Davao City is found in the southernmost part of the Philippines. It’s known globally as the crown jewel of the South and the hometown of the 16th president of the Republic, Rodrigo Duterte. But that’s not all there is to the city. It’s a must-visit for every tourist because of its warm people, delectable native dishes, inviting beaches, and abundant fruit harvests.
If you’re planning to visit the Philippines soon, include Davao on your list. You won’t be disappointed with all the city has to offer. On top of that, if you visit during March or August, you can have more fun mingling with the locals as they celebrate the “Araw ng Dabaw” and “Kadayawan” festivals.
Top Reasons to Make Davao Your Next Destination
“Davao City, Life is Here” is the city’s symbolic slogan, meaning it’s generally livable because of good governance, abundant investments, a prolific tourism industry, and citizen-empowered sustainable growth.
These are not just empty words used to describe Davao. Here are some destinations and activities you can enjoy to justify why it’s a must-visit city in the Philippines.
Enjoy the Longest Coastal Road
The city’s bypass road project spans about 17.33 kilometers and is divided into five phases. This product of the past administration’s build-build-build project made it to the Davao City tourist spots list. The first segment, which spans 7.5 kilometers, was completed and opened for the public last July 1. So, if you’re visiting the city, don’t forget to make this one of your pit stops.
Passing by this road gives you an inexplicable, serene, and pleasant feeling. The ocean and coastline elicit a calm vibe. Yet, in this peaceful haven, a distant echo stirs the air, heralding the presence of another world. Gradually, the calming sea breeze begins to carry an electric charge, and the scent of salt mingles with the intoxicating fragrance of city life.
Enjoy a Luxurious Stay at Discovery Samal
Are you looking for a beach resort in Davao City? Make sure to visit the newest five-star resort in the city — Discovery Samal. It is the first and only Discovery Resort in Mindanao and has the most prominent resort convention facilities in the area.
You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Davao Gulf. The resort is designed with carefully planned meeting spaces, delightful dining options, and serene landscapes in the country’s premier Resort City.
The resort offers 153 luxurious villas and cozy accommodations. It also has four small meeting rooms and a grand convention center accommodating up to 1,200 guests. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, this resort in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, in the Philippines, promises unforgettable experiences.
You’ll find a perfect blend of beautiful surroundings, comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and the warm hospitality for which the Discovery brand is famous.
Give in to the Outdoor Thrill at Eden Nature Resort and Park.
This nature resort and park is a staple for tourists and locals looking for a relaxing time with the great outdoors. Aside from the lush greeneries, cold weather, and fresh local produce served at their cafe restaurant, Eden is known for the first-ever Davao City Skywheel.
You’ve probably heard of zip lines and tried different types like the bike, swing, and Superman versions. But Eden Nature Park and Resort has something new and exciting to offer. It takes the zip line experience to a whole new level. Imagine balancing inside a metal wheel, like a hamster wheel, and using your steps to move 200 meters in each direction. And guess what? It’s 60 feet up in the air! Get ready for an exhilarating adventure!
Experience the City Above Sea Level at Buda
Another Davao City tourist spot is Buda. Its name is the shortcut for Bukidnon and Davao. It used to be a “barangay” that separated Davao City from Manolo Fortich and Cagayan de Oro City. However, when the pandemic started, and people were looking for a safe place to still enjoy themselves with their families, vacation houses for rent in Buda became a trend.
Properties like Skyhouse, Yura Highland, Buda Vista Vacation House, and Residencia de Maharlika are just a few exceptional properties you can explore. Their amenities are at par with the number-one resorts in Davao City.
Most have private pools, gazebos, and al fresco lounge spaces where you can enjoy them with your loved ones. Whether you’re vacationing in the city by yourself or with family and friends, you’ll surely love what these Buda properties can offer.
On top of that, you can also visit famous local and tourist spots in the area, like Bemwa Farm, Cloud99, Highway 81, and Reel Place. All these Davao City tourist spots are 2,295.9 feet above sea level, so you can expect the weather to be frigid.
Enjoy Fresh Fruits
If you’re a sucker for durian, pomelo, mangosteen, marang, rambutan, lanzones, and other fruits, Davao is the place to be. You can enjoy these fruits any time of the year, but it’s best to try them in March and August, as these are the seasons in full bloom. Even better, if you visit the city during these months, you’ll enjoy its Kadayawan and Araw and Dabaw festivals.
Then again, if you want to beat the festival rush and visit the city during off-peak season, you can still do so. You can find fruit vendors in Magsaysay Park, another prominent Davao City tourist spot. If you want to explore and take the “path less taken,” you can go to Bankerohan or Agdao Supermarkets to get these fruits at an even lower price.
And if you’re like me who’d want to see where they grow these fruits, I suggest you visit fruit farms in Wangan, Calinan. This barangay is quite far from the city, but it’s where you find cheap fruits sold along the highways. Plus, you also get to visit where these fruits are grown.
Other Places to Visit
The best thing about Davao City, Philippines, is it always has surprises for local and international tourists. To enjoy homegrown chocolates, you can visit Malagos Garden Resort. If you’re into garden resorts, you can also have fun at Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park. There are also fun rides and concerts at Davao Crocodile Park.
And if you want to rest, hotels in Davao City won’t disappoint. They have Dusit Thani Residence, Acacia Hotel, Park Inn Raddison, Apo View Hotel, and more. These establishments also boast delectable cuisines in their respective cafes and restaurants.
Visit Davao and Understand Why Life Is There
The city is considered one of the most sought-after travel destinations for an excellent reason. You need to experience what it can offer to understand why people believe that “life is here.” The city’s warmth, picturesque landscape, and to-die-for spots make the visit worthwhile.
I’m Ron, and I hope you can visit these beautiful places soon. Join me as I discover the world, one destination at a time.
I’m documenting these travels through Active Planet to show people how beautiful each country and every city in the world is. And Davao City is my focus now. If you want to connect, give me a buzz!
