Philippines
Updated
At a glance
Davao City is the largest city in the Philippines by land area and the commercial and administrative hub of Mindanao, the country's second-largest island group. Located in the Davao Gulf on the southeastern coast of Mindanao, the city is one of the Philippines' fastest-growing urban centers and a gateway to some of the country's most distinctive natural environments.
Davao is in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, about 960 km south-east of Manila in a straight line. Its coordinates are 7.1907° N, 125.4553° E.
| Best time to visit | March to May and October to December (dry and less rainy) |
|---|---|
| Daily budget | US$30-80 per day |
| Currency | Philippine Peso (PHP) |
| Nearest airport | DVO (Francisco Bangoy International Airport) |
| Language | Cebuano, Filipino, and English |
| Time zone | UTC+8 |
| Population | 1.8 million (city proper) |
Entry rules vary by passport. Check our Southeast Asia visa requirements guide.
About
The city's most celebrated landmark is the Philippine Eagle Center in Calinan, a conservation facility that protects the Philippine Eagle - the national bird of the Philippines and one of the world's largest and most endangered raptors. The center houses breeding pairs and allows visitors to observe these birds at close range in a forest setting.
Just across the Davao Gulf lies the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), connected to Davao by a short ferry crossing from the Sasa Wharf or Sta. Ana Wharf in the city. Samal Island is one of the Philippines' top beach resort destinations, home to Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Plantation Bay, and numerous other resorts along its 118 kilometers of coastline. The island offers white sand beaches, dive sites, and snorkeling with sea turtles.
Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines at 2,954 meters above sea level, dominates the skyline to the west of Davao. The mountain is a popular trekking destination for experienced hikers and requires a registered guide and permit. Climbs typically take three to four days in total. The mountain is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to endemic wildlife.
Eden Nature Park in Toril is a highland eco-resort and nature park about an hour from the city center, offering adventure activities, zip lines, farm tours, and overnight accommodation at cooler elevations among pine and fruit trees.
Davao is famous throughout the Philippines for its durian. The city considers itself the durian capital of the country, and the fruit is sold fresh at roadside stalls, night markets, and the Bankerohan Public Market throughout the season. Pomelo, mangosteen, and marang are also abundant.
The city has strong indigenous cultural roots, with the Bagobo, Mandaya, and other Lumad indigenous groups maintaining craft traditions visible in markets and museums across the region. The Kadayawan Festival, held in August, celebrates the harvest and indigenous heritage through street parades, floral floats, and tribal performances.
Davao is served by Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), with direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and several international destinations. The city has a well-deserved reputation for safety and cleanliness, enforced through strict local ordinances.
When to Go
Davao sits outside the main Philippine typhoon belt, so it's a year-round destination with fewer weather surprises than the north. The driest, most comfortable months are March to May and October to December. The biggest draw is August's Kadayawan harvest festival.
Tip: for the best balance of weather, value and atmosphere, aim for late January to early February, or plan around Kadayawan in August. Hotel rates drop 30-40% outside the December-February peak and the festival week.
Getting There
Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) is the primary gateway to Mindanao and one of the busiest airports in the Philippines outside Manila. From most international origins, the easiest route is to fly into Manila (Ninoy Aquino International) and connect - the domestic terminal transfer takes 30-60 minutes.
The airport is only about 7 km from the centre. Grab or a taxi costs 150-250 PHP ($2.50-4.50) and takes 15-25 minutes; some hotels run a free shuttle; a jeepney heading to the city centre costs about 15 PHP ($0.25) and takes 30-40 minutes.
Attractions
Davao is the laid-back capital of Mindanao - a clean, orderly city framed by Mount Apo, the country's highest peak, and the beaches of Samal Island. It's the fruit bowl of the Philippines, famous for durian, pomelo and banana. Two to three days covers city and island.
A 15-minute ferry from the city to white-sand beaches, hidden coves, diving and the otherworldly Hagimit Falls. Don't miss the Monfort Bat Cave (a Guinness-record fruit-bat colony) and the resorts of Pelelipacan and Pearl Farm. The easiest tropical-island escape from any Philippine city.
Ferry ~50 PHP ($0.90) to Babak port; beach resorts ~500-1,500 PHP ($9-27) day-use.
