WHETHER it’s your first time to set foot in Davao City, a frequent visitor, or a resident in this growing city, there is always something to look forward to in Davao City. From gastronomic delights to natural and historical sights, your wandering soul will find a home here.
To fully enjoy your stay here or maximize you few days off, here’s a four-day-three-night itinerary we prepared to fully experience Davao for locals and tourists alike.
Day 1
9 a.m. / Kadayawan Village in Magsaysay Park
Before touring around the city, start to discover first the multi-cultural history of Davao by dropping by the Kadayawan Village, a cultural park featuring the traditional houses of the 11 tribes of Davao City.
9:45 a.m. / Durian tasting at Magsaysay Fruit Market
Just outside Magsaysay Park, you can have a taste or feast of Davao’s bounty- from pomelos to mangosteens to Davao’s famous durian. Pasalubong food items like durian delicacies are also available in the area.
10:30 a.m. / Photo ops at Davao’s Chinatown
Touted as the biggest Chinatown in the country in terms of land area, this lone Chinatown in Mindanao is one of the major trading centers in the city where one can enjoy cheap items and experience some Chinese restaurants. It has four Chinese-style archways, the largest one is located across the street from Magsaysay Park.
11:00 a.m. / Quick tour at Davao City Hall and San Pedro Church
These two sites have historical significance in the city. The Davao City Hall (formerly a municipal hall) was built in 1926. It is the first and the only government building in the Davao Region inscribed with the National Historical Marker. While the vinta-shaped-roofed San Pedro Cathedral is the oldest church in Davao City that can be traced back to 1847. This historical landmark was recognized as a National Cultural Treasure.
12:00 noon / Lunch at Republique Asian Fusion by Arcadia
For a sumptuous lunch, dine at Republique Asian Fusion. It offers Asian fusion offerings perfect for a hungry traveler. Republique Asian Fusion is Arcadia’s Fusion restaurant located at the 2nd level of Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center. It offers ala carte (lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; dinner: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.) and buffet dining (Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
1 to 4 p.m. / Check in at Eden Nature Park & Resort
Around two hours’ drive from city proper lies a destination that offers exciting recreational activities, relaxing nature views, delightful food, and commendable customer service.
After checking in for an overnight stay, experience the resort’s Sky adventures – Skyrider, Skycycle, Skyswing and Skyrider. You can also try here Davao’s famous Aling Foping’s Halo-Halo
6 p.m. / Dinner at Maa To Ro
This Lumad-themed restaurant situated in Baguio Proper District, Davao City offers delicacies of Bagobo Klata such as Lol’lot ngo Monok, Lol’lot ngo Nono, Lol’lot ngo Gehot, Lol’lot ngo Isda, Monok to Iyog, Pancit to Iyog, pletek to Pandan, Ginataan ngo Monok, and Pas ni Mor, among others.
This is a perfect way to immerse to the Davao culinary culture.
8 p.m. Lights off at Eden Nature Park & Resort
Day 2
9:00 a.m. / Meet the Philippine Eagle
Time to appreciate biodiversity and learn the conservation efforts of the Philippine Eagle Foundation Center to the country’s critically-endangered species - Philippine Eagle. You can join the center’s walking tour within the area and witness different bird species including the Philippine Eagle.
12 noon / Lunch at Malagos Garden Resort
Aside from durian, Davao is also famous on chocolates. Try Malagos Garden Resort’s Humba with world-renowned Malagos chocolate for lunch.
After digging in, try the resort’s must-experience chocolate making at the chocolate museum and relax by its unique chocolate massage.
3:30 p.m. / Back to the city and check in at Blue Lotus Hotel
After the city’s southern tour, stay at the city’s newest hotel – Blue Lotus. After settling your things from a fun-filled tour, have a delightful dinner at the hotel’s Skyview Restaurant and enjoy not just their delicious food but also the breathtaking panoramic view of the cityscape with Davao Gulf in the background.
Mt. Apo can also be viewed from here during daytime.
Day 3
8:00 a.m. onwards / Escape to Samal Island at Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Spend an overnight stay to this luxurious Samal resort and enjoy a little piece of paradise. Your stay here will surely be memorable as it is the only 5-star resort in Davao Region as of writing.
Day 4
Before catching your afternoon flight, buy some Davao pasalubongs at Aldevinco Shopping Center located at Roxas Avenue. Items here vary from simple key chains to indigenous clothes and musical instruments.
Other souvenir items are also available at Davao Pasalubong Center and Cacao City, both are located along Palma Gil St., Poblacion District.
With this 4D3N Davao itinerary, we hope you get to fully enjoy your Davao experience. And if you feel to explore more, worry not as there are still a lot of things to enjoy and spots to visit in the city, after all, life is here.