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Today’s front page, Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Davao City: A perfect tourist destination

Henrylito D. Tacio
August 30, 2015
4 minute read

IN the 1970s, Davao City became known as the “killing fields” of the Philippines, earning the moniker as the country’s Nicaragua. As a result, the rest of the country shunned this once bustling and promising city. But it changed after the 1988 elections. The newly elected mayor, Rodrigo R. Duterte, did an impossible task—that of restoring peace and order of a city that was divided by religion and ideological belief.

“I hold it as an article of faith in the government that there can never be development and progress in any city or province in the country, unless there is stability, unless there is peace and order,” said Duterte, who is rumored to be running as the count ry’s next President.

From being tagged as “Murder City,” Davao City became “one of the most livable cities in th e Asia” (both sobriquets were bestowed by the defunct Asiaweek magazine). Indeed, Davao City has gone a long, long way. Today the city is one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

Most recent visitors who come here describe Davao as a land of exotic beauty and rich culture. “Davao is probably the least exposed of the country’s urban areas, and the most appealing,” contends Gregory C. Ira, a Filipino-American friend who visited the city together with his family. “It’s a great holiday hideaway, what with its lush greenery and exotic wild flora and fauna that contribute to its picturesque view,” he adds.

The de facto capital of Mindanao, Davao is one of the largest cities in the world with a total land area of 224,000 hectares. Its boundaries encompass commercial areas, as well as beaches, mountains and forests. Approximately, it is 7.8 times the size of Cebu and three times that of the entire Metro Manila.

Situated beside Davao Gulf, the city is dominated by the country’s highest peak, the 2,954-meter-high Mount Apo. The dormant volcano is home to tribes, such as Bagobo, Manobo, Mandaya and B’laan, and its fertile rolling foothills are teeming with e xotic fruits, like durian, marang, mangosteen, rambutan and pomelos, as well as the country’s second flower icon, the waling-waling.

If you want to see waling-waling up close, then go to the Malagos Garden Resort in Calinan. Other species of orchids abound, but the resort is more noted for its amazing bird show every Sunday. The show strikes a serious environment note to the audience: Save the birds before they’re gone forever.

One bird that needs t o be saved from extinction is the Philippine Eagle, the country’s bird icon. There are several of them at the Philippine Eagle Center, just 2 kilometers away from the Malagos Garden Resort. Don’t fail to marvel at “Pag-asa,” the very first tropical eagle bred in captivity and hatched scientifically.

If crocodile is your thing, visit Davao Crocodile Park in Maa. This 5.4-hectare mini zoo houses several of the two species of crocodiles found in the Philippines. It is here where you can find the country’s second largest known crocodile—at 18 feet—which is aptly named “Pangil” (Filipino for “fang”). It also houses wild cats, python, turtles, monitor lizard, monkeys and various kinds of birds.

Far from the center of the city is Eden Nature Park and Resort in Toril. This 80-hectare cool mountain resort is a testament to how man’s ingenuity and concern for the environment can create a paradise on earth. At 2,650 feet above sea level, it offers breath taking views of Davao City and the Davao Gulf.

Now, let’s do the tour in the heart of the city. Start at the city hall in San Pedro Street. A few distant walk is the legislative building, whose façade has the famous freedom statue designed by the talented Kublai Millan. Adjacent to the statue is the historic San Pedro Cathedral (built in 1847 during the Spanish period under the leadership of Don Jose Uyanguren, the Spanish conquistador of Davao).

Not far from the Catholic cathedral is the D’Bone Collector Museum (shades of one of those Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C.) in Barangay Bucana. You will be mesmerized to see a 41-foot, or 12.4-meter long sperm whale (which has the largest species of toothed whale). Bones and skeletons of snakes, tarsier, marine turtles, various fish species, different sizes of the mouths of sharks and birds abound.

From there, take a taxi and tell the driver to bring you to People’s Park (yes, its Davao’s counterpart of Manhattan’s Central Park) in Legazpi Street. It’s a place where people gather around, stroll and cross bridges, watch man-made waterfal ls, or sit under the beautiful trees.

Davao comes alive with the celebration of “Kadayawan sa Dabaw” every third week of August, coinciding with the harvest of fruits, flowers and agricultural products. Major thoroughfares are set ablaze with dancing and cheers with the indak-indak sa kadalanan (street dancing), a spectacle of performers in ethnic-inspired garments dancing to the beat of tribal music, and the Floral Float Parade, which features floral and agricultural bounties.

Now, let’s talk about the food. There are plenty of them and visitors have several choices. First of all, try eating the controversial durian, which smells like hell but tastes like heaven. If you hate the smell, then you better drink durian coffee at Java Jive in Quirino Street.

Chicken afficionados can go to Dusk ‘Til Dawn Restaurant and order its most flavorful chicken wing. Enjoy a Filipino dinner al fresco up a hill at Dencio’s Hilltop. Ranchero offers the best baby back ribs in the city. Yes, you can have fresh tuna kinilaw in most restaurants in the city.

Before leaving Davao, don’t forget to visit the Aldevinco Shopping Center in C.M. Recto Street, right across the Marco Polo Hotel. There are pearl inlaid chests, brass cannons, gongs, batik shirts, wrap-around skirts, native cloth and bags. You can always find a little something to bring back home instead of the usual T-shirt.

“It is a city by appearance but a village by heart. It is a city by appearance, but a home by heart.” That is how columnist Rene Lizada describes Davao. In a way, it is!

Madayaw, Davao!

Image credits: Henrylito D. Tacio

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Boost Davao City Tourism: 6 Strategies for Destination Marketing and Visitor Engagement

Table of Contents

Welcome to Davao City Tourism! A vibrant destination nestled in the King City of Southern Philippines, where rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality await eager travelers. To unlock the full potential of Davao City ‘s tourism industry , effective destination marketing and visitor engagement strategies are essential.

In this topic, we will explore powerful techniques specifically tailored for Davao City, allowing you to promote its unique attractions, culture, and experiences, and create unforgettable journeys for visitors.

Crafting a Captivating Brand Identity

A strong brand identity is the foundation of successful destination marketing. In Davao City tourism, highlight its distinct features such as the majestic Mount Apo , the captivating Kadayawan Festival , and the diverse flora and fauna. By capturing the essence of Davao City’s culture, natural wonders, and local experiences, you can create a compelling brand that sets it apart from other destinations.

