Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Davao Travel Guide
Known as the largest city in the world, Davao City in southern Philippines takes pride in the captivating destinations that it offers to foreigners as well as Filipino travelers. Because many tourists spend their vacations in the place, the city features numerous hotels, inns, and lodges, where people can experience a comfortable and relaxing sleep. Additionally, this place features restaurants that serve scrumptious and tasty dishes that come in affordable prices. To have refreshing and enjoyable stay in Davao City, it is important for tourists and travelers to look at Davao travel guides since these provide information on accommodations, dining, as well as recreation in the area.
Accommodations in Davao City, Philippines
To assist travelers in this Philippine city, Davao travel guides assign a section wherein people can know the basic information and description of hotels, lodges, and inns in the area. For instance, by referring to Davao travel guides, people will have ideas on the facilities, room amenities, and accommodation rates of hospitality service providers in the city. In addition, Davao travel guides provide the star ratings of hotels in the area to help travelers decide which hospitality service provider suit their budget. For those who like to stay in elegant guestrooms, they can always make instant reservations at five-star and four-star hotels, which include Regency Inn, Orange Grove Hotel, and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. Meanwhile, to accommodate travelers who have tight budget, the guides feature lodges and inns such as Tower Inn, Casa Leticia, and Aljems Inn.
Tourist Destinations in Davao City, Philippines
Aside from accommodations, Davao travel guides also feature nice places to visit in Davao City, Philippines. Some of the attractive manmade tourist spot that are commonly featured in the guides are Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, Philippine Eagle Nature Center, and Gap Farming Orchard Resort. In addition, people can also visit famous resorts and beaches in the area , which include Crocodile Park, Talomo Beach, and Pearl Farm Beach Resort.
Restaurants in Davao City, Philippines
After a tiring day visiting the tourist spots in the city, people can refer to Davao travel guides for cozy places to dine. For those who like Filipino dishes, the travel guides feature the specialties of several restaurants in Davao City, Philippines, including Probinsya Restaurant, Sarungbanggi, and Harana. On the other hand, there are also numerous restaurants that offer international dishes, which include Swiss Deli and Restaurant, Karlo’s Café, and Crazy Bowl Toppings. With all the informative features of Davao travel guides, tourists can surely have a memorable vacation and visit to one of the famous cities in the Philippines, Davao City.
Davao Sightseeing Guide
With it’s rich and natural beauty, Davao City is never less than an interesting place for sightseeing. Found in Region XI, the coastline of the city is definitely spectacular and offers a picturesque of paradise resembling those that you see in postcards. If you are planning to visit Davao anytime soon, here’s a Davao Sightseeing guide to help in your trip.
Among the most scenic sights that the region offers is the Samal Island. A coastal destination that is mostly enjoyed by beach lovers. The white sand of the island adds up to the beauty of the scenery as it is known to be a paradise. Samal Island features a variety of beach resorts including the world renowned Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Going to the island from the city and touring the island will require the use of a boat.
Another beautiful destination is the Eden Nature Park. As the name implies, it’s like new world Garden of Eden. It’s roughly forty minutes away from the heart of the city. Eden Nature Park is a popular nature scenery in Davao. It’s sits about 3′000 ft. above the sea level thus giving that very cool and pleasant climate, not too hot and not too cold. The park has been landscaped perfectly to achieve that very nature scenery perfect for sightseeing. You can ride a public utility jeepney, a bus or a car to reach the park.
Davao City also showcases a rich culture through the Ethnic Villages within the city’s parameter. These villages offers a unique insight about the daily life of the indigens and the culture that brought them to the world. Among these Ethnic Villages are the Samal Villages in Rio Hondo, Bagobo Village of Binaton, and B’laan Village of Matanao.
Davao Sightseeing will never be complete without taking a peek on two of the most popular tourist destinations of the city, the Mount Apo and the Philippine Eagle Center. Mount Apo, or known as the “grandfather of all mountains”, peaks about 3,144 about the sea level. It is known to be the tallest mountain in the Philippines. By means of area covering, the base of the mountain is about 72,796 hectares. Mount Apo is a dormant volcano and history has never recorded an eruption in this volcano. The jungle and forest areas of the mountain includes natural scenery of epic waterfalls, lakes, geysers and flora and fauna, mostly endangered species. An organized trek to the mountain can be inquired at the local tour operators.
