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Davao

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Overview

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Davao The guide was updated: 2024-06-26

A multicultural metropolis on the island of Mindanao, Davao is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the Philippines. With the country’s highest mountain, Mount Apo, as its backdrop, this vibrant city offers a mix of fabulous landscapes that include parks like the Eden Nature Park and the Mount Apo National Park. Besides, superb beaches, diving waters, and islands such as the unspoiled Samal Island.

Facts

Population:	1.9 million Davaoeños (2024 census)
Currency:	1 Philippine peso (PHP) = 100 sentimo or centavos. The peso is also referred to as 'piso' in Tagalog
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	Daily Tribune: www.tribune.net.ph Philippine Daily Inquirer: www.inquirer.net Philippine Star: www.philstar.com Mindanao Times: www.mindanaotimes.com.ph SunStar Davao: www.sunstar.com.ph/DAVAO
Website:	www.davaocity.gov.ph/departments/economic-development/city-tourism-operations-office
Opening hours:	The larger shops tend to be open from around 10 am through to around 6 pm. Smaller shops often open earlier and the large shopping malls, for which Davao is famous, are usually open well into the evening.
Tourist information:	City Tourism Operations Office 4th Floor, Davao City Tourism, Investment and Promotions Building, Palma Gil Street, Davao City ctoo@davaocity.gov.ph Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

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Section in Davao

Davao is famous for many things: golden eagles, exotic flowers and breathtaking attractions and landscapes Look out for the Puentespina Orchids and Tropical Plants centre where the colours and scents will leave you bewildered, or the shops selling beautiful works in gold — the city is a major producer of gold and crafts. For adventure seekers, there’s the Davao River where white water rafting is quite popular and the Crocodile Park. No visit to Davao would be complete without enjoying one of its colourful festivals. The Araw ng Dabaw Festival in March, the Padigosan and the Sambuokan in September or the Banayan Festival in October. They all are an excellent way to see local tradition at its best.

Crocodile Park

Crocodile Park

The native home to the Philippines’s largest known crocodile at nearly 20 metres in length, the Crocodile Park is an important breeding centre as well as a popular tourist attraction. There are picnic areas and activities like horse-riding offered too.

Mount Apo Natural Park

Mount Apo Natural Park

The country’s tallest peak dominates this treasure of a park. Experienced climbers can head for the Sibulan and Cooland Trails in Sta Cruz or the Kapatagan Trail in Digos to begin their ascents. The tourist office organises gentler climbs and tours too.

San Pedro Cathedral

San Pedro Cathedral

Enthusiasts of Spanish architecture will be captivated by the beautiful and highly original Roman Catholic San Pedro Cathedral (also known as Davao Cathedral). Dating from the 19th century, it is the city’s oldest church and a unique architectural landmark.

Puentespina Orchids & Tropical Plants Centre

Puentespina Orchids & Tropical Plants Centre

Some of the world’s most exotic orchids, including the famous Waling-Waling and the Vanda Sanderiana, are on display and can be purchased at this sprawling flower and plant centre along with a variety of other cut flowers and ornamental plants. The colours and scents are a delight.

Shrine of the Infant Jesus

Shrine of the Infant Jesus

This open-air shrine to the Infant Jesus of Prague and Our Lady of Fatima is a wonderful place to escape the bustle of city life, reflect and meditate, as well as enjoy an outstanding panoramic view of Davao. It takes about 20 minutes to get here by car.

Eden Nature Park

Eden Nature Park

Located on the outskirts of the city at the foot of Mount Talomo, the Eden Nature Park is a delight for visitors keen on walking, hiking, bird-watching and seeing native plants. It is peaceful and a great way to relax away from the city centre, weekend stays are possible at the resort.

Philippine Eagle Conservation Centre

Philippine Eagle Conservation Centre

The Philippine Eagle is the national treasure of the country, but an extremely rare and endangered species. The conservation centre has a breeding programme to protect this, one of the world’s largest eagles. Visitors can see them in special habitat areas.

Davao River

Davao River

The Davao River is famous for its 30 or so rapids spaced along a stretch of water that starts in the Baguio district’s highland areas and flows to the lowlands. It has become ‘the’ place to enjoy extreme white water rafting. There are a few picnic-perfect areas on its banks, too.

Samal Island

Samal Island

Offering a mix of beautiful white sandy beaches, superb diving and snorkelling waters, waterfalls and heritage sites, sports and top notch holiday resorts, Samal Island is a tourist hotspot. Motorcycles (called habal-habal) are a is Visitors can stay or visit for the day.

Tribal Villages & Plantations

Tribal Villages & Plantations

Be sure to visit some of the tribal villages that are dotted around Davao City, including the B’laan Cultural Tribal Village at Matanao and the Tagakaolo Cultural Tribal Village at Digos, along with plantations like those at Hagonoy and Padada (banana and other tropical fruits) and the durian farms at Santa Cruz.

Bankerohan Market

Bankerohan Market

Visit the the lively, fragrant Bankerohan Market to take in the authentic atmosphere of a busy marketplace, stock up on fresh produce, sample some local fruit (durian is widely available) or grab a bite at one of the market's street food stalls. Morning (before noon) is the best time to visit.

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