At 2,954 m, Mount Apo is the Philippines' highest mountain - a 2-3-day trek through mossy forest and volcanic boulders to the summit with steaming vents. The dormant stratovolcano straddles Davao City, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato. The most popular trail starts from Kidapawan (North Cotabato side) and passes sulfur vents near the summit and a crater lake; the Davao City trail via Baruring, Santa Cruz is less used. It is not a technical climb, but the altitude and steep sections make it physically demanding - train with cardio and practice hikes first.
Mount Apo multi-day treks from ~6,000-10,000 PHP ($108-180), permit and guide required. Official climbing seasons are typically March-April and October-November; permits are limited and handled by the Davao City and Kidapawan tourism offices.
For a gentler taste of the highlands, Eden Nature Park offers gardens, ziplines and mountain air an hour from the city. The 75-hectare retreat sits at about 2,650 ft, 5-8°C cooler than downtown, with pine-forest trails, a deer park, a butterfly garden, Lola's Garden (a nostalgic Filipino village replica), sky cycling and horseback riding. The buffet restaurant is surprisingly good (~400 PHP / $7). Take a Toril-bound jeepney (~1 hour, ~50 PHP) then a tricycle or habal-habal, or use a hotel shuttle (~200 PHP return). Allow a half to full day.
Eden day pass ~600 PHP ($11); basic garden-and-trail entry from ~350 PHP ($6), with zipline (~350 PHP) and sky bike (~300 PHP) extra. Open daily 8 AM-5 PM.
The conservation home of the critically endangered Philippine eagle - one of the largest and rarest eagles in the world, endemic to Mindanao's forests, with a wingspan of up to 2 m and fewer than 800 left in the wild. The 8.4-hectare centre in Barangay Malagos houses 36 eagles (18 bred in captivity) plus Philippine crocodiles, long-tailed macaques and other birds of prey, set along the Malagos River. Walk forested aviaries, meet the birds and learn about the breeding programme. A genuinely worthwhile wildlife stop - allow 2-3 hours.
Entry ~150 PHP ($2.70); open 8 AM-5 PM, closed Wednesdays. Getting there: jeepney or tricycle to Calinan (~45 min), then a habal-habal to the centre (~100 PHP total).
A 12-hectare nature resort in the foothills of Mount Talomo, near the Eagle Center, known for its award-winning single-origin Malagos chocolate. Tour the cacao farm, join the bean-to-bar chocolate-making workshop, visit the butterfly sanctuary and bird-feeding dome, and eat at the farm-to-table restaurant that uses its own chocolate in savoury dishes. From Calinan it's a ~10-minute tricycle ride, so most visitors combine it with the Eagle Center. Allow 3-4 hours; overnight packages include breakfast and activities.
Day tour ~350 PHP ($6); chocolate workshop ~500 PHP ($9) extra. Open daily 8 AM-5 PM.
A family favourite with freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, a mini-zoo that has grown to include tigers, orangutans and ostriches, a Butterfly Museum and a tribal village showcase with indigenous Mindanao dance and crafts. Pairs well with the Davao Riverfront zip-line and a durian tasting at the stalls outside. It's on Diversion Road, Ma-a - take a jeepney marked "Maa" (~20 min, ~15 PHP). Allow 2-3 hours.
Entry ~300 PHP ($5.25) adults, ~150 PHP ($2.60) children; open 8 AM-6 PM, crocodile feeding at 11 AM and 4 PM.
The clean, orderly city core is worth a half-day: the sculptural People's Park, the San Pedro Cathedral, the Legislative Building and the lively Bankerohan and Aldevinco markets - the latter the spot for batik, pearls and handicrafts.
A hilltop dining and leisure complex in Shrine Hills, Matina, with panoramic views over the city, the Davao Gulf and Samal. It served as a headquarters of retreating Japanese forces in World War II, and some preserved structures and a small historical display remain. Carlos Gourmet does coffee and baked treats; Taklobo Restaurant serves open-air Filipino food. Come for sunset with a cold drink.
Free entry; open 10 AM-10 PM. Tricycle from the centre ~15 min (50-80 PHP, uphill so some charge more); dinner for two ~600-1,000 PHP ($10-18).
