub-variant of Mindanao Cebuano, is the most widely spoken language in the city and its satellite cities and towns. English is the medium of instruction in schools and widely understood by residents.
Aside from Davaoeno Cebuano, Davaoeno Chavacano and Mindanao tribal languages such as Tagabawa-Bagobo, Manobo-Bagobo and Mandaya are also spoken, as well as a localized form of Tagalog.
A majority of Davao City's inhabitants are of the Roman Catholic with 80% of the population.
Other Christian groups, such as the Miracle Crusade, Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ 4th Watch and followers of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, comprise eighteen percent of the city's religious background.
Seventh-day Adventists, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Philippine Independent Church and Baptists are the other Christian denominations.
The remaining two percent belong to non-Christian faiths, mainly Islam. Some of the other faiths are Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism, animism, Judaism and the non-religious.
The Restorationist Church Kingdom of Jesus Christ had its origins in the city. Apollo Quiboloy, the claiming Appointed Son of God, was the leader of the movement.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao is the main metropolitan see of the Roman Catholic Church in southern Mindanao.
It comprises the city of Davao, the Island Garden City of Samal and the municipality of Talaingod in Davao del Norte; under its jurisdiction are the three suffragan dioceses of Digos, Tagum and Mati the capital cities of the three Davao provinces.
Archbishop Romulo Valles of the Archdiocese of Davao, appointed on February 11, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI, took office on May 22, 2012, at San Pedro Cathedral. Saint Peter, locally known as San Pedro, is the patron saint of the city.
Like most cities in the Philippines, Christians predominate in Davao. Christian churches and chapels dot the city's landscape along with temples, mosques and other places of worship.
Another Spanish tradition is the celebration by barrios or villages of the feast day of their respective patron saint with a festival or fiesta.
In these celebrations, songs and dance become the sights and sounds of Davao. The largest of these celebrations is the week-long Kadayawan Festival.
The Davao Chinatown is the primary residence of the Chinese community in the city. It has its own seaport, the Santa Ana Wharf which is also a part of Davao International Port.
Japanese cultural influence, like that of the Chinese, was also prominent in the city. The concentration of the Japanese Community before was in Mintal in the 3rd District of Toril, Davao City.
A Japanese cemetery and Japanese Shrine is located there in Bago Oshiro in Mintal. It is the Japanese town-like place in Davao, where there are Japanese villages and schools.
There are various Japanese-owned businesses in the city. Davao is also home to Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, a Japanese-administered educational institution.
There are also Indonesians, Malaysians, Koreans and Indians living in the city. ESL schools for foreigners, and export-oriented industrial parks to entice Japanese and (South) Korean firms to set up shop in the city.
However, there were also some cultural conflicts in the integration of Koreans in the city, as the then city mayor Rodrigo Duterte complained about their habit of smoking in public places.
Davao is part of the East Asian Growth Area, a regional economic-cooperation initiative in Southeast Asia.
According to the foundation, the city has a projected average annual growth of 2.53 percent over a 15-year period; Davao was the only Philippine city to reach the top 100.
As the largest economy outside Metro Manila, the city also serves as the largest local economy in southern Philippines.
Agriculture remains the largest economic sector comprising banana, pineapple, coffee and coconut plantations in the city. It is the island's leading exporter of fruits such as mangoes, pomeloes, bananas, coconut products, pineapples, papayas, mangosteens and cacao.
The chocolate industry is the newest development in the city. Malagos Chocolate, developed here by Malagos Agriventures Corp., is now the country's leading artisan chocolate recognized worldwide.
On the other hand, Seed Core Enterprises is the country's biggest exporter of cacao to Barry Callebaut. Durians however, which are locally grown and harvested and common in the city, are also notable exports.
Banana is the largest exports in the city. Local corporations like Lorenzo Group, Anflo Group, AMS Group, Sarangani Agricultural Corp. and Vizcaya Plantations Inc. have operations and headquarters in the city.
Multinational companies like Dole, Sumifru/Sumitomo and Del Monte have their regional headquarters here also.
The Davao Gulf provides a living for many fishermen. Some of the fish products include yellow fin tuna, brackish water milkfish, mudfish, shrimp and crab.
Most of the fish catches are discharged in the fishing port in Barangay Toril, which are then sold in the numerous markets within the city.
Davao City serves as the main trade, commerce, and industry hub of Mindanao and is also one of the financial hubs of Mindanao.
Phoenix Petroleum is a multinational oil company based here is the first company to be in the PSE Composite Index outside Metro Manila.
Industrial plants such as those of Coca-Cola Bottlers, Phil., Pepsi-Cola Products, Phil., Interbev Phil Inc. and RC Cola Phil., companies located in the city, as well as fruit packaging-exporting facilities, food manufacturing plants and a large number of business establishments ring the city.
There are also construction industrial plants such as those of Holcim Philippines and Union Galvasteel Corporation, and SteelAsia.
Then SteelAsia is now the largest and most modern steel rolling mill production facility in the country, completed in December 2014 and was purposely built to increase the national steel production and to reduce the construction costs in Mindanao.
One Network Bank, based in the city, is the largest rural bank in the Philippines in assets; most branches are in Mindanao including 17 locations where it is the only financial-services provider.
Government social-insurance agencies such as the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System are also in the city.
