WHILE Davao City is a major economic center in Mindanao, it is also a tourist destination and at the same time a tourism gateway for the region.
Tourists visiting the city are given access to numerous tourism activities during their stay here.
Davao City may be a highly urbanized city but that doesn't mean you will not able to enjoy pristine white sand beaches and or the magnificent views from the mountains. For a day or two you will enjoy the best of both worlds without being too far away from the city.
A 15 to 20 minute boat's ride from the city is the Island Garden City of Samal, which has its fair share of beautiful beaches and great resorts you can stay at for a day or a night. Should you want to enjoy white sand and clear waters, get a day tour at the Island Buenavista.
Samal is not only about beaches. The waters surrounding the island also makes a great diving site for those who want to explore the underwater world of Davao Gulf.
A five-hour drive away from Davao City is Mati City, Davao Region's surfing capital. With a laid back atmosphere, you and your buddies can enjoy the sea breeze at one of the resorts here. Some of you can also try your hand at surfing here.
Aside from the beaches, you can also enjoy the cool weather in Davao City. Just a two-hour drive away from the downtown area, you will find yourself at the Marilog District, still in Davao City, which gives you a similar weather you will experience in Baguio but with the greeneries and trees.
On your way to Marilog, you can meet the great Philippine Eagle at the Philippine Eagle Foundation in Calinan. Also in the same area you will find the Malagos Garden Resort, where you can visit the Chocolate Museum and make your own chocolates.
Meanwhile in Toril, you have the Eden Nature Park and Resort, where you will not only enjoy cool weather but also a range of activities like glamping, Sky Swing, fishing, and trekking, among others, again amid trees and indigenous plants.
Just a few hours away from the city, you can trek the country's tallest peak, Mt. Apo via Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
If you want to see waterfalls, Aliwagwag Falls is a must visit in Cateel, Davao Oriental.
After enjoying the beaches and the mountains, Davao City is also one of the booming food tourism destination in the city. Whether you are in the North of the city or in the South, you can be assured of delicious food of varying cuisines.
Also, within the urban jungle of the city, you will find great stories within the musuems dotted throughout the city like the unique Bone Collector's Museum or Museo Dabawenyo, which will allow you to get to know the city more.
When you plan your trip to Davao City, you won't run out of things to do. For example, the moment you arrive in the city, you can visit some of the popular restaurants near your hotel.
Then on the second day, you can make a trip to Eden Nature Park and Resort. Then on the third day, you can take a boat to Talicud Island and bask under the clear blue skies or swim with the fishers. On your last day, take time to explore the city as it also has a story to tell you with its rich history and culture.
Davao City is not only about business or strict policies, it is also about having fun and enjoying nature's gifts.