Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
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.
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]Davao, Philippines, Tourism, Mindanao, Davao Hotels, Service, Restaurants[/Tags]
Davao Restaurants
Davao City is the pride of the south. It boasts of a culture that is truly Filipino yet very interesting for any kind of exploring tourist. Among the many attractions in this side of the Philippines is the array of Davao restaurants that are out to impress every single time. No matter what you crave for, you will surely find it by looking through Davao restaurants listing.
Luz Kinilaw – This one is underrated among Davao restaurants. It serves tuna at its finest against a no frills, cozy ambience that will leave you lost for words yet it does not come out too often in Davao restaurants reviews. Tuna, either grilled or kinilaw (a local cooking method that is equivalent to the Japanese’s sashimi), should not be missed. [Salmonan, Quezon Boulevard; (6382) 226-4612]
Coco’s Grill – Great-tasting family meals is what Coco’s Grill serves best. As a family business, it understands the needs and requirements of diners with adults and kids combined. That’s why they concocted dishes that please young and young-at-hearts with every bite. Salads, pizzas, and pastas mostly compose a usual dining experience at this cozy eating hub. [F. Torres Street, Davao City]
Marco Polo – Chinese cuisine has always been a favorite. In this plush food hub, you get Chinese dishes at their finest. Crispy noodles, almond jelly, crab fuyong, and fried chicken with special Hoisen sauce are must-tries. [CM Recto St., Davao City; (6382) 221 0888]
Jack’s Ridge – If you want your food to come with lots of bonuses, this restaurant is a pretty good choice. A dining experience here is composed of reasonably priced familiar dishes plus a spectacular view on top of the hill. At night, your eyes will dazzle with the city lights. It’s a nice place to have get-togethers because the cozy ambience allows for some good talks coupled with tasty and delicious food. [Shrine Hills, Davao City; (6382) 297-8830]
Cafe Mediterranean – Fusion restaurant is pretty common nowadays. Then again, you do not always get the best of everything in all of them. If there’s one Davao restaurant that could give you the thrill of fusion cuisine, it’s Café Mediterranean. Asian, Mediterranean, French, Italian, and Spanish cuisine are put together for an exciting mix in the food menu. Lamb, chicken, seafood, and beef are cooked in every other fabulous way for mouthwatering food choices. The kebabs and gyros are must-tries. [G/F Chimes Mall, Governor Sales St. Davao City; (6382) 225 8997]
Davao Hospitals and Health Care
Getting sick in Davao will never be a hassle because of the many recognized and well-respected medical facilities in the country. Here are just some of the Davao hospitals and health care worth considering when visiting this province.
Davao Medical Center
Davao Medical Center is perhaps the most famous hospital in the province. From being just a 25-bed capacity infirmary as Davao Public Hospital, it developed into a 200-bed capacity facility in 1946 when it became known as Davao General Hospital. In 1957, thanks to additional improvements, Davao Regional Medical and Training Center grew into a 350-bed capacity hospital and moved to a 12.8 hectare land in the Bajada area seven years later.
In 1971, the Department of Health designated it as a medical center for the residents of Mindanao and Sulu. In 1986, a 200-bed mental facility was added to the hospital. Six years later, Davao Medical Center or DMC as well as its mental hospital made further renovations and is now a 600-bed capacity hospital that become one of the most trusted hospitals in Mindanao.
Davao Doctors Hospital
Since its founding in 1969, the purpose of the Davao Doctors Hospital was to give holistic health care for the people of Mindanao. Presently, it provides excellent health care services to areas unreached by other hospitals in the region. As one of the major infirmaries in Mindanao, it has qualified medical and administrative personnel and state-of-the-art facilities providing medical care to the residents of the region. The hospital is a breeding ground for medical practitioners and is built around the philosophy of always “moving ahead.”
Brokenshire Memorial Hospital
The establishment of the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital, located near the Magallanes River, came at the heels of a malaria outbreak and severe malnutrition in 1908. It developed into a 34-bed infirmary and changed its name to Davao Mission Hospital.