There are several commercial areas in the city: Downtown (the city centre), Davao Chinatown (Uyanguren), Bajada, Lanang, Matina, Ecoland, Agdao, Buhangin, Tibungco, Toril, Mintal and Calinan, the latter three located at the southwestern part of the city.
There are many shopping centers that dot the city. Notable ones include: Gaisano Mall of Davao, which opened in April 1997, is the largest Gaisano Mall in the Philippines, Abreeza, which opened on May 12, 2011, is the first and largest Ayala Mall in Mindanao, and SM Lanang Premier which is the first SM Premier Mall in Mindanao.
Other major malls in the city include NCCC Mall of Davao, and SM City Ecoland, which is the first SM Mall in Mindanao among many others. Victoria Plaza Mall, located on J.P. Laurel Ave., is the oldest shopping mall in the city, established in 1992.
Felcris Centrale is a mixed use Retail Mall, supermarket, and IT office complex located along Quimpo Boulevard. Gaisano Mall of Toril, which is the second Gaisano Mall under the DSG Sons Group in the city, is a large shopping mall located in Toril District at the southern part of the city.
Some minor malls/community malls include Gaisano Grand Tibungco, NCCC Panacan, NCCC Main Uyanguren, Gaisano Grand Calinan and Gaisano Grand Toril. Construction of new shopping malls in the city are currently underway.
Gaisano Grand Mall Buhangin,which is the fifth Gaisano Mall in the city under the Gaisano Grand Group, is a large shopping mall being constructed in Buhangin District just a few kilometers north of the downtown area.
NCCC Mall Buhangin, is the second NCCC Mall in the city which is also located in Buhangin District just beside Gaisano Grand Mall Buhangin.
There are also proposed malls which include CityMall Northtown Davao, which will be the first CityMall in the city that will rise in a 1.5 hectare lot within the vicinity of Northtown, a 116-hectare residential estate by the Alsons Dev. in Brgy. Cabantian, Davao City, and the Vista Mall Davao, which will rise in Tugbok District.
There are a number of cultural-heritage sites in the city, including the Davao Museum in Insular Village, Lanang, the Mindanao Folk Arts Museum - Philippine Women's College, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davaoeno Historical Society Museum at Magallanes and Claveria Streets and the Philippine-Japan Museum Matsuo Compound, Calinan.
Japanese historical sites include the Japanese Tunnel used by Japanese forces during World War II, the 20th-century Japanese cemetery and the Furukawa Fiber Plant used by Yoshizo Furukawa as an abaca and banana plantation.
The Philippine eagle, the country's national bird and considered the largest eagle in the world, is endemic to Davao.The orchid waling-waling and fruits such as durians, marang, rambutans, pomeloes and mangosteens are popular and generally cheaper in the city.
Tourist destinations in the city include the Philippine Eagle Foundation and Nature Center, Mount Apo, Gap Farming Resort, the Davao Crocodile Park, Malagos Garden Resort, Eden Nature Park, and People's Park in the city center which is popular for its sculptures of indigenous people and dancing fountain.
Samal Island, a part of Metro Davao, is an island city situated immediately off the city's coast in the Davao Gulf, popularly known for its scenic beaches.
Two major annual festivals are held in the city: the Araw ng Dabaw or Day of Davao on March 16 The city's incorporation day and the Kadayawan Festival in August.
Also celebrated in the entire month of December, Pasko Fiesta sa Davao is an integration of festive and competitive Christmas activities showcasing colorful lightings and array of decorations in barangays, public parks, roads and buildings, and a series of competitive performances.
Another annual festival, the Torotot Festival, is held annually every New Year's Eve. First organized in the last day of 2013 during the 2014 New Year's Eve, it was organized as a recompense for the city firecracker-pyrotechnics ban.
It includes a number of people simultaneously blowing party horns, locally known as torotots. It recorded a number of 7,568 people participating in the first event, aiming to break the world record set by Japan for the most people simultaneously blowing party horns.
As of 2011, there were 1,075,000 recorded tourist arrivals in the city, totaled from 81,081 foreign travelers, 983,315 local citizens, and 10,604 balikbayans/overseas Filipino workers.
Estimated tourist receipts were recorded at 12.81 billion pesos while estimated economic benefits were 28.19 billion pesos.
Located north from the city center, Francisco Bangoy International Airport is the major airport serving the city and the region. It is the busiest airport in Mindanao and the third-busiest in the country.
Around 1966, Philippine Airlines(PAL) the countries largest fleet and flag carrier commenced its first jet service domestically.
The Davao City Government is targeting more international direct-to-Davao flights after there have been additional domestic direct-to-Davao flights that were recently launched.
International airline companies and the city government are optimistic to open flights within 3.5 hours to 4 hours travel time from Davao. Whenever this would materialize, it will depend on these airlines.
Top of the list are Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam and Taiwan. All of which can be traveled to within 4 hours.
Most domestic airlines fly multiple times per day to Davao from Manila and Cebu. There are also direct flights available on some Philippine cities.
Davao is served by the Davao International Airport more properly named as the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, which receives both local and foreign traffic to Davao.
With the new terminal completed in 2003, DIA is said to be much better than its counterpart NAIA in Manila. Silk Air, the regional airline of Singapore Airlines, and Cebu Pacific airlines are currently the only international connection directly servicing Davao from Singapore.
If you have Davao as your main destination in the Philippines, you might want to consider coming in through Singapore as this might be the most hassle-free way to enter. Outside of taxis, you can catch a jeepney to town center by walking to the highway (5-10min walk).
Airport has a information counter but not always staffed, have pre-paid sim card shop access thru the departure area. Terminal fee for international flights, at least with AirAsia, is 700P.
Domestic Flights include:
- Philippines Airlines. Manila and Cebu
- Cebu Pacific. Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Manila, Bacolod, Zamboanga.
- Air Asia also fly to/from Manila and Cebu.
International Flights include:
- SilkAir, Singapore.
- Cebu Pacific, Singapore.
- Air Asia 4 times a week to/from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Davao is also served by a bustling sea port with significant cargo traffic.
The only Passenger ferries from Davao city go to Samal and Talikud islands.
If you would like to take a passenger ferry to Manila, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu city, Bohol island you need to go the port in Cagayan de oro.
There are buses from different cities, most of which are located within Mindanao, which usually stops at Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), and is located at Maya, Ecoland, Davao City. For getting into downtown or uptown, there are multiple jeepneys passing by.
Popular modes of public transportation in the city are multicabs, jeepneys, tricycles, buses and taxis. Multicabs and jeepneys ply 82 designated passenger-vehicle routes around the clock.
Tricycles ply routes beyond the main streets of the city. Taxis have several routes in and around Davao City. In mountainous areas, the habal-habal passenger motorcycle is the main mode of transportation
The city has the first taxis in the Philippines to accept payments from BancNet and MegaLink ATM and debit cards.The black taxis are linked to the Global Positioning System (GPS), and dispatching is done by computer.
The city offers a wide bus network to cities and provinces in Mindanao and as far as Pasay in Luzon, and Ormoc and Tacloban in the Visayas.
The city is accessible by bus from several points in Mindanao such as Cotabato, Kidapawan, General Santos, Digos, Koronadal, Isulan, Tagum, Tandag, Bislig, Malaybalay, Mati, Monkayo, Malita, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, and Surigao
Construction and improvement of roads and bridges in the city are underway. The city's third major road, the Buhangin Underpass, was completed in the first quarter of 2003.
The Traffic Management and Computerization Scheme was implemented, considered one of the most modern in the country.
A 28-kilometre (17 mi) monorail project has been endorsed by the City Government to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and Philippine National Railways (PNR).
The simplest way to get around is by hopping on a taxi. A typical trip can cost about 70-95 pesos or approximately 2 U.S. dollars.
Unlike Manila, drivers in Davao do not normally bargain if they notice that you are a tourist, hence the cost of the trip is the same in price as a regular. Davao Taxi Drivers are regarded as the most honest taxi drivers in the Philippines.
Taxi Drivers in davao city do not charge tourists extra fare unlike their counter parts in Cebu and Manila. If you know the name of the building, establishment, area or street you wish you reach, this is still the fastest way to get to your destination.
A taxi is now the fastest and somehow the safest ride commuters could take if they are in a hurry or in any other cases, going home late at night in massive pouring rain. You can also call or send an SMS to the cab company directly to have a cab driver pick you up.
Taxis start their fare at Php 40.00 and will add Php 3.50 per few meters. Please do say thank you or salamat once you have arrived to your destination.
Davao Taxis issue fare receipts that list the name of the taxi company, the plate number, and the taxi number which could come in handy if one leaves valuable items or documents inside a cab. Just tell your taxi driver if you want to get a receipt.
New to Davao is the acceptance of ATM cards in taxis. The service, however, is only available in black colored taxis.
Alternatively, if you opt for more adventure, then do as the locals and catch a colorful jeepney. Simply ask around for which route to take to avoid getting lost. They are usually available 24 hours and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the city.
This is the cheapest option for getting around. The usual cost for a jeepney ride is 8.00 pesos for every 3 kilometer ride, and about a 1 peso increase per kilometer when going beyond the 3 kilometers for regular passengers.
To pay, pass your fare to the person next to you, all the way to the driver or the conductor, by saying bayad po. Paying the exact amount is highly recommended. To stop at a certain destination, say lugar lang, para, or knock your coins hard on the steel handle.
Another alternative ride aside from the jeepneys and taxis, is to rent a car. There are many cars for rent. If you don't know the routes you can hire drivers by asking the attendant of the rental company. Local companies tend to be cheaper than the national ones.
Buses are also available but these tend to ply exclusively along the north-south route and going out and in the city area.
A new mode of transportation around Davao Gulf is through a water taxi. Water Taxis service the daily commuters and visitors of Davao City, Samal Island, and other Neighbouring Coastal Municipalities around Davao Gulf.
It will get you to the island, waterfront restaurant, or beach resort you wanted with comfort and ease. The pioneer water taxi service in the Philippines is found in Davao City and has the swift, safe and secure water transport.
The best and most professional skippers and has a customer friendly and positive attitude, all incorporated to make your transfer easy and pleasurable.
Davao is connected to Manila by roll-on/roll-off inter-island ferries. The city is served by domestic passenger ferries at Sasa International Seaport and Santa Ana Wharf, the international seaports of the Port of Davao, the busiest port in Mindanao.
The port is capable of servicing inter-island and international shipments. It is located in Davao Gulf and has two approaches, one at Pakiputan Strait between Davao and western Samal Island.
The Davao City and General Santos to Bitung, Indonesia sea connectivity route has also had just been started very recently.
This route will enable traders from Mindanao to easily export goods and commodities like food and beverage, electronics and garments, beauty products, fertilizer, construction materials, agricultural inputs, tin cans and packaging materials up to North Sulawesi in Indonesia.
The roll-on-roll-off or Ro-Ro shipping service which will serve the route is the Asian Marine Transport, a Philippine registered shipping firm and operator of the Super Shuttle Ferry, Super Shuttle Roro, and Shuttle Fast Ferry vessels.
Department of Tourism, get free map and others papers, 5 Floor, Landco corporate center, JP Laurel avenue, opposite McDo, near Victoria mall
Tourist Sights and Sites of Davao
Mt. Apo. the highest mountain in the Philippines.
Crocodile Park, Riverfront Corporate City, Carlos P. Garcia Highway, Davao City. The home of the Philippine crocodiles. This park serves as a breeding center and a great tourist attraction. There are crocodile shows and others which shows in some days.
Other animals too like tiger, deer,lion. Crocodile feeding is 35p. include entrance to butterfly park (8am-5pm) and K'Mindanawan village - not real one, for tourist, fire show on fri/sat/sun 5.45pm-6.30pm) 150p.
Eden Nature Park. Located about 50klms from Davao Eden Nature Park is close to the town of Toril. It's located in the mountains so it's cooler than Davao City.
It has nice walks, restaurants, horse riding and a Sky-Rider thing and lots more. It's a pretty good day out and well worth the trip from Davao.
Jack's Ridge, Shrine Hills Road, Matina, Davao City. This was a place where for Japanese Forces during the World War 2 . It is now a tourist spot in Davao City, where you can have a scenic view of Davao City especially during the night.
There is a restaurant, a pool, bars, cottages, and a trail up and down the ridge, where you can enjoy your sleep.
Philippine Eagle Center. 8AM-5PM. See the Philippine Eagle; one of the largest eagles in the world and sadly also one of the most endangered. The center is home to about 30 Philippine Eagles, aside from eagles it is also home to other birds and animals as well as raptors in a simulated forest environment.
People's Park, Legazpi Street, Davao City. A public park located along Legazpi Street. A park where people people gather around, enjoy the stroll crossing bridges, seeing man-made waterfalls, beautiful plants, and more. It is more enjoyable during the night.
San Pedro Cathedral, San Pedro Street, Davao City town-center, most jeepney road go through, just ask. This cathedral dated around the 19th century, is the city's main cathedral of Davao. It is located across the City Hall.
Shrine of the Holy Infant of Jesus (Santo Nino Shrine), Shrine Hills Road, Matina. A shrine that is up a hill where there are beautiful sceneries in which you can unwind, relax, and reflect. There are mass celebrations once in a while per day. A lot of people visit this place during Sundays.
Lonwa buddhist temple, less than 10min walk from crossing cabaguio avenue / JP Laurel avenue and St Camillus dormitel. no defined opening hours. free.
Dabawenyo museum. 9am-12pm 1pm-6pm, closed on sunday+some holidays. no photos except on few recent paintings / separated room. free admission.
Gumamela Caverock Farm Resort, Purok 3 Tolosa, Barangay (Village) Matina Biao, Davao City, Philippines. A classy and secluded mountain, creek- side farm resort located 21kms from Davao City Hall. It is a tourism- graded facility.
Short waterfalls and springs, World War II Japanese Imperial Army Bunkers or caves the resort was also occupied by the Japanese forces during World War II, well- preserved rainforests/ vegetation,Bagobo- inspired sculptures.
World's tallest concrete Hibiscus or Gumamela Sculpture handcrafted by Rey Mudjahid "Kublai" Millan , Man-made and mud-painted Poolside Caverock artificial caves and rocks shower rooms and toilets .
Natural stone- heated spa- swimming pool , secured environment, traditional- heritage cottages with a modern-native design, hybrid gumamela plants - centennial series, millennium series and celebrity series from the University of the Philippine Institute of Plant Breeding and other ornamental plants.
Samal Island is sometimes visited and has some nice beaches but cannot by no means compare to Palawan or Boracay. Entertainment on the island is minimal so makes for a very relaxing stay. Do not get stuck on the island.
Boat times are undocumented you maybe have to wait several hours and the last boat back is late afternoon. It's best to organize transportation through your hotel.
Davao City has many malls where almost all of them have cinemas, and all of them have supermarkets.
Due to security concerns, it is routine for security guards to lightly frisk people as they enter shopping malls in Davao, and indeed in most of the Philippines.
The guards endeavour to be sensitive and invariably the guard is either female or there are separate lines for male and female entrants.
Shopping Centers
Centerpoint Plaza, McArthur Highway, Matina Crossing, Davao City.
Chimes Specialty Store, Sales Street, Davao City.
Gaisano Mall of Davao (G-Mall), J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City.
Gaisano South Grand CitiMall, Illustre Street, Davao City.
New City Commercial Corporation Mall of Davao (NCCC Mall), Ma-a, Davao City.
SM City Davao, Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City.
Victoria Plaza, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City.
Abreeza, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City.
SM Lanang Premiere J.P Laurel Avenue, Lanang District, Davao City
The cuisine of Davao City features skewered and grilled meat dishes, but the most common dish served in the city is kinilaw, a relative of ceviche made from tuna, mackerel, or swordfish with cucumber and sometimes radishes and chili marinated in vinegar.
Kinilaw which means eaten raw is a raw seafood dish native to the Philippines, similar to ceviche.It is more accurately a cooking process that relies on vinegar to denature the ingredients, rather than a dish, as it can also be used to prepare meat and vegetables.
Meat-based kinilaw usually known as kilawin are more common in the northern Philippines and use blanched and lightly grilled meat not raw. Kinilaw dishes are usually eaten as appetizers before a meal, or as finger food or pulutan with alcoholic drinks.
Sinuglaw, a portmanteau of sinugba (grilled) and kinilaw in the Cebuano language, is also a term for a dish in which diced, grilled pork belly is mixed with kinilaw.
Fruit dishes, snacks, and desserts are also popular, most made from durian and bananas. Ginanggang is a banana dish that originated in this city and spread to other parts of the country; a banana is grilled, skewered, brushed with margarine and sprinkled with sugar.
Davao is renowned for its durian and pomelo. Eating durian is admittedly an acquired taste but those who do end up liking it will swear that the bad smell is worth it.
Pomelo on the other hand is a citrus fruit that most closely resembles a grapefruit, it is quite common in South East Asia. Beware of bringing durian inside airplanes as well as hotels and other establishments.
They may have strict regulations on allowing durian inside and some may not allow durian to be brought at all.
Sea Urchin Restaurant, Mamay Road, a few meters from Damosa Gateway. A full range of Chinese cuisine. Cold cuts and soup are excellent. Try also their steamed lapu-lapu and garlic chicken. The best restaurant in the city.
Ahfat, Victoria Plaza area. The ultimate gastronomic experience. Try the steamed shrimp, spicy spare ribs and crab fuyo.
Yahong There's one in The Venue and another along Torres Street. Try their talaba and diablo chicken wings . Their crispy pata is also a must.
Na Trang (Jekoy's Grill), Jacinto Extension, beside Central Bank. Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Try their tofu and mushrooms, Vietnamese pancake, wet lumpia and fried spring rolls. Coffee is great here also.
Jack's Ridge, Just across the Santo Nino Shrine. Delicious Filipino cuisine and a breathtaking view of the city.
Cubyertos, Torres Street. Try their signature vegetable-chicken salad.
Dencia's, Ilustre Street. Classic Davao-Chinese cuisine. Best orders are tokwa't baboy, congee, fresh lumpia and pancit canton.
Gardena Fresca, Within Coca-Cola Village in Matina. Their bestseller is adobong tahong.
Talaba Joe's, Rizal Street. Come to this place for the freshest oysters in Davao.
Claude's, Rizal Street. Authentic French cuisine.
De Bonte Koe, Rizal Street. Dutch Cuisine. Try their herring with onions. Never miss the apple pie.Apple Pie, questionable, not even Dutch style.)
Boodels, Within Barrio Obrero. Very cheap grilled tuna belly. Tastes great too.
Gerry's Grill, Within G-Mall. The many versions of sisig are great, food chain found all over the Philippines
Mang Inasal, within G-Mall and SM Mall. Delicious cheap barbecue chicken.
Grand Emerald Seafood Garden, within Victoria Plaza Complex. Good food, Reasonable Price, Nicely Lit Interiors.
Mandarin Tea Garden, With branches at G-Mall, SM Davao, Nccc Mall, Rizal St., Guerrero St., Duterte St., DCLA Complex., and Bajada St. The First and original Dimsum house in davao. Must Try.
Dimsum Diner. Within G-Mall and somewhere near Holy Cross College. Best orders are salted fish fried rice, salt and pepper riblets and siomai.
Dox's of Davao Rosal Street, Catalunan Pequeño near Yuchico Orchid Gardens. Habachi Iron cookery with a Southern flare. Try The Dox's Dog on a stick sarap to the stick.
Tadakuma, Damosa Business Center, Mamay Road, Davao City. serves delicious Japanese dishes at reasonable prices
Tsuru, Legazpi Street, Davao City. serves high quality Japanese dishes. They also have an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet every 15th and 30th of the month. Calling them for reservations is highly recommended.
Harana, F. Torres Street, Davao City. A very famous barbeque restaurant that serves awesome barbeque dishes, steaks, and other Filipino dishes.
Krua Thai, F. Torres Street, Davao City. serves Thai dishes.
De Boerderij or The Farm, #6 DBC Bldg-H, McArthur Hway, Matina Near NCCC Mall. 11am - 02am.
De Boerderij or The Farm #6 DBC Bldg-H, McArthur Hway, Matina 100 meters south from Ma-a junction. 11am - 02am. Cozy international bar with Dutch roots. Burger, steak, pizza & pasta, kroket, bread and other goodies at affordable prices. Mixed clientele. Discreet place to meet and spend some time.
ellen's tuna queen (ETQ), South Street, DBP Village,Matina,Davao City from NCCC Mall Matina,road going to Ma-a to the left first corner third house left side.
11am to 9:00pm Monday to Saturday. serves filipino lutong bahay with specialty the original pritong paksiw na buntot ng tuna. Also best sellers are laing, lechon kawali, tuna sisig, beef kalderetta,seafood bicol express,
Smoked Cowboy Chicken, Earth Street near Matina Crossing. 15:00- 22:00. . 50.
Davao has a very early alcohol curfew. For that reason along with the conservativeness and extremely low incomes of the local population, nightlife in Davao is severely lacking in excitement when compared to that of Cebu or Manila.
There are very few options when it comes to partying. All clubs are closed during the week and weekends can sometimes be quiet too. Surprisingly, for a population of over 1 million there are very few places to drink and the government wants to keep it that way.
That being said, nightlife still exists but as a more chilled out setting, for example, in Matina Town Square (MTS) where you may sit down with friends/family, drink and enjoy live music during weekends.
There is the local Tanduay Rum, billed around town as the Number One Rhum.
There are large Seventh Day Adventist populations on Samal and Comotes Island, and in Mindanao generally. Adventists do not drink and any stores they own will typically not sell alcohol.
Elephant Milk Co, Tionko cor. V. Mapa St. Elephant is a place dedicated to fresh Mindanao coffee, home-style food, and inspirational literature, in a classical-modern atmosphere.
Specialties include Kangabrew or brewed coffee,Durian Mocha Heaven Ice-blended,Mangosteen-Passion Ice-blended,Tsokolatte native hot chocolate with espresso,KangaYo fruit & yogurt drinks,Smoked Fish Pasta,Chicken Curry Rice Meal,Creme Brulee,New York Cheesecake,Kanga Nuggets,Kanga Mint Cookies.
Cafe hours are 8:30AM-12:00MN M-Th,and 8:30AM-1AM F-Sa.Closed on Sundays.
Some Place Else, Rizal Street Havana Compound. A great place to hang out, don't forget to ask for their famous Shisha Fries.
Knight's Cafe (Red Knight Gardens), Guadalupe Village, Lanang, Davao Near by Casino Filipino.. 6:30AM to 9:30PM. Knights Cafe offers a choice of local and Western dishes at its pool side bar and restaurant.
WiFi and swimming is free if you buy food/drinks. Feast of Fish&Chips to Kinilaw and from traditional English breakfast to Pizza. Good place to meet and get lots of local knowledge. Modest.
Ellen's Tuna Queen, South Street Dbp Village, Matina, Davao City (now located at its new home a few meters from the NCCC Mall Matina Highway, From NCCC Mall along Maa road turn left to the first street corner of Dbp Village South Street.
Mon-Sat 10:30AM-9PM. Serves the original pritong paksiw buntot ng tuna formerly at Petron Bajada, sinigang silik ng malasugui, beef calderetta, laing, kinilaw (tuna), lechon kawali and tuna sisig. Grilled steaks (lamb chops, beef prime ribs, burger steak) are also served. Try the latest Tuna Sisig na Pizza and the creamy halo-halo at its best.
Basti's Coffee, Victoria Plaza. Basti's is a cafe in Victoria Plaza, with an entrance outside as well as through the food court. They brew great coffee, and they ask you to pick between 'mild' and 'strong'. They also have pastries including an interesting durian cheesecake.
Davao is a no-smoking-in-public-places city so smokers might find it useful to know that there is an enclosed and air-conditioned smoking section in Basti's.
There is no shortage of accommodations in Davao, ranging from the four-star accommodations of the Marco Polo Davao at Claveria, the Royal Mandaya Hotel at Ponciano, the Grand Regal Hotel and Casino Filipino and the Waterfront Insular Hotel on Lanang.
The Apo View Hotel, where Casino Filipino 2 is located, The Pinnacle Hotel and Suites at Sta. Ana Avenue in the Chinatown district, to lodges and inns, all around the city.
Serviced residences like the Crown Regency are also rising in popularity, or one can find townhouses or apartments for rent, all for negotiable rates that are very good for those coming into Davao with dollars.
Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark, Brgy. Caliclic, Babak Island, Garden City of Samal. The resort is located either by car ferry or passenger ferry a short distance away from Davao International Airport.
This beach resort in Samal offers rooms equipped with Wi-Fi, TV, dining area, refrigerator and microwave oven. Some of its facilities and services are outdoor swimming pool, bar, vip club, conference room, beach access, free Wi-Fi, room service, dry cleaning and laundry service. Rates start at 2,299.00 PHP.
C5 Dormitel, Roxas Avenue 1 block south of Ateneo de Davao Univ. A luxury dormitory for P 650 for single, P1100 for double; P1300 for suite. Monthly rates: 15000, 25000, 33000 respectively.
Cable TV, A/C, wi-fi, laundry area, parking, study area, guest lounges. Hot water in suites. Located in C5 Building along with a cafe, travel agency, beauty salon, laundry shop and other businesses.
Crown Regency Residences, J.P. Cabaguio Avenue Agdao. All rooms have air conditioning, broadband internet, and cable television. From USD 53.33.
D'Counter Executive Dormitory, 15-B Jose Camus St. P255 for basic single; P335 for single with TV and private bath; P545 with A/C and cable TV; P720 for double with A/C, bath, cable TV; family room for 3 with bath, cable TV, and A/C for P1100.
El Rio Bachelor's Pad, Lot 22&23, Block 16 Kamuning St., El Rio Vista Village Phase 4A, Bacaca. Monthly Rate P6000 small room, P7000 medium sized room, P7500 large room P600 per day good for 2 persons.
Includes mini-kitchen, cooking utensils & pans, electric stove, electric kettle, knife, plates, spoons & forks, refrigerator, own washing sink, own shower with heater, Internet, television with cable, individual controlled air-conditioned room, bed & bedding, cabinets, dining table and chairs.
First Pacific Inn Davao, Quirino Ave.. First Pacific Inn is a freshly, newly built 17 room business Inn, catering to both short and long-term visitors. Quirino Ave is very busy 24hrs a day heavy truck and motorcycle traffic as well as many emergency vehicles.
If you want a full night’s sleep look elsewhere. Rooms at front are very noisy and are only ones with dbl beds. The staff is friendly and very helpful. Rooms are clean but spartanly furnished.
Gumamela Caverock Farm Resort, Purok 3 Tolosa, Barangay Matina Biao, Tugbok District. On premises, there is a river/creek, springs, World War II Japanese Imperial Army caves/foxholes the land where the resort is situated is part of the Tolosa Family Estate which was also occupied by Japanese forces during WWII.
Rainforests/vegetation, paintings and Bagobo-inspired sculptures, world's tallest concrete hibiscus (gumamela) sculpture made by Rey Mudjahid Kublai Millan , man-made and mud-painted Poolside Caverock artificial caves and rocks , natural thermo spa- swimming pool , sports facilities billiard, table tennis, darts.
Restaurant and bar, secured environment, traditional- heritage cottages modern-native design, hybrid hibiscus (gumamela) plants - centennial series, millennium series and celebrity series from the University of the Philippine Institute of Plant Breeding and other ornamental plants.
The resort has 6 elegant traditional- heritage modern - native concept and 2 bamboo cottages with private verandas.
The breeze in the farm is particularly refreshing. The bathrooms are well-appointed with varied walls and floor designs and a LED shower system with multi-directional nozzles at your body in varying angles.
The cottages are crafted with different ceiling and bathroom designs made by local artisans in varying colors and with modern furniture and fixtures.
The Pool View Cottages are in front of the spa- swimming pool with a magnificent and well-preserved jungle backdrop.
Humberto’s Hotel, J. Palma Gil cor. P. Gomez Sts. Humberto’s Hotel was featured by PAL Mabuhay Magazine on its lifestyle section as a Charming Botique Hotel.
It was also chosen and awarded by the 2003 National Shopper's Choice in May 28, 2004 as no. 1. Small Hotel in Davao City. Best rates on official website start at PHP 2,200.
Hotel Esse Davao, F. Torres St.. Hotel Esse Davao provides deluxe, executive and premiere rooms with 32-inch LCD TV with cable channels, free wireless internet access and complimentary breakfast. Its facilities and services include a steakhouse, standby generator, in-room massage services and tours.
Lanang Business Inn (LBI), Banawe St. Lanang. There is a free breakfast and wifi in the lobby. The rooms are clean with individual bathrooms, AC, TV. P1000.
Marco Polo Davao, C.M. Recto (formerly Claveria) cor. M. Roxas Blvd.. lol
The Pinnacle Hotel and Suites (The Pinnacle Hotel Davao), Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, fronting The Peak of Gaisano Mall of Davao. checkin: 2pm; checkout: 12noon. The most affordable hotel in Davao City.
Located at the heart of Downtown Davao, at the gateway to the biggest Chinatown in the Philippines. ranges from 2000-10,000 php.
My Hotel, San Pedro St, Davao City beside BDO - San Pedro Branch. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 12nn.
It offers free Wi-Fi access in every room, free Sun-to-Sun cell phone call, free calls to the US and Canada, hot and cold shower, air-conditioned room, television with cable, telephone, and security cameras,single fan rooms are p250 with out side bathrooms. PHP 250.
MyPlace Dormitel, Veloso St., Bo. Obrero at the back of Victoria Plaza. Standard Room - P800, Superior Room - P1,000, Suite Room - P1,500, Extra Bed - P300. Room has 2 beds, a/c, hot and cold shower, free wifi, 24/7 security, add P100 for TV.
Oroderm Beauty Hotel, Magallanes (St) just off Quirino past Metro Hotel. Single room P1200; double rooms start at P1500 and go up to P3200 for the presidential suite. Breakfast included.
Ponce Suites, Road 4 at corner of Road 3 in Dona Vicenta Village, Bajada from JP Laurel Street at Victoria Plaza, turn at Chow King and take the first right, then your first left and go to the end. Wifi is available.
They also have great food with a good rooftop open terrace you can enjoy your meal or coffee at, and an impressive art collection. p1500.
Red Knight Gardens (Suites), 8th Street Guadalupe Village Lanang. Has a pool, gardens, bar & restaurant owned and managed by Brit. Rooms are fully furnished. All rates are fully inclusive of water, electric, gas, T.V, local phone calls, hot & cold shower, daily maid services.
Sampaguita the new one, Quirino Avenue at My Mayon St. Nice for the price. Basic single for P325, double 400, triple 500, family 650. Add about 200 for A/C. Add another 50 to 200 for hot water. Add another 100 to 300 for coffee table and sofa.
