DAVAO City is like no other place. It is a place where anyone can immerse themselves in history, mingled with good people--as the city has inhabitants with different cultures--and marvel and benefit from several things it could offer.
Here is a roundup of the 21 things that anyone can do in the biggest city of the country:
1. Go to Magsaysay Park and its Fruit Stand outside
One can find the Magsaysay Park and its Fruit Stand at the end of the China Town. It is a landscaped public park facing a sea of the Davao Gulf with Samal Island in the backdrop. It has a fruit stand where one could buy fruits and candies.
2. Stroll at Davao China Town
It is the only China Town in Mindanao located at the heart of the downtown area in Davao. It is described as a busiest section also as it has several malls, department stores and Chinese restaurants on Uyanguren and Villa Abrille streets.
3. Be one with Davao at Roxas Night Market
Located on Roxas Avenue in Poblacion District, the night market was everyone’s happy place until the explosion that killed 14 and injured 70 others just last September 2, 2016. Now the Roxas Night Market has become a symbol of how Dabawenyos are ready to return to their lives, scarred but not scared.
4. Walk along San Pedro Street
Along the San Pedro Street is San Pedro Cathedral, the city’s oldest, although the structure is relatively new. Built as a wooden church in 1847, it is in front of the City Council. Just a little bit off center is the Davao City Hall. These are surrounded by Osmeña, Rizal, and Quezon parks, then the Davao City Hall.
5. Loosen up at the Business Class Resto Bar
For those who prefer to just chill with some drinks and spend time with family and friends, the Business Class sits right at a corner inside the Phoenix Mega Station in Lanang, and another branch is located at Brick Lane Square in Bo. Obrero.
6. Pasalubong (Souvenir) Center
It is located on Palma Gil Street in Poblacion District right beside the People’s Park. It is a one-stop souvenir shopping destination in the city, where you can find lots of souvenir items and/or gifts for your families, friends, and special one.
7. Unwind at the People’s Park
The People’s Park is located on Palma Gil Street in Poblacion District. Anyone can have picnic with families or friends, play games, jogging and zumba, and have pictures with the fun sculptures of Davao artist Kublai Millan.
8. Visit the museums
The Davao Museum is at at Zonta Building, 113 Agusan Circle, Insular Village 1 in Lanang. While the Museo Dabawenyo is at the Andres Bonifacio Rotunda. Both museums feature the city’s history, handicrafts, instruments and information over different tribes here.
9. Mediate at Holy Infant Jesus Shrine
Located at Broadcast Avenue Shrine Hills in Matina, the Holy Infant Jesus Shrine has two open-air chapels—the statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the Crucified Christ aside from the Shrine of the Infant Jesus. One of the most visited place.
10. Visit the Ponce Suites Gallery Hotel
It is located at corner road 3 and 4 of Doña Vicenta Village and can be walk from Victoria Plaza Shopping Mall here. The Ponce Suites is stuffed full of paintings and sculptures and poetry of artist Kublai Millan.
11. Lon Wa Buddhist Temple
This temple, also known as Longhua, is famous for its intricate architectural designs, sculptures, statues, and interiors. The temple is located along Cabaguio Avenue in Agdao District, just a walking distance from the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
12. Rest at Gap Farming Resort
It is one of the perfect places for family and friends bonding and represents how Dabawenyos used to relax. Located on Diversion Road in Maa, the resort has huge sculptures of the tribes here in the city, presidents of the country, and animals. It has a pool, a tunnel, and a clubhouse.
13. Hangout at Jack’s Ridge
Enjoy at Jack’s Ridge as it offers a sumptuous view of the city; luscious food from its restaurants, bars, and coffee shop; and a place where you one swim to a pool and rest at the garden. It is located Broadcast Avenue Shrine Hills, Matina.
14. President Rodrigo Duterte residence
Even before Duterte won the presidency in May 2016 elections, his house at Doña Luisa Subdivision in Matina, Davao City has already been visited by his several supporters. The tourism office has included it among their tour stops.
15. Dinner at Vista View Restaurant
You may get a taste of the Filipino food and even exotic dishes at Vista View Restaurant, otherwise known as Hilltop, on Diversion Road in Maa. Aside from delicious food, people can enjoy the view of the Davao Gulf and Samal.
16. Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal
To reach Pearl Farm you need to go the Pearl Farm Marina in Lanang, Davao City, where guests can lounge, eat, and have coffee at its restaurant or just bask under the old acacia trees on the grounds. The resort is known as an island hideaway, its welcome Cabana being now a landmark.
17. Explore D’Japanese Tunnel Resort
Located at the hilly part of Matina Balusong along the Diversion Road, the Japanese Tunnel is one of the most visited attractions of Davao City. It was carved by the prisoners of war dated way back during the World War II. It has swimming pool and a clubhouse.
18. Davao Crocodile Park
The park is among the major tourist destinations in the city located at Riverfront, Corporate City Diversion Highway in Maa. It is not only the crocodiles you will meet, but also other animals like tigers, snakes, monkeys, ostrich and more.
19. Philippine Eagle Center and Malagos Garden
Located in Baguio District, the Eagle center is a home to 36 eagles, 18 of which are captive-bred. It also a home to ten other species of birds. The garden is just a short ride away and offers good food and a refreshing stroll to see butterflies, birds, and just about everything you’d want to see in a farm.
20. Eden Nature Park
This place of recreation is rich in exotic flowers, lush green forests and the songs of birds. It is a mountain resort and a paradise located in Toril. It has several attractions and other activities to offer like zipline, biking, swimming and more.
21. Eat Durian
Never go home without trying durian. It can be either heaven for your senses or otherwise, but the experience will be something that will mark you. These are only few of the several things anyone can do in Davao City. Life is here! There is no room for boredom once you are in Davao City.