Leveraging Digital Marketing Channels

Nowadays, many key role to build a power of digital marketing in the Philippines , harnessing the power of online platforms is crucial for reaching and engaging with potential visitors. Utilize digital marketing team, social media platforms, search engine optimization (SEO) , build email listing , captivating website design to showcase tourism in Davao City’s attractions and experiences, and many effective collaboration tools for digital marketing . Engage with travel influencers and collaborate with local businesses to boost the destination’s online presence and entice travelers to explore Davao City. Check out the Art of SEO ‘s post

Showcasing Unique Attractions and Experiences

Davao City is brimming with unique attractions and experiences that capture the imagination of travelers. From exploring the pristine beaches of Samal Island to discovering the wonders of Philippine eagle conservation at the Philippine Eagle Center , highlight these exceptional offerings through captivating storytelling, visually appealing content, and personalized recommendations to pique the interest of potential visitors.

Fostering Authentic Visitor Interactions

Authenticity is key in engaging visitors and creating memorable experiences. Encourage local community involvement by collaborating with artisans, cultural organizations, and local businesses . By promoting sustainable tourism practices and immersing visitors in the local culture, you can foster genuine connections, allowing them to truly experience the soul of Davao City.

Harnessing the Power of Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing has become a powerful tool in destination promotion. Collaborate with travel influencers, bloggers, and content creators who resonate with your target audience and have a genuine affinity for Davao City. By showcasing their experiences and recommendations, you can inspire their followers to visit and explore the wonders of Davao City.

Measuring Success and Adapting Strategies

Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing efforts using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as visitor numbers, engagement metrics, and feedback from visitors. Analyze the data to gain insights into what is working and identify areas for improvement. Adapt your strategies accordingly to ensure continuous growth stories and business success in promoting Davao City as a top tourism destination.

With its vies for tourism boost , rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Davao City has immense potential to become a thriving tourism destination. By implementing strategic destination marketing and visitor engagement techniques, you can unlock this potential and attract travelers from around the world. From crafting a captivating brand identity to leveraging digital marketing channels and fostering authentic visitor interactions, Davao City is poised to leave a lasting impression on every traveler’s heart. Let the beauty and charm of Davao City tourism shine as you embark on an exciting journey to boost tourism and create unforgettable experiences.

Davao City: History, Sights and Excursions in the Largest City in Mindanao

by Melvin | May 19, 2020 | Blog | 3 comments

Davao City is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the Philippines. The geographic location on the sublime Mount Apo , the largest mountain in the Philippines, and the Gulf of Davao is a strong argument for visiting Davao. Hardly any other city has as many green and forest areas as in the largest city in Mindanao. And not just across the Philippines, but worldwide.

The population consists of an interesting mix of Christians, Muslims, Chinese, Japanese, members of old Filipino tribes, Indian medical students and expats from all over the world. And the sights, excursion destinations and recreational opportunities in Davao are varied and give a lot.

Davao City would certainly be one of the most popular cities in the Philippines for travelers – if it weren’t for the numerous travel warnings for the island of Mindanao, which many consider dangerous.

Third Largest Metropolis in the Philippines

Davao City is home to over 1.5 million people (possibly even two) and is the third largest city in the Philippines after Manila and Cebu in terms of population.

The area of the metropolis in the southeast of Mindanao consists of no less than around 2,500 square kilometers. In terms of area, Davao City is one of the largest cities in the world.

Cebuano / Visaya is the main language spoken in Davao . The original languages and dialects of Davao are only mastered by minorities.

The Roman Catholic denomination is by far the largest religious supporter in Davao with over 80 percent. Smoking is strictly prohibited in many places. Just like the use of fireworks and firecrackers.

Huge Plantations in Front of the City

In front of the gates of the city you can get a good picture of the tremendous fertility of the region: giant banana, coconut and pineapple plantations can be admired there.

Davao is also known for durian (the fruit with a strong smell), mangosteen and pomelo. Those who love fruits are in good hands in Davao, the “Home of Durian”. Fruit stands and markets are plentiful here.

There are some tourist attractions. I have lived here 8 years. With the exception of Samal Island, they are not interesting. Traffic is the biggest problem. Ruthless drivers that follow no rules make the roads a misery. Before the pandemic, the beaches, like Vales Beach were fun. They have been closed since March 2020. Recycling is almost non existent. Davao has great potential. If it finishes the coastal Highway and the pandemic ends. Otherwise it cannot compete with Bohol.

I’ve lived in Davao all my life but i find the attractions in Bohol more interesting

I am a Dabawenyo concurrently based in Peel Region, Ontario, Canada. I may agree with the statement of Judd, that traffic woes is getting worst, signed of growing population. But with road and drainage improvement works are completed, the renovated widened streets will soon rise and become orderly. PUJ’s jeepneys will be phased out from the main thorough fare; and will be replace by Rapid Transit Hi Bred Bus System; the point to point pick up and drop off only system. Soon some by pass road networks are to be completed; with Davao Coastal Road that open fastest travel in and out the city. It is built with multiple Esplanade where people can spend there time with family and friends, after the Pandemic phenomenon. Some major streets are looking excellent and tidy with wirings from electric cables and telcos going underground. Another major solution to traffic is the Davao By Pass Road a 45.5 kms. from Santa Cruz, Davao Del Sur passing through the longest tunnel of almost 3 kms. existing in J.P. Laurel in Panabo City, Davao Del Norte. If by comparison that Davao City, is way far away from Bohol, maybe in 5 to 10 years time, Davao City is the Center of Trade and Tourism. The Mount Hamiguitan Maouhtain Ranges, home to the large Bonsai Forest of roughly 500 hectares will be some point of destinations, including Nature’s Spring and Water Falls. More Beaches are also develop around Davao Region. Davao City LIFE IS HERE. We are also proud to enjoy, the 2nd Best Water in the World.

Philippines’ Leading Tour Operator Nominee

Kapwa Travel as Philippines leading tour operator

Davao City: 80 years in the making

(Editor’s Note: As a fitting gift to Dabawenyos and others who care to know, Edge Davao presents this incisive and factual article by Antonio V. Figueroa, researcher, historian and author, on the saga of Davao as Mindanao’s premier city.)

Before Davao’s elevation to cityhood, it had 88 years (1848-1936) of experience made complicated by two colonial periods with conflicting views of the region’s potentials. The Spaniards, focusing mainly on proselytization and Catholic catechism, left little in terms of developing administrative skills in running the pueblo . Piety, more than management ability, was priorityzed. In education, memorization was more prepared than critical thinking.

Though the Americans introduced secular education and Protestantism, the United States and Spain’s perspective on the Moro and tribal opposition to foreign domination was similar. Without enough superior firepower, Spain failed to control the Moros while the US was unable to contain the struggle for self-autonomy of the Moros, which resulted in genocide and mayhem. The same colonial perspectives were also introduced in Davao town, differing only in their approaches.

