Davao is a region in southeastern Mindanao, Philippines that boast of its natural beauty and resources. Davao is composed of four provinces namely: Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and the City of Davao. Collectively, they are designated as Region XI of the Philippines.

Davao is a major producer of gold, and its mining resources include silica, silver, copper and elemental sulfur. It is where the highest peak (10,311 feet) in the Philippines is located – Mt. Apo, where only the brave dare climb. Davao City is the most important city in Mindanao and the largest city in Asia in terms of land area - occupying more than 244,000 hectares.

There are many places to go and things to do in Davao. Just 5 kilometers north of the city is Lanang Golf & Country Club with an 18 hole course. To the south of the city are Apo Golf & Country Club and New Davao City Golf Club. The region has many hotels and resorts to relax and unwind. For the gourmet, Davao offers a wide variety of local and international cuisines at very reasonable prices.

Davao is known for its fresh seafood, notably the grilled yellow fin tuna, tiger prawns, barbeques and other delightful specialties. Not to be missed when in Davao is the Durian, the fruit that smells like hell but taste like heaven.

 

 

Davao City is 1,545 km. from Manila. Considered the premier gateway to the south, Davao is serviced by an international airport. Philippine Airlines flies twice daily to Davao from the Philippine capital (one hour and 35 minutes away) and from Cebu (55 minutes away).

There are also flights from Zamboanga (daily; one hour and 20 minutes) and cagayan de Oro (Four times a week - MWth. Sat - 35 minutes). From Manado, Indonesia, Bouraq Indonesia Airlines flies to Davao twice weekly and Hongkong to Davao via Cebu and vice versa also twice weekly. major shipping lines service the Davao area from Manila and nearby southern points.

 

The bright coloured jeepneys are popular in Davao. They provide an easy way to go around the city. Pedicabs or tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) are often used outside the main city streets. There are taxis servicing the city and environs. Bus companies ply the routes from Davao City to other municipalities of the province. Car Rental services are available.

 

 

Samal Island – unspoiled and pristine, the island prides itself for its white sand beaches with vacation facilities for different kinds of water sports.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort - is the most famous tourist destination in Davao. The Pearl Farm is located on Samal Island just a short boat ride from Davao City. The 11-hectare resort was once a real pearl farm that cultivated oysters imported from the Sulu Sea, and produces some of the best pearls in the country. Now the white sand beach resort is a top tourist attraction in Davao with cottages inspired by the samal native design.

Philippine Eagle National Center - where the endangered Philippine eagle is bread in captivity. The Center provides shelter to some 19 Philippine eagles as well as other birds, animals.

Tourist interested in local handicrafts will find artwork and various handmade products made by indigenous ethnic tribes of Davao namely the Bagobos, the Atas, the Mansakas, the Mandayas, the the Kalagans, the Mangguangans and the Tagakaolos. Their crafts can be found in local stores and museums in the city.
  

The harmony of religions, cultures and history in the city is immortalized in Davao’s parks, churches and monuments.

Battle Memorial
– A historical marker of the longest-fought battle between the troops of the American liberation forces and Japanese imperial arm which took place in Mintal, Tugbok District. (Mintal Elementary School)

Camp Domingo Leonor
– Quarters of the Spanish and later American soldiers in the 1920s. (San Pedro St.)

City Hall of Davao
– The former municipal building constructed in 1926. (San Pedro St.)

Davao Museum
– Houses artifacts of Davao’s indigenous tribes and photographs of the city’s historic events and history of its pioneering families. (Insular Village II, Lanang)

Davao Historical Society Museum
– Features the historical and indigenous collections of the Davao Historical Society (Magsaysay Park)

Fort of Datu Bago
- Site of the bastion of the Muslim hero Datu Bago who lorded over the Tagloc River, the old name of Davao River. (Junction of Washington St. and Quimpo Blvd.)

Furukawa Plantation
– The abaca plantation in Daliao which was acquired from the Bagobos as a result of the Otha Public Land Act in 1903. (Toril)

Japanese Museum
– The museum features historical accounts of the Japanese community residing in Davao before and during the war including their tools which they used in the abaca plantations, currencies, publications, among others. (Calinan)

Japanese Peace Memorial Shrine
– During the “Ubon Yasumi,” Japan’s version of All Souls’ Day held in August, Japanese war veterans and their kin take a pilgrimage to visit this memorial shrine. (Mintal)

Lon Wa Buddhist Temple
- The biggest Buddhist temple in Mindanao is set in environment of candle trees and bamboo with an imposing statue of the Buddha and his life depicted in wood carving. (R. Cabaguio Ave.)

Memorial to a Brave Son
- This memorial marker was built in recognition of the gallantry of Armando Generoso, who died in the very site of the bridge while defending it from the Japanese invaders during World War ll. (Gov. Generoso Bridge)

Mindanao Taoist Temple
– Houses the holy icons of the Taoist religion. (J.P. Cabaguio Ave.)