When tourists flock to the Philippines, one of the many interesting places they usually visit is Davao. Surprisingly, there are more Filipinos who have not set foot in this big city in Southern Mindanao than the tourists coming in to the country. Its popularity among foreigners may have been due to the effortless combination of natural beauty and the accoutrements of modern, urban living in a city considered as one of the biggest in the world.
Home to the majestic Mt Apo – the highest peak in the Philippines, Davao offers more than the flowers – being the Orchid Capital of the Philippines, and the durian – the exotic fruit known for its very delicious taste and pungent smell. It is also home to the second largest eagle in the world – the monkey eating eagle now officially known as the Philippine eagle. And where one has not experienced close encounter with Mother Nature, the City of Durian may just have the right places for you, nature lover. Not to be forgotten are the many historic and culture-rich places which Davaoeños can only be proud to offer you a glimpse.
Historic and Culture Sites
For most tourists, knowing a little about the history of the place they visit is a must. Davao has a lot of interesting places which are richly laden with historic anecdotes and cultural annotations. Some of the must-visit places are the Davao Museum, Davao Historical Society Museum, Battle Memorial, Uyanguren Landing Site, Japanese Peace Memorial Shrine, San Pedro Cathedral and Philippine Eagle Center. These places will give you a feel of their history, their culture and their people.
The Best Places in Davao
The city is packed with breathtaking scenic views of the mountains, valleys and rolling hills; white-sand beaches with jaw-dropping backdrop of naturescape and unspoiled marine life; rugged terrain and unexploited underground caverns. Every tourist’s hunger for adventure will be satiated as they go from one place to another as each place offers a distinct satisfaction to a person’s love for culture, beauty and nature.
- Eden Nature Park – is a man-made mountain resort built 3,000 feet above sea level, recreating a forest-like haven for nature lovers. With an imposing view of the city and Davao Gulf, this place is a sanctuary in its own.
- Pearl Farm Beach Resort – located in an island 45 minutes away from the city and secluded from the buzzing metropolis, this resort is perfect to de-stress and relax. The place offers water polo, jet skiing, wind surfing and banana boat rides, kayaking, waver runners, hobble cats and scuba diving will make every tourist occupied most of the time. Scuba diving will give you the chance to explore sunken Japanese boats.
- Crocodile Farm – this is Davao’s animal sanctuary. Colorful birds of all kinds, snakes, monkeys and crocodiles will give you a rather unique experience when you visit this place.
- Mt. Apo – this is the Philippines’ highest mountain, towering Davao some 10,311 feet above sea level. This is any mountaineer’s dream conquest. The mountain boasts of an exotic display of nature, with a steaming blue lake, geysers and sulphur pillars, rainwater lakes and cascading waterfalls. This majestic piece of nature is a sight to enjoy.
- Ligid Cave Dive Site – this is for daring divers. It is a sanctuary for rich and unspoiled marine and aquatic life. It has a leather-coral carpeted reef from 25 meters down – something diving enthusiasts should experience.
- Mushroom Rock Dive Site – the name is derived from its mushroom-like shape rock formation corroding at the sides. The unique shape could have been caused by the strong currents battering against its sides. This is another good spot for adventure. The dive site is teeming with coral reefs and mounds and exotic marine life.