Under US rule, the city’s economy was under foreign control. This was so because the colonists adopted a capitalist policy that allowed any enterprise with money to invest. With the creation of the Commonwealth preparatory to the granting of Philippines independence, power, transport, pier, and communication became tools of progress that hastened the city’s growth.

What triggered the creation of Davao into a city was attributed to the increasing Japanese influence in the local economy. As the world demand for abaca grew, so were the profits of the Japanese who held lands through dummies. Conscious the trend would make Davao the milking cow of aliens, Davao Rep. Romualdo C. Quimpo, on March 16, 1936, filed House Bill No. 609, which sought the creation of Davao as a chartered city. It was later passed and signed into law by President Manuel L. Quezon as Commonwealth Act No. 51.

Ruins and liberation (1937-1947)

Though the first mining venture in Davao started as early as 1933, Mineral Exploration and Development, a pioneering firm, launched its initial exploration a year earlier. This was followed by Davao Gold Mine, with original claims of the Hijo area, which started gold production in 1940, a year before World War II broke out.

The arrival of war negated the city’s improvements. Commercial areas were flattened, roads linking to interior regions were eviscerated by aerial bombs, power supply was totally wiped out, population centers devastated, and nearly every trace of a city on its way to becoming an economic leader in Mindanao disappeared.

With the last smoke of conflict gone, Davao Light and Power Company, Inc., despite its flattened structures and damaged machinery and equipment, was revived in 1946. The Aboitiz family took over as new owner from its American investors. This was the first positive sign the city was slowly dusting off itself from the nightmare of war that literally destroyed its central business district as well as the population centers in the countryside.

Rise from the ashes (1948-1957)

In the next few years, the national government, in an effort to bring back normalcy to the lives of veterans and those who lost their loved ones in the conflict, opened Davao region, in particular, to migrants, and allowed logging, which was instrumental in opening jobs and increasing tax revenue for the local government. On the side, the distribution of alienable and disposable lands saw the influx of migrants and, by extension, the strengthening of the informal business sector which catered to the manpower sector.

Mining did not return until 1955 with the operation of Samar Mining Company, which harvested gold from its Masara mines. Later, North Davao Mining Corporation joined the Hijo exploration. More ventures later participated in the mining industry, capped by the future discovery of the Diwalwal gold rush. The rise of mining was significant on two points: first, the companies sourced for their industrial needs from suppliers in Davao City; and (ii) the gold rush that affected Compostela Valley encouraged the Bangko Sentral to open a branch in the city.

During this period, the revival of the abaca plantation also took a positive turn. Demand for the hemp cord in the world market was on the rise, especially for maritime and naval uses. To consolidate his interests, Don Antonio Floirendo Sr. founded the Tagum Development Corp. on December 20, 1950. Two years earlier, on April 14, 1948, he established the Davao Motor Sales to address the automotive needs of the city.

Also in 1948, the San Pedro Hospital was opened under the management of nuns. Five years later, Apo View Hotel, owned by the Pamintuans, became the first high-rise billeting facility in the city. Indonesia, on December 17, 1953, opened its consular mission in Davao City, focusing mainly on trade and economic engagements.

The positive atmosphere that followed the city’s liberation also saw the rise of new Filipino entrepreneurs who invested in schools, radio broadcasting, and newspaper publication. It was from this period that the oldest media outlets (dxAW, Mindanao Times, and Mindanao Mirror) and post-war educational institutions (Mindanao Colleges, Rizal Memorial Colleges and San Pedro College) were founded. Other economic disciplines later joined the investment bandwagon.

Rise of establishments (1958-1967)

During this period people were introduced to names like Vergara Food Products (dealer of retail monosodium glutamate or vetsin, which also excelled in repacking sundry products for distribution to rural areas), NAMARCO (National Marketing Corporation), NARIC (National Rice and Corn Administration, the forerunner of National Grains Authority), and Luc Tian Restaurant (an iconic Chinese resto at Santa Ana street).

Mall-type establishments also sprouted, which gave Davao residents stores like Me Hang Supermart (where Avon is at C. M. Recto Street), the four-story Magno’s Department Store Usa Department Store (with its iconic deer logo), Mahunit Department Store, Lima Department Store, Lila Department Store, Davao Superette, Gift Mart, Three Sisters, Tung Chong Grocery, and Farmacia Pascual, to name just a few.

Gobbled in the 1964 conflagration that reduced blocks of San Pedro street and Magallanes street into ashes, the largest fire in local history, included movie theaters Lyric, Universal and Gems, Liberty Barber Shop, Vera Cruz Hotel, Brokenshire Hospital (where new Grand Men Seng Hotel now stands), and Loleng’s Refreshment Parlor.

More significantly, the decade also saw the development of San Pedro, Claveria (now C.M. Recto), and Oyanguren (now Magsaysay) streets as an expanded central business district, including sections of Monteverde and Tomas Claudio (Quirino) streets. Adding positive impressions to the city’s growing economy were the rise of numerous hotels and new sectarian institutions managed by religious congregations.

The decade will be remembered as the time when interest in banana appreciated following the collapse of abaca hemp in the world market after the invention of plastic-based cords. Investors scoured Compostela Valley to engage private landowners to enter into long-term contract with them, triggering a rise in the cultivation of once-abandoned lands into banana plantations.

As population grew and the economy started to show positive indicators, public works and infrastructures provided an added boost to the city’s growing trade and commerce. Some of the local politicians, using their connections and clout, were also instrumental in bringing to the city a bigger share of the national budget.

The first long-haul planes did not arrive in Davao City until May 6, 1966. Philippine Airlines introduced in Davao its twin-engine BAC 111, which were also used for inter-regional flights. This was the go-signal the city was now going international.

Plantations and military rule (1968-1977)

The rise of banana plantations in Davao region also became the backbone of insurgency in some places. Although the activists focused their ideology more on socio-economic issues that dated back to the early post-war years, especially agrarian reform concerns, the abuses committed during the Marcos regime became the wick that drove anti-government sentiments in the countryside. With the involvement of student leaders from state universities, the struggle to bring down the government became emotional.

The consequence of insurgency in Davao City was devastating. Business, some of them victims of rebel extortions, transferred location, and entrepreneurs who feared for their lives resettled elsewhere. Even the usually vibrant and resilient nightclubs, had their share of deflation which, in some cases, translated into prostitution for the displaced women. Job placements were sparse, and the entry of new investors was deterred by the unsettling peace and order.

Still, Davao City’s economy survived as it remained the central warehouse for commodities needed by people coming from the provinces, especially canteens feeding the basic commodities of the laborers. Even the rebels used the city as center of procurement on top of being transformed into a hotbed of insurgency. The rise of retail stores was observable given its role in a consumerist’s society but it was only this sector that thrived mostly because they were spared from the ‘revolutionary taxes’ imposed on flourishing industrial firms.

