The Philippines is home to more than 7,000 islands, so there’s always something to do wherever you are. One of the best places to visit is Davao del Sur, which is home to dozens of activities, from hiking to shopping, eating, or hanging out with animals.
Davao is a perfect place to spend a few days, and you can go there without having to fly a plane! Yes, you heard us. You don’t need to wait for promo fares from your favorite airlines to visit! With 2Go Travel, you can visit Davao and its neighboring areas of Davao City, including Panabo, Tagum, Compostela, Digos, Padada, Mati, and Kidapawan. And you don’t even need to spend much.
If you’re still considering a trip, here are 10 things to do in Davao that will make you want to go there right now:
10. Enjoy local delicacies at the Roxas Avenue Night Market
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Filipinos are all about the food so make sure to visit the Roxas Avenue Night Market for good eats. This famous market is home to all sorts of grilled meats and seafood, fresh fruits, juices and shakes, and unique treats like charcoal- and durian-flavored mochi balls, organic charcoal ice cream, and Nutella-filled buchi. The food here is delicious and affordable, and a group of five can be stuffed for only P600.
9. Relax at People’s Park
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If you want to catch your breath while in Davao, People’s Park is highly recommended. Described as “one of the cleanest and greenest public parks,” the space is home to sculptures by Mindanao artist Kublai Millan, a Durian Dome, a dancing fountain, and 1,101 species of plants and trees from the Philippines, Southeast Asia, Australia, Central and South America, New Guinea, Madagascar, and mainland Africa. Don’t miss the African tulips at the Shady Plaza!
8. See Davao’s history at Museo Dabawenyo and the Davao Museum
Step back in time and marvel at Davao’s history at Museo Dabawenyo and the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography. Both museums house an impressive collection of arts, crafts, musical instruments, and weapons used by indigenous people as well as memorabilia and contemporary art.
7. Chill at Panas Falls
Photo by Rawen Balmaña
For the nature-inclined, Panas Falls is the place to go. The falls are quite low but it’s still a perfect place to chill because you can bathe among the wide cascades, go river trekking, and set up a picnic. The two seasons in the Philippines are hot and hotter, so an afternoon spent near a body of water is a day well-spent.
6. Explore the Japanese Tunnel
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World War II plays an important part in Philippine history and one of the places hit hard was Davao. You can see it in the Japanese Tunnel, a 300-meter long tunnel where the Japanese hid when the liberating American forces chased them out. The landowners were surprised when they dug the place out and found passageways, rooms, and other artifacts. Today, you can see weaponry, offices, dungeons, and chapels. It’s cool and creepy at the same time.
5. Meet some crocodiles (and other animals) at Crocodile Park
Photo from www.wayph.com/
Lolong may be gone but we’ve got plenty of crocodiles and you can see them at Crocodile Park. What makes the park a great place to visit is that you can learn all about the animal, including its connection to nature and how they’re being protected. The place is also home to other exotic animal species like raptors, monkeys, bearcats, snakes, birds, and other reptiles. Don’t forget to visit Pangil, who replaced Lolong as the Philippines’ biggest living crocodile.
4. Learn more about eagles at the Philippine Eagle Center
The Philippine Eagle Center is a conservation breeding facility for the critically endangered Philippine Eagle and other birds of prey. For years, the center has successfully bred Philippine eagles in captivity and is home to dozens of them. You can check out the seven eagles being exhibited, along with other birds, mammals, and reptiles, most of which are endemic to the country while some are rare.
3. Savor some chocolates at the Malagos Chocolate Museum
Love chocolates? Then the Malagos Chocolate Museum is for you! Here, you can learn about cacao and chocolate-making in the interactive displays, play games with the mascot, make your own chocolate at the Chocolate Laboratory, and eat as much chocolate as you can at the Chocolate Bar. Guess what? There’s also a Chocolate Spa!
2. Check out some bones at the D’Bone Collector Museum
For something truly unique and unforgettable, make a stop at D’Bone Collector Museum, a museum dedicated to all things bone. The place is home to 700 specimens, including whales, dolphins, elephants, bears, sharks, and more. One of the sobering aspects of the place is how they tell you how some of the animals have died.
1. Hike Mt. Apo
Photo by Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ
Everyone should hike (or at least visit and admire) Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines. The three-day hike might be tiring but the view at the summit is said to be breathtaking and worth it. But if you’re like me who’d rather stay on the ground, you can look at it from afar and take a photo or a selfie. Just make sure to visit.
Book a trip to Davao with 2Go Travel today!