Davao is the durian capital of the Philippines - try the famously pungent fruit (and the gentler marang) at Magsaysay Park fruit stands, sample pomelo from the orchards, and taste durian candy, coffee and ice cream everywhere. The prized varieties are Puyat (rich, creamy, very pungent), Arancillo (bittersweet, complex) and Montañeza (mild, good for beginners). In peak season (August-October) prices drop to 30-60 PHP/kg ($0.50-1). Nervous first-timers can start with durian candy, ice cream or pie - the chocolate-durian combination at Malagos is exceptional.
Transport
Davao is wide and sprawling but traffic is lighter and more orderly than Manila or Cebu. Jeeps, taxis and the occasional tricycle cover the city; ferries and tour vans reach Samal and Mount Apo.
Francisco Bangoy Airport (DVO) is 20 minutes from the centre. From Davao, fly to Cebu, the surf island of Siargao, or Manila, or ferry to Bohol.
Accommodation
Davao has good-value city hotels and beach resorts across the bay on Samal. Pick city for convenience, Samal for sand and sea.
Near People's Park, San Pedro, the markets and the restaurants - walkable to the sights and close to the airport and ferry. The practical base.
Around the big SM and Abreeza malls - modern mid-range hotels, restaurants and easy transport. A comfortable, practical base.
An upscale, quieter, more residential area with SM Lanang Premier mall, the Waterfront Insular Hotel and the city's best fine-dining restaurants.
Beach resorts across the bay - from budget beach huts to the famous Pearl Farm. Choose it for sand, diving and a slow island pace, a short ferry from the city. Resorts here are cheaper than comparable ones in Boracay or Palawan.
Compare prices on both Booking.com and Agoda - Agoda often has better rates for Philippine hotels.
Food & Drink
Davao is the fruit and seafood capital of the south - cheap, fresh and abundant. Come hungry for durian, pomelo, grilled tuna and Mindanao's own dishes.
Grilled tuna panga (jaw) and tuna belly at the seaside tunahan grill houses - Davao lands huge sashimi-grade catches. Kinilaw - the Filipino ceviche in coconut vinegar and chilli. Durian and marang at the fruit stands; pomelo from the orchards.
Try Mindanao favourites like tinagtag crackers, beef kulma curry and the sweet pomelo juice. Wash it down with local coffee from the highlands around Mount Apo.
Davao's liveliest evening: every night from around 6 PM (peaking 8-10 PM), Roxas Avenue between Quirino and C.M. Recto streets fills with hundreds of stalls. Eat grilled tuna panga and belly, kinilaw, barbecue skewers (pork, chicken, isaw) at 10-20 PHP each, calamares, grilled scallops, stuffed grilled squid (inihaw na pusit), fruit shakes and, in season, durian sold by weight. A full meal costs 100-200 PHP ($1.75-3.50) - the best food value in the city. Souvenir, clothing and handicraft stalls expect haggling.
No smoking in any public establishment, including restaurants and bars; alcohol sales stop at 1 AM; and firecrackers have been banned at New Year since 2002.
Itineraries
Two days covers the city and its highlands; add a third for Samal Island. Costs below are per person, excluding accommodation.
Breakfast at a local turo-turo eatery, a morning stroll in People's Park, then San Pedro Cathedral and Chinatown's Mindanao Taoist Temple. Lunch at Lachi's (save room for sans rival), an afternoon at Museo Dabawenyo, then Davao Crocodile Park for the 4 PM feeding. Finish with dinner at Roxas Night Market.
Leave at 6 AM for Eden Nature Park - trails, gardens and the buffet through to midday. Return for lunch at Tiny Kitchen, coffee and sunset at Jack's Ridge, and dinner at Blue Posts Boiling Crabs.
Catch a 7:30 AM boat from Santa Ana Wharf, visit the Monfort Bat Sanctuary, swim at Hagimit Falls, lunch at a beachfront resort, then spend the afternoon at Punta Del Sol or Canibad Beach (~50 PHP entry). Ferry back around 4 PM for dinner at Roxas Night Market.
Depart at 7 AM for the Philippine Eagle Center, then Malagos Garden Resort for the chocolate workshop and lunch. Back in the city, browse Aldevinco Shopping Center for souvenirs and tribal crafts, and have a farewell dinner at Karlos Restaurant.
