When we think of Davao, the first things that probably come to mind are its food (like their delicious durian or succulent tuna), its vibrant festivals such as Kadayawan, or the fact that Davao is home to Mt. Apo, the highest mountain peak in the Philippines.
[From L-R]: Magsaysay Park, People’s Park, National Museum of the Philippines – Davao (Photo: WhenInManila.com)
Here are ten must-visit destinations in Davao:
1. Magsaysay Park and Fruit Market (Ramon Magsaysay Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City)
If you want to feel like a Davao local, don’t forget to add Magsaysay Park and Fruit Market to your itinerary.
(Photo: WhenInManila.com)
Known as one of the oldest parks in the city, this landmark was built in honor of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay. At first glance, the public park faces the clear waters of the Gulf of Davao with Samal Island as the backdrop, making it an ideal place for locals to stroll or for tourists to discover the city’s rich culture by exploring the Tribal Village. The Tribal Village offers a glimpse into the homes of numerous tribes, such as the Maguindanaon, Tausug, Maranao, and Iranun people.
But before entering the park, you’ll see a long strip of fruit stalls offering a variety of fresh, high-quality produce like durian, marang, mangosteen, and more.
Travel Hack: While shopping at a grocery store for produce may be more convenient, don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations! It gives you a genuine insight into what they love (and what to avoid). Whether you are shopping for fruits and local goods at the market or you suddenly need a quick trip to the grocery to stock up on your travel needs, you can pay with GCredit! Upon registration, you can immediately access the feature to buy for your needs now–and pay later with up to P50,000 digital credit line.
2. Bankerohan Public Market (Marfori Street, Poblacion District, Davao City)
Going to one market is not enough! Another public market worth visiting is the Bankerohan Public Market, a lively cultural and culinary hub that offers fresh produce, delicious delicacies, street food, and local crafts and goods.
(Photo: WhenInManila.com)
Travel Hack: The place is so busy that it remains crowded even in the late afternoon, so prepare yourself physically, mentally, and financially to avoid getting overwhelmed. Luckily, some stalls inside the market offer cashless payments like GCash, which allows you to pay for your items with ease. The signal in the area is good, so you won’t have to worry about failed transactions or connectivity issues.
3. Malagos Garden Resort (Baguio District, Calinan-Baguio-Cadalian Rd, Davao City)
If you’re coming from Lanang, it will take you at least an hour to reach Malagos Garden Resort. But the long travel is definitely worth it the moment you step into this agro-ecotourism site.
(Photo: WhenInManila.com)
Apart from being a healing environment that offers guests a luscious and refreshing scenery away from the city’s chaos, guests also have access to numerous activities like bird feeding and the longest-running Malagos Interactive Bird Show and Falconry Show.
Travel Hack: If you’re booking accommodations or flights, GGives is the way to go! Eligible GCash users can instantly pay for their travel needs with lighter and more flexible installment options. Choose between 6, 12, or 24 months with zero down payment in over 100,000 merchants, making it easier to book your next domestic or international trip without breaking the budget.
4. Malagos Chocolate Museum (inside Malagos Garden Resort)
Inside Malagos Garden Resort, guests can learn a thing or two about chocolates at the Malagos Chocolate Museum—the first and only chocolate museum in the Philippines.
(Photo: WhenInManila.com)
Aside from discovering the history behind their award-winning chocolates and the hardworking farmers who grow and cultivate their cacao trees, you can also shop their wide range of chocolate products to enjoy or bring home as pasalubong.
Travel Hack: Inside the museum, you’ll find the Malagos Chocolate Lab, where you can create your own chocolate. For P499, you can choose two free toppings (nuts, marshmallows, or dried fruits) and unleash your inner chocolatier as you craft your own sweet treat! Afterwards, enjoy chocolate shopping and pay for your goodies confidently with GCredit — you can pay as low as 10% of your total amount due on the next billing date, with no hidden charges.
5. Marinatuna Seafood Restaurant (Quimpo Blvd, Talomo, Davao City)
Davao is known for its tuna, and it almost feels illegal to visit the city without trying the freshest catch at Marinatuna Seafood Restaurant.
(Photo: WhenInManila.com)
Just a few minutes’ ride from the airport, you can enjoy the restaurant’s wide range of tuna dishes that satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank. For only P315, you can savor a juicy, tender Tuna Belly—likely priced much higher outside of Davao.
Travel Hack: GCredit is your best friend whether you’re shopping for food, paying for transportation, or splurging on pasalubong while traveling. Known as the pre-approved digital credit line from GCash, this feature lets you pay later for your planned (or spontaneous) travel purchases even if your wallet balance is low. Just use it wisely so you can enjoy your trip now and settle your payments later.
6. Annipie (Multiple branches in Davao City)
If you’re looking for a sweet treat or a quaint brunch spot that’s exclusive to Davao, then you should visit Anniepie.
(Photo: WhenInManila.com)
With multiple branches across the city, you can enjoy their classic cinnamon bun with caramel sauce for only P56! Meanwhile, a starter box of 4 cinnamon buns is priced at P218.
Generously topped with sweet cream cheese icing, the dough is extremely light and fluffy—a perfect way to end your meal or a delicious souvenir to bring home as pasalubong. And if you’re short on cash, you conveniently pay for it using GCredit, allowing you to enjoy these treats now and pay later with flexible terms.
