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TravelTips24 : Asia : Southeast Asia : Philippines : Mindanao : Davao

Davao

Davao [1] is a city in the Philippines and is considered by many to be the most crime-free area in the country. Tourists are guarded not only by the police, but also by the people around.

Travel to Davao & Visa Requirements

By air

Davao is possibly the third most important Philippine city after Manila and Cebu. As such most if not all domestic airlines fly multiple times per day to Davao from Manila, Cebu and other major cities in Visayas and Mindanao. Silk Air also flies direct to Davao from Singapore.

Davao is served by the Davao International Airport (more properly named as the Francisco Bangoy International Airport), which receives both local and foreign traffic to Davao. Completed only in 2003, DIA is said to be much better than its counterpart NAIA in Manila.

The following Philippine carriers all have Davao on their flight networks:

  • Philippine Airlines [2] - the national flag carrier
  • Cebu Pacific [3] - 2nd biggest domestic carrier, offers Go discount fares
  • Air Philippines [4] - flies to Davao from Manila as well as major cities in Visayas and Mindanao
  • Asian Spirit [5] - flies once daily from Manila to Davao and recently introduced flights connecting Davao to diver's paradise Palau

By sea

Davao is also served by a bustling sea port with significant cargo and passenger traffic. Following is a listing of ferry companies that serve Davao:

  • WG&A Superferry [6] - twice weekly ferries from Manila to Davao, trip takes more than 2 days in total
  • Sulpicio Lines [7] - twice weekly ferries from Manila, usually via Cebu

Tours & Getting around Davao

The simplest way to get around is by hopping on a taxi. A typical trip can cost about 60-70 pesos or slightly more than a U.S. dollar if one goes by the meter. However, drivers in Davao do not bargain if they notice that you are a tourist, hence the cost of the trip may same as a regular in price. If you know the name of the building, establishment, area or street you wish you reach, this is still the fastest way to get to your destination. You can also call the cab company directly to have a cab driver pick you up. Mabuhay Taxi is one of the most reliable cab companies around and they can be reached at +82-234-1360 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Alternatively, if you opt for more adventure, then do as the locals and catch a colorful jeepney. Simply ask around for which route to take. They are available 24 hours and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the city. This is the cheapest option for getting around as a typical fare cost about 5-7 pesos.

Another alternative ride aside from the jeepneys and taxis, is to rent a car. Many available cars for rent, but if you don't know the routes, you can hire drivers buy asking the attendant of the said rent a car shop.

Buses are also available but these tend to ply exclusively along the north-south route and going out and in the city area.

The normal cost for a jeepney ride is 7.00 pesos. Taxis go from 26 pesos and will add 1 peso per kilometer with a non-airconditioned taxi. Airconditioned taxis start at 30 pesos and will add 2 pesos per kilometer.

Davao attractions and sightseeing

the Mt. Apo at its peak- the tallest mountain in the Philippines, where you can also go and climb to the top of it.

Take time to see the majestic Philippine Eagle, one of the three largest eagles in the world and sadly also one of the most endangered, at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. The Center is home to at least 30 Philippine Eagles, and also hosts a variety of other raptors, birds, and animals in a simulated forest environment. The Center is about 45 minutes away from downtown Davao. To get there, buses or vans to Calinan depart from the Bankerohan Market at 15 minute intervals. Once in Calinan, tricycles, motorcycles and jeepneys bound for Malagos may be found at the Calinan market area. The Philippine Eagle Center is open 8am to 5pm daily and is operated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

When your going to Davao You can party hard at The Venue . You can also spot Filipino celebrities during week ends.

Davao city tours

24 hours in my city

Boat rides to Paradise Island in Samal from Davao City open at 6 a.m. It’s the best time to take a trip to the white-sand beach resort. And have the beach almost to yourself.

After the chilly crossing to the island, one can have a multiple choice of morning delights. Take a brisk walk around, including at its mini-zoo; take a dip at the cool blue water; sample the aquabikes or snorkel and play with the fishes.

Breakfast awaits you after this bevy of activities. The resort offers both continental and Filipino cuisine. Try to down fresh coconut juice to end your trip.

On your way back downtown, drop by the Davao Museum at Insular Village, It opens at 9. The visit should give you a glimpse of the colorful lumad culture of the city. Davao is home to many cultural tribes. And in spite of progress, they have retained many of their local practices like celebrating the bountiful harvest during the Kadayawan festival (August).

To have some of those lumad crinckets, make a stop next at Aldevinco Shopping Center, just across Marco Polo Hotel and Ateneo de Davao University. Its fun to discover this place as a shopping paradise cum museum.

By 11, you should be heading south for Davao’s eco-tourism wonders at the foot of Mt Apo … Eden Nature Park in Toril District or Malagos Garden at Baguio District. At Eden one can have a panoramic view of the Davao Gulf. In Malagos, sample the local red wine made from bignay, local small red berries. In both places, lunch on organically-grown fresh vegetables and fruits amidst a lush setting of rich flora.

