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Traveloka PH

04 Oct 2017 - 7 min read

Top 10 Things to Do in Davao

Be one with the wild

1.Davao Crocodile Park

Crocodile farm Davao

(photo via Shutterstock)

The Davao Crocodile Park is more a leisure park than a zoo. With its state of the art crocodile farming systems and modern facilities, animals are surely well taken cared of. Aside from Crocodiles, the park also features other wildlife such as bearcats, tigers, orangutans, and more. Here, guests get to see the animals in action through shows and activities like the Koi Feeding Frenzy and the Tiger Climb.

Type: Wild Life Sanctuary
Location: Gadi Road, Talomo, Davao City
Budget: - Monday-Thursday: P250/adult, 150/kids aged 2-12 - Friday-Sunday: P300/adult, 175/kids aged 2-12
Hours: 8:00am-7:00pm
Things to do: Adopt an animal, Walk the tightrope, Watch a show
Contact: +63 82 286 8883

2.Philippine Eagle Center

Philippine Eagle Center Davao

With over 30 Philippine Eagles, rare birds, reptiles, and other animal species, the Philippine Eagle Center was opened to the public to educate the Filipino people on wildlife conservation. The Center simulates a tropical rainforest environment where you can watch the majestic birds spread their wings, while learning more about ways to save them.

Type: Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Malagos, Calinan, Davao City
Getting there:From the Annil Terminal, buses going to Calinan leave every 15 minutes. Once in Calinan, tricycles are available to take you to the Philippine Eagle Center. Total travel time from the city is about an hour.
Budget: P150
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
Things to do: Get educated on conservation, Watch the birds fly
Contact: +63 82 324 1860

Go on an adventure

3.Panas Falls

Panas Falls

Located in the “basin” of Davao del Norte and a 2 hour drive from the city, Panas Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall with bright turquoise water. The falls is tucked within a forest and surrounded by beautiful rolling hills making it the ideal spot for nature lovers. Visitors can easily waste a day taking a dip in the cool water, and enjoying a picnic under one of the shaded cottages.

Type: Waterfalls
Location: New Corella, Davao del Norte, Philippines
Getting there:From the city, take a bus to Tagum. Once in Tagum, ride a jeep to New Corella. Get dropped by the Municipal hall where you ride a habal-habal to the falls.
Budget: 50-100 (with cottage)
Things to do: Swim, Picnic
Contact: +63 921 265 6668

4. Mount Apo

Mount Apo Davao

Standing a staggering 2956 meters above sea level, Mt. Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines. The mountain is considered as one of the top-of-the-bucket-list destinations in the country. It’s famous for its panoramic views, presence in local mythology, and rich culture present in the surrounding areas. For those looking for a full experience, local groups offer a 3 day and 2 night hike up the easiest Kidapawan trail.

Type: Mountain/Volcano
Location: Cotabato, Davao del Sur
Getting there: From the Davao International Airport, ride a taxi to the Ecoland Transport Terminal.From there, take a southbound bus and inform the driver or conductor that you will be dropped off at the Santa Cruz Terminal. Then you have the option to ride a motorcycle, tricycle or taxi to the municipal hall.
Budget: Climb fee - 500/head, 750/foreign national, 400/student Guide fee - 800/day Porter fee - 350/day
Hours: Call tourism office for schedule
Things to do: Hike, Camp, Appreciate Nature
Contact: +63 93 990 64243 (Kidapawan tourism office)

5. Maxima Aquafun Resort

Davao Maxima Aqua Fun Resort

Unlike other resorts in Samal Island, Maxima Aquafun does not have the soft stretch of white sand dotted with relaxing tourists. Instead, it is a place where you can rough it out and awaken your adventurous side. Along with the regular beach activities, the resort has a giant slide, diving boards, zorb balls and other fun activities to keep you entertained for hours. After a whole day of activities, you can choose to take a nap in one of the resort's cabanas.

