Davao
Planning to visit Davao for your next weekend getaway? This Davao travel itinerary has got you covered.
The City of Davao has been making a name as a Tourist Destination in the entire country. It is very strict about it's rules , regulations and policies, amazing that its described as the " safest " city in the world. Not to mention that the place is home to the Philippine's President Rodrigo Duterte.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit Davao is during the dry season which is between December and February when there is less precipitation and the weather is colder.
HOW TO GET THERE
Via plane
You can fly into Davao City from Manila, Clark, Palawan, Caticlan, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod or Zamboanga. There are around 20 flights every day that fly the Manila-Davao route, which takes around 90 minutes.
Via Boat/Bus
Another popular way to visit Davao City is by taking a boat ride (P980 from Cebu via TransAsia) to Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental then taking a 7-8 hour bus ride (P600) afterward.
HOW TO GET AROUND
From the airport, Davao City downtown proper is a mere 15-minute ride. Metered taxi cabs and car rentals are available at the airport. Once in downtown proper, public transportations like jeepneys are very accessible to get around the city. If going to the provinces, there are integrated van and bus terminals conveniently located at the different malls including SM City Davao, Victoria Plaza, and Gaisano Mall. The Ecoland Bus Terminal also has a variety of bus companies that can take you to various locations in the region.
WHERE TO STAY
As one of the country’s premier city, Davao offers a lot of accommodation for all segments of traveling market, from budget inns and lodges to high-end hotels and resorts.
https://m.traveloka.com/en-ph/hotel/philippines/city/davao-city-10008234?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/twomonkeystravelgroup.com/best-budget-hotels-davao-philippines/amp/
Green Banana Hotel
You'll feel right at home at Green Banana Business Hotel, which offers quality accommodation and great service. Set 0.5 km from the excitement of the city, this property commands an excellent location and provides access to the city's biggest attractions.
https://m.traveloka.com/en-ph/hotel/philippines/green-banana-business-hotel-4000000373978
WHERE TO EAT
Penong’s BBQ
Considered as the number 1 barbecue house in Davao, Penong’s has not opened its doors to opening other branches in the country which is why it is a must to get a taste of their specials when you visit the city.
Jack's Ridge
When it comes to dining in Davao City, another well recommended place is Jack’s Ridge, which does not only offer a great dining experience but also boasts of among the best views of Davao City and the Gulf.
THINGS TO DO
There are plenty of things to do in Davao Philippines to suit many any style of travel, whether you want a bit of adventure or just want relax or combine both. Some of these Davao City tourist spots include:
Ramon Magsaysay Park
The Kadayawan Village at Magsaysay Park shows how houses of the eleven indigenous and Moro groups in Davao city are constructed replicating to where they live in the different proximity of the city.
How to get to Ramon Magsaysay Park
Ramon Magsaysay Park is accessible from almost any point in the city. You can simply prompt a taxi to take you there. If you wish to ride a jeepney, you can ride jeepneys that proceed to Uyanguren. Upon exiting Uyanguren, you will find the park.
Duterte's Residence (Short Walk Inside a Private Subdivision)
The green house and a standee of the President has been a backdrop for many selfies. Before winning the election, tourists would stay longer to catch a glimpse of the mayor and hopefully have a photo with him.
CHINATOWN
What you can find here in Davao Chinatown are several business establishments such as shopping centers which sell goods from items made in China, to electronics and grocery finds. There are also restaurants and banks within Chinatown so it is truly a tourist destination on its own.
JAPANESE TUNNEL
The Japanese Tunnel Resort was created during World War II by the Filipino slaves and prisoners of wars. It served as the hideout of the Japanese soldiers and their belongings.
How to get to the Japanese Tunnel
Located near the end of the Diversion Road in Matina Balusong towards the junction of MacArthur Highway in Matina area, the Resort is easily accessible by public or private transportation, and is only 20 minutes drive from downtown city proper.
Entrance Fee: Php 50.00
EDEN NATURE PARK
Eden has all sorts of adventure for the nature lovers. For starters, they have a mini zoo and a mini playground but you can also join in for a tour around the 80-hectare property full of more than 100,000 pine trees, most of which were planted by hand. Other attractions include the SkyCycle, SkySwing, and SkyRider.
How to go to Eden Nature Park
From Davao city, you would need to ride a Jeep going to Toril. Just watch out for the Toril signage on jeepneys. These jeepneys are found passing along Aldevinco, and Boulevard among others. Fare from downtown going to Toril is P20. Once reaching Toril, you would want to watch out for the Mercury drug store found at the right side of the street. Right across it is Chow King. That's where you would need to be dropped off.
Entrance free : php 550 Buffet Lunch php 220 Plated Snacks
JACK'S RIDGE
It is one of the most popular recreational and dining destinations in Davao City. It sits on top of a high and very steep slope, overlooking the scenic expanse of Davao City and the Gulf of Davao. The place is located on a high mountain slope at Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City.
How to go to Jack's Ridge
Jack's Ridge is easily accessible and is about a 25 minute ride from Bankerohan Market, downtown Davao City
Entrance fee php 20
ROXAS NIGHT MARKET
This particular night market located in the heart of Davao is a one-stop shopping and dining destination. Here, you can savor the local favorites such as barbecue (chicken, pork, tuna panga, and chicken innards), chicken skin, butchi (the matcha butchi is the bomb), Mang Danny's ice cream (became an overnight sensation; people are willing to queue for up to hours), and a whole lot more. If you're into thrift shopping, the whole stretch of Roxas Avenue is all yours.
How to go to Roxas Market
Roxas Avenue is 15-30 minutes away from the Francisco Bangoy International Airport depending on traffic flow.
Taxi flag down rate is PhP40 and jeepney fare starts at PhP8.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
So, here are some of the top places in Davao known to offer tourists and even locals the best getaway experience.
- Philippine Eagle Center
- Malagos Garden Resort
- Davao Crocodile Park
- Museo Dabawenyo
- Peoples Park Davao
- Matina Town Square
- Mt Apo
- D’ Bone Collector Museum
- Apo ni Lola
- Davao City Hall
- Wild Water Rafting at Davao River
ITINERARY
- 7:00am - Arrival at Davao Airport
- 8:00am - Hotel Check in
- 9:00am - Breakfast
- 10:00am - Magsaysay Park
- 10:30am - Chinatown
- 11:00am - Duterte's Residence
- 11:30am - Lunch
- 1:00pm - Eden Nature Park
- 3:00pm - Jack Ridge's
- 4:00pm - Japanese Tunnel
- 5:00pm - Go back to Hotel
- 7:00pm - Roxas Night Market
- 9:00pm - Beauty Rest
ESTIMATED EXPENSES
- 1200 php -Tour guide
- 220 php - Eden Nature Park Entry fee
- 150 php - Skycycling
- 20 php - Jack Ridge's Entrance fee
- 50 php - Japanese Tunnel fee ______
1640 php Total Expenses
Contact person : Igo Ventura ( Habal driver/tourguide/photographer
Contact number: 09759385001
SHARING IS CARING !
Have fun !
I do hope that you find this post useful. I will constantly update this post as soon as i have new details to add. Please feel free to suggest new things to do, places to see and food to try in Davao City by posting a comment below. Thank You!
