DAVAO is a region of contrast and diversity, home to a variety of tourism lures, from stunning islands and beaches, picturesque mountain ranges, stunning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and rivers, and lush rainforests to vibrant cities and idyllic provinces with interesting arts and rich cultural attractions.
With Davao City as a major economic hub, it is also the gateway to the thriving tourism circuits in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental.
The region is also home to various national icons: Philippine Eagle, the national bird; Mt Apo, the country's highest peak; Waling-waling, the Queen of Philippine Flowers; Durian, the King of Fruits; and Mt Hamiguitan, the first and only UNESCO-inscribed World Heritage site in Mindanao.
Davao Region truly has it all - a destination for visitors looking for a unique and exciting experience.
Rafflesia mira
Maragusan, Davao de Oro
While known for its waterfalls, the province is also home to the Rafflesia mira, an endemic species of the giant Rafflesia, found only on Mount Candalaga in Davao de Oro. In Maragusan, it is found on the slopes of Brgy. New Albay and Brgy. Mapawa.
Philippine Eagle Foundation
Malagos, Davao City
With an estimated number of only 400 pairs, the Philippine Eagle is listed as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Philippine Eagle Foundation has been at the forefront of the conservation of the Philippines' national bird. Located in Malagos, the center educates visitors on the conservation of eagles and the environment.
Mt. Apo
Davao del Sur
The Philippines’ highest peak can be accessed from Kapatagan, Digos City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. The trek to the top via the Sta. Cruz trail takes around one to three days, depending on the route taken and the speed of the trekkers, while the Kapatagan trail is much shorter. On clear days, one gets a near 360 view of the landscape below. Foggy days are just as enchanting with foliage and topography.
Diving in Samal Island
Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte
Samal is known for its pristine beaches. Just a few minute's boat ride from Davao City, it is a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Dive shops are conveniently located at the entrance of Sta. Ana Pier where island hopping tours are also offered.
Mt. Hamiguitan
Davao Oriental
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2014, Mount Hamiguitan is a biodiversity hotspot with hundreds of endemic species. It is also known for having the largest “bonsai” forest in the country. Mount Hamiguitan straddles Mati City and the municipalities of San Isidro and Governor Generoso.
Dahican Beach
Mati City, Davao Oriental
Davao Oriental is known for its pristine beaches and the 7-kilometer Dahican Beach in Mati City is one of those. The white and creamy sand contrasts the blue waters allowing for Instagram-worthy travel posts. Facing the Pacific Ocean, strong waves crash onto the shore making it a popular site for skimboarding and surfing.
Okbot Cave
Kapalong, Davao del Norte
The municipality of Kapalong is known for its caves. Among the popular caves is Okbot, which is named after a native medicine man in honor of his kind deeds and as recognition to the Dibabawon, the man’a indigenous community. Okbot is known for its intricate formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
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Davao in a nutshell
DAVAO is a region of contrast and diversity, home to a variety of tourism lures, from stunning islands and beaches, picturesque mountain ranges, stunning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and rivers, and lush rainforests to vibrant cities and idyllic provinces with interesting arts and rich cultural attractions.
With Davao City as a major economic hub, it is also the gateway to the thriving tourism circuits in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental.
The region is also home of various national icons: Philippine Eagle, the national bird; Mt Apo, the country's highest peak; Waling-waling, the Queen of Philippine Flowers; Durian, the King of Fruits; and Mt Hamiguitan, the first and only UNESCO-inscribed World Heritage site in Mindanao.
Davao Region truly has it all - a destination for visitors looking for a unique and exciting experience.
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Message of DOT-Davao regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan for MiceCon 2023
Mabuhay ug Madayaw!
On behalf of the Department of Tourism, let me warmly congratulate the people behind MICECON Davao 2023 for successfully hosting this much-anticipated event here, for the second time around, in Davao City.
This year's theme, "Blaze New Trails," is particularly relevant to the MICE tourism industry as we lead new ways to revitalize tourism and find creative and innovative ideas to rise up from the adverse effects of the pandemic.
With MICE, one of the fastest-growing economic sectors, we are able to accelerate our tourism reboot as this industry creates employment and inclusive opportunities with a multiplier effect on allied sectors and the communities.
We also would like to welcome all our MICECON Davao 2023 delegates. May your participation enrich your knowledge in MICE and may you all find the time to enjoy the diverse tourism offerings of Davao Region, such as our beaches, dive sites, ecotourism and farm attractions, and arts and culture, during your stay.
May we all remain steadfast in our commitment to pursue equitable and sustainable growth as the legacy of the MICE industry.
Daghang salamat!