Take a quick nap aboard the van while on the way back as the sun sets silhouetting the many fruit orchards at Calinan and Tugbok Districs. Wake yourself up with durian coffee at Blu Gre at Landco Building when you reach downtown.

Or take this other eco-adventure - river-rafting the mighty Davao River. Your trip from upland Tamugan would end at the Crocodile Park by the Dizon’s River Front. There you can feed the crocks or feast on their special delicacies and famous pomelo.

Dinner should not be any problem after you freshen up. Take your pick – fresh seafoods at Ahfat, Korean delights at Arirang, Pinoy favorites at Probinsya or Chinese cuisine at Emerald all at the Victoria Plaza Carpark. An alternative would be Jack Ridge’s at Shrine Hill for al fresco dining with a scenic view of Davao’s skyline at night.

Dessert? For both the aficionados and the first-timers, the fruit that “smells like hell but tastes like heaven” are available at Magsaysay Park or along Anda St. Insist on the local varieties. Durian is now grown year-round but the best times are July to October.

The night would still be young by the time you finish your meal. So, head out to feel the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Coffee shops and bars are aplenty. Happy hour sing-a-long at Goodtimes just off Sta Ana Church or Chico’s along Rizal St.

If you want to meet the locals, try a quick look at the People’s Park. It’s a garden and open air art gallery rolled into one where the city’s rich and hoi polloi enjoy an urban oasis.

Prefer dancing and live bands? Then be by 9 pm at MTS (Matina Town Square), or at the restobar row along F. Torres or at The Venue (infront of Central Bank) or at the Damosa Gateway.

After the booze, try to avoid any hung-over with hot and spicy soup before the bed. Try Bullcachong along Gen. Luna St.

Then dream on the best day you ever had in my city.

By Davao City Councilor Peter Lavina

Definition, "Buringans" means Whore house or Whore location, not exactly the sort of advertisement a "City Councillor" should be advocating. Davao City, has much to offer visitors, the people are genuinely friendly and will make anyone feel welcome in their City.

Davao souvenirs & shopping

Davao City has many department stores, and all of them have supermarkets - the SM which is a 3-level department store located at Quimpo Blvrd, Ecoland. Other notable stores include the New City Commercial Center(NCCC-1) at R.Magsaysay St and (NCCC-2) at McArthur hi-way corner Ma-a. Gaisano Mall is the tallest store which have 5 storey building. They are modern buildings with lots of western goods in addition to local stores. Gaisano South which is located at Ilustre Street. Victoria Plaza is also one of the notable stores in davao, located at J.P. Laurel Ave, Bajada. Convenient stores are also around the city from city proper, urban places to sub-urbs, with its 24hours open services. Some stores are called sari-sari, that sell in retail terms, especially the cigars that you can buy per sticks, or per pack with the price of their own retail per sticks.

Due to security concerns, it is routine for security guards to lightly frisk people as they enter shopping malls in Davao, and indeed in most of the Philippines. The guards endeavour to be sensitive and invariably the guard is either female or there are separate lines for male and female entrants.

The safest bet for eating out in Davao are the food courts located in the shopping malls. The fare might be a bit blander than the street vendors but the hygiene is better, variety reasonable and it works out cheaper than buying your own food from the supermarket, with most light dishes about 40 to 50 pesos.

Davao Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Davao is reknowned for its durian and pomelo. Eating durian is admittedly an acquired taste but those who do end up liking it will swear that the bad smell is worth it. Pomelo on the other hand is a citrus fruit that most closely resembles a grapefruit, it is quite common in South East Asia. Beware of bringing durian inside airplanes as well as hotels and other establishments. They may have strict regulations on allowing durian inside and some may not allow durian to be brought at all.

  • Ahfat, Victoria Plaza area. The ultimate gastronomic experience. Try the steamed shrimp, spicy spare ribs and crab fuyo.
  • Yahong There's one in The Venue and another along Torres Street. Try their talaba and diablo chicken wings . Their crispy pata is also a must!
  • Na Trang (Jekoy's Grill), Jacinto Extension, beside Central Bank. Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Try their tofu and mushrooms, Vietnamese pancake, wet lumpia and fried spring rolls. Coffee is great here also.
  • Jack's Ridge, Just across the Santo Nino Shrine. Delicious Filipino cuisine and a breathtaking view of the city.
  • Cubyertos, Torres Street. Try their signature vegetable-chicken salad.</p>
  • Dencia's, Ilustre Street. Classic Davao-Chinese cuisine. Best orders are tokwa't baboy, congee, fresh lumpia and pancit canton.
  • Sea Urchin Restaurant, Mamay Road, a few meters from Damosa Gateway. A full range of Chinese cuisine. Cold cuts and soup are excellent. Try also their steamed lapu-lapu and fried chicken.
  • Gardena Fresca, Within Coca-Cola Village in Matina. Their bestseller is adobong tahong.
  • Talaba Joe's, Rizal Street. Come to this place for the freshest oysters in Davao.
  • Claude's, Rizal Street. Authentic French cuisine.
  • De Bonte Koe, Rizal Street. Dutch Cuisine. Try their herring with onions. Never miss the apple pie.