Of course, the establishments which made Davao City their permanent hosts continued with their usual activities. Within the city proper, their stability against threats was secured by the presence of law enforcement agencies. After all, the rise of insurgency affected mostly areas known for their informal settlers and in predominantly. Things, especially in business and investment, were not steady.

Alsa Masa and gold rush (1978-1987)

With the fall of despotism, there were significant political events that eventually resulted in the rise of popular advocacies against the Marcos administration. Aside from convening of the regular Batasang Pambansa in 1978, the government lifted martial law in 1981, and called for a snap election in November 1985.

But there were three other important developments that impacted the social, economic, and political fortunes of the city. With the rise of Alsa Masa, an anti-communist movement, public trust on the government appreciated. Known safe houses of rebel communists were raided, and insurgent leaders involved in summary executions ended their careers fatally. In nearly every village within the city proper the rise of Alsa Masa communes became palpable.

The opening of the Diwalwal gold rush in 1983 provided a spectacular window of opportunity for Davao City and the entire region. Though the discovery had only direct impact on host communities, the influx of migrants in mining areas provoked a stronger socio-economic influence. As an outcome, the city became the indisputable source of supplies, basic commodities, equipment, and a host of other exigencies that fueled the vibrancy of mining communities.

The mining at Diwalwal also roused interest by discovering new potential gold rushes. As a result, more gold mines, developed mostly by small-scale miners, sprouted in many towns of Compostela Valley Province. This positive development, interestingly, provided the Bangko Sentral the idea to open a branch in Davao City for its gold-mining and banking initiatives. And with the rise of new lending institution outside banking, its arrival was well timed.

An incisive look into the city’s eight-decade saga

The collapse of the Marcos regime in 1986 opened the floodgates to democratic changes. High-profile Davao personalities who fought the dictatorship found themselves trashed to the limelight, appointed to national offices, providing an affirmative note to the political direction of the city. As a consequence, insurgency retreated to the mountains, giving the city a breathing room to regain what it lost in terms of peace and order.

The fall of the dictatorship also resulted in other positive results. New investments were coming in, and residents who secured shelter elsewhere when insurgency was at the height threatening even in the urban center, had started coming back. Academic population and retail business were registering good results, and business enthusiasm was visible in the expansion introduced by local establishments. Even transport traffic was slowly gaining with the rise of car acquisition.

In general, there was a dramatic improvement in way people see the city after the so-called People Power revolt. At night, there was the rise in the number of drinking pubs as there was growth in the opening of new accommodations. With optimism going up, new banks and other lending institutions made their presence felt. This was influenced in part by the gold rush affecting many towns north of the city and the strong demand for jewelry, appliances, and cars.

Going international (1988-1997)

1988 is an important year in the city’s history. Rodrigo Duterte, a former city prosecutor, was elected mayor. His elevation to the mayoralty would rewrite Davao’s socio-political direction, and with it the attendant economic uplift borne by the impressive peace and order the city leadership had strongly pursued. As the crime index nosedived, the investments registered positively on the graphs.

Davao City, in 1994, got its biggest boost when it became a central player of a geopolitical, borderless trading alliance, the BIMP-EAGA, which opened Mindanao to the world and made it the gateway to Southeast Asia. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia and the Philippines East ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Growth Area.

The economic triangle, first proposed in December 1989, links three regions with coherent aspiration to promote a trade arrangement. The idea is to establish economic linkages and create an agenda of coordinated public and private development efforts that would combine industrial expertise, technology, infrastructure and services

It was President Fidel V. Ramos who proposed the idea to create an East ASEAN Growth Triangle to Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during an official visit in January 1993. The concept proposed that the provinces in East Indonesia (east and south Kalimantan, entire Sulawesi, Manado City and Maluku), East Malaysia (states of Sabah and Sarawak), and southern Philippines (the island of Mindanao and the province of Palawan) would comprise the new economic deal.

A month later, Davao City launched “Invest in Davao” in partnership with the financial backing of the Philippine Exporters Confederation of Region XI and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). To add muscle to the initiative, City Ordinance No. 2269, the “Davao City Investment Incentive Code,” was approved in 1994. That same year, the city hosted its first-ever international business gathering, the East ASEAN Business Conference and Exhibits (EABCE), at the Bangko Sentral building, with over 1,000 visitors in attendance.

Two and a half years thereafter, through Executive Order No. 36, “Invest in Davao” became an investment promotion unit of the city, and in August 1999, it was renamed Investment Incentive Board. In September 2010, its jurisdiction was transferred to the city mayor.

As an offshoot, the Davao Integrated Development Program was conceived in 1994 to enhance the EAGA concept. Its formal creation, though, did not happen until January 26, 1995 when a Manifesto for Unity and Development was signed by local chief executives from Davao City and the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental.

The first visible signs of BIMP-EAGA in Davao was the US$50-million resort investment of Samal Casino, the country’s first integrated resort development and the first blue-chip EAGA project to come out of the region. The idea was hatched in early 1993 during President Ramos’ state visit to Malaysia. As a complimentary gesture, on December 11, 1995, Malaysia became the second member of ASEAN to open a chancery in Davao City.

Going sky high (1998-2007)

Two significant events welcomed the decade. First, five-star Marco Polo Hotel inaugurated its 18-story structure in 1998, a year after the financial crisis hit Southeast Asia, making it the first skyscraper in Davao. That same year, Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s second flag carrier, made its maiden flight to Davao, which was later expanded in May 2005 with the introduction of an Airbus A320 to cater to the expanding Davao market.

The building of the tallest edifice in Mindanao created excitement and positive reviews. This was the key that led to rise of new sky-hogging achievements that were unheard of, especially from a foreign investor. Later, locally funded hotels and mixed-used structures followed suit.

As an offshoot of BIMP-EAGA, new players joined the positive economic landscape enveloping the city. Air Philippines, a subsidiary of PAL, and Asian Spirit (renamed Zest Airways, Inc.) took to the skies as budget players, followed by SeaAir and later by Mid-Sea Express.

In July 2002, Darwin, Australia-based Air Frontier announced its plan to launch passenger and cargo flights between Davao City and Darwin. On November 29, 2006, Jakarta-based Sriwijaya Air used Boeing 737-200 in opening its Davao-Manado route, then served by Merpati Airlines. Royal Brunei Airlines and Eva Air of Taiwan also made exploratory flights to Davao, but never opened regular routes. Singapore Airlines, through its Silk Air, and Malaysian Airlines also made weekly flights to and from Davao, but the returns were below expectation.

On November 17, 2001, the city got first huge mall. SM City Davao, built on 13.2 hectares of land situated at Matina area, was inaugurated.

