Davao, Philippines

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.

 3. President Duterte's House

It was crowded the time when we had visited his house because of school field trip and other tourists

4. Crocodile Park and Tribu Kamindanawan 
Entrance: 150

  5. D' Bone Collector

6. Davao Samal Island

6.1 Maxima Aqua Fun
Entrance:300

6.2 Paradise Island
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

6.3 Blue Jazz Beach Resor
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

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