Best time to visit: Late August, for the Kadayawan (Harvest) Festival and experience a grand fiesta atmosphere that is hard to beat.

 

What You Shouldn’t Miss

 

Pearl Farm

 take a 45-minute boat ride from the Davao Marina and opt for a day trip or an overnight stay at the resort touted to have the best beach in that region

 try out different water activities such as snorkelling and fish feeding, or rent a pedal boat or jetski

 check out the world-class services offered by the resort''s Ylang-Ylang Spa

 

Eden Nature Park

 

situated in the slopes of Mt. Talomo, 3,000 feet above sea lovel; it is 45 minutes from the city

offers a more temperate climate, pine trees and a breathtaking view of Davao City and Davao Gulf

visit the firefly sanctuary and amphitheater or go hiking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing and bird watching

enjoy organic vegetables and iced tea with fresh mint grown at Lola''s Herb Garden

 

Davao Wild Water Adventure

challenge yourself in a white water rafting ride which covers 13 kilometers and more than 20 rapids in the Davao River

 

Philippine Eagle Center

breeding and housing facility for the critically endangered Philippine Eagle

 observe other animals in the premises, such as the wild boar, monkeys and other bird species

 

Davao Crocodile Farm

stop by the petting zoo for a close encouter with a small crocodile, a boa constrictor and other animals

marvel at the crocodile show in the late afternoon 

 

Drop by other places of interest such as the T''Boli Weaving Center in the Waterfront Insular Hotel, the Japanese Tunnel or enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the restaurants at Jack''s Ridge, one of the Japanese forces'' last stronghholds at the end of World War II which incidentally sits on Matina Hill and offers a panoramic view of the city.

 

What to Eat

 

Enjoy the fruits that Davao is famous for such as pink pomelo, mangosteen, marang and of course, the fruit that “smells like hell but tastes like heaven”, durian.

 

Sample the food in any of the sinugba (grilled meat/seafood) places which specializes in grilled food.  Among them, Colasa''s (for their pork barbeque) and Harana (for their grilled squid, tuna and kinilaw na malasugi) are sure bets.

 

Drop by the Top of the Apo Restaurant at Apo View Hotel for breakfast and enjoy a clear view of the country''s tallest mountain before the fog sets in.

 

Try Kanaway Seafood Restaurant for a relaxing dining experience by the sea or Jo’s Chicken Inato for Davao’s version of chicken inasal.

 

For a unique treat, order Bluegre Café’s durian coffee.  

 

 

What to Bring Home

 

Go on pakyaw mode and get everyone back home durian candies from perennial favorite Lola Abon’s.

 

Stop by Citra Mina Seafood Shop for vacuum-packed tuna, gindara and other seafood products sold at very good prices compared to Manila.

 

Check out Aldevinco for souvenir items such as batik shawls and malongs, tinalak products, beaded jewelry and among others.