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.
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.
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.
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]
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 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.
Davao is very much known for its exotic fruits and beautiful orchids but aside from these, there are many things that draw visitors to Davao. Davao is the largest city by far in Mindanao and aside from being the crown jewel of the southern Philippines, there are many interesting places to go to here. If one is planning a trip to Davao, aside from reading up on places to go to or things to do here, it’s also a good idea to find out what the available modes of transportation are in the city. One can be sure that public Davao transportation is something that even tourists can take despite the fact that it might be their first time to go here.
The quickest option to get to Davao is via plane and this mode of Davao transportation can easily be done because of the many different domestic carriers that make daily trips to Davao. If flying to Davao, one will arrive at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport and this is a facility that accommodates both local and international flights. Choosing which airline to use to get to Davao is a matter of preference and one can even avail of promotional offers so that ticket fares can be lowered to as little as Php100 per head.
Another way to get to this province is by land and through this mode of Davao transportation especially if coming from Manila, one be prepared to spend 2-3 days on the road. There are buses that leave Manila twice a day to go to Davao and among the options are Victory Liner and Philippine Rabbit. Buses are by far the cheapest mode of Davao transportation via land as compared to using one’s own vehicle or renting a car. Of course, the luxury, comfort and the scenic drive need to be weighed if one is thinking about bringing a car to Davao.
One could also get to Davao by sea and how much this costs depends on the size of the maritime vessel. There are smaller boats and ferries that charge lower amounts while those who are not in a hurry and would even like to go sightseeing on the way there can opt for ferries that make frequent stops to other islands.
Being a highly industrialized city, getting around Davao is not a problem with a multitude of Davao transportation available to visitors. There are buses in the city, tricycles for short distances, jeepneys and taxis that can help one get to one’s destination. When it comes to taxis, there are 2 kinds in Davao, air conditioned and non-air conditioned. The former type of Davao transportation is little bit more expensive but both are safe and comfortable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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, Philippines, Mindanao, Philippine Eagle, Mt. Apo, Mount Apo, Davao City, Tourist, travel, tourism[/Tags]
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]