How to Travel by Land from Davao to Iloilo?

If you’re looking for a wild ride through the Philippines, then buckle up and listen up because I’ve got a story for you.

Now, I know many of you are curious about how to travel from Davao to Iloilo by land, and let me tell ya, it ain’t for the faint of heart.

As a solo backpacker, I decided to take on this adventure to learn more about the culture and history of this beautiful country.

And boy, did I have a blast!

First things first, let’s talk about the drive.

The direct route from Davao City to Iloilo spans a whopping 745 miles with a drive time of around 30 hours.

But don’t worry, this journey is not just about the destination, it’s about the sick adventure along the way!

1. First, you’ll board a bus that will take you from Davao City to General Santos City.

   It’s like playing a game of “I Spy” with the beautiful landscapes passing by outside your window.

2. Once you reach General Santos City, hold on tight as you ride a jeepney or van to Makar Wharf.

   It’s like being in a bumper car, only without the bumping.

3. At Makar Wharf, you’ll finally board the ferry that will take you to Iloilo City.

   It’s like being on a floating hotel, only without room service and the fancy bathrobes.

4. Get ready to experience the joys of sea travel as you spend approximately 20-25 hours on the ferry.

   It’s like being on a never-ending boat party, only without the drinks and the dance floor.

5. When you finally arrive in Iloilo City, it’s like being in a carnival, with all the colorful jeepneys and street vendors.

   Take a ride in a tricycle and feel like you’re on a mini-roller-coaster.

You gotta decide how you wanna roll?

You can hop on a bus or take a private car.

If you’re feeling fancy, why not rent a sweet ride and cruise down the highway like a boss?

Now, buckle up, ’cause this journey is gonna take you through some seriously epic scenery.

You’ll pass by picturesque rice paddies, towering mountains, and sparkling rivers.

And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife, like

or monkeys.

But wait, there’s more!

Along the way, you’ll encounter a ton of cool pit stops where you can refuel and recharge.

Hit up a local roadside diner and chow down on some mouth-watering grub, or grab a cold one at a laid-back pub and soak up the local vibe.

If you’re planning to take the RORO (that’s Roll-On/Roll-Off for all you newbies out there) from

to Davao, be prepared to add another day to your journey.

That’s right, folks, a grand total of two days and one hour.

But trust me, it’s worth it.

Now, onto the good stuff.

Iloilo is a hidden gem that offers adventure, safety, and comfort all wrapped up in one package.

And let me tell ya, I had to work for it.

I spent my days wandering the streets, mingling with the locals, and immersing myself in the rich history of this city.

And let me tell you, it was worth every blister on my feet.

Now let me tell y’all a little story.

One day, I stumbled upon a local market and decided to try some of the exotic fruits they had on offer.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I had never seen half of these fruits in my life.

So, being the curious adventurer that I am, I decided to try them all.

I had some interesting reactions.

From sweet and juicy to sour and funky, I experienced a whole new world of flavor.

Beautiful Places to Visit in Iloilo

Iloilo ain’t no sleepy little town, it’s jam-packed with things to do and sights to see that’ll knock your socks off.

When I first rolled into town, I was like, “Where do I even begin?” But I soon discovered that the downtown area is the place to be for all the action.

You can explore the

, art galleries, and historical landmarks.

And if you’re a shopaholic like me, then you’ll definitely want to hit up the boutiques for some retail therapy.

But wait, there’s more!

If you’re feeling adventurous, then you gotta try the local delicacies.

Trust me, your taste buds will be thanking you.

And for those of you who are feeling extra daring, why not try the exotic dishes like balut or kansi?

You only live once, am I right?

But that’s not all, folks.

If you’re a nature lover, then you’ll love the lush greenery and beautiful landscapes that Iloilo has to offer.

Take a hike in the mountains, go kayaking in the rivers, or just chill on the beach and soak up the sun.

And if you’re looking for some nighttime fun, then you won’t be disappointed.

Iloilo has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and live music venues.

So get your dancing shoes on and let loose!

But let me tell you a personal story, guys.

So I was kayaking down the river, just taking in the scenery when I saw a group of monkeys on the riverbank.

I couldn’t resist, so I paddled over to get a closer look.

Next thing I know, one of the cheeky little buggers snatches my sandwich right out of my hand!

I couldn’t help but laugh, even though I was a little peeved about losing my lunch.

Davao

You want beaches?

Check.

You want parks?

Check.

You want conservation centers where you can get up close and personal with some wild animals?

Double check!

Davao has got it all, baby!

And don’t even get me started on the security.

This city is tighter than your jeans after Thanksgiving dinner.

They’ve got an identification system that’ll make the TSA jealous.

No wonder Davao is one of the safest cities in the country.

You can bet your bottom dollar that your vacation will be worry-free and all about fun.

But let me tell you a little story.

One time, I was walking down the street, minding my own business, when out of nowhere, this monkey jumped on my shoulder!