Davao is a city of mountains, wildlife, culture and food rather than a pure beach destination - Samal won't match El Nido's lagoons. For island-hopping, pair it with Palawan (see our El Nido vs Coron comparison), or fit it into a longer one-month Southeast Asia itinerary.
Plan Your Trip
Most passport holders get 30 days visa-free in the Philippines (extendable). The currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). English is universally spoken - Davao is one of the easiest Filipino cities to navigate. A smoking ban is strictly enforced city-wide.
People's Park, San Pedro Cathedral, Chinatown and the Mindanao Taoist Temple, and Museo Dabawenyo are all free. Roxas Night Market is free to browse, with food from 10 PHP an item. Times Beach is a free public city beach - not the best, but fine for a sunset walk - and Aldevinco Shopping Center is good for browsing souvenirs, tribal crafts and textiles.
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Hotels
Pearl Farm Beach Resort is the premier luxury resort on Samal Island, built on the site of a former pearl farm on a clifftop and stilted over the sea. The five-star property offers beautifully designed indigenous-style villas and rooms, private beaches, excellent diving, and a spa, and is widely regarded as one of the finest beach resorts in Mindanao.
Marco Polo Davao is the city's leading five-star business and leisure hotel, located on CM Recto Street in the business district. The hotel features elegantly appointed rooms, a rooftop pool, a full-service spa, multiple restaurants including Lotus Court for Chinese cuisine, and panoramic city views.
Eden Nature Park and Resort in Toril is a highland eco-resort at over 1,000 meters elevation, offering cabin accommodation set among pine and fruit trees with a cool climate, adventure activities, zip lines, farm-to-table dining, and views across Davao Gulf. A popular weekend escape from the city heat.
Waterfront Insular Hotel is a well-established four-star resort-style hotel in Lanang with a large garden compound, beachfront access on Davao Gulf, multiple pools, water sports facilities, and extensive event spaces. It offers a leisure resort atmosphere within easy reach of the city center.
Hof Gorei Beach Resort is a three-star beachfront resort in Kaputian, Samal Island, offering comfortable rooms and cottages with direct access to a white sand beach. The resort has a pool, a dive center, and a restaurant serving fresh seafood, and is a popular alternative to the more expensive Pearl Farm.
Camp Holiday is a three-star beach resort complex on Samal Island in Kinawitnon, featuring a range of accommodation from dormitory-style options to private cottages, along with multiple pools, water slides, and beach access. It is a popular family and group destination with affordable pricing.
Tinhat Boutique Hotel is a character-filled three-star property on Artiaga Street with individually designed rooms incorporating local art and Filipino craftsmanship. The property also runs a well-regarded restaurant serving Davao and Mindanao cuisine, making it a standout for travelers interested in local food culture.
Casa Leticia Boutique Hotel on Pelayo Street is a three-star property with a loyal following for its warm, hospitality-focused atmosphere and clean, well-maintained rooms. The hotel has a garden courtyard and is particularly popular with returning guests and travelers who value personal service over large-hotel amenities.
Anisabel Suites is a three-star guesthouse on FS Dizon Road offering comfortable, well-presented rooms at mid-range to budget prices in a quiet Davao neighborhood. The property provides a more home-like atmosphere than standard city hotels, suited to independent travelers.
Grand Regal Hotel is a four-star hotel on JP Laurel Avenue in Lanang, offering spacious rooms, a swimming pool, a casino, multiple dining outlets, and banquet facilities in a convenient location near SM Mall of Davao and Abreeza Mall. A solid choice for business and leisure travelers.
The Apo View Hotel is a well-regarded three-star city hotel on J. Camus Street in the heart of Davao, one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the city. The property features comfortable rooms, a pool, a café, and a reliable central location within walking distance of the main commercial streets.
Hotel Tropika is a consistently well-reviewed three-star hotel on JP Laurel Avenue, praised for its clean, comfortable rooms and attentive service at mid-range prices. The property has a swimming pool and restaurant, and is positioned near the main Davao city commercial area.