After 100 years, Brokenshire Memorial has now grown into a 200-bed hospital with state-of-the-art facilities providing medical and health care to its residents. It is one of the major infirmaries in the region with dependable personnel and equipments. Its specialty is in the field of internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, among others.
Davao Medical School Foundation Hospital
Established in 2003, Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) Hospital is one of the newest Davao hospitals and is well-renowned for its use of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) using state-of-the-art facilities such as video cameras and different kinds of lenses for anatomic visualization, laparoscopic and endoscopic equipments for more detailed evaluation of therapeutic intervention.
It is used in various medical departments, like general surgery, neurology, gastroenterology, to name just a few. Another state-of-the-art equipment used in DMSF is the Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment, which allows a patient to breath 100% pure oxygen.
These are just some of the Davao hospitals and health care that offer medical service to people in the region.
Davao Sightseeing and Activities
Davao City in Mindanao has a lot to offer to a tourist. The city has a lot of destinations for sightseeing, water-activities, hiking and nature-tripping, shopping, etc. These activities guarantee that travelers will enjoy their visit to Davao City.
From within the city itself, a traveler will not have a difficult time in exploring what Davao has to offer. For those who want to know the history and culture of the place, San Pedro Cathedral offers the traveler to be acquainted with the spiritual life of the city. To know more about the history of the city, the Davao Museum is certainly the place to visit and explore.
More adventurous tourist and those who want to experience the natural wonders of Davao will be delighted to know that there are several destinations near Davao. A trek up Mount Apo (the highest mountain in the Philippines at 10,311 feet) will make the visitor enjoy the rainforest of Davao. Breathtaking panoramas, waterfalls, ridges and creeks await the adventurer. Another adventure destination is Marilog. Just an hour and a half away from the city, one can explore Marilog to see the natural beauty of Datu Salumay Spring, Baganihan Caves, Epol Falls, and Seagull Mountain Resort. Another adventure destination is Eden Nature Park, which offers activities like trekking, swimming and horseback riding.
For those who love water activities the Matina, Talomo and Toril shorelines in Davao Gulf have several resorts and beaches for swimming and water sports. Another site near Davao is Samal Island. Resorts in this island offer activities like kayaking, snorkeling, jet skiing, windsurfing and game fishing. The Davao River, meanwhile, dares travelers to do a three-hour white water rafting adventure.
The city also has nature parks that highlight conservation of animal species. Crocodile Farm enables the visitor see the crocodiles endemic only in the Philippines. Conservation of the endangered Philippine Eagle is the showcase of the Philippine Eagle Center. The Malagos Bird Show in Malagos Garden Resort showcases birds such as eagles, parrots, hawks and ostriches. These birds perform neat tricks to the delight of an audience. The Marine Turtle Sanctuary in Punta Dumalag highlights the conservation and protection of Hawksbill turtles.
Davao City also has numerous shopping destinations. One can shop for the famously delicious durian at Durian Park and Bankerohan Public Market. Souvenir shops in Aldevinco Shopping Center along C.M. Recto Avenue offers a wide array of local products. Batik garments, brass products, orchids and other products are sold here.
Davao Destination Guides
Overview
Davao, known as the 3rd largest city in the entire country is the home town of the delicious fruit called durian and is wrapped in a tight embrace by the Davao Gulf. All tropical fruits come from Davao and this is also the center of all logging, agricultural and mining activities in Mindanao. Among the known Davao destinations include plantations, plywood factories, farms, black sand beaches and several resorts.
Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague
About 5 kilometers away from Davao City is the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. Many say that the story of this Davao destination stemmed from a religious experience considered a miracle. As the story goes, the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague started with a dream that the Mayor’s wife had. In that dream, there was a compelling force that urged her to go to Czechoslovakia and bring home a replica of baby Jesus. A shrine for that replica was built and it was thus named Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. Although this is not the only replica of Jesus brought back from Europe, the construction of this shrine has led to more replicas being brought to Davao and soon enough an entire complex of altars, chapels and seminar halls have been built in one big complex to honor these replicas. The Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague is proof of the Filipinos’ devotion to Christianity, the dominant religion in the Philippines.
