Things To Do
in Davao
Davao is a sprawling, multicultural city on Mindanao in the southern Philippines, known for its clean streets, abundant fruit (especially durian), and proximity to both mountain wilderness and coastal islands. It sits in the shadow of Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest peak, and serves as a gateway to nature activities like hiking, diving, and island hopping. The city blends modern malls, night markets, and carefully maintained parks with strong local traditions and a reputation for relative safety.
Davao's food scene highlights fresh seafood, regional Mindanao flavors, and fruits you may not find elsewhere in the country.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the San Pedro Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Davao. Admire its stunning architecture and the peaceful ambiance that surrounds it. Afterward, take a short walk to the nearby Rizal Park, where you can enjoy the lush greenery and learn about the country's national hero.
Head to the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, sampling traditional Davao delicacies such as sinigang or durian shakes. In the afternoon, stroll through the bustling streets of the city center, exploring local shops and markets for unique souvenirs.
As the sun sets, dine at a popular restaurant known for its fresh seafood and local dishes. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Davao by visiting a local bar or café that features live music. Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk along the waterfront, taking in the night views of the Davao Gulf.
Set out early for an adventurous hike to Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines. Join a guided tour that will take you through lush forests and scenic trails, immersing you in the beauty of nature. As you ascend, keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna that call this mountain home.
Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the scenic viewpoints during your hike, taking a moment to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes. Continue your trek, experiencing the thrill of reaching higher altitudes and witnessing panoramic views. Capture stunning photographs of the surrounding valleys and mountains that will last a lifetime.
After a rewarding day of hiking, return to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest. Treat yourself to dinner at a local restaurant that serves traditional Mindanao cuisine, savoring the flavors of the region. Reflect on the day's adventure under the stars, perhaps sharing stories with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-50 |
| ☕Coffee in a café | $1.50-3.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to both mountain (Mount Apo) and island/beach activities (Samal Island).
- Fresh seafood, tropical fruit (durian, pomelo) and thriving local food culture.
- Relatively safe and clean for a major Philippine city with friendly locals.
- Good regional airport and modern amenities (malls, hospitals, resorts).
- Hot, humid climate for much of the year.
- Public transport beyond the city center can be slow or complex for first-time visitors.
- Limited late-night club scene compared to Manila or Cebu for party-seekers.
- Remote areas and some trails require careful planning, permits and guides.
- "Maayong adlaw" - Good day (Cebuano)
- "Salamat" - Thank you (Cebuano/Tagalog)
- "Palihug" - Please (Cebuano)
- "Asa ang CR?" - Where is the restroom? (Common Tagalog/Cebuano mix)
- "Magkano ni?" - How much is this? (Tagalog)
- "Pwede ko magkuha og litrato?" - Can I take a photo? (Cebuano)
Places to Visit in Davao
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful sculptures, landscaped gardens and modern public art—great for candid street and architectural shots, especially in the golden hour.
Elevated viewpoint over Davao City offering sweeping panoramas at sunrise/sunset; city-lights photos work well after dark.
White sand beaches, clear water and small island scenery perfect for seascapes, sunrise shots and underwater photography while snorkeling.
Botanical displays, orchids, butterflies and cacao farms that provide colorful macro and nature photo opportunities.
Iconic mountain silhouette; approach photos from foothill towns or lookouts if not attempting the multi-day climb.
Street-food ambiance, neon lights and busy market scenes for vibrant night photography and candid food shots.
Food in Davao
Davao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The region’s famous pungent fruit available as fresh flesh, shakes, candies and pastries—try at fruit stalls near Roxas Avenue or specialized durian stores.
Must-Try!
Fresh raw fish or seafood cured in vinegar, citrus and spices; often found in seaside restaurants and markets like Bankerohan and Seaside market stalls.
Heavily favored in Davao due to plentiful tuna—order at local seafood restaurants or grill houses around the port and markets.