Dizzying investments (2008-2017)

With the seed of investment safely ensconced, BIMP-EAGA earned for the city the sobriquet “the gateway to Southeast Asia.” With international accolades coming in from global publications, ratings houses, economic observers, and tourists, Davao became “one of Asia’s most livable cities,” in large part due to its impressive peace and order condition.

Homegrown New City Commercial Corp. was among the pioneers to test the waters by building its first supermall at Matina. Although the Cebu-based Gaisano firms had been in the city since the 1970’s, their contributions during this time diversified into real estate and hotel. Another Cebu outfit, Felcris, opened the first chain of convenience stores, followed by HB1 (Health and Body in 1), an NCCC subsidiary. SM (Shoemart) and Robinson’s, with no prior investments, eventually joined the economic euphoria. Later, modern billeting edifices such as Royal Mandaya, Seda, Ritz Hotel, El Bajada, Pinnacle, Tune, Felcris Centrale, and Grand Men Seng, to name a few, would forever change the landscape and skyline of burgeoning city.

But these inroads were only part of the surge of bigger investments that would flood the region. On May 12, 2011, Ayala Corp. and Davao-based Anflo Management and Investment Corp. inaugurated Abreeza Ayala Mall, a P5-billion three-story ultra-modern shopping mall sprawled on a four-hectare area within a 10-hectare commercial complex along Bajada district. In the complex, the Gokongwei-owned Robinsons Mall, costing P800 million to construct, sits on a separate four-story commercial edifice.

That same year, SM Investments Corp. announced the construction of a new 204-room hotel in Lanang, a new business district south of the city. The project, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, a first in the Asia-Pacific region, operated by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation; it was built within the mixed-use complex, beside SM Premier, the second SM mall in Davao, and the SMX convention center. The mall opened on September 27, 2012.

Even Sta. Lucia Realty, one of the premier and prestigious developers in the country, was not one to be left behind. Over a short period, it built middle-class and high-end subdivisions, among them the Davao Riverfront, South Pacific Golf and Leisure, Las Palmas Verdes, Valle Verde, South Grove Davao, and Ponte Verde.

The rush to join the investment mania in Davao City further escalated. On May 30, 2013, the 34-story Aeon Towers, a P3.1 billion mixed-use facility owned by FTC Group of Companies, broke grounds at Bajada. The following month, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority granted accreditation to Matina IT Park, costing P100 million for use in call center operations. It is the sixth PEZA-recognized outfit in the city after Lanang Business Park, Felcris IT Park, Pink Walters IT Building, Ambiente Teleservices, and HAI Global Services.

To address the growing demand for power supply, the Aboitiz conglomerate, a leader in energy development, jumped in to fill the vacuum. From plant-based generation, it diversified to hydroelectric projects. In 2014, it announced that Therma South Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp., was building a P24-billion coal-fired power facility in Davao.

On the other hand, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., an investment company, unveiled a P40-billion investment in Davao which included a low-cost housing initiatives and a Star Mall shopping complex in its 50-hectare Cerritos project in Mintal district. Not wanting to be left behind in the investment race, Megaworld, a pioneering builder of urban towns and the country’s largest office developer, announced in 2014 the building of its P15-billion Davao Park District in partnership with the Dakudao family. The undertaking, its tenth township, is now rising on an 11-hectare property at Dakudao Loop, erstwhile known as Lanang Golf and Country Club.

Torre Lorenzo Development Corp. was also bullish with the Davao’s property scene as it unveiled its multi-billion peso investment plan to invest P4 billion for three high-end projects in partnership with Thai hotel chain Dusit International, by developing the provincial Dusit Thani Residences, dusitD2 Hotel and Lubi Plantation Resort as luxury accommodations.

More airlines were also coming. Aside from the revived Bouraq Indonesia Airlines, which was already serving the Davao-Manado route, on June 7, 2012 Wings Air, a subsidiary of Lion Air, a Jakarta-based airline made its maiden flight to Davao from Manado. The following year, MASwings, a regional airline firm, made it s maiden flight to Davao via Kota Kinabalu.

Tiger Airways, a Singapore Airlines subsidiary, made an attempt to compete with the domestic low-budget players but its Philippine operation was eventually sold to Cebu Pacific. In 2012, the Filipino-Malaysian consortium Air Asia Philippines joined the expanding domestic airline industry from its base at Clark in Pampanga.

With this development came the throng of banking institutions establishing branches in the city, among them old players and newcomers that include Maybank, EastWest Bank, and Asian United Bank. This was made more evident when its former mayor, Rodrigo Duterte, became the country’s 16 th president in the 2016 national elections.

In the field of foreign affairs, other friendly countries also opened their diplomatic missions, managed by honorary consuls from Davao, among them the Czech Republic, Republic of Palau, Spain, Mexico, Denmark, Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Serbia.

Today, Davao City is the heart of business process outsourcing (BPO) in Mindanao, next to Metro Manila and Cebu City.

Revisiting Davao as a Livable City: A Phenomenological Study

2014, Social Science Research Network

Over time, the effect of urbanization has given rise to a number of developments making city a better place to live in. With this, economic growth and social change may lead to people’s understanding of their socio-economic status which is sometimes can be attributed to income, wealth and prestige. This study aimed to revisit Davao as a livable city based on the responses of people’s experiences as well as their understanding on the concept of livability. This study used descriptive-phenomenological design using mixed methods. The respondents were categorized based on their length of stay as well as those who were transient residence and visitors of this city employing content analysis. Findings showed that the awards, distinctions and attributes are valuable assets of the City as these can be a proof that the city is doing its best to attain its goals in improving people’s economic and social conditions. With the leadership qualities of the leader through the Mayor, ordinances and policies are strictly followed and implemented without creating a negative image of his character. Public safety is a must so that quality of life is achieved and people may be assured of their life-satisfaction. Like any other city, satisfaction on the availability of facilities, amenities and visual and aesthetics attractions are necessary in tourism as it is like a crowning glory of the city because it gives people a total experience. Thus, making a city a livable place to live in depends upon the satisfaction of people they get from it. But quality of life still relies on the subjective interpretation and appreciation of people because condition of people is a subjective reality. And to be objective, one must see quality of life or life-satisfaction as normal human and social processes.

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Quality of urban life is one of the most important fields of urban studies in different countries which have multiple components of the social, environmental and economic. Because of its role as an important tool in the management and planning of urban and generally determine the habitable of cities, attention to this index has been increased in cities. The present research follows Evaluation and analysis of citizens' satisfaction with the quality of life and its impact on urban development (The case study: the city of Khash). The research methodology is descriptive-analytic and is based on the library and field investigation as questionnaire. The results of investigations showed that the constituent elements of environmental quality in both studied areas, although with slight differences, are similar. It was also specified that although citizens' satisfaction with the quality of the environment isn't desirable, but new residents are more satisfied than the old residents. 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DAVAO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE: Things to do, Budget, DIY Itinerary, Places to Stay and More

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2019 Travel Guide to Davao City for First-time Travelers

Table of Contents

Davao City offers so much more than the Durian fruit, Mount Apo, and the Philippine Eagle. It comes with a good mixture of both manmade and natural attractions that are constantly being visited by foreign and local tourists. It is also among the safest and largest cities in the country and is usually made the gateway to other beautiful places in Mindanao.

In this Davao City Travel Guide blog, we listed helpful DIY Davao travel tips and advice on how to get there, get around, great activities, restaurants, best hotels, tour packages and more.

Important Facts

Davaoeño Cebuano, a sub-variant of Mindanao Cebuano, is the most widely spoken language in the city and its satellite cities and towns. English is the medium of instruction in schools and widely understood by residents. Aside from Davaoeño Cebuano, Davaoeño Chavacano and Mindanao tribal languages such as Tagabawa-Bagobo, Manobo-Bagobo, and Mandaya are also spoken, as well as a localized form of Tagalog.

Best time to visit Davao

The rainy/wet season in Davao is between May and October , during which time the summer monsoon brings lots of heavy rain to the area. The best time to visit Davao is during the dry season which is between December and February when there is less precipitation and the weather is colder.

How to Get There

You can fly into Davao City from Manila, Clark, Palawan, Caticlan, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod or Zamboanga. There are around 20 flights every day that ply the Manila-Davao route, which takes around 90 minutes.

Also Read: AirAsia Introduces New Flights from Davao to Clark, Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay

Via Boat/Bus:

Another popular way to visit Davao City is by taking a boat ride (P980 from Cebu via TransAsia) to Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental then taking a 7-8 hour bus ride (P600) afterward.

How to Get Around

From the airport, Davao City downtown proper is a mere 15-minute ride. Metered taxi cabs and car rentals are available at the airport. Once in downtown proper, public transportations like jeepneys are very accessible to get around the city. If going to the provinces, there are integrated van and bus terminals conveniently located at the different malls including SM City Davao, Victoria Plaza, and Gaisano Mall. The Ecoland Bus Terminal also has a variety of bus companies that can take you to various locations in the region.

Festivals and Events in Davao City

Kadayawan festival.

Its name derives from the friendly greeting “Madayaw”, from the Dabawenyo word “dayaw”, meaning good, valuable, superior or beautiful. The festival is a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living. It is held every third week of August.

Araw ng Dabaw

Araw ng Dabaw (every March) is an annual month-long event in Davao City in celebration of its charter anniversary.

Where to Stay

My hotel davao.

This humble hotel is about 2 minutes away from a bus stop and 7 minutes away from People’s Park. They boast of wooden floors, cable TV and hot and cold showers. Their cafe also serves American, continental and Filipino breakfast although this is not included in their room rates. Air-conditioned room prices are from P800 to P1800 while fan rooms are available at P250 per night.

Book via Agoda Address: San Pedro Street, Davao City

Green Windows Dormitel

Green Windows is the ultimate backpacker accommodation. If you love traveling solo, you can avail of a bed at their dorm type room for just P188 per night. They also offer rooms for families and barkadas traveling in a budget with room rates starting at P1608 a night.

Book via Agoda Address: 5F FTC Towers, Mt. Apo Street, Davao City

Ponce Suites

This gallery hotel offers a different kind of stay in that its rooms are filled with paintings and sculptures by local artists. It is located 20 minutes from the Davao International Airport and about 10 minutes from the Abreeza Mall. Room rates start at P975 a night.

Book via Agoda Address: Corner Road 3 and 4, Doña Vicenta Village, Davao City

Seda Abreeza Hotel

Located adjacent to the Ayala Abreeza Mall, this urban lifestyle hotel is located right in the heart of the city’s commercial district. It also has a pool, a lounge, a restaurant and even a fitness gym.

Book via Agoda Address: Abreeza Ayala Business Park, JP Laurel Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City

Royal Mandaya Hotel

This mid-range hotel is just a few minutes’ walks away from the Davao City Hall, the People’s Park and the Museo Dabawenyo. It is popular among business travelers and offers free parking, shuttle buses and airport transportation and a business center.

Book via Agoda Address: Palma Gil St., Poblacion District, Davao City

Marco Polo Davao

This luxury hotel is located right in the heart of Davao City’s business and commercial district. It is located around 20 minutes away from the Davao International Airport and is close to city attractions. Also Read: Experience the Heart of Davao at Marco Polo Hotel

Book via Agoda Address: Claro M. Recto Street, Davao City

Where to Eat

Penong’s bbq.

Considered as the number 1 barbecue house in Davao, Penong’s has not opened its doors to opening other branches in the country which is why it is a must to get a taste of their specials when you visit the city.

Jack’s Ridge

When it comes to dining in Davao City, another well recommended place is Jack’s Ridge, which does not only offer a great dining experience but also boasts of among the best views of Davao City and the Gulf.

Another Davao City treasure is Lachi’s, which boasts of mouthwatering desserts including the Sans Rival and cheesecakes. They also serve meals including Chinese pork belly, laing, callos and many more.

Popular Attractions

Philippine eagle center.

Want to see the national bird of the Philippines? Located around 45 minutes away from the city center, the Philippine Eagle Center is operated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to conserve the famous bird and its habitat. Entrance fee is at P150.

The best way to get here is to take an air-conditioned L300 to Calinan (P40) then a habal-habal or tricycle to Philippine Eagle Center.

Also Read: Davao City: Home of the World’s largest Eagle

Address: Baguio District, Calinan-Baguio-Cadalian Road, Davao City

Malagos Garden Resort

If you have more time to spare, you can also visit the Eagle Center’s next-door neighbor, the Malagos Garden Resort. The place is best known for its orchid garden but they also hold regular bird shows to entertain guests of all ages. You can check their complete rates here .

Also Read: Davao’s Famous Malagos Garden Resort

Eden Nature Park

Eden has all sorts of adventure for the nature lovers. For starters, they have a mini zoo and a mini playground but you can also join in for a tour around the 80-hectare property full of more than 100,000 pine trees, most of which were planted by hand. Other attractions include the SkyCycle, SkySwing, and SkyRider.

Address: Bo. Toril, Davao City

GAP Farming Resort

GAP has all sorts of concrete statues that showcase the Filipino culture. Upon entering the resort, you will be welcomed by a huge carabao and farmer statue. The whole place is huge, with a swimming pool and a playground, and you can find busts of the Philippine presidents and other great Filipinos. It also has a short Japanese tunnel at the bottom of the hill. Entrance is at P50 for the resort and P10 for the tunnel.

Address: Green Meadow, Maa, Davao City

Davao Crocodile Park

If you want to check out crocodiles, tigers, butterflies and the Tribu K’Mindanawan, you should not forget to visit the Davao Crocodile Park. They also offer animal petting, crocodile feeding and different types of shows that are sure to entertain guests both young and old. Entrance fee for adults is at P250. Read more about Davao Crocodile Park .

Address: Gadi Road, Talomo, Davao City

Japanese Tunnel

A longer and bigger Japanese tunnel is this one located in a resort. The tunnel has served as the hideout of the Japanese soldiers and their belongings during the Second World War. Entrance fee is at P50 per person. Read More about Davao Japanese Tunnel

Address: AH26, Talomo, Davao City

People’s Park

If you want to kill time in the city center, you can also hang out People’s Park for free. Founded in 2007, it is a sprawling 4-hectare property featuring more than 1,000 plant species coming from all over the world.

Address: Palma Gil St., Poblacion District, Davao City

Museo Dabawenyo

Looking for another free thing to do in Davao? Well, check out the city’s colorful history when you visit the local museum, Museo Dabawenyo. Here you will get to know more about the different Muslim groups in Mindanao as well as the political history of Davao.

Address: Andres Bonifacio Rotunda, Poblacion District, Davao City

D Bone Collector Museum

If animal bones intrigue you, a visit to D’ Bone Collector Museum is a must. This place boasts of more than 700 specimens of bones, skulls, and skeletons — among the biggest in the country! The museum is actually owned and curated by American Darrell Dean Blatchley who has spent more than half of his life in Davao City.

Address: San Pedro St., Poblacion District, Davao City

Davao Museum of History and Ethnography

The Davao Museum holds hundreds of artifacts and artwork created by ethnic groups in this region. Through this museum, Davaoenos and all Filipinos are able to preserve and protect remnants of their important historical heritage. Read More: The Davao Museum: Davao’s Little Cultural Gem

Address: Zonta Building, 113 Agusan Circle, Insular Village 1, Lanang, Davao City Phone: (082) 233 1734

Shopping in Davao City

Aldevinco shopping center.

Pasalubong Shopping in Aldevinco Davao City

Address: Claro M. Recto Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur

Aldevinco is the best place to buy local handicrafts, products from Mindanao and other Southeast Asian Countries like Batik Malong and other imported clothing.

Magsaysay Local Fruits Stands

Location: Magsaysay Park Davao City

A famous place to buy local fruits like Durian, Pomelo, Mangosteen, and Marang.

This Davao City Travel Guide is a work in progress article 🙂 We will constantly update this post as soon as we have new details to add. Please feel free to suggest new things to do, places to see and food to try in Davao City by posting a comment below. Thank You!

Originally Published: October 9, 2016 Updated: July 25, 2018

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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Firms’ Location Selections and Regional Policy in the Global Economy pp 267–280 Cite as

City Development in Emerging Economies: The Case of Davao City in the Philippines

Arianne Dela Rosa Dumayas 2

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Globalization and decentralization are two phenomena that have been significantly altering the spatial pattern of growth and development in many countries. Globalization has brought about a ‘world of cities’, wherein cities are becoming more influential in international economies and politics. The wave of decentralization has swept through many countries in response to growing international competition and to stimulate local development. Using the case study of Davao city in the Philippines, we attempt to analyze the policies and strategies undertaken to manage the challenges of globalization and decentralization. While the primacy of the capital Metro Manila remains, other cities and metropolitan areas are converging rapidly, most notable of which is Metro Davao. At the forefront of Metro Davao is Davao city, which is located far from the capital but is one of the most competitive cities in the country. This study also discusses the development of cities in the Philippines.

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Dumayas, A.D.R. (2015). City Development in Emerging Economies: The Case of Davao City in the Philippines. In: Ishikawa, T. (eds) Firms’ Location Selections and Regional Policy in the Global Economy. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55366-3_15

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Davao City Prepares for More Visitors as Tourism Industry Booms

Last Updated on July 15, 2019 by

Davao City, the most populous city in Mindanao, and the third most populous in the Philippines after Quezon City and Manila expects to draw more visitors over the coming years as its tourism industry continues its rapid growth.

Davao City Tourism Officer Regina Rose Tecson said they are targeting 2.8 million arrivals of both local and foreign tourists this year, higher than the nearly 2.4 million tourist arrivals in 2018.

According to Tecson, Davao City’s positioning as an enjoyable and safe destination to visit is boosting tourism, in addition to the support of residents in promoting it through social media. The opening of new international airline routes that connect the city to different parts of the world, such as Hong Kong and Xiamen, has also helped tourism growth.

The Allure of Davao City

Davao City has a lot to offer to tourists, starting with the presence of the country’s national bird, the Philippine Eagle, which is endemic to the area. The majestic creature may be found in the Philippine Eagle Center, where tourists can see them up close as part of educational tours.

Tourists may also hike up Mount Apo, which rises to 9,692 feet as the highest mountain in the Philippines or go on the skycycle or skyswing in the Eden Nature Park for an ultimate experience of adrenaline rush. Visitors looking for a more relaxing atmosphere may get their beach fix at nearby Samal Island, or enjoy a picnic beside the cascading Aliwagwag Falls.

Another major tourist attraction in Davao City is its food. Known as the “Fruit Basket of the Philippines,” the city’s fertile soil and good weather throughout the year allows it to yield bountiful harvests of mango, mangosteen, durian, pomelo, banana, and many more. Davao City is also famous for its barbeque stalls and seafood restaurants, all of which use the freshest ingredients.

Perhaps the most endearing feature of Davao City, however, is the honest and hospitable people. The attractions will draw interest from tourists, but the people are the reason why they keep coming back.

202 Peaklane Set to Take Advantage

The growth of tourism in Davao City is showing no signs of slowing down, and one real estate developer looking to take advantage of this is Anchor Land.

202 Peaklane. Photo via Anchor Land

Anchor Land is developing 202 Peaklane, a two-tower, 28-story residential condominium positioned to elevate the standards of living in Davao City. The structure is set to rise along C.M. Recto Street, within one of the busiest and most progressive areas in the city.

202 Peaklane promises to offer residences and amenities equipped with future-ready features, targeting businessmen, students, expatriates, starting families, and even tourists who will look for short-term accommodations at the heart of Davao City.