The Philippine Eagle Center (PEC), the home of the eagle Pag-asa which was hatched and bred in captivity in the PEC. The center is a facility that houses monkey-eating eagles and other variety of eagles. It is a fifty minute right from the heart of the city. The Philippine eagle center is among the most famous nature based attractions of the city.
Davao Restaurant Guide
Davao is perhaps the most modern city in Mindanao. It is a clean city known for the people’s discipline. There are many things you can do in Davao if you choose to visit there. There are many restaurants where you can eat with your family and friends.
1.De Bonte Ko – This is owned by a Dutch national who has been a resident of Davao for many years. They offer Dutch dishes as well as prime rib, spare ribs and grilled steaks. This can be found on Rizal street inside the compound of La Habana.
2.Claude’s Cafe de Ville – This is a French restaurant offering French cuisine and owned by a French national who has been residing in the city for twenty years. The restaurant is famous for their steaks and the Jambalaya dish. They also offer the Creole which is a dish that originated in Louisiana. You can find this restaurant in Rizal Street.
3.Hanoi – This is restaurant offering Vietnamese cuisine. This is operated by Filipinos. They offer beef tenderloin in tomato sauce, pomelo salad, pork rolls. They also serve the suman made from Durian. Dinin in Hanoi is more of smart casual rather than fine dining. You can find this in Camus Street fronting the People’s Park.
4.Picobello - This is a restaurant offering Italian meals. You can find them on the fifth level of the Gaisano mall. They offer Italian food cooked in the authentic way. There are different pastas, soups and pizzas.
5.Roadhouse Cafe – This restaurant offers the best burgers in the city. The first branch is in Bukidnon and they set up their next branch in the SM City. The burgers are roasted which makes them tasty.
6.Hola Espana - This is another Davao restaurant offering Spanish dishies. It is found in Damosa. They offer Spanish style pizzas and croquettes made of tuna.
7.Swiss Deli – This is a restaurant offering European food. It can be found on the gateway called Damosa on Laurel Avenue. The operators of Picobello are the same owners of this deli. The ambience in this deli is refreshing.
8.Majid’s Kabab – This restaurant is the cheapest in this group. Majid is a guy from Iran and he owns the place. He makes Kebabs made in the traditional way. He also offers different Mediterranean food. You can have one hundred pesos and you can buy several foods already. It is a simple eatery you can find along the street of Rizal.
9.Al’s Diner – It is a restaurant offering hamburgers done the American way. The ambience of the restaurant is very American too.
10.Ranchero Grill – This restaurant is popular for their baby back ribs which can be eaten by two people. They also offer fried Lumpia made with ubod.The theme in the whole place is cowboy. The waiters and waitresses are dressed as cowboys. You can find it in Tionko Avenue.
Davao Hotel Guide
A fast advancing and interesting city to visit in the southern area of Philippines, Davao City takes pride in the attractive hospitality service providers that it features. The hotel industry of the city is improving because many travelers show interest in visiting the place throughout the year. Hence, to help tourists have an enjoyable and hassle-free visit to Davao City, Philippines, there are Davao hotel guides that they can use to have ideas about the facilities, accommodation rates, and locations of lodges, inns, and hotels in the place where they plan to stay.
Facilities of Hotels in Davao City, Philippines
For tourists who consider hotel facilities when they search for nice places to sleep and relax, they can rely on Davao hotel guides for these offer sections on the dining and leisure amenities that most hotels in Davao City, Philippines, provide. For those who look for hospitality service providers that feature swimming pools, restaurants, and fitness gyms, they can always make reservations in first class hotels and resorts that are commonly featured in Davao hotel guides such as Grand Men Seng Hotel, Mountain Breeze Resort and Convention Center, as well as Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurant.
Star Ratings in Davao City, Philippines
When it comes to star ratings, most Davao hotel guides list the star ratings of various lodges in Davao City, Philippines, for the convenience of travelers. Hence, for people who have plans of staying in topnotch hotels, they can always check the guides for five-star and four-star hotels in Davao City, Philippines, which include The Marco Polo Davao, Grand Regal Hotel Davao, and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. On the other hand, for those who have interest in staying three-star hotels, they can contact the management of Orange Grove Hotel, Roadway Inn, and Villa Fontana Inn, since their contact numbers are featured in Davao hotel guides.
