Cradled in the island of Mindanao, the southeastern part of the Philippine archipelago, Davao offers assorted travel encounters set in rich nature scenes — from fine white sand shorelines up to elevated landscapes with invigorating and cool atmospheres.
The entire region is comprised of the provinces that are situated along the Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental with Davao City as the heart of the whole region.
Davao City has a strong Japanese influence because it was the last stronghold of numerous Japanese workers before World War II.
Among the spoken dialects are called the Dinabaw, Visaya, and being a multi-lingual city, most of the locals are also conversant in Tagalog and English.
The locals, who allude to themselves as Davaoeños and Davaoeñas, are good-natured Filipinos who offer a strong pride in their home and legacy.
From the highest mountain peak, tasty Visayan cuisine, the smelly but delectable Durian, and the genuine excitement and hospitality of the people, Davao City deserves to be the next interesting destination in your travel itinerary.
Best time to visit Davao ?
The atmosphere all throughout the coastal regions of the Philippines is viewed as along the tropical marine atmosphere.
This implies that the year is particularly influenced by two storm seasons, one bringing mists and downpour, and the other bringing dry air and humid temperatures.
The temperatures are mellow as the year progress yet, it can be more blazing hot relying upon the dampness of the air content circulating everywhere.
The hottest months of the year are from March- May, amid which time the daytime high temperatures will float around the upper 80’s and down to a low of 90’s.
The evening temperatures amid these months usually drop to the 60’s.
Interestingly, the coldest months of the year are from December up to February, amid which time the everyday highs will be in the mid 90’s.
The evening temperatures amid these months likewise drop to the upper 60’s.
The wet season in Davao is in the middle of May and October, amid which time the late spring storm brings lots of tropical storms and monsoon rains.
The dry season is in the middle of December and February, amid which time the winter storm brings dry air and warm temperatures.
December, January, and February are the best months to visit as the downpours have halted and the temperatures are way colder than the rest of the year.
But if you want to see a very festive Davao City, schedule a visit around the first week of August when the” Kadayawan Festival” is annually celebrated.
It is filled with colors, street dancing, parades, and attractive floats that are designed to celebrate the city’s thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and blessings.
This amusing blend of cosmopolitan atmosphere, the scenic landscape, and the preserved cultural traditions, makes Davao City an absolute must-see.
What are the Best things to do in Davao, Philippine?
Here is a rundown of all the exciting activities to do in here, in addition I will show you my favorite things to do and beautiful places to visit on your next holiday to Davao.
Philippine Eagle Centre
About forty minutes away from the city center, and is located in a truly bucolic atmosphere.
The Eagles, who are an endangered species in the Philippines’ are well kept in their natural habitats and very interesting to see.
Some birds of prey are kept in large cages while some are in a separate part of the center and left to breed.
In this center you will learn the knowledge of ecological conservation.
The park is fairly well laid out and accommodation is neatly arranged and maintained well by the caretakers.
It’s a nice place and ideal for people who seek extreme tranquility.
At the Philippine Eagle Centre you not only see the preserved eagle but you get the opportunity to meet the other wildlife treasures of Davao (crocodiles, monkeys, and rare birds that are bred in captivity).
Have fun with the family and contribute to the conservation of the Philippine Eagle and other species of fauna of the Philippines.
From here, you will understand fully well why there is a strong effort to preserve the species.
A team of biologists and technicians of the Centre are very attentive and demonstrate passion and knowledge of the local fauna.
It is a great educational tour for the family, friends or even yourself.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
My favorite stuff to do in Davao
Crocodile Park
The Crocodile Park is a well cared for and well maintained park that not only preserves the crocodile species but also houses under their care, albino pythons, snakes, monkeys, and tigers.
The place is nicely decorated and there are restaurants and fast food joints located within its immediate vicinity.
Despite its sheer size there is a space reserved for butterflies.
If you are interested about the wildlife species of the Philippines, this is the perfect place to visit.
You get useful information about crocodiles and other animals of the Philippines.
A crocodile show can be enjoyed by kids in the afternoon.
The park offers a variety of good animal shows that will keep everyone amused like; the monkey act, the albino python, and the talking Myna bird.
The staffs are helpful and there is a specific time when they feed the animals and if you are lucky you can have the chance to feed the little crocodiles in their cages with the guidance of the staff and the resident caretaker.