Davao pomelo (suha) is large and sweet; buy fresh from markets or try desserts and salads that incorporate it.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling traditional market where you can find fresh seafood, fruits (durian, pomelo), and cooked-food stalls selling kinilaw, grilled skewers and local snacks.
Evening street-food hub with affordable grilled meats, seafood, desserts and souvenir stalls—great for sampling many small bites in one spot.
Small vendors and eateries offering local snacks, Chinese-Filipino dishes and desserts popular with residents and tourists alike.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show courtesy to older people—using formal greetings and polite language is appreciated; the 'mano' (a gesture of respect) may still be practiced in some households.
Dress modestly when visiting rural communities, mosques or conservative neighborhoods; remove shoes when entering private homes if the host indicates.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially indigenous community members or during religious events.
Filipinos often use indirect or polite refusals; be patient and smile—openly confronting or criticizing can be considered rude.
Safety
Tipping in Davao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping isn’t compulsory but appreciated; in restaurants a 5–10% tip for good service is common when service charge isn't included. For drivers, guides and porters small cash tips are customary.
Cash is widely used (Philippine peso). Major hotels, malls and some restaurants accept credit cards; mobile wallets like GCash and PayMaya are increasingly accepted. Bring cash for markets, tricycles and smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with relatively lower rainfall—best for island hopping, beach activities and Mount Apo climbs in the cooler months toward December–February. Expect holiday crowds around Christmas and New Year.
More frequent heavy showers and occasional thunderstorms; still many clear days but plan flexible schedules for outdoor activities and watch for canceled boat trips.
Davao is south of the main typhoon belt and experiences fewer direct hits than northern Philippines, but the region can still see heavy rains and localized flooding—check forecasts during active storm periods.
Davao at Night
Hiking in Davao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The Philippines’ highest peak, offering multi-day treks, diverse ecosystems and challenging climbing routes—permits and guides are required.
Local mountain and waterfall hikes closer to the city suitable for day hikes; trails vary in difficulty and may require a local guide.
Short, well-maintained trails inside a cool highland resort ideal for easy walks, birding and short nature treks.
A distinctive peak south of Davao (in South Cotabato area) that offers serious hikes with impressive views—access often arranged from Davao or General Santos.
A series of accessible falls and pools on Samal Island—popular for day trips, swimming and photography.
Airports
How to reach Davao by plane.
Main airport serving Davao City with domestic flights to Manila, Cebu and other Philippine cities plus some international services; about 15–25 minutes from downtown by taxi depending on traffic.
Located in General Santos City, roughly 2–3 hours by road from Davao depending on route—useful for connections or if visiting southern provinces.
Manila’s main international gateway; common connecting hub for international travelers flying into Davao via domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Make up a large portion of the urban population and speak Cebuano (Bisaya) as a common lingua franca.
Indigenous peoples with distinct cultures, crafts and traditions in upland and rural areas near Davao.
Muslim families and communities live in and around the region, contributing cultural and culinary diversity.
Chinese-Filipino business communities and newcomers from other parts of the Philippines create a multicultural urban mix.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide and heavily played and watched in Davao at community and collegiate levels.
Boxing, MMA and martial arts training are popular, with local gyms producing competitive athletes.
Swimming, snorkeling, diving and island water activities are common around Samal and nearby coastal areas.
Traditional regional sports like sepak takraw and growing interest in football are also present in community leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Davao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can find vegetable stews, rice, grilled vegetables and fruit easily; however many local dishes use fish sauce or shrimp paste—ask staff to omit these and specify ‘walang isda’ (no fish).
Vegan options are more limited but possible in cafés and some restaurants; carry a translation note for no dairy/eggs and be explicit about fish sauce and shrimp paste commonly used in Filipino cooking.
Davao has Muslim communities and some halal dining options—look for halal-certified restaurants or ask about ingredients; seafood is widely available and suitable for many Muslim diners.
Ingredient labeling is uncommon at markets; always mention allergies in simple English or Cebuano/Tagalog terms and prefer established restaurants for certainty.