Davao City travel guide
Davao City Tourism | Davao City Guide
You're Going to Love Davao City
Davao offers spectacular natural beauty, with forests, the highest mountain in the Philippines, Mount Apo, and beautiful coral islands. A diverse population of indigenous, migrant, and ex-pat communities calls Davao home.
Davao is also home to stunning wildlife, including the largest eagle in the world, the Philippine Eagle, and some of the rarest orchids.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Davao City
1. Island Hopping
Visit Palawan, Boracay, or Samal Island to enjoy some of the very best beaches in the Philippines.
2. The View from Shrine Hills
Climb to the summit of the Shrine Hills to enjoy the best views of the city. You can cool down from your climb in the local pool.
3. The Eagles
See the world's largest eagle at the Philippine Eagle Center and learn more about this critically endangered species.
4. Meet Some Crocs
Visit Davao Crocodile Park to see the Philippine Crocodiles. There are also tigers and deer and shows to enjoy.
5. Endless Tranquility
For a city of more than one million, Davao is surprisingly quiet and laid-back. The nightlife is subdued and centers on enjoying a quiet drink and music on Matina Town Square.
What to do in Davao City
1. A Great Intro To Davao's Ethnic Mosaic
Davao City's premier museum is a little jewel. It's set up to provide a primer to the island's rich ethnic patchwork, and does a fantastic job over its two exhibit-packed floors. The Indigenous Peoples Gallery offers a great showcase for the artistic talents of local groups, including some breathtakingly intricate model boats, while if you have any interest in fashion, the colorful indigenous textiles will be a breath of fresh air. You'll find it not far from the Davao River on the Andres Bonifacio Rotunda.
2. Take Snaps Of Some Charismatic Snappers
Crocodiles are a natural mascot for Davao City, and the town's Crocodile Park is the place to get to know them. Situated right next to the Tribu K Mindanawan Cultural Village, this park is home to thousands of crocs, some of whom are farmed for their skins. And it's also home to monkeys, raptors, and other tropical critters - making it akin to Davao's main zoo. Just across the way, you'll also find the equally entertaining Davao Butterfly House. All-in-all, if you need a nature fix, this is the corner of the city to visit.
3. Get To Know Mindanao's Master Builders
Not far from the Crocodile Park, you can get to know the lifestyles of indigenous islanders in even more detail by visiting the absorbing Tribu K Mindanawan Cultural Village. See the way that Mangguangan people make adaptable homes from bamboo and rattan leaves, or the impressive (and charming) treehouses inhabited by the Mansaka, and the elevated homes of the T'boli. It's an eye-opening illustration of how varied native architecture can be, and a convenient alternative to trekking through Davao's interior.
4. Souvenir Hunters Will Be In Seventh Heaven
When it's time to shop for souvenirs, Aldevinco is definitely the number one place to head in Davao City. Located next to the People's Park on Claro M. Recto Ave, it's crammed with stores and stalls, but it's not about international chains here. The emphasis is on providing a place for Mindanao's locals to sell their handicrafts, including gorgeous malong blankets and batik-dyed clothing, as well as ornate carvings and jewelry. Everything sprawls over 8,370 square meters, so be disciplined and organize your visit so as to avoid missing any of the stalls.
5. A Soaring Sacred Spot
Rising 2,900 meters above Mindanao's coastal plain, Mount Apo is the region's dominant geological feature. A "potentially active" volcano, it's head and shoulders above any peak in the entire Philippines, but that's not the main reason to visit. Instead, Mount Apo's biodiversity and scenery come to the fore. Now given a UNESCO protected designation, the slopes of the mountain are home to over 100 unique bird species, as well as a thriving colony of Philippine Eagles (who you'll see on the national crest).
1. A Great Intro To Davao's Ethnic Mosaic
Davao City's premier museum is a little jewel. It's set up to provide a primer to the island's rich ethnic patchwork, and does a fantastic job over its two exhibit-packed floors. The Indigenous Peoples Gallery offers a great showcase for the artistic talents of local groups, including some breathtakingly intricate model boats, while if you have any interest in fashion, the colorful indigenous textiles will be a breath of fresh air. You'll find it not far from the Davao River on the Andres Bonifacio Rotunda.