Accommodation Rates of Hotels in Davao City, Philippines
Regarding accommodations, people can always look at Davao hotel guides for the rates of different hospitality service providers in Davao City, Philippines. Accommodation rates are associated with the facilities that hotels offer to guests, so those with high-end facilities usually offer high accommodation rates. For example, people who want to stay in five-star and four-star hotels in Davao City, Philippines, such as Regency Inn, The Royal Mandaya Hotel, and The Royale House, should expect costly rates that usually range from 4,000 pesos to 6,000 pesos per night. Hence, to make sure that the hotel where they will stay have rates that will suit their budget, it is important to always refer to Davao hotel guides for these provide overviews of accommodation rates of Davao hotels.
Davao Beach Guide
Davao is one of the most modern cities in the Philippines. Tourists go there to visit the city and have a vacation on some of the best beaches in Davao. The beaches of Davao are just as clear as the beaches in other top vacation destinations in the Philippines. You can do many activities there as well like water sports. The word “Davao” come from the terms daba daba which literally means fire. This word came from the early tribes who lived in Davao which are the Manobos, Samals, Bilaans and some Aetas.
Beaches in general are like jewelries. When it becomes a fad many people buys it and wear it then the value of it gets reduced. The more people go to a beach the more it becomes cheaper and somehow loses the private or exclusive appeal. Some beaches in the Philippines do not give you much privacy and peace anymore because it has become as busy as a small city. Davao beaches are somehow spared from this fact. You can still enjoy some beaches in Davao that are not packed with people and establishments for an affordable price.
1. Malipano Island – This is a beach that is nearer to Samal Island than the other islands. You can stay in one of the seven villas. The villas are secluded so guests can be assured of utmost privacy. stands a view hundred meters off Samal Island and is the site of the seven executive villas. Malipano Island has a golf course with 3 holes and a beach with white sands. The villas are made of ethnic materials from the Samal tribes and Maranao tribes. Four of the villas are put up directly in the sea like a traditional house of a family in Samal. The other three villas are situated on the rocky formations just right above the main beach. Inside the villas are three main structure of octagon shape. There is a living room area, receiving area, guest room and dining area. The roof is also shaped like the salakot which is a popular Filipino worker’s hat.
2. Samal Island – This is another popular beach in Davao. It is known for the pristine waters and the white sand of the beach. The whole island has different hotels and resorts where you can stay and enjoy swimming and some water sports. The beaches here are just like the other beaches in the Philippines you will always find a tall coconut tree and some mangrove trees. Most of the resorts have put up dikes to mark their territories over the waters. In Samal there is an Island Garden City. You can get there by riding a ferry from Davao. The place has hills, caves, waterfalls and coves. The beach is covered in white sands. The primary mode of transport is the local motorcycle. The typical rate is twenty pesos for one person. Some people are hesitant to ride in motorcycles and so they wait for the jeepneys that pass by at time. Some people just stay in the resort and on the beach where there are plent of water activities to do.
On weekdays you will find that are just two tourists visiting the resort which makes the place full of serenity. You will be able to enjoy the fresh breeze from the beach and you can just relax and read the book and enjoy the view. The current in Samal are generally calm so after sunbathing you may want to snorkel and see the school of fishes under the waters and view the corals underneath.
Durian Country
Golden Pillow. Munthong. Chanee. Arancillo. Piara. These are among the best varieties of durian in Calinan, Davao City. Savor the delicate taste of these sweet, creamy selections and discover what durian and Davao are all about.
Among other things, like its pristine beaches, this southern province and its city is known for its cattle ranches, fresh sea foods, orchid shows, and huge plantations of fruits of various kinds. Fruits sell at a real bargain—fact is, crates of good, plump bananas are sometimes given for free to bystanders.
But Davao is not Davao without the fabled durian. Idle tales go that Davao’s treasures are guarded by fairies and mystical spirits whose food staple is durian—a kind of food of the gods. Thus, where durian abounds treasures are hid, they say. But watch out for the wrath of the gods.
Durian is a tropical fruit similar to jack fruit—only more velvety and, like wine, alluring. Its hard, spiked crust keeps the edible flesh intact inside. The strange smell could mislead the uninitiated into misjudging it unfairly, throw it off, and miss out on the best thing in Davao.
To others, the aroma is like aged wine—durian’s and Davao’s, that is. It can entice you into having endless one last tries until the intoxication gets you hooked for life.
A five-hectare farm—this is one of the places in Calinan where the heavenly fruit proliferates. It used to be a coconut farm converted by owner, Elmer Solomon, into a durian farm. It’s more productive now—luring more enthralled buyers. It is an attraction to both local and foreign tourists who love durian or are curious about the fruit.