202 Peaklane will offer the Lifestyle Suite, a studio unit with two double deck beds; the Premium Suite, a hotel-like unit with two twin beds; and the 2BR Family Suite, a two-bedroom unit with generous living spaces. All units may prove to be profitable rental opportunities for those who will invest in Anchor Land’s first project outside of Metro Manila.

Read our previous journal for more features on local real estate.

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Davao gets ready to build a ‘livable, smart’ metropolis

CHANGE FOR THE GOOD The changing skyline of Davao City, captured in this photo taken in February 2021, indicates its continued rise as the economic center of Mindanao. It is now at the center of the proposed 20-year master plan that will transform the city and its neighboring Metro Davao towns and cities into a livable metropolis. —GERMELINA LACORTE

DAVAO CITY, Davao del Sur, Philippines — Economic planners are targeting a livable, smart, and resilient Metropolitan Davao in the 20-year comprehensive and sustainable master plan to be formulated here with the assistance of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

On Friday, the Philippines and Japan signed the technical cooperation project (TCP) for the drafting of the 20-year master plan that would rationalize the development of Metro Davao’s component cities and towns and will connect them to the growth centers.

National Economic Development Authority (Neda) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the formulation of the Jica-funded master plan would be crucial as the document would serve as an economic blueprint for the development of Metropolitan Davao, an area that includes the urban corridor stretching from Digos City in Davao del Sur to Tagum City in Davao del Norte. It will also connect the growth centers that include Mati City in Davao Oriental, Maco in Davao de Oro, and Malita in Davao Occidental.

The master plan, Balisacan added, would transform Metro Davao “into a livable area with lots of opportunities for people of Davao, Mindanao and especially the young generation.”

“Without a master plan, without clear study, we cannot envisage a good impact after the completion of the projects. I believe that the masterplan for Metro Davao is a very important milestone,” said Jica Philippines Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto, who signed the agreement with Balisacan, representing the Philippines, in a ceremony witnessed by Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa and Neda Undersecretary Abad Santos.

The study will take 18 months to complete and is targeted to start in January next year.

All on board

Maria Lourdes Lim, Neda director for Davao Region, said the Regional Development Council endorsed TCP to the Neda central office last year, which was eventually coursed through the Department of Foreign Affairs and the government of Japan.

According to Lim, the local governments of the cities and towns of Metro Davao had agreed to work together in areas of development planning, transport, traffic, waste disposal, flood control and sewerage management, land use planning, urban protection, pollution control and public safety, which include the formulation and implementation of programs that would enhance their preparedness and resiliency.

Lim said the Metro Davao local government units “have been on board in this process from day one and we hope that they will still fully engage as we implement this TCP.”

Arthur Milan, the Davao RDC chair, said the master plan will inform development planners and policy makers on their moves to develop Metro Davao and to identify areas where there still needs to be addressed.

“Without a plan we would not know where we are going. Master planning comes in so we can have a holistic approach to development,” he said.

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Eden Nature Park and Resort: A Paradise Reborn

Eden Nature Park and Resort in Davao City was named after the famous biblical garden for a number of good reasons. This blissful place is a fantastic getaway because its serenity and tropical forest atmosphere can definitely relieve anyone’s stress from the pressures and noise of the busy city—within the city. Whether you want to meditate alone or enjoy a retreat with your family and friends, you won’t miss your own quiet spot here because this nature park is very large to accommodate everyone.

Eden Nature Park and Resort - Davao City

Aside from escaping the city stress, it also lets you escape Davao’s downtown heat. With a high altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level plus blanketed by lush green plants and towering trees, this place is so chilly that the log cabins don’t have any air conditioners—just electric fans. Our long way up here took plenty of turns where we’ve seen a lot of ravines at the edge of the road because of its mountainous slope.

Exploring Eden Nature Park and Resort

We arrived at Eden Nature Park before eight o’clock in the morning because our plan is just to have the 8:30-10:45 AM guided shuttle tour. While waiting for the shuttle, after paying the entrance fee, we roamed around the reception area and had a quick visit to its souvenir shop. Close to it is the Vista restaurant and the valentine chair which has a heart-shaped metal skeleton. This gets decorated with flowers on special occasions.

Our shuttle finally arrived and we were given a warm greeting by the tour guide. There were other shuttles lining up later for other guests. The shuttle’s size is just right because it’s very flexible enough to get through some narrow roads inside the resort. Our tour guide was spontaneous in explaining every tourist spot very clearly and cracks some jokes occasionally. She’s also kind enough to take some of our group pictures.

Vegetable Garden

Along the way, we passed by their very own vegetable garden. We can see how fresh and well taken care of the lettuces and tomatoes are which makes eating a vegetable salad in their restaurant a delight. We later stopped in their rainbow garden to have a quick view of the whole amphitheater-style field and have a short stroll around it. On its opposite section is the Prayer Garden. A well-crafted statue of St. Francis of Assisi and a birdbath was erected there. I believe this is the section of the park with the most variety of colorful flowers.

Eden Nature Park Prayer Garden - Davao City

Native Houses

Our next stop was the Balai-Kalimudan which is also a Datu’s House . “Balai” means “house” while “Kalimudan” means “join together.” A Datu is a tribal leader. Given the definition of the words combined, this seemingly typical native house is actually an all-around community hall where weddings are held, disputes are settled, datu rituals are performed and tribal matters are done. Like the White House and Malacanang Palace where the presidents reside, this house also serves as the tribe leader’s house.

A bigger statue of a strong-looking man with a spear can be found near the Datu’s House. The statue has the label Bagani which is the local term for tribal warriors. Miniature statues of people wearing varying clothes showcase the colorful culture of Mindanao’s indigenous people. There’s a miniature waterfall with the name Tinubdan which means a spring of wisdom.

Tinubdan Map Eden Nature Park - Davao City

Local Culture

We later came across to another native hut which has a carabao statue pulling a cart behind it. These showcase a typical native lifestyle of most Filipinos prior to western colonization. Swinging in a hammock as a way to relax during siesta time after a hard and tiring day of plowing the fields is a favorite by most Filipinos. The wishing well perhaps symbolizes how the Filipino culture is rich in superstition which varies in every region.

There are actually a lot more fun things to do in this resort, like fishing in its Fishing Village, horseback riding, swimming, camping, watching a Tinubdan-Langub show and daring yourself to challenge your fear of heights in their SkyRider . With all our fun experiences in just a short time, we recommend adding a visit to Eden Nature Park and Resort to your list during your trip to Davao City.

Eden Nature Park and Resort

Sales and Reservations Office Matina Town Square McArthur Highway, Matina Davao City , Mindanao , Philippines Tel. Nos: +63 82 299-1020, +63 82 296-0791 Fax: +63 82 299-0313 Mobile No.: +639189307590 E-Mail: [email protected]

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