However, the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague built in honor of Christianity does not mean that this is the only religion in Davao. In fact, Mindano has a large Muslim community and Muslim Village is found in Calinan. This Muslim village is in the list of Davao destinations and what can be seen here are not just towering mosques, this is a good place for shopping both for locally made products as well as clothes, bags and shoes.
Aguinaldo Pearl Farm
Another Davao destination albeit about an hour from the city is the Aguinaldo Pearl Farm. Samal Island is where one will find the Aguinaldo Pearl Farm. This Davao destination as the name implies, is where the locals harvest pearl. Enclosed by a resort with a small hotel and a beach, many tourists flock to this Davao destination because this is where authentic pearls can be bought at far less than anywhere else in Manila.
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.
Davao Government Sites
‘Love, Peace and Progress’. These three (3) simple words are the motto of wonderful city of Davao. This city is considered one of the best known places for eco-tourism and business ventures in the southern part of the Philippines. There are actually ten (10) good reasons why Davao should be considered first in the list of ‘where to go next’.
Forward-Looking and Responsive Government
One of their city tenets in their motto is ‘Progress’ and it is not just written in their city provision but it is also seen or could be realized in the place. Modernization is the focus of their development. Since this has been their élan for expansion, they made sure that accessibility (building seaports, airports, roads, bridges and all related infrastructures) is their priority. For this reason, sustainable development could be achieved.
Investor-Friendly City
The city of Davao knows how to do business, and commerce does not only mean providing materials like network of accessibility (such as roads, bridges, etc.) but the locals of Davao approach doing business with a humane consideration. They provide this consideration by giving professional attention or guidance putting up business in Davao City.
Philippines’ Fruit Basket
The city of Davao is very blessed in terms almost all types of frits grow in profusion. There are many fruit plantations in the vicinity of the city. Davao City holds the prestige of one of the Asia’s principal banana exporters.
Recognized Laborers and Best Professionals
Davao City really values human resource as one their assets in keeping the business sustainable. Professionals and laborers of the city of Davao are cost-effective, can speak English, highly literate and competent.
Competitive Cost of Doing Commerce
Quality does not mean spending to much in Davao City. Compared to other major cities in the Philippines, quality products are cheaper and more affordable. The city’s reasonable rates in terms business related inputs are main factors why the place is best in putting up a business.
Southeast Asia’s Most Peaceful City
Believe it or not, in 10000 persons, only 0.8% is Davao City’s monthly crime rate. The implementation of similar laws of peace and order and the established central communications and emergency hotlines with the authorities made sure that everything is under control.
The Regional Core of the Southern Philippines
Davao City is the financial center of the Mindanao Island composed of financial and lending agencies. For this reason, small businesses have a place in the city of Davao to thrive and develop.
Public Utilities are Very Efficient
Davao City is a highly developed place that is very conducive for business and for residential living as well. Basic needs, supply of eater and electricity, communications and transportations are well provided and readily available. The local government of Davao City continues to improve such amenities.
The City’s Perfect Weather
Davao City is definitely a very fortunate city considering the fact that it is situated in a typhoon-free zone the all-year round. Weather has been relatively predictable compared to other places in the Philippines. This makes the city a location very strategic for leisure, business, agriculture and other related activities.
Accessibility and Connections
The city of Davao is advantageously situated in Mindanao, the southern part of the Philippines and has an air and sea connections in the country and all over the world (like the Philippine-Japan highway). The existence or emergence of the Davao International Airport had made Davao City very accessible within local and international investors, tourists and visitors.
Davao City: Sustaining its Progress
To answer the calls of changes, the local government of Davao City uses new innovations to keep up with the fast pace demands of tourism and economic wave. To present the beauty and advantages of Davao City, the local administration make use of the power of the internet (http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/) to make Davao City accessible by just doing some few clicks. The official website is very user-friendly and full of helpful information. It is certainly a glimpse of Davao City’s definition of ‘Love, Peace and Progress’.
