Davao City, Philippines

🌴 Davao City Travel Guide | Nature, Culture & Clean Living in Mindanao

Discover the Gateway to Southern Philippines

Davao City, located on the island of Mindanao, is a unique blend of urban energy and untouched nature. Known for being one of the safest and cleanest cities in the Philippines, Davao offers a peaceful yet adventurous escape, with majestic mountains, pristine beaches, vibrant indigenous culture, and delicious tropical fruits — including the infamous durian.

📍 Where is Davao City?

Located in Southeastern Mindanao
The largest city in the Philippines by land area
Flanked by Mount Apo to the west and Davao Gulf to the east

✈️ How to Get to Davao

By Air: Fly into Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), with direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and some international cities (e.g., Singapore, Hong Kong).
By Sea: Ferries and cargo ships operate from Manila and other parts of Mindanao.
By Land: Buses from neighboring provinces like General Santos, Bukidnon, and Cagayan de Oro.

🌟 Top Things to Do in Davao City

🏔️ Climb Mount Apo

The highest mountain in the Philippines (2,954m)
A favorite for seasoned hikers and mountaineers
Multiple trailheads: Kidapawan, Digos, and Kapatagan
Requires a guide and permit

🐒 Visit the Philippine Eagle Center

Home to the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, the country’s national bird
Conservation and education center in Malagos, about 30–45 minutes from downtown

🏖️ Day Trip to Samal Island

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from the city
Offers white-sand beaches, snorkeling, waterfalls, and island resorts like Pearl Farm
Don’t miss Hagimit Falls and Monfort Bat Sanctuary

🐊 Explore Davao Crocodile Park

Features crocodiles, snakes, exotic birds, and animal shows
Great for families and educational trips

🌺 Wander Eden Nature Park

A mountain resort offering zip lines, hiking trails, gardens, and panoramic views
Ideal for family outings and nature lovers

🏙️ People’s Park

A clean, modern urban park showcasing indigenous art, sculptures, and relaxing open spaces

🍽️ What to Eat in Davao

🥭 Durian

Love it or hate it, durian is a must-try local delicacy
Try it fresh, or in durian candy, coffee, or ice cream

🐟 Grilled Tuna and Kinilaw

Fresh seafood from Davao Gulf, especially at seaside restaurants like Blue Post Boiling Crabs & Shrimps or Yellow Fin Seafood

🍫 Malagos Chocolate

Award-winning bean-to-bar artisan chocolate produced locally
Visit Malagos Garden Resort to see the cacao farm and chocolate museum

🍛 Sinuglaw

A Davaoeño specialty combining grilled pork belly (sinugba) and raw fish ceviche (kinilaw)

🏨 Where to Stay

🏨 Marco Polo Davao

A landmark luxury hotel in the heart of the city

🛌 Dusit Thani Residence Davao

Modern luxury stay near Lanang with sea views

🌿 Eden Nature Park and Resort

Mountain retreat for nature lovers and families

🏖️ Pearl Farm Beach Resort (Samal Island)

High-end island resort just across the gulf from Davao City

📅 Best Time to Visit

Dry season: December to May — sunny, cooler, ideal for hiking and island-hopping
Durian season: August to October
Kadayawan Festival: Every 3rd week of August, celebrating indigenous culture, fruits, flowers, and unity

💡 Travel Tips

Davao is very safe and clean — littering and smoking in public are strictly prohibited
Use Grab or local taxis for easy transportation
Always negotiate prices for boat transfers or tours in Samal unless fixed
Bring sun protection and hiking shoes if exploring nature parks or mountains

📸 Top Photo Spots

📍 Mount Apo Summit
📍 Philippine Eagle Center
📍 Davao City sign at People’s Park
📍 Sunset at Samal Island beaches
📍 Durian Dome at Rizal Park