2. Take Snaps Of Some Charismatic Snappers
Crocodiles are a natural mascot for Davao City, and the town's Crocodile Park is the place to get to know them. Situated right next to the Tribu K Mindanawan Cultural Village, this park is home to thousands of crocs, some of whom are farmed for their skins. And it's also home to monkeys, raptors, and other tropical critters - making it akin to Davao's main zoo. Just across the way, you'll also find the equally entertaining Davao Butterfly House. All-in-all, if you need a nature fix, this is the corner of the city to visit.
3. Get To Know Mindanao's Master Builders
Not far from the Crocodile Park, you can get to know the lifestyles of indigenous islanders in even more detail by visiting the absorbing Tribu K Mindanawan Cultural Village. See the way that Mangguangan people make adaptable homes from bamboo and rattan leaves, or the impressive (and charming) treehouses inhabited by the Mansaka, and the elevated homes of the T'boli. It's an eye-opening illustration of how varied native architecture can be, and a convenient alternative to trekking through Davao's interior.
4. Souvenir Hunters Will Be In Seventh Heaven
When it's time to shop for souvenirs, Aldevinco is definitely the number one place to head in Davao City. Located next to the People's Park on Claro M. Recto Ave, it's crammed with stores and stalls, but it's not about international chains here. The emphasis is on providing a place for Mindanao's locals to sell their handicrafts, including gorgeous malong blankets and batik-dyed clothing, as well as ornate carvings and jewelry. Everything sprawls over 8,370 square meters, so be disciplined and organize your visit so as to avoid missing any of the stalls.
5. A Soaring Sacred Spot
Rising 2,900 meters above Mindanao's coastal plain, Mount Apo is the region's dominant geological feature. A "potentially active" volcano, it's head and shoulders above any peak in the entire Philippines, but that's not the main reason to visit. Instead, Mount Apo's biodiversity and scenery come to the fore. Now given a UNESCO protected designation, the slopes of the mountain are home to over 100 unique bird species, as well as a thriving colony of Philippine Eagles (who you'll see on the national crest).
Where to Eat in Davao City
Ahfat Seafoods Plaza next to Victoria Plaza serves excellent local cuisine, while Yahong on F. Torres Street is known for its hot chicken wings. A meal in a budget restaurant will cost from ₱80, while a three course dinner in one of the city's better restaurants will cost upwards of ₱250.
When to visit Davao City
Davao has a tropical rainforest climate, with year-round temperatures of around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. It is driest from February to May.
How to Get to Davao City
Plane
The city is served by Davao International Airport (DVO), which has good domestic connections and scheduled flights to Singapore.
Car
The city is currently improving its road network and is well connected to other cities on the island of Mindanao.
Bus
The bus network runs through Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) and has frequent services to other cities on Mindanao.
Airports near Davao City
Airlines serving Davao City
Where to stay in Davao City
Samal Island - this is a quiet, beautiful island just a short trip across the water from Davao City. Expect deserted beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Popular Neighborhoods in Davao
Talomo - Talomo is a beach resort area just 30 minutes from the city center with some lively bars and cafes.
Buhangin - this is a busy area just to the east of the city center. It has some good hotels and is close to the Davao Crocodile Park.
Where to stay in popular areas of Davao City
Most booked hotels in Davao City
How to Get Around Davao City
Public Transportation
The bus network is fairly limited around the city and tends to be concentrated on the main north-south routes, where a single fare is from ₱10.
Taxi
Taxis are the main way to get around the city and are regarded as being reliable and honest. Expect to pay ₱40 for a starting fare and then around ₱90 for a typical city center journey.
Car
Roads in Davao are generally good and car rental will cost from ₱1,000 per day. Local companies include EcoTrans and AJ88 Car Rental.
The Cost of Living in Davao City
Shopping Streets
Davao has lots of malls and most of these have cinemas and supermarkets. Some of the major malls to check out are Centerpoint Plaza, Gaisano Grand CitiMall, and Victoria Plaza, which sell everything from fashion to electronics.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets can be found in the malls. A quart of milk in Davao City costs around ₱76 and a dozen eggs is ₱70.