Picture taking with a young crocodile is allowed and must be done with their animal trainer who must tape the mouths of the reptile before handing them over to a guest.
Fun things to do in Davao
Eden Nature Park
The Eden Nature Park offers voyagers and campers a wide assortment of sights and exercises that the entire family can revel in.
There are such a large number of things to do along these lines and numerous spots to visit and that using one week in this attraction alone is insufficient.
The bungalows are quite hardy, entertainment shows are done in the day.
The best part of an overnight stay; at night, the bungalows that are facing the forest, you can hear the cries of animals, insects and other unidentified creatures.
Very exotic!
Submerge yourself and be unified with mother nature as its aroma provides for you an aural delight of going through time.
There are various confined creatures around here and they can be photographed but feeding or handing them anything from your snack is not allowed.
Eden Nature Park is home to a percentage of the world’s most outlandish plant and creature species.
It is an ideal place for children to encounter living in the outside.
You can take your family outdoors or take an outright senseless strolling up the mountain trail but simply make a point to bring all that you need, for example, spotlights, trekking boots or shoes, a liter of drinking water, and insect repellent lotion if you despise mosquitoes.
Popular Davao tourist attractions
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Mount Apo
Everything is astounding here.
The Mount Apo is the highest mountain peak in the Philippines and a dormant volcano that has not erupted for more than a century.
If you don’t have what it takes to scale this steep mountain, you can simply stroll and stay around its foot.
There are resorts that offer convenience and fun activities while you encounter this grand excellence of nature.
Downpour occurs every now and then so bring some ponchos and waterproof bags for your phones and cameras.
There are lots of streams and rugged terrains to cross, be careful at the wild river part.
The forest part looks enchanting and the huge boulders add charm to its imposing presence so keep in mind to take some pictures.
Climbing the Mt.
Apo is a must do activity when in Davao city.
The feeling of achievement you get when you are at the crest is simply great.
The perspective, the nature, and the awesome sights, and the emotional highs from the beauty of the surroundings can all be achieved with one trek to the tallest mountain.
What else to do in Davao ?
Davao Museum
Basically a small ethnographic museum in the heart of the city.
It’s a decent little space in 2 stories that houses a wide collection of interesting information about the city.
The ground floor is an evolving display, which emphasizes contemporary craftsmanship and a peek through the historic past of Davao.
It likewise has a cute gift shop with books, short films, trinkets and fabric.
The second floor showcases the exhibition hall’s ethnographic gathering of indigenous specialty; adornments, dress, weapons, devices, and so forth.
It just takes around 30 to 35 minutes to view the whole gathering, yet it’s unquestionably worth the excursion in the event that you need to be acclimated with Davao’s different ethnic/indigenous groups.
The spot is arranged inside a subdivision, so you may need to take a taxicab.
The staff is well disposed.
They can aid you in discovering a taxi, when you need to leave the premises.
The museum is likewise can be easily reached by a public utility jeep.
Simply get off at the entrance gate of Insular Village.
From the gate, the museum is about 5 minutes walk away.
Is Davao worth visiting?
The answer is Yes.
Davao is worth visiting.
This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and magic.
Don’t forget to visit the following incredible place:
People’s Park
On the off chance that you are in Davao, the People’s Park is an extremely pleasant spot to unwind or run.
It is simply a standard park with a play area, park seats and a concrete path around the recreation center.
It is not as large and a few ranges likewise need some reconstruction and upkeep.
Inside the park, there’s no dining areas or beverages to be purchased.
They ought to permit a percentage of the endless food shops outside the recreation center to sell and have shop inside.
Still, it’s mandatory to see the city that supports the health and fitness aspect of every individual.
Effectively, anywhere around the city you can always see the no smoking signs.
The neat and wholesome ambience of the recreational park signifies as a gesture of support to the city’s campaign for good health and cleanliness.
Must see places in Davao
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Holy Infant Jesus of Prague Shrine
One should visit the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague Shrine during a Good Friday procession in order to absorb the entire mystical mood, starting below where the Stations of the Cross begins and ends up at the Shrine.
It is a very small but nice church that is located in the middle of the park that has wonderful view of the lush greenery and the Bay of Davao.
If you don’t like too much crowds, then a visit during the evening is more advisable.