At first, I was like, “What the actual…?” But then I realized, “Oh snap, I’m in Davao!” Turns out, it was just a friendly little critter who wanted to say “what’s up.” That’s the kind of vibe you get in Davao.

The animals are just as friendly as the people.

So, if you’re looking for a destination where you can kick back, relax, and experience some unforgettable adventures, then Davao is the place to be

Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Davao

Taking a tour of the Philippines will leave you with unique memories that will last you a lifetime.

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Davao Oriental.

It is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mindanao.

There is a beautiful pygmy forest there.

Pygmy forests are not common around the world.

Various kinds of animals are indigenous to this side of the world in these forests.

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has such a balanced ecology that it is hard to find in many other places of the world.

One fault Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has is its diversity and variety of animals.

When tourists go into this reserve, they always see astonishing plants and animals, which cannot be found anywhere in the world.

The Island Garden City of Samal

Two islands make up Samal, and it is the only city with two islands in the county.

This is why it is called “The Island Garden City.”

If you love the sun, sand, and sea, the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao is the best location.

You will see the beautiful beaches of Davao on this island.

Here, you will be comfortably relaxed as you watch the beauty of the ocean.

 Aliwagwag Falls

Aliwagwag is popular for its staircase-like detached rocks.

There is a waterfall in this place.

This waterfall is one of the best tourist destinations in Davao.

Tourists love to take pictures of the 84-tiered waterfalls.

The waterfall has more than 130 cascades and stands at 1,110 feet.

This qualifies it to be the highest waterfall in the Philippines.

Cape of San Agustin

The Cape of San Agustin is opposite the great Celebes Sea.

This cape is a blend of Spanish colonial rule

beaches.

This is a divers destination because of its popular diving spot known as “the wall””.

There are three lighthouses on the Cape of San Agustin.

From these lighthouses, you will have mind-blowing views of the sea. “The alter” is a wonderful rock formation in Cape of San Agustin that is worth visiting.

Lake Carolina

From the national highway to Lake Carolina is about a 15-minute drive.

Tourists who require royal experience find Lake Carolin as their destination of choice.

This body of water is not a lake.

It is a lagoon full of brackish water and a lot of fish.

Lake Carolina is near

.

It has a beautiful environment, and the flourishing green trees make it a perfect environment for relaxation.

Dahican Beach

Dahican Beach is a place in Davao every tourist must visit.

It is a perfect destination for surfers, skimboarders, and beach bums.

Dahican Beach wears a simple outlook but gives you the experience you will live with for a very long time.

Crocodile Park

Crocodile Park is a state-of-the-art Crocodile farm in Davao you will not like to miss anything.

It is a tourist destination where you see thousands of

reptiles born and bred in the park.

You will see hundreds of crocodile eggs being incubated in the incubation room.

You will also see all kinds of birds, monkeys, snakes, and other kinds of reptiles in the park.

You will find it fun and educating to visit this park because you will be lectured on wildlife conservation awareness.

Philippine Eagle Center

Are you a lover of animals?

Another destination for you in

.

This Eagle Center is located on an 8.

4-hectare of land, at Apo mountain.

The Philippine Eagle Center is where the critically endangered Philippine Eagle is conserved and bred.

  Other birds of prey that are endangered are conserved and bred here too.

FAQs

Is Iloilo near Davao?

You betcha!

The distance from Davao to Iloilo is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.

We’re talking 524 kilometers (326 miles) of easy breezy travel.

The distance you’ll drive from Davao to Iloilo is 814 kilometers (506 miles), but trust us, it’s worth every mile.

How long is a boat from Manila to Davao?

If you take a regular passenger ferry, it usually takes around 2-3 days to travel from Manila to Davao.

The travel time may also be affected by weather conditions and sea traffic.

However, there are also fast craft or high-speed ferries that operate this route, which can take as little as 24 hours to travel from Manila to Davao.

These fast craft ferries usually have limited seating capacity and run at faster speeds than regular passenger ferries.

How to travel by land from Davao to Iloilo?

• Enter a bus or ferry at Davao that will take you to Ormoc.

• Enter a ferry at Ormoc that will take you to

  Cebu

  .

• Enter a bus or ferry at Cebu South Bus Terminal that will take you to Bacolod.

• Finally, enter a ferry at Bacolod to take you to Iloilo Pier.

Can I fly from Davao to Iloilo?

Absolutely!

You can take a direct flight from Davao International Airport to Iloilo International Airport.

The flight time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, so you’ll be there in no time.

What’s the best time to visit Iloilo?

Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re a festival lover, then January is the best time to visit Iloilo, as it’s the month-long celebration of the Dinagyang Festival.

If you’re looking for great weather and fewer crowds, then we recommend visiting during the summer months of March to May.

But honestly, any time is a good time to visit Iloilo!

What are some must-see attractions in Iloilo?

There’s so much to see and do in Iloilo!

You’ve got the

, the historic Molo Mansion, and the stunning Guimaras Island, just to name a few.

And let’s not forget about the food!

You’ve gotta try the famous

Batchoy, a noodle soup that’s a local specialty.