Davao Travel Agents
The City of Davao, nowadays, was able to live up to the meaning of their name which is ‘beyond the high ground’. Davao City has been considered as one of the Asia’s beloved cities in terms of financial progress. For this reason, the Foreign District Investment Magazine hailed Davao City as the one of the ‘Asian City of the Future’ bagging the tenth place. Davao City has been indeed the tourism, investment and business hub for the entire southern Philippines. Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines seems to be deity overlooking the brilliant city.
The Grandfather of Philippines Mountains
Mount Apo has been one of the main reasons why nature lovers and especially mountaineers all over the world visit the City of Davao. Considered to be the ‘master’ or ‘the grandfather’ of all the mountains in the Philippines, Mount Apo stands 9,692 feet above the ground and pompously looking over, as if guarding, the beautiful City of Davao from possible outsiders or invaders that would threaten the place. Mount Apo is considered to be a potentially active stratovolcano. The towering height of almost ten thousand feet is the reason why it is the most admired and popular climbing destinations in the Philippines. The mountain was considered a national park way back 1930’s. Mount Apo has been a shelter for different flora and fauna and has been considered as one of the highest land-based biological diversity. Reaching its peak would take an average of two-four days of hike and during the trek diverse sights could be seen like the one of the highest lakes in the Philippines which is the Lake Venado. This ‘Master Mountain’ could be climbed the whole year-round.
Tour and Travel Agencies in Davao City
The influx of visitors and tourists alike throughout the years has been one of the main reasons why economy has been very competitive in Davao City. To maintain and upgrade this blooming tourism industry, the local government encourage private investors to concentrate in travels and tours agencies. Some noted travel agencies are Ame Travel and Tours (F.Torres Street, Davao City), Davao Allied Travel and Tours (D. Suazo Street, Davao City) and Cynorel Travel and Tours (G/F Apo View Hotel, Camus Street, Davao City). There are a lot of travel agencies listed in some directory websites. It would still be better checking them real-time to get the latest updates regarding information and services they provide. Nowadays, aid and assistance are just a click away through the power of the internet.
Davao Festivals and Events
Overview
The land of the exotic fruit, Durian, has much more to offer than just delicious fruits and wonderful looking flowers. Davao festivals are highly anticipated events and many visitors go to this place in the southern Philippines to enjoy a lively and highly entertaining day.
Kadayawan Festival
Celebrated in August and the focus being on the indigenous group that have lived in Davao since centuries back, the Kadayawan Festival is an interesting event that captures the culture of this sector. The indigenous group of Mindanao has gone through many experiences in the past, both good and bad, and their journey is depicted in the presentations made during the Kadayawan Festival. There are two parts to this Davao festival and they are the Lumadnong Kasaulogan and the Subay sa Lumadnong Kagikan. The first part of the Kadayawan Festival is the main event and here, the indigenous group’s culture and arts are on display. Part of their culture is the colorful hand woven costumes that they wear everyday and the members spend a lot of time making them. The Kadayawan Festival also showcases the traditional dances of the indigenous group and some of their handmade crafts can be bought during this Davao festival. The second part of this Davao festival, the Subay sa Lumadnong Kagikan will help the visitor learn about the impact that this group has on the Filipino artists from years back to present. The Kadayawan Festival is also about the history of this indigenous group and their importance to today’s society.
Araw ng Dabao Oryental
Another great Davao festival is the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. The whole of Davao celebrates this event with grandeur. The parades on the streets of Davao will surely get one’s attention with rhythmic beating of the drums and the fast beat dancing of dancers dressed in colorful costumes during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. Even the malls celebrate this Davao festival by showcasing products of Davao and selling them at discounted rates. There are numerous beauty pageants during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental, and contestants from those below 12 years of age and up to 25 can participate. There is also a music fest during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental and numerous bands play at the SM Mall Event Center. Everybody is welcome to join the festivities or just simply watch the events that transpire during the lively celebration of the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. At the end of the day, an amazing fireworks display illuminates the night sky.
