Davao

Travel Guide

Davao
Davao
Davao
Photo by Sheena Bustamante
Photo by Christine Lariosa

Enjoy the safe,  friendly atmosphere of Davao City and use it as a base to explore the wildlife parks, nature reserves and tropical islands in the surrounding area.

Famous for its fruit farms and laid-back ambiance, Davao City is surrounded by a scenic harbor, lush forests and the highest mountain in the country. Base yourself in Davao and enjoy the wealth of natural attractions on its doorstep. 

Many visitors stop here on their way to climb Mount Apo. At nearly 10,000 feet (2,954 meters) above sea level, this is the tallest mountain in the Philippines. It takes between two to four days to climb, with the views from the top across Mindanao well worth the effort. For those feeling less energetic, you can visit the surrounding national park and marvel at thunderous waterfalls, lively geysers and lush dense forest. 

Animal lovers won’t want to miss the two excellent sanctuaries just outside the city. You can feed fearsome Philippine crocodiles at the Crocodile Park or see the largest species of eagle in the world at the Philippine Eagle Center. This also contains several other birds, mammals and reptiles in a realistic forest environment. 

Escape to the idyllic Samal Island for a day or two to enjoy diving in the clear warm waters and explore the network of bat caves. Back in the city, you can find out about the area’s complex cultural heritage in the Museo Dabawenyo, which also has a small art collection alongside informative exhibits. 

Internal flights from Manila and Cebu run regularly and buses connect Davao with most other major centers in the country. Once in the city, taxis are the easiest and quickest way to get around. Try traveling like a local and hail one of the many jeepneys. 

The climate is tropical and humid year-round with the most rainfall in the summer, so any time is good to visit. And make sure you try the area’s most famous fruit, the durian. It can be an acquired taste, but is a must when staying in this relaxed and beautiful city. 

Where to stay in Davao

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Poblacion District

4/5(62 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Poblacion District, Davao City Hall and Gaisano Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Poblacion District
Staycation at Waterfront Insular Hotel

Buhangin

If you're spending some time in Buhangin, Damosa Gateway and SM Lanang Premier are top sights worth seeing.

Buhangin
Overlooking Davao City with many restaurants to choose from.

Talomo District

While visiting Talomo District, you might make a stop by sights like SM City Davao and Davao Golf and Country Club.

Talomo District
A beautiful resort

Kaputian

5/5(8 area reviews)

Though Kaputian might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Isla Reta Beach and Hagimit Falls.

Kaputian
Try the blue marlin at Waterfront Hotel i Davao City

Agdao

While visiting Agdao, you might make a stop by sights like SM Lanang Premier and Mindanao Taoist Temple.

Agdao
This is in Selera Restaurant, Davao City that just opened recently. It has many amazing dishes to offer. One of the best dishes are Sinigang na Baboy (a filipino soup that is known for its sour and savory flavor which has meat in it), crispy pata (crispy skins and meat of pig), kinilaw na isda

San Antonio

Though San Antonio might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like SM Lanang Premier and Damosa Gateway.

San Antonio
Rogen Inn
Rogen Inn
3 out of 5
Mount Apo St., corner Lopez Jaena St., Davao, Davao Region
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Davao. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions SM City Davao and People's Park ...
7.8/10 Good! (35 reviews)
"The property is walking distance to People's Park. There are dine in options that are a must have when you are doing the DIY tour."

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2025

Rogen Inn
Dusit Thani Residence Davao
Dusit Thani Residence Davao
4.5 out of 5
Stella Hizon Reyes Drive, Barrio Pampanga, Davao
The price is ¥16,589 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥16,589
¥20,238 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (99 reviews)
Excellent service
"Very friendly, prompt service. Will visit again!"

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Dusit Thani Residence Davao
Park Inn By Radisson Davao
Park Inn By Radisson Davao
4 out of 5
J.P. Laurel Avenue, Next to SM Lanang Premier Mall, Davao, Davao
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥14,949 per night from Jun 28 to Jun 29
¥14,949
¥16,833 total
Jun 28 - Jun 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (830 reviews)
"good experience, friendly staff and comfy room"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Park Inn By Radisson Davao
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Avida Towers Davao Condo
Avida Towers Davao Condo
2.5 out of 5
Avida Towers Davao, CM Recto Avenue., Davao, Davao Del Sur
Stay at this condo in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions SM City Davao and Aldevinco Shopping Center are located ...
7/10 Good! (43 reviews)
"Good value but the aircon was insufficient so the room was hot."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2024

Avida Towers Davao Condo
Rinann's Mesatierra Garden Residences
Rinann's Mesatierra Garden Residences
3.5 out of 5
Ignacio Villamor St, Bajada, Davao
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Popular attractions SM City Davao and Gaisano Mall are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Good place would stay again, the rooms have broken things in them though"

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2025

Rinann's Mesatierra Garden Residences
Seawind Condo 2 BR Facing Samal View
Seawind Condo 2 BR Facing Samal View
2.5 out of 5
Km. 11 Davao City-Panabo City Rd, Davao, Davao Region
Stay at this condo in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Church of Christ and Vanishing Island are located ...
Seawind Condo 2 BR Facing Samal View
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Davao

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
84
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
64
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Plenty of walking, shopping, site seeing. The people are extremely nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Eric

Very affordable and super nice people.

5/5 - Excellent

GB

Lots beautiful beaches and waterfalls.

4/5 - Good

UStraveler

Davao is a great place to visit, safe, great people, food and plenty to see and do based on your interest!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very hospitable and friendly.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

safety place

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