Pinnacle Hotel and Suites is a three-and-a-half-star hotel on Sta. Ana Avenue offering comfortable rooms in a well-located spot near the main commercial districts. The property provides good value for business travelers and families who want a reliable standard without luxury pricing.
Casa Leticia Business Inn is a two-and-a-half-star inn offering straightforward, well-maintained rooms at budget prices in the city center. It is a reliable choice for budget travelers and business visitors who need a clean, functional base without extra amenities.
Red Knight Gardens Apartelle is a two-star serviced apartment hotel in Lanang, near the SM Mall of Davao, offering apartment-style units with kitchen facilities well-suited to longer stays and families. The property provides good value in a convenient commercial neighborhood.
Domicilio Lorenzo is a small two-star hotel in Matina, Juna Subdivision, offering budget-friendly rooms in a residential area a short distance from the city center. The property is popular with domestic travelers and provides clean, no-frills accommodation at one of the more affordable price points in the city.
La Anclar Hometel is a two-star budget hotel on A. Bonifacio Street in the city center, offering clean air-conditioned rooms within walking distance of Davao's restaurants, markets, and public transport. An affordable option for travelers who prioritize location over amenities.
Experiences
A guided visit to the Philippine Eagle Center in Calinan, the only place in the world where you can reliably observe the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, the national bird of the Philippines. The center has a forest trail past eagle enclosures and also houses Philippine Scops Owls, tarsiers, and other endemic wildlife.
A day trip by ferry from Davao to Samal Island, one of the Philippines' most beautiful beach destinations, offering white sand beaches, coral reef snorkeling, sea turtle sightings, and a selection of resort day passes. The ferry from Sasa or Sta. Ana Wharf takes only minutes.
A guided multi-day trek to the summit of Mount Apo (2,954 meters), the highest peak in the Philippines and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The climb typically takes three to four days via the Kidapawan or Davao trail and requires a registered guide and PAMB permit.
A day trip to Eden Nature Park in Toril, a highland eco-resort at over 1,000 meters elevation offering a cool climate, zip lines, canopy walks, farm tours, scenic viewpoints over Davao Gulf, and farm-fresh meals. A popular activity for families and those escaping Davao's tropical heat.
A visit to the Bankerohan Public Market to sample fresh durian from Davao's abundant varieties, including Puyat, Arancillo, Chanee, and the legendary Musang King. Vendors offer tasting portions and will assist first-time visitors in selecting ripe fruit. Davao durian season peaks from June to September.
Attendance at the Kadayawan Festival in August, Davao's most important annual cultural event, celebrating the Mindanao harvest and the living traditions of the Lumad indigenous peoples through elaborate floral street parades, tribal dance competitions, market festivals, and indigenous craft exhibitions.
Scuba diving trips from Samal Island's resorts and dive centers to the island's diverse reef sites, featuring healthy coral gardens, sea turtles, reef sharks, schooling jacks, and the famous Hagimit Falls underwater cave system. Conditions are suitable year-round for beginner and advanced divers.
A visit to People's Park in the center of Davao City, a well-maintained public park featuring large indigenous-themed sculptures, manicured gardens, fountains, and covered walkways. The Durian Centerpiece sculpture and indigenous statues make this a popular photo stop and free urban attraction.
A visit to Malagos Garden Resort in Calinan - a chocolate farm and eco-resort offering cacao tree walks, chocolate-making demonstrations, farm-to-table dining, and the Malagos Chocolates shop where award-winning single-origin Philippine craft chocolates are produced and sold.
A visit to the Davao Crocodile Park, a wildlife conservation center housing Mindanao's saltwater crocodiles and other Philippine wildlife species including pythons, monitor lizards, wildcats, and birds of prey. The park offers feeding demonstrations and guided tours.
A guided or self-directed food tour of Davao's restaurant scene, sampling Mindanao specialties including kare-kare made with local ingredients, tuna kinilaw, coconut-milk based dishes, grilled Bagobo-style wild boar, and fresh tropical fruits at the city's best local eateries.
A visit to the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple in Cabaguio Avenue, the largest Buddhist temple in Mindanao, featuring a multi-story complex with 50 deities, a vegetarian restaurant, and an active spiritual community. The temple is a serene contrast to Davao's commercial energy.
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