7. Alkemi (Door #2, JLMC Building, J. Luna St, Poblacion District, Davao City)
In case you missed it: Davao City is also positioning itself as a go-to matcha destination.
(Photo: WhenInManila.com)
With many up-and-coming matcha spots in the city likely trending on multiple social media platforms, you might feel overwhelmed trying to decide which café to visit first. However, if you want a quiet and intimate space where you can whisk your own matcha, head to Alkemi!
When you see an establishment that specializes in one food item, you know they’re serious about quality. With only a few items on their menu, you’ll feel the intention and craftsmanship as you choose which matcha latte to order. We tried the Kagoshima, which has nutty, umami, and bold flavors—and it certainly did not disappoint. The best part? Whisking your own matcha and sipping it slowly as you indulge in the café’s warm ambiance.
8. People’s Park (Jin Palma Gil St, Poblacion District, Davao City)
If you are looking for a third space to stroll, jog, or sit down and read, People’s Park offers locals and tourists a lush and refreshing atmosphere within the city.
(Photo: WhenInManila.com)
Accessible via taxi or jeepney and just a few-minute walk from other popular tourist spots, the urban park features a children’s playground, a giant durian dome, and a mini-forest where visitors can immerse themselves in greenery. Inside People’s Park, you can also find the National Museum of the Philippines – Davao, a durian-shaped museum that is sure to capture your attention while letting you learn more about the city’s rich history.
9. Longhua Temple (Cabaguio Ave, Davao City)
Davao City also has multiple religious institutions, each with its own unique history. Among these is the Longhua Temple, one of the biggest Buddhist temples in the Philippines and the largest in Mindanao.
(Photo: WhenInManila.com)
A quiet sanctuary within the city, the temple is home to Kung Fu monks and nuns. It also features a beautifully ornate main hall surrounded by palm trees, flowers, and a lily pond. Visitors can take a peaceful walk around the temple grounds while admiring the intricate architecture and serene atmosphere.
Travel Hack: If you don’t want to DIY your trip and prefer guided tours around People’s Park, Longhua Temple, or other local tourist destinations, you can book your tours on Klook via GCash! At the same time, GCredit comes in handy here, as it allows you to pay for your bookings immediately and conveniently, then settle the payment later with flexible terms and no hidden charges.
10. Apo ni Lola Pasalubong Center (14 San Miguel Village, Talomo, Davao City)
Before bidding your bittersweet farewells, don’t forget to stop by Apo ni Lola Pasalubong Center!
(Photo: WhenInManila.com)
Usually busy and crowded, this one-stop shop sells high-quality pasalubong. You can find durian-flavored tarts, yema balls, spreads, hopia, and chips, as well as pies and ice cream that are too hard to resist. Moreover, they also have a wide selection of artisan crafts like refrigerator magnets, keychains, bags, and clothing if you want a pasalubong that will definitely last.
Travel Hack: Stopping over in Davao or staying longer? Apo ni Lola is the pasalubong center recommended by locals for authentic, flavorful durian delicacies that are guaranteed worth every peso.
Throughout our stay in Davao, we were able to explore the city freely and confidently while also feeling safe and protected with GInsure. Offering a wide variety of insurance products to suit your needs, this feature provides reliable and affordable coverage for your trips in case you encounter an emergency or an unexpected travel setback. Among these options is Travel Saver Plus! For only P103 per trip, it covers medical emergencies, delayed flights, and lost luggage. This makes planning another Davao trip easy—just avail it via GCash! All you have to do is tap GInsure, select Travel, and choose Travel Saver Plus.
The ultimate travel hack we discovered in Davao
Indeed, Davao City is a destination you shouldn’t overlook if you’re planning to travel for the holidays or just want a quick getaway in the near future. Despite being an urbanized city, it continues to retain its charm and celebrate its history and culture through traditional destinations, while also keeping up with the times by introducing trendy and Instagram-worthy spots that you should check out.
But here’s the travel hack we wish we knew sooner from our previous trips: maximizing GCash and its powerful suite of features that lets traveling smoother, more seamless, and stress-free: GGives, GCredit, and GInsure Travel Insurance! For booking accommodations and flights, as well as adventure seekers who want to experience new things in Davao, you can pay in installments with GGives–where you are guaranteed zero down payment in over 100,000 merchants. For food and café crawls, pasalubong shopping, or buying travel essentials, GCredit gives you access to a digital credit line of up to P50,000, which allows you to manage your budget more efficiently and plan your expenses in a smarter and more responsible way throughout your trip. Finally, GInsure Travel Insurance offers reliable and affordable coverage for any travel mishaps, so you can just focus on creating new travel memories!
With these tools available at your disposal, planning and preparing for your next trip becomes easier! Whether you’re the kind of traveler who wants to explore every tourist destination or hop on a thrilling adventure, or just the kind of traveler who wants to chill in the hotel and take their time off, GCash will definitely cater to your travel needs while managing your expenses responsibly!
#BorrowWithGCredit #BorrowWithGGives #GInsure
About GCash
GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash’s mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.
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About Fuse Financing, Inc.
Fuse Financing, Inc. is a company that offers simple, affordable, and secure loans in the Philippines. Its primary goal is to enable individuals and small businesses to achieve financial security and growth through various digital lending products. Fuse Financing, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines. It’s also regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Mynt, through its fintech operations, is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.
