Davao City: The Gateway to Mindanao

From islands to highlands – that’s what awaits anyone who comes to Davao City. The center of trade and commerce in Mindanao, it is also the hub of tourist attractions and activities. Its typhoon-free weather, warm and hospitable people, and mouth-watering foods make Davao the perfect holiday spot for the entire family.

Davao is one of the world’s largest cities in terms of land area, occupying more than 2,400 square kilometers. It has a resident population of 1.3 million, who speak mostly Bisaya (the national language comes second). English is the medium of instruction in schools and is widely understood and spoken especially in the business community.

Davao is known for its three icons: durian, waling-waling, and Philippine eagle. Controversial durian, which “smells like hell but tastes like heaven,” abounds almost all-year round throughout the city. Endangered waling-waling can be viewed at Malagos Garden Resort in Calinan district (some 45 minutes ride from the heart of the city). Going up further, about five minutes, you can get a glimpse of the country’s national bird at the Philippine Eagle Center.

What are the other things you see while in Davao? If history is your thing, there’s the Battle Memorial, a historical marker of the longest-fought battle between the troops of the American and Filipino forces and of the Japanese Imperial Army which took place in Mintal, Tugbok.

In Calinan, there is a museum that features historical accounts of the Japanese community residing in Davao before and during the war. You can see various artifacts, including tools which they used in the abaca plantations, currencies, and publications.

Along San Pedro Street, you can visit Camp Domingo Leonor, which happened to be the quarters of the Spanish and later American soldiers in the 1920s. At the junction of Washington Street and Quimpo Boulevard, you can get a glimpse of site of the bastion of the Muslim hero Datu Bago who lorded over the Tagloc River (the old name of Davao River). At the Talomo Beach, you will see sunken warships during the Second World War, just 200 meters from the shore.

For those who are interested in anything related to Catholic religion, they should go first to the San Pedro Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Mindanao. The original structure of the church was built in 1847 in honor of St. Peter, the city’s patron saint. The old altar is preserved at the right wing of the cathedral.

At the Shrine Hill in Matina, there’s the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, a local mecca of the city’s Roman Catholic devotees. At the Buhangin District, you can say your prayer at the Saint Mary of Perpetual Rosary. This is a shrine built in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary which features series of steps which leads to the main chapel.

Not far from the eagle center is Malagos Garden Resort, which hosts a rich collection of rare indigenous Philippine flora and wide assortment of orchids. Several species of butterflies also thrive in its enclosed sanctuary. Within its area, a bird park has been built to shelter rescued and rehabilitated birds.

Another must-see is the Eden Nature Park, a popular mountain resort. It is situated 3,000 feet above sea level, giving it a cool and moderate climate. It is 95% man-made with pine trees dotting the landscape. It covers 40 hectares worth of developed land.

In addition, try to visit the Davao Crocodile Park at Ma-a diversion road (about 20 minutes from the heart of the city). “The park is an establishment that showcases a state-of-the-art crocodile farming system in the Philippines,” owner Philip ‘Sonny’ Dizon. “It has the most recent crocodile farm design equipped with modern facilities and equipment.”

Actually, the park is more than just a crocodile farm (it has about 700 of them!); it also houses other kinds of animals like wild cats, python, marine turtles, monitor lizard, Philippine deer, monkeys, and various kinds of birds (including ostrich and eagles).

At the heart of the city, People’s Park is fast becoming the often-visited place. Opened in 2007, the P72-million park features many delightful treats for its beholders to discover. Grand landscaped waterfall, strategically scenic benches, a small but fun playground, amazingly breathtaking gardens, arranged multipurpose trees, lovely traditional cottages and sophisticated sculptures created by Kublai Milan (the Dabawenyo artist who created the Freedom statue in front of the Sangguniang Panlungsod building).

Davao also has a number of beaches to offer. Times Beach, two kilometers from the city center, bustles with picnickers during Sundays and holidays. Historic Talomo Beach is best remembered as a landing site for Japanese and American forces during World War II.

Across the strait due east from the mainland is Samal, an unspoiled island ringed with secluded coves of white sand. Five minutes away via pumpboat from barangay Vicente Hizon is the world-class Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark. Known as a famous hotspot for extreme activities such as water slides, wakeboarding, and zipline, it offers guests a very tranquil, relaxing, and enjoyable stay.

For a first class accommodation, try the Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Nestled in a secluded cove some 45 minutes by motor launch off the coast of Davao, it is one of the country’s most up market beach resorts. “This exquisite place in Davao Philippines is what you call paradise on earth,” hailed former tourism secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano.

Fruits are always ripe for the picking in the “fruit basket of the Philippines.” Whether you’ll go for the juiciest watermelon, the sweetest mango, the more succulent pomelo, rambutan, or go subtly fruit ferocious with banana, mangosteen, lanzones, pineapple, avocado, jackfruit, buko, or simply settle with a bowl of fresh fruit salad to end the long list, whatever fibrous or juicy fruits you have in mind, you’ll definitely have your fill in the city. Buy them fresh at the fruit stands in Madrazo, a five-minute walk from Marco Polo Hotel.

If you can’t eat durian fresh, you can drink it as durian cappuccino. Only Blugré Café serves this unique brew of durian and coffee. Other places to visit for coffeeholics are Jose Rafael Fine Coffee, Caffé Firenzo, Roadhouse Café, Prego Café, Kopi Roti, Kasagingan Kapehan, Fagioli Coffee Club, and Basti’s Brew.

Visitors would never go hungry because different grill restaurants are all over the city. To name a few: Hanoi Vietnamese Cuisine in Camus Street; Harana, Mongolian Garden Restaurant, and Sarung Banggi in F. Torres Street; Picobello Ristorante Italiano at the 5 th level in Ilustre’s Gaisano South Citimall; and Swiss Deli and Restaurant and Tsuru Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, both in Lanang.

Davao is known for its inihaw (grilled tuna) and kinilaw (local version of sashimi using tuna or blue marlin strips). These are served in almost all restaurants and even in eateries inside the malls.

Davao City is very accessible. It has regular air, sea, and land linkages to major points in the country. Davao City International Airport serves several flights everyday for passengers coming from and going to Manila (about one hour and 35 minutes away). There are four times weekly flights to Singapore and twice weekly flights to Indonesia (Manado).

Maayong pag-abot!