Book a flight to Davao City

Natural wonders are the main attraction for trips to Davao, so make sure you include visits to the Crocodile Park and the fabulous Eden Nature Park in your itinerary. The Crocodile Park is one of the region’s biggest tourist attractions and, if you are not keen on large reptiles, then you can visit the park’s charming butterfly reserve. Eden, a little away from the city, is filled with tranquil walking trails as well as a Sky Rider activity and horse riding treks. 

A short trip away from the centre of the city is Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines towering above the island group. A potentially active volcano, the mountain is surrounded by nutrient-rich slopes covered with extensive forests and farmed areas. As a result, you will find an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables in this part of the Philippines; most of which feature prominently in the region’s cuisine.

While you are in Davao, head to the Philippine Eagle Centre, home to the incredibly rare and majestic bird that shares its name and marks the national bird and emblem of the country. If you wish to explore more traditional attractions, then pay a visit San Pedro Cathedral, which dates to around the 1800s and is still the city’s main centre of worship. 

One of the more unusual monuments and one that features in most tourists’ photo collections, is the giant durian fruit statue that sits outside the airport. The durian – known for its unpleasant smell yet truly delicious taste – is one of the region’s main crops and exports.

Davao is home to some of the less famous beaches of the Philippines, making it a hidden beach destination for beach lovers in the country. Whereas on most tourist beaches you are likely to fight for a spot, the beaches of Davao are spacious and uncrowded. Another spot to enjoy some peace of mind is Samal Island, home to soft sands and clear waters. 

If you are planning a trip to Davao, consider arriving during one of the city’s frequent events. The biggest celebration is the Kadayawan Festival, held on the third week in August. The Araw Ng Dabaw or Day of Davao is held on March 16, while the entire month of December is dedicated to end-of-year holiday celebrations as part of the Pasko Fiesta sa Davao.

If you are looking to stay active in your leisure time, then Davao is an ideal place to be, as the entire region is filled with walking trails that will take you through lush forests and up towering mountains. Remember to pack a pair of good walking shoes to help you as you go out and about exploring the rural culture and character of the island.

No trip to Davao is complete without trying durian at least once. It may be an acquired taste (thanks to its legendary unsavoury smell) but it is a delicious and unusually sweet delicacy that is loved by the people of the region. If you cannot stomach durian then the other local speciality is pomelo, a fruit similar a grapefruit, but much sweeter. 

Main meals are likely to feature seafood – a main staple of the local cuisine, including sea urchins, shrimps and oysters. Most meals are served with noodles, and menus are full of dishes that are spicy and flavourful. Head to Victoria Plaza for some of the best high-end restaurants, or sample on-the-go snacks from the city’s various street vendors.

The city of Davao has several malls and shopping centres selling everything from inexpensive and cheerful trinkets to high-end luxury goods. Check out Centerpoint Plaza and the Gaisano Mall of Davao for general shopping or pay a visit to the smaller boutiques and independent shops along Sales Street.