Davao is one of the best places to explore in Mindanao, Phillippines. Davao
became famous for two D's, Durian and Duterte. It is President Duterte's
hometown and here you can experience Durian fruit as long as you want.
We come from Manila and
General Santos City every time we go to Davao. I am amazed
how safe this city is, considering it's the center
of Mindanao, the cleanliness and safety is truly superb. If
you are driving your own car and wandering in this place take notice of
their road speed limit. You might get caught if you are over speeding.
Let's us
start exploring Davao.
The first
thing you should know is when to go?
Like the
rest of the Philippines, Davao is hot, its hottest months being April and May
when daytime temperatures frequent the lower 90s. This peak of summer is then
followed by the monsoon season from May to October. If you aren’t a fan of such
weather extremes, then I suggest avoiding these months. Instead, shoot for
December to February. It’s the coolest and driest time of the year.
Festival
goers will prefer to visit Davao in August when the annual Kadayawan Festival is
held. Be warned that this is the most popular time of the year to visit, with
the most number of tourists and the highest prices. Reserving a hotel room
months in advance is a must.
How to
get there?
We tried to travel Davao both via airplane and by land from Manila, and also from General Santos City to Davao back and forth. If you we're going to this place by plane it is 1h and 30m or 2 hours to be exact, while 2 days and 1 night by land travel.
Book
a flight from Manila to Davao, you’ll be arriving at the Francisco Bangoy
International Airport.
However, if you are planning to go here by land and you need tips send an
email here or could just leave your comment below.
Where to go?
Where to go?
1. Eden
Park
470/per person for entrance is a bit pricey
though it includes a Buffet Lunch .
200.00/per person includes plated snacks.
Fishing
There's a
lot to do in Eden Nature Park, you can go fishing, horseback riding,
skyriding and more.
2.Malagos Chocolate Farm Resort
The very first of its kind in Mindanao, Malagos Chocolate Museum will take you to the lavish oceans of your chocolate dreams. The structure is designed for guests to behold the wonderful colors of freshly harvested cacao, and uncover the tree-to-bar mysteries of chocolate production.
Entrance fee: 250
We enjoyed Malagos hot chocolate
Don't forget to try
Malagos Garden Resort's Hot Chocolate. Made with
Fresh Malagos Tablea from their Cacao Farm.
2.
Japanese Tunnel
This Japanese tunnel in Matina Balusong is only one of the many tunnels discovered in the hilly portions of southern Davao. Due to fast-paced developments in the city in the past few decades, these tunnels have either been filled in or forgotten. Fortunately, the D’Japanese Tunnel Family Resort and Restaurant remains to give every visitor a glimpse of the city’s colorful, albeit frightening past.
This Japanese tunnel in Matina Balusong is only one of the many tunnels discovered in the hilly portions of southern Davao. Due to fast-paced developments in the city in the past few decades, these tunnels have either been filled in or forgotten. Fortunately, the D’Japanese Tunnel Family Resort and Restaurant remains to give every visitor a glimpse of the city’s colorful, albeit frightening past.
4. Crocodile Park and Tribu Kamindanawan
Entrance: 150
6. Davao Samal Island
6.1 Maxima Aqua Fun
Entrance:300
Entrance: 200/per head
Read our full review of Samal here
They have billiards (At the back of this pic)
Feeding the fish is for free
Entrance: 300/Adult and 250/kids (overnight rate)
Cottages
Fire Dance at Blue Jazz Beach Resort
How long to stay?
2 days is not enough to fully explore Davao, make it 4-5 days to enjoy every corner of it.
How much money to bring?
Well, it depends on you, There's a lot of place that you can visit even you are budget concious.
Where to stay?
Our favorite hotels in Davao are Green Windows Dormitel, Rit'z Hotel and Emar's wave pool. I highly recommend Green Windows Hotel it's clean and affordable. However, if you travel with kids and wanted to experience to deep their body in a water, try Emar's wave pool they have rooms for overnight stay.
Hotel
Rate
Emar's Wave Pool
Overnight stay with free pool entrance and breakfast for two is 1799 up.
with toothbrush, shampoo and slippers for free.
Read our full review of Emar's Wave Pool here.
Green Windows Hotel rate:
Php1699 - Standard Deluxe King
with breakfast for 2
Wifi
Hot/cold shower
Note: They will ask you a refundable deposit of 500 for the key
Telephone Number
+6382-3003896
Mobile Numbers
+63927-820-1305 (Globe)
+63932-336-3040 (Sun)
+63918-617-9570 (Smart)
Email:
greenwindowsdormitel@gmail.com
Emar's Wave Pool
Overnight stay with free pool entrance and breakfast for two is 1799 up.
with toothbrush, shampoo and slippers for free.
Read our full review of Emar's Wave Pool here.
Green Windows Hotel rate:
Php1699 - Standard Deluxe King
with breakfast for 2
Wifi
Hot/cold shower
Note: They will ask you a refundable deposit of 500 for the key
Telephone Number
+6382-3003896
Mobile Numbers
+63927-820-1305 (Globe)
+63932-336-3040 (Sun)
+63918-617-9570 (Smart)
Email:
greenwindowsdormitel@gmail.com
For
groups and backpacker:
Php188/Net/Pax/Night for backpacker.
They're also have dormitel for group accomodation.
Ritz Hotel rate
Php4,500/Night up
With swimming pool
Wifi
Breakfast for 2
Php188/Net/Pax/Night for backpacker.
They're also have dormitel for group accomodation.
Ritz Hotel rate
Php4,500/Night up
With swimming pool
Wifi
Breakfast for 2