This church easily gets filled with people when there are huge occasions in Davao, for example; the Kadayawan Festival.
This is not touristy yet this chapel is a must see attraction when in the city.
The sprawling well manicured grounds surrounded by tall trees in this religious structure make it an ideal place for contemplation.
The house of prayer is always stuffed.
The trek up the hallowed place is made more noteworthy in light of the fact that one need to hire a private transportation to get there.
A side trek to the adjacent Jack’s Ridge is a reward and also a good place to visit.
What else to see in Davao ?
Malagos Garden Resort
The Malagos Garden Resort is a very nice facility that is designed for a whole family entertainment with valuable information.
You can see beautiful orchids like the Waling –Waling, one of the official symbols of the city (aside from the Philippine Eagle and the Mt.
Apo), and other flowers and exotic plants that only grow in the Philippines.
The resort runs a 45-minute bird show which discusses the need to conserve and save the bird’s natural habitat and for other animals to survive the wild.
The spot is enormous and in case you’re a nature lover you’ll cherish the spot.
It’s extremely comforting and a great place for family bonding and quality time while surrounded by nature and good food.
They offer homemade chocolate bars that they produced from their cacao ranch.
It is yummy.
Do not overlook the fresh cow’s milk along the street going to the resort.
It taste great and when you buy the milk you are helping the livelihood and the families of the farmers.
Malagos has lots of extraordinary comforts, the food tastes well and the costs are affordable and fair.
You will not hear the traffic or city noise but only birds chirping.
Popular places to visit in Davao
Davao Zorb Park
If you like the thought of being pushed down a slope in a transparent zorb ball, you’d cherish this.
At the Davao Zorb Park, you can spend enough time inside a floating zorb or delight in the experience of” zorbing” down a steep hill and enjoy the fun with your friends and family.
Both thrills can be done in less than an hour and a half.
You can combine a visit here to the nearby Crocodile Park.
Do not miss this park; bring along your partner or best friend and zorb all your anxiety away!
Things to do in Davao with kids
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Matina Town Square
You will like the Matina Town Square , commonly referred to by the locals as “MTS” because it demonstrates the spirit of Davao, fun and festive.
It is a huge complex of bars and dining areas, one of which offers live band music.
This is also the only tourist spot where smokers are allotted a smoking range, far from the for the most part non-smoking Davaoeños.
It is the perfect place in the city where the most popular restaurants are assembled around a square with lots of fun and happenings until late night.
There are lots of beers and food choices to select from here.
The famous pub here right now is the “Labuan”.
They offer the best grilled foods and a variety of live bands and musical performers.
Likewise two of the most prevalent fast-food is located here in Matina; Jollibee and McDonalds.
Things to do around Davao
Lon Wa Temple
The Lon Wa Temple is very cozy and worth a visit, given that in Davao there are not very many attractions to explore and discover.
Before going into the property, stand just outside the door and stay long enough to get the aroma of the yellow blaze tree.
It’s an uncommon and delightful breath of blooms in hot and damp Davao.
Strictly no picture-taking is allowed in the sanctuary to save the solemnity of the spot.
Just inside the garage, guests are invited by the sitting Buddha with an enormous grin.
It’s a promising sign that you are allowed to make a visit.
Proceed onward after to the stairway that is protected by two lions like a standing watchman.
At that point enter the sanctuary which is tranquil and peaceful.
Take a couple of minutes to simply take everything and feel the stillness.
After this sanctuary, move to the back where the Goddess of Mercy with the thousand arms makes you feel like she is constantly close by to get petitions.
On the next wall you can see 8 cut boards portraying the highlights in the life of the Buddha.
Unique things to do in Davao
Outland Adventure
The Outland Adventure is placed in the north diversion street so if you’re a backpacker you have to ride a taxi to get to the Extreme Adventure place.
It has 2 long rides where in you will see the extraordinary perspective of the south, which is amazing and nerve wracking at first try.
They will take your picture while you ride and you can have it printed for a certain amount.
The Zip line adventure costs about PH 500 pesos.
A liner will bring you to the top for you to go down.
Then, they will secure your position with the harness you first before flying and you can likewise attempt 3 separate “flying” styles; the superman, the upside down, and the basic position.
Enjoy your Zip line adventure and a good view of Davao!