Sampaguita the old one, Mt Mayon St turn off Quirino right at the new Sampaguita and go a block up. Clean, decent, budget.single with private lavatory p250. and a single with private bathroom and cable TV p300.
Single with A/C bathroom and cable TV for P475, another 50 for hot water. Add 100 for a double and another 100 for a triple.
St. Camillus Dormitel, 3rd Floor, SPMC Cooperative Building, Southern Philippines Medical Center or Davao Medical Center Compound, Bajada. checkin: anytime; checkout: anytime. Best value accommodation in Davao City.
Airconditioned rooms, quiet location, short walk to all modes of public transport, owners and staff are helpful and very friendly. The dormitel occupies the whole third flood of the building you can ask permission to go up the rooftop for a breathe of fresh air.
Each no-frills room have four double-decker beds, with common tables and a small cabinet for your more important stuff. Toilets/shower-stalls are clean and well lighted. Separate facilities for men and women.
The ground floor of the building is occupied by various establishments: laundry shop (18PHP/kg), food center, vendors and a popular Chinese fast food chain. The second floor is occupied by an internet cafe and spa/parlor.
Call for reservations well ahead of time as they opften fill-up pretty quickly with various traveller groups. 180/day.
Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Lanang. On the side of the Davao Gulf, with landscaped gardens; view from corridors. Enjoy free 'tuba' or coconut wine given to hotel guests.
Samal Bahay Kubo, Barangay Katagman, Purok 5, Peñaplata District, Island Garden City of Samal. checkin: anytime; checkout: anytime. If you want real peace and quiet, go here. No videokes, guaranteed.
You could set up a tent, if you like or get a room in a Bahay Kubo (hut). The owner's wife is a mean cook, specializing in Thai and Indian dishes. You could always arrange for local dishes, if that's what you like.
There is no in-suite toilet, but the outhouse is very clean and has running water. The site is several minutes away on foot from two tourist spots: Moncado's Camp 23 and Balay ni Moncado (Moncado's Whitehouse).
You can arrange for a pickup at the Penaplata Warehouse Club bus stop then take City Island Express Bus from Davao City to Samal Island. Or, you can arrange a pickup from Davao City or elsewhere, all depends on how much adventure you'd like to experience.
From the Kubo's balcony you have a wonderful view of the sea and Talikud Island. Security and entertainment is provided by the resort's animals: geese, goats, chickens and two dogs. There's a public beach 10 minutes away on foot. 200 PHP/night.
Casa Leticia Business Inn, Maya St., Ecoland, Matina. All rooms have cable TV, air-conditioning, hot-and-cold shower, complimentary wireless internet access and PABX.
Some of its facilities and services are business center, coffee shop, restaurant, car park, lobby, Wi-Fi in public areas, room service, airport transfer, massage service and laundry service/dry cleaning.
Casa Leticia Boutique Hotel, J Camus Street. All rooms have telephone, refrigerated mini-bar, cable TV, air conditioning, safety deposit box and complimentary wireless internet access.
Some of its facilities and services are board room, function room, coffee shop, elevator, restaurant, car park, business center, lobby, laundry service/dry cleaning, shuttle service, Wi-Fi in public areas, massage service, concierge and valet parking. Rates start at PHP 3500.00.
Leticia by the Sea Resort, Talicud Island, Samal. All rooms have refrigerator, air-conditioned villas, sets of beddings, towels and toiletries will be provided, free use of kitchen, complete cooking facilities, freezer and dining wares, water dispenser and TV with DVD player and sound system.
Some of its facilities and services are pavilion, function room, Wi Fi zone, free use of Kayaks for the whole duration of stay, pick–up & transfer via speed boat, jet ski ride and Sunset Cruise; choice of fruit platter and drinks or light snacks and drinks. Rates starts at PHP 9,760.00.
Philippine Holiday Home, Babak - Purok 4, Mambago. Fully furnished and newly renovated 3 bedroom house available for holiday rentals in Philippines. Situated on the beautiful tropical island of Samal. 10 minute drive to everything. Only 15 minutes by barge to the mainland of Davao City.
One Oasis 1BR Condotel, Eco West Drive Ecoland Bucana Beside SM Shopping Mall in Ecoland. checkin: 01:00PM; checkout: 12:00NN. Well placed in the nightlife, restaurants and shopping area of Davao city beside SM Mall-Ecoland. Times Beach is 5 minutes walk. The bedroom has queen sized soft bed for your utmost comfort.
Installed with not noisy split type-aircon to ensure the quality deep sleep you desire. Plus enjoy the amenities of the condominium like basketball court, childrens playground, clubhouse & swimming pool for free.
Accept short term & long term rent with big discount. Van for rent also available upon request. Please see the link.
Cagayan de Oro, from davao to cagayan, bus 7-10h duration depending on weather/trafic/road construction, multiples stop including lunch+diner break, 540p Aircon/20% less w/o.
Many governments, including the US, UK, Australia and the Chinese, strongly discouraged any travels to the island of Mindanao because of the threat of terrorist attacks, bombings, shootings and kidnappings of foreigners.
Davao has been targeted by bomb blasts in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017. Deadly battles are being fought between terrorists and the Philippine army on the outskirts of the city.
Most insurers will not pay out if you need to make a claim while being in Davao.
Contact your embassy and insurer before traveling and take extreme care when leaving the city.
Tourism Observer