In a sense, Davao is a macro durian farm interspersed with other smaller fruit and flower farms. Davao province, it is said, is the prince city of the whole southern paradise that is Mindanao.
Aside from the imported varieties mentioned, native durian varieties in the Solomon farm are Puyat, Basketball, Mamon, and Brunei. The durian trees are top-pruned to have the the branches spreading wide rather than going up. Aside from being more manageable to maintain and more convenient for reapers during harvest time, this style keeps the farm well shaded—more comfy for strolling tourists, especially in summer.
A visit to the south must include a tour of Davao—which automatically means a deeper excursion to Davao City. There the numinous spirits are sure to charm the unsuspecting visitor with the forbidden (but delectable) fruit, aside from wooing the same with the city’s other attractions.
Calinan is where the enchantment flavors are concocted. With an array of durian assortments that have mesmerized many a wandering tourist, one will forever be spellbound by Davao—tongue, heart, and soul.
The Wonders of Davao City
Davao City has many firsts in the Philippines and abroad. Among these is being the world’s second largest city in terms of land area. Davao City also boasts of having the second largest urban market in the East ASEAN Growth Polygon.
But there is more to Davao City than the huge market of fruit and fish sold at eye-popping low prices. It is also rich in many things that nature offers. Let’s have a look around the wonders of Davao City, Philippines.
One of the best things the people of Davao City enjoy is the weather. It hardly ever gets any storms. Davao City always gets fair weather, some rain showers and humidity come by every now and then but no typhoons ever get there.
The Davao City economy had a huge upsurge in the 90s and is still thriving past the next decade. The next thrust of economic growth in Davao City seems to veering away from the agriculture sector in recent years. It still remains as one of the top exporters in the region.
Let’s take a look at some of the tourist spots Davao City is famous for.
Mount Apo, known locally as a tribal god’s abode is located at Cabarisan, Davao City. This is the tallest peak in the Philippines standing at 10,311 feet above sea level. It is a favorite climb among local mountaineers. The climb to the top of Mount Apo would take a group about four days along the many trails climbers often ascend.
Those who would dare the peak will have to contact the Department of Tourism in Davao City before proceeding or the Mt. Apo Climbers Association. The local government of Davao City also organizes Holy Week Climbs and the Octotrek, a climb to the top on October; both are peak seasons when large groups of climbers join in the challenge.
Philippine Eagle Nature Center is a nature reserve where the world’s largest species of eagles (formerly known as the monkey-eating eagle) are kept since they’ve been declared as endangered species. The Philippine Eagle’s base diet in the wild are monkeys (thus the name). The nature center is located at Calinan, Davao City.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort is the perfect get-away to revel in tropical pleasures offered in Davao City. The farm is located in a secluded cove on Samal Island off Davao City’s coast.
Crocodile Park, Davao City, boasts of having bred one of the biggest crocodiles — measuring 18 feet. Other than watching these enormous reptiles one can also enjoy horseback riding, and a day at the park, or, if you’re up to it, you may have a chance to feed young crocodiles.
These are only some of the many wonderful places we can head to for a great tour of Davao City. Accommodations in the city range from $60 to $470. Airfare from Manila to Davao City would cost more than Php 3,000.
Take time to try out the cheap buys and great sights all over the many wonders of Davao City, Philippines.
Tags: Davao City, Philippine Eagle, tourism, Mindanao, Mount Apo, Philippines, Mt. Apo
Top Davao Restaurants - The Great Food Trip
Davao City’s greatest lure to travelers is its relatively calm and peaceful atmosphere and extra-friendly local residents. Being the largest city in South East Asia (when it comes to land area, that is), one wouldn’t be surprised at the many opportunities for a first-time and seasoned island-hopper to discover and rediscover all the aesthetic and social treasures Davao has to offer. And when it comes to unique food offerings to sate the hungry traveler’s stomach, Davao Restaurants are always there to fill any craving.
Because the city is abundant in land and sea produce, any food aficionado will not be left wanting. In fact, Davao Restaurants offer just about any kind of dish your mind can conjure, from the most basic of dishes, to the most exotic. Any visit to this ‘Land Of Promise’ would not be complete without a quick tour of Davao Restaurants.
