I answered the simple question with these following statements and descriptions. I lived at a city that is a expansive metropolitan area of more than a million residents situated in Mindanao particularly in the southeastern part of it. For a fact, my place is considered as one of the largest cities in the world. Natural advantages are the blessings of this place that the soil is so rich in minerals and very fertile. Our local government has always been taking benefit of its strategic location which is a typhoon-free region and balance or equal distribution of climatic conditions defines its weather the whole year round.

Mount Apo

Our mountain stood tallest amongst any mountains in the Philippines. This mountain seems to overlook our humble city and appears to be a vigilant sentinel watching us for anything that could harm us. Climbing the peak of this mountain would make one realize how blessed this modest land is: intact forest, productive valleys, traversable river, extensive metro and first-rate beaches facing the gulf.

We value education as we had been recognized one of the cities with high literacy rates in Asia. Workforce is one of the best because we can speak English and we were trained to be industrious and self-reliant. Our city is a sort of melting pot of cultures and differences are respected and developed in a pleasant and peace-loving atmosphere.

In trade and commerce

Our metropolis has bee the center of services, trade and commerce in Mindanao and our facilities are among the best providing an avenue for further economic expansion. Urban living is at its best because we have the usual amenities and facilities and we can have them in reasonable prices as well. Accessibility to the usual needs is never a problem in this place such as communication, recreation and leisure. We have had the basic needs covered with a plus.

A place of balance of leisure and business

The economic pace of this metropolis is on the rise but the great outdoors and breathtaking wonders of nature make the stability between work hard and relaxation. The question I was trying to answer was 'where do you live?' Of course, the simple answer this question was Davao City. I did not answer it directly because I wanted them to realize that the word 'Davao' was not just another ordinary place. In a way, as I answered the query, I also set their expectations of this beautiful place called Davao.

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.

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.

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.