Santa Josefa

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Santa Josefa's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival in Santa Josefa
morning
:

Upon arrival in Santa Josefa, get settled into your accommodation and enjoy a traditional Filipino breakfast. Explore the town center and visit local markets where you can find fresh produce and handicrafts. Take a leisurely stroll to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby scenic parks for a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Afterward, visit the local museum to learn about the rich history and culture of Santa Josefa. Engage with friendly locals who can share stories of the town's heritage.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring authentic Filipino cuisine, sampling dishes like adobo and sinigang. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along the town’s main street, where you can enjoy the sight of locals gathered for evening leisure. Conclude your night with a taste of local nightlife at a nearby café or bar.

day 2
Exploring the Natural Wonders
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of the beautiful natural landscapes surrounding Santa Josefa. Visit nearby waterfalls and take a swim in the refreshing waters, enjoying the serene environment. Make sure to capture plenty of photos of the stunning vistas.

afternoon
:

After a morning of adventure, enjoy a packed lunch in the midst of nature, followed by light trekking through the lush forests. Spend time birdwatching or observing local wildlife that thrives in the area. Take a break in a shaded spot to relax and soak in the tranquility of your surroundings.

evening
:

Return to Santa Josefa and freshen up before dining at a restaurant known for its family-style meals. Share stories of your day’s adventures over a communal table as you bond with fellow travelers. End your evening by enjoying live music performances from local artists.

day 3
Cultural Immersion Day
morning
:

Begin the day with an early visit to a local school, where you can experience the Filipino educational system and interact with students. Participate in their morning exercises and receive a warm welcome from teachers and students alike. This experience will provide a glimpse into the daily life of the locals and their values.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon visiting local artisans and learning traditional crafts such as weaving or pottery. Participate in a hands-on workshop where you can create your own souvenir to take home. Engage in conversations with artisans to understand the significance of their crafts in the community.

evening
:

Later, return to the town and immerse yourself in a cultural night featuring traditional dance performances. Enjoy dinner at the venue featuring local delicacies and an opportunity to try your hand at traditional Filipino dances. The night will be filled with laughter and learning as you embrace the local culture.

day 4
Beach Day at Davao Oriental
morning
:

After breakfast, head to the pristine beaches of Davao Oriental, just a short drive from Santa Josefa, for a day of sun and sand. Spend your morning lounging on the soft, white sand or swimming in the clear turquoise waters. Bask in the sun while sipping fresh coconut juice from local vendors.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a seaside lunch featuring fresh seafood and local dishes at a beachfront restaurant. After lunch, engage in water sports such as snorkeling or paddleboarding to explore the vibrant marine life. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal landscape.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, gather for a sunset beach bonfire where you can roast marshmallows and share stories with fellow travelers. Enjoy a casual seafood grill dinner right on the beach while the waves lap at your feet. End your day by stargazing and listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean.

day 5
Adventure in Nature Reserves
morning
:

Start your day with an energizing breakfast before heading to a nearby nature reserve known for its biodiversity. Explore the trails and learn about the importance of conserving the natural environment from knowledgeable park rangers. Keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna along the way.

afternoon
:

After working up an appetite, enjoy a packed lunch in a picturesque setting within the reserve, relishing the peaceