Davao City: Treasures and Pleasures from Islands to Highlands

With its reputation as the safest city in the Philippines, how can one not be tempted to find, discover, conquer and share Davao City?

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  • Davao City is home to the national bird, the Philippine Eagle and the national flower, the Waling-Waling. Its lush countryside produces a harvest fit for the gods: the king of fruits- durian, mangosteen, pomelo (suha), marang. Its seas are bountiful with rich sea life. Davao Gulf is a sanctuary for endangered sealife like the pawikans (hawksbill turtles), dolphins and other cetaceans.
  • It is also where the 2nd most potable water in the world can be found and relished.
  • Davao City is the melting pot to a lot of cultures and traditions. Davao City is author to landmark legislations like the Magna Carta for Women and Children.
  • It strictly implements the Smoking and Firecracker Ban.
  • Davao City has consistently been recognized and awarded as a child-friendly city, one of the most livable cities in the world and one of the cleanest and greenest city.
  • Life is indeed in Davao City as its treasures and pleasures are from Islands to Highlands.
  • PAL flies between Manila and Davao four times daily.
Where to Go:
  • The Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) or Samal Island is just 5-10 minutes away from the Sta. Ana Port or Sasa Port for differently-themed resorts in white sand beaches and clear blue sea waters. The famed Pearl Farm Resort is in Samal Island.
  • Talicud Island which is a part of Samal is an hour away with pristine white sand beaches.
  • Calinan District is home to the majestic Philippine Eagle at the Philippine Eagle Canter and Malagos Garden Resort for the waling-waling.
  • Eden Nature Park and Loleng’s Mountain Resort in Eden, Bayabas, Toril are best for those looking for relaxation with hotel-like facilities. Flowers of different colors abound in Eden.
  • People’s Park is the Davaoeños oasis in the middle of the city.
  • Up towards Shrine Hills is Jack’s Ridge where you can savor good food while having a great view of the city and a little farther is Vista View Restaurant.
  • Near Vista view is the ZipCity for your zipline adventure.
  • At the Diversion Road is Outland Adventure, The Langub Firing Range, GAP Orchard Resort and the Davao Crocodile Park Complex. Inside the Crocodile complex is Riverwalk Grill which serves crocodile dishes like sisig, sausage and bbqued ribs. Even ostrich dishes are also served. Sweet Spot also offers ice cream made with crocodile eggs.
Must do thing:
  • Go on a wild water rafting ride on the mighty Davao River.
Where To Eat:
  • Marina Tuna in Sasa, Davao City offers 10 ways of cooking tuna.
  • Tiny Kitchen in Torres and Lachi’s in Marfori are popular dining places for their good food.
  • Your Davao experience is not complete without dining at Dencia’s Restaurant for their goto/lugaw at tokwa’t baboy.
What and Where to Buy for Pasalubong:
  • Durian: Stalls in Magsaysay Park and Torres Street sell fresh and frozen durian. Varieties to look out for are Puyat, Arancillo and the native.
  • Pomelo/Suha: buy the Golden, Nenita, Dizon and Vic’s brand.
  • Mangosteen price is cheap during the months of July to August and is available in the Bangkerohan Public Market or at the Madrazo Fruit Stand.
  • Claveria Avenue or C.M.Recto St. is popular when the sun sets for its row of cheap barbecue (pork, chicken) and puso (rice wrapped and cooked in coconut fronds).
  • AhFat Seafood Restaurant in Bajada serves the most delicious lobster salad for a price.
  • Swiss Deli offers European cuisine.
  • Aldevinco Shopping Center for malong and other native items even pearls.
Festivals:
  • March 16 is Araw ng Dabaw commemorating the city’s charter anniversary. A Civic Parade is done on the day itself and the week leading to the day is filled with activities from night dining al fresco to dancing contests.
  • 3rd Week of August is Kadayawan with Streetdancing and Floral Float Parade celebrating Davao’s cultural diversity and paying homage to its 10 tribes.

Book your flights to DAVAO today! philippineairlines.com

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