Davao City, the Orchid Capital of the Philippines and recognized worldwide as the largest city in the world. This is by far one of the most explored cities in the Philippines if not the whole world, thanks in part to its sizeable reputation. And Davao’s unique tourist spots. But just what is there to discover in Davao City? Is it safe for travelers? What can you expect from a journey to Davao City? Well, the short answer to that is: everything.
Is it safe for travelers?
The longer answer happens to be just as interesting. Located on the Mindanao island and recognized as a center for tourism. You’ll be elated to know that Davao is a very safe city for tourists. Whilst statistics recognize that in the years of 2018 to 2019, crime had seen something of a rise in the city. The fact remains that none of these are crimes that tend to involve tourists or foreigners. It’s a city that’s almost always being paid a visit by foreign nationals or curious explorers.
The Philippines are renowned for having a host of friendly people, and this doesn’t much different in Davao City. It’s safe and extremely welcoming, granted, so then why go there? Well, alongside the colorful festivals, the numerous attractions, the plethora of cuisine and culture just dying to be taken in and experienced. All I can say is that there’s no reason not to go!
What’s Davao most famous for?
If it’s food, then there’s no doubt you’ll have heard from one person or another that Davao City is most renowned for the durian. A simple and sweet, though externally spiky fruit that must first be cut out of its shell. There’s an absolute abundance of these in Davao City. Thanks in large part to the rich volcanic soils of Mindanao island.
During your stay in Davao City, you’ll come across the durian fruit in all shapes and sizes, even different forms! You’ll find it as an ice cream flavor, as ingredients in certain dishes. You’ll see juices, shakes, and smoothies, all sorts of the durian taking different and incredible forms. It’s mostly recognized for its “perfume-like scent”. Which you’ll come to associate with and adore about Davao City in no time at all. You’ll have no trouble finding places that serve durian in some form. Be sure to visit them along the journey! It’s not a complete one until you try the city’s specialties!
The best things to do in Davao City
Davao Crocodile Park
The best things to do in Davao City may come to surprise you. One of the well-known Davao tourist spots is the Davao Crocodile Park (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like). The Davao Crocodile Park is a small zoo of sorts, featuring a crocodile farm where you can witness the reptiles in their outdoor habitats, watch the incredible wildlife shows put on display, or simply come by some of the food stalls if the urge strikes! No end inappropriate souvenirs or educational exhibits, this is sure to make for an unforgettable day out in Davao City.
If reptiles aren’t for you, then that’s understandable. It’s not the only incredible Davao tourist spot! Why not pay the Philippine Eagle Centre a visit instead? This is a far more outdoors and open experience in a forest-like conservational site. Established as a means of helping regrow the populations of endangered Philippine eagles. To this day it remains open to public visits, in a most educational and nonetheless excitable trip.
Eagle Centre
A trip to the Eagle Centre happens to be included in a Davao City farm tour! All money that’s donated to the center goes straight to the facility, working towards improving the conditions and helping in the cause of preserving the Philippine eagle species. At the moment, the center houses about 36 of the Philippine Eagles, which visitors can view during their mealtimes – where they eat meat or fly around the land. Photos are allowed to be taken of course, as long as it’s from a non-negotiable yet very reasonable distance. These are predatory birds after all, with talons and sharp beaks. While safety can be guaranteed, guidelines should always be followed!
Davao Butterfly House
The Davao Butterfly House is yet another incredible piece of Davao City’s unique persona. You’ll notice this trend between Davao City and interesting animal or insect conservatories or farms. A great exemplification of just how in-tune Davao is with the natural world, despite being the largest city! The Butterfly House shows this off more than anything else, with its green surroundings of grass and assorted rainbows of flowers.
This is in part what the Davao Butterfly House is all about! Whilst serving as a butterfly sanctuary, it also breeds beautiful species of flowers, plants, general nature, as well as rare or exotic insects that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else! It’s a self-sufficient sanctuary in many ways, as the butterflies wander and pollinate the very flowers that are harbored here.
Eden Nature Park and Resort.
If you like the sound of that – of the nature and the natural beauty of Davao City that continues to be preserved. Then no doubt you’ll love Eden Nature Park and Resort. This park promises an authentic mountain experience. Complete with crisp air, gorgeous surroundings of plants and pine trees, and a good glimpse into the natural landscapes of the volcanic island of Mindanao. Davao City is famously gorgeous in these ways, preserving part of what makes the visit so attractive in the first place.
Eden Nature Park and Resort is also recognized as a fantastic means to learn more about the natural history of Mindanao. The cultural backgrounds and ancestors of those who currently live in and around the city, as well as a wonderful chance to seek out some leisure. Sitting down and taking in the surroundings -though it may sound simple- is no doubt one of the greater pleasures of this park, aside from the food and culture of course!
Roxas Night Market
It also serves as the perfect romantic getaway whilst in the city, so there’s that of course. Davao City is full of wonderful opportunities to spend indulging in either romance or friendship! Yet another Davao City tourist spot that you absolutely cannot miss, in such a case, is the Roxas Night Market! One of the most famous marketplaces in the world, thanks largely to its dignity, variety, and the fact that it serves as an opportunity to sample more of the Davao City culture through both its food, souvenirs, clothes, and general shopping practice.
San Pedro Cathedral
The true culture of Davao City shines brightest at its holy sites, however. These are Davao tourist spots that you cannot miss if they are what entice you. The oldest building in all of Davao City, which also serves as its most well-visited historical landmark would be the San Pedro Cathedral. Named after Davao City’s patron saint, Saint Peter, this incredible building was constructed during the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors around 1847. As the oldest building in the city, it’s an absolute must-see during your stay.
Lon Wa Buddhist temple
Let’s not forget some of the other important cultural heritage sites. Such as the Lon Wa Buddhist temple, the biggest Buddhist temple in all of Mindanao, and a fascinating mark of culture. Although this attraction will require a trip to Cabaguio Avenue, it’s most certainly worthy of the visit. Or perhaps you’d rather see the Tamayong Mountain Prayer House. A little less than an hour’s drive away from downtown Davao City near Mount Apo! Mindanao has almost no end to Buddhist temples and prayer houses, but these two are certainly among its most impressive structures by far. You simply cannot miss out!
The Museum of the People of Davao
The culture is phenomenal, the food is to die for, and nature is awe-inspiring. And once you’ve been through it all, what better way to finish off the trip than by giving Davao City’s artistry a chance to shine as well? You can do just that at The Museum of the People of Davao, one of Davao City’s top tourist spots, as well as one of its best attractions.
Given its largely amassed collection of locally-made paintings and ancient tools, items, and trinkets with great historical value. This museum makes for a calm though excitable tour into both Davao City’s past and present. It reveals the changes that have occurred over time and just why the culture of the Philippines is as important to its locals as it is. A good way to embrace your interest in the culture, featuring four divided sections: The Indigenous People’s Gallery, The Moro People’s Gallery, The Contemporary Gallery, and the Memorabilia Gallery.
Whatever you decide to do in the near-endless tide of attractions just waiting to be visited in Davao City. You’re sure to find appropriate tourist spots and points of interest that suit your taste. There are plenty of such places to relax, explore, or indulge the curious explorer within yourself. No matter what it is you’re looking for. Be it an excuse to wander through a natural wonderland. Or an opportunity to learn more about an amazing culture and the ways of its people, all that and more can be achieved in Davao City.
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