Davao

Davao, Philippines

A multi-cultural metropolis on the island of Mindanao, Davao is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the Philippines. With the country’s highest mountain, Mount Apo, as its backdrop, this vibrant city offers a mix of fabulous landscapes that include parks like the Eden Nature Park and the Mount Apo National Park. Besides, superb beaches, diving waters, and islands such as the unspoiled Samal Island.

Population:

1,450,000

Currency:

Philippine peso (PHP)
₱10 ~ US$0,19

Emergency Numbers:

911

Opening Hours:

The larger shops tend to be open from around 10am through to around 6pm, although smaller shops often open earlier and the large shopping malls, for which Davao is famous, are usually open well into the evening.

Newspapers:

Daily tribune
Philippine daily inquirer
Philippine star
Mindanao times
Mindavao times
Sun star Davao

The City

Indigenous tribes like the Bagabo, B’laan, Mandaya, Masaka, Manobo and T’boli mingle with migrant settlers, bohemian, Muslim and expatriate communities and a steady flow of tourists. Add to this a vibrant business and investment sector, a large seaport that handles cargo in and out of the country and you have a mix that makes Davao one of the most engaging and busiest cities imaginable. To the people of the Philippines Davao is, above all, one of the most charismatic and culturally diverse cities. Its population comes from all corners of the globe.

Davao, or Metropolitan ‘Metro’ Davao as it is often referred to, hugs the southernmost coastline of Mindanao island to the south of the Philippines. Although, technically, independent of any province it is generally linked with Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental and the Compostella Valley. The four areas are known as the eleventh region of the Philippines, with Metro Davao being its capital. All the areas have their own distinct characters. Davao del Norte is known for its acres of banana plantations and citrus groves along with the beautiful Samal Island just off its coastline. Davao del Sur is where visitors will find the Mount Apo National Park dotted with orchids. The white beaches and waterfalls make Davao Oriental a natural haunt of visiting holidaymakers while the Compostella Valley affords the cream of earth’s natural wonders.

Do & See

Davao is famous for many things – eagles, gold, exotic flowers, eye-popping attractions and landscapes to name just a few. Look out for the Puentespina Orchids and Tropical Plants centre where the colours and scents will leave you bewildered, or the shops selling beautiful works in gold – the city is a major producer of gold and crafts.

For adventure seekers there’s the Davao River where white water rafting is a popular and the Crocodile Park where it’s best to keep a distance from the residents. No visit to Davao would be complete without sampling some of its great local fruit (durian is best kept outside your accommodation!), or enjoying one of its colourful festivals. Visiting the Arawng Dabaw Festival in March, the Padigo San or the Sambuokan in September or the Banayan Festival in October is an excellent way to see local tradition at its best.

Dining

Dining out in Davao is an international affair. Restaurants that serve traditional Cantonese style dishes of beautifully prepared seafood, fruit and vegetarian dishes sit surprisingly well with the Mediterranean themed eateries specialising in kebabs, pizzas, mezes, hamburgers, and grills.

There are French, Italian, and Indian restaurants too, plus Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Davao is a culturally diverse city and this is reflected in its vast range of places to eat. Davao is famous for its grilled tuna, known as inihaw, and its version of tuna sashimi called kinilaw. Both should be tried.

Here are the best places to eat in Davao, Philippines:

Cafes

Cafes and coffee shops are scattered throughout the city but head to F. Torres Street, and you surely won't find yourself at a loss - the avenue is lined with restaurants and cafes serving all manner of local and international food and drinks.