Harana
For instance, no Davao tour would be complete without a stopover at the Harana Family Restaurant in Torres St. Having started in the early 1980s and still standing to this day, the Lizada family-owned Harana is already considered an institution among Davao Restaurants. Serving the tastiest of Filipino food, Harana is more than just a local restaurant. It is actually one of the few remaining witnesses to how Davao has grown from a small and unrecognized city to the striking metropolis it is now.
Jack’s Ridge
If a view of the city is what you’re looking for, nothing beats having dinner at Jack’s Ridge, which sits atop the Shrine Hills in Matina. Jack’s Ridge, although a lot newer than Harana, is also considered one of the must-go Davao Restaurants because of the unique view it offers. The menu is fairly-priced, with a full barbecue meal ranging from Php45 to Php70 per person. Getting there can be a bit tricky, though, as public transport does not easily reach it. However, Jack’s Ridge offers shuttle services from the main Matina highway and back.
Davao Dencia’s
Should you crave extraordinary Chinese food, get yourself served at Davao Dencia’s Restaurant, which is equally as old or even older than Harana. While Dencia’s from the outside looks like any of the usual Davao restaurant’s, prepare to have your mind changed once you get a taste of its food. Its bestsellers are the Pancit Canton Con Chopsuey, Tokwa’t Baboy, and Fresh/Fried Lumpia. You will not be able to see Tokway’t Baboy served the way Dencia’s does it anywhere else. Prices are also very affordable. Php300 can easily feed a family of five.
The abundance of food in the city only entails that there are more Davao restaurants that deserve to be given special attention. But for those who just want to say that they’ve really been to Davao, the three mentioned here should be on every traveler’s eating watch list.
With the growing number of visitors coming in as the city continues to grow and boom, it’s not likely that Davao Restaurants will diminish in quality and number. It’s up to you, then, to experience them yourself.
Tags: Jacks Ridge, Restaurants, Davao, Philippines, Travel, Davao Restaurants, Mindanao
Exploring the Prestigious Hotels of Davao
Davao’s hotels include many types from the lavish to the mundane and they are considered as one of the city’s important economic sources. People from all parts of the Philippines visit Davao’s hotels in order to see its famous exclusive and ordinary hotels and dine in its fine restaurants.
The hotels of Davao are among the fastest growing economic sectors in the city. In fact, Davao hotels by themselves are recognized as multi-million peso and still a progressing business in Davao. The hotels of Davao are among the major economic forces in the city as its enables growth and creation of job opportunities.
The hotel business in Davao has employed over a thousand workers who are distributed within various Davao hotels, totaling a revenue generation of billions of pesos. From recent records, the hotels of Davao have indeed become one of the most competitive businesses in the Philippines.
In spite of the increasing popularity of these hotels as an urban tourist destination, certain hotel business issues affect the influx of tourists and the revenue acquired from this business. The problem in competition for example, is one of the growing concerns of the hotel business in Davao. Fierce competition happens among the best and well-known hotels, such as Davao City Hotel, Apo View Hotel Davao, Marco Polo Hotel Davao and Insular Century Hotel Davao.
In addition, customer satisfaction is one of the highly significant priorities in the business. Being the major source of tourism revenue, the hotel business owners of, for example, the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Davao Galleria Hotel and Davao Grand Regal Hotel are applying various strategies that will enhance the experience of visitors coming to the city.
One of the main issues relevant to the need of assessing service quality is the significant transitions that Davao’s hotels must undergo. One of the recognized changes was the transformation of its first class and ordinary hotels. The once conventional hotels were converted into modernized ones. This transition implies the apparent increase of small firms providing tourism services at present, while the first class and ordinary hotel business in Davao used to be dominated by a few producers.
In other words, the hotel owners in Davao now have a number of accesses to strategies and factors that amplify business competition. While this tendency has in many ways improved the overall state of the hotel business of Davao City, hotel owners also encounter difficulties to operate their businesses successfully, making the evaluation of service quality all the more essential.
Hotel owners have also stated that the competition in the hotel business is augmented by new strategies introduced and implemented by various hotels. With the introduction of information and communication technology (ICT) in some of Davao’s hotels such as Davao City Hotel, Apo View Hotel Davao, Marco Poo Hotel Davao and Insular Century Hotel Davao, and the inclusion of other technological facilities, tourists have more options and control over they type of hotels they want to stay in.
Hence, with the present advancements, first class and ordinary hotels in Davao are giving more importance to specialized and enhanced forms of services for tourists, especially the service quality in these hotels.
Tags: Restaurants, Davao Hotels, Tourism, Philippines, Service, Davao, Mindanao