(Apple Pie, questionable, not even Dutch style.)

  • Boodels, Within Barrio Obrero. Very cheap grilled tuna belly. Tastes great too.
  • Gerry's Grill, Within G-Mall. The many versions of sisig are great.
  • Mang Inasal, within G-Mall and SM Mall. Delicious cheap barbecue chicken.
  • Emerald Seafood Garden, at Victoria Plaza area. better than afhat.
  • Dimsum Diner. Within G-Mall and somewhere near Holy Cross College. Best orders are salted fish fried rice, salt and pepper riblets and siomai.
  • Dox's of Davao* Rosal Street, Catalunan Pequeño near Yuchico Orchid Gardens. Habachi Iron cookery with a Southern flare. Try The Dox's Dog "on a stick" sarap to the stick!

Davao nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

The usual. There is the local Manduay rum, billed around town as "the Number One Rhum" but if that's the case then the number two rum is paint thinner. All of the spirits you know and love are cheap, and probably counterfeit, but they work nevertheless.

There are large Seventh Day Adventist populations on Samal and Comotes Island, and in Mindanao generally. Adventists do not drink and any stores they own will typically not sell alcohol. If you are in an adventist neighbourhood, why not show some respect for once and reduce or eliminate your visible alcohol consumption. None of this applies to the Catholics who will happily drink a skinful along with the best of them.

  • Some Place Else, Rizal Street(Havana Compound), ☎ (82) 2286304, [8]. A great place to hang out, dont forget to ask for their famous Shisha Fries. edit

Davao cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

  • Red Knight Gardens(Suites), 8th Street Guadalupe Village Lanang, Davao City, ☎ +63 234-34-08. Its a safe quite relaxing place inside the village with pool, gardens, bar & restaurant owned and managed by Brit. And its fully furnish.All rates are fully inclusive of water, electric,gas,T.V,Local phone calls,hot & cold shower.daily maid services..website: redknightgardens.com edit

There is no shortage of accommodations in Davao, ranging from the four-star accommodations of the Marco Polo Davao on Claveria, the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Ponciano, the Grand Regal Hotel and Casino Filipino and the Waterfront Insular Hotel on Lanang, and the Apo View Hotel, where Casino Filipino 2 is located, to lodges and inns, all around the city. Serviced residences like the Crown Regency are also rising in popularity, or one can find townhouses or apartments for rent, all for negotiable rates that are very good for those coming into Davao with dollars.

  • Marco Polo Davao, C.M. Recto (formerly Claveria) cor. M. Roxas Blvd., Davao City., ☎ +6382 221 0888(fax: ''+6382'' 225 0111), [9]. Perhaps the most modern hotel in Davao, this hotel is part of the Marco Polo chain of hotels and is situated right at the heart of Davao within easy reach of most of the city's key attractions. edit
  • Crown Regency Residences Davao, J.P. Cabaguio Avenue, Agdao, Davao City, Philippines., ☎ +63-82-225-8188(fax: +63-82-225-8088), [10]. Experience the fine life at Crown Regency Residences’ Mediterranean villa clusters set against a sprawling garden setting. The beautifully landscaped surroundings evoke a feeling of class and luxury you won’t find in other Davao city hotels.Best rates on official website start at US$45.  edit
  • Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Lanang, Davao City 8000 Philippines, ☎ +63-82-233-2881(fax: +63-82-233-2801), [11]. Nestled along the beautiful Davao Gulf, this hotel's beautifully landscaped gardens and the sea may be seen from its refreshing open-air corridors. Enjoy free 'tuba' (coconut wine) given to hotel guests. edit

Stay safe

Need of assistance, dial 911 for all emergencies.

Smoking ban is strictly implemented in public areas and littering in non-designated areas/trash bins are prohibited especially around the street side-walks.

Get out

The island garden city of Samal consists of 28,000 hectares of white sand beaches, coconut palms, rock formations, mangroves and other natural attractions. It is only a 45 minute boat ride away from Davao City.

  • Pearl Farm Beach Resort [12], Kaputian, Samal Island, Tel +6382 2219970, Fax +6382 2219979. Perhaps the best of the Samal Island resorts, Pearl Farm was in fact a place where oysters were cultivated for their pearls. Nowadays, honeymooners flock to the resort to spend their holidays amidst the beautiful and tranquil surroundings.

This page was last edited at 18:57, on 17 October 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Peter Lavina, Alvin Concha and David, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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