Type: Waterpark/Resort
Location: Peñaplata, Samal, Davao, Philippines
Getting There:From the airport, take a cab to Sta. Ana Wharf near Magsaysay Park. You can then take the ferry boat that goes directly to the resort at 9am and goes back to the Wharf at 4pm.
Budget: P300/head
Things to do: Jet-Ski, Nature trails, snorkeling, Water activities
Contact: 0917 890 4111

Taste the town

6. Riverwalk Grill

Travels are never complete without sampling something exotic and out of your comfort zone -- that’s where Riverwalk Grill comes in. If you’re up for the challenge, the main stars of this restaurant are the crocodile and ostrich meat dishes. With twists on the familiar such as the Crocodile Sisig, and Ostrich Omelette, the Riverwalk Grill is a favorite stopover for fearless foodies.

Type: Filipino/Exotic
Location: 7 C De Guzman St, Talomo, Davao City
Budget: P300-P500
Things to do: Eat, Try exotic food
Contact: +63 82 221 9643

7. Durian

Davao Durian

You can’t leave Davao without trying this exotic fruit. Durian has almost become synonymous to the city as it’s more abundant here than anywhere else in the Philippines. Infamous for its distinct smell, Davaoeños have become creative in coming up with ways of serving the fruit. If you’re not brave enough to have it plain, you can find durian in candies, ice-cream, coffee, cookies, and in other forms all over the city. Back to top

Practice your haggling skills

8. Roxas Avenue Night Market

Night Market Davao

(photo via Shutterstock)

Roxas Avenue is a colorful and busy part of the city, and one of the best places for cheap and delicious local delicacies. Walk down the whole stretch and expect stall after stall of fresh fruits, grilled meats, seafood, and multiple variations of your favorite dishes. Small tables are scattered around the area for groups with full meals, while vendors selling small trinkets and t-shirts roam the area. After eating, multiple ukay-ukays (thrift-shops) surround the area, so take your pick and bargain away!

Location: Roxas Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City
Getting there:You can commute to Roxas Avenue from anywhere in the City. Almost all jeepney routes pass by or through the street so it’s easy to get there.
Budget: P100 (for a feast!)
Hours: 6:00pm-12:00am
Things to do: Bargain hunting, Midnight Snacking
Contact: +63 915 259 2811

9. Aldevinco Shopping Center

Built in the ‘60’s Aldevinco is one of the longest running shopping centers in Davao City. The 8,000 plus square meter complex houses an art gallery and over a hundred shops that showcase the Mindanaoan heritage. This is the best place to find uniquely Davao products such as locally crafted antiques and handmade items.

Location: Claro M. Recto Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City
Budget: 10:00am-9:00pm
Things to do: Buy pasalubong
Contact: +63 915 259 2811

Get some R&R

10. Pearl Farm

Pearl Farm

(photo via Facebook, @PearlFarm)

If you need to escape from the noise of urban life, The Pearl Farm is exactly your place. The luxurious island getaway is the only 5-star resort in the province. It has 70 rooms that seamlessly combine traditional Mindanaoan colors with modern design, as well as an iconic parola where guest are treated to a 360 degree view of paradise. Other activities you can enjoy include Mandaya Weaving, gym access, spa services, and more.

Location: Brgy Adecor, Kaputian - Samal - Kaputian Road, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte
Getting there:From the airport, head to Pearl Farm Marina in Lanang Davao Beach Club. From there, you will take an approximately 45-minute boat ride up to Samal Island. You can also arrange for hotel transfers from the airport.
Budget: Starts at 10,000 ++ depending on season
Things to do: Visit Mandaya Weaving Center, Candlelit picnic by the ocean, Gym, Water-sports
Contact:+63 82285 0601

Back to topEnjoy a fun experience and check out other tourist spots to visit, restaurants to try and more in Davao. Discover cheap hotel deals and cheap flights from carriers like Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and more with Traveloka!]]>

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