Davao City is located in the southernmost island group of the Philippines and is third most prominent and the largest city in the country in terms of land area with 244,000 hectares of urban and agricultural land. Davao is a place of contrasts and beauty, a place where every nook and cranny seems to hide something special.
Davao is famous for durian. Read more about this big and expensive fruit which many find smelly but definitely delicious!
Davao City has countless treats to offer visitors and travelers, the most important, at least for me, is that it can be one’s base of operations for the trip around the Davao region.
How do you get to Davao City? Find out the most common transportation methods around Davao Region.
How to get there
The city’s airport has regular flights from around the country including Manila and Cebu.
Its ports receive ferries from all the major ports in the Philippines.
From the city proper, you can also get transportation to any point in the Davao Region, the surrounding provinces and the island group of Mindanao as buses, jeeps, rental vans and other ferries are readily available.
When you’re in a city, they say that there’s no better to get to know a place than riding public utility vehicles (PUVs), not just taxis or really buses but also other available transport methods.
When in the Philippines , ride in the jeepneys. But if you’re afraid to get lost and not quite so adventurous then the taxis in Davao will readily get you to where you want to go and they will not try to rip you off.
Where to stay in Davao
Davao City has hotels and
accommodations to suit your budget and requirements.
- You’ve got the 4-star hotels such as the Waterfront Insular also from the Waterfront Hotel group, you can expect nothing but the best service and facilities from the Insular. Rates start at $90 per day.
- The Royal Mandaya Hotel is one of the older accommodation but its years are a testament to the experience gained by its staff in providing service to its many guests. Rates are between P3,800.00 for De Luxe rooms and P7,200.00 for the suite.
- Marco Polo Hotel in Davao is another example of a Hotel with the most modern facilities, well trained staff and also rather pricey rooms which begin at $78.
- You’ve also got a number of smaller hotels and inns around the area which provide excellent accommodations and facilities so don’t just think that you’ll have to stay at the expensive places in the city. You can visit the Microtel Inn & Suites where rates begin at $47 or Casa Leticia with rates beginning at P2,200.00.
Remember, unless you’re really there for the pampering of a hotel, the room is just a place for you to keep your belongings safe and for you to sleep in so you may not want something so expensive that it’ll restrict your journey because of your budget.
Where to go
Davao is as busy and alive like many travel destinations in the Philippines. You’ll surely have a great time checking out the following recommendations.
There’s a new destination in Davao Oriental, a truly a must-see on your next travel adventure, the Mount Hamiguitan. It is another world heritage site according to United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) in 2014.
Coffee shops
Every big city has a number of coffee shops and Davao is no exception with almost 90 coffee shops, the most popular are Bo’s Coffee and Kangaroo Coffee. The laid back ambiance, relaxing music and fine choice of blends will satisfy the want of many discerning coffee lovers. You also must try the Durian Coffee. It’s very interesting!
Davao nightlife
Similarly, there are bars, clubs and casinos for travelers if you’re looking for something to do in the evenings. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation runs the casino in the city.
Davao golf courses
The city has a number of gold courses around it, these include Apo Golf & Country Club and Palos Verdes Golf and Residential Estates where one can play an exciting round of golf set in the backdrop of Mt. Apo, the tallest peak in the Philippines.
For any travel inquiry or issues encountered, you can contact the local tourism office.
Davao City Tourism Office
Door 8, Magsaysay Park Complex, Davao City
TeleFax: +63 82 222-1956 to 57
Email: tourism @ davaocity.gov.ph
Experience Davao in bloom during the Kadayawan Festival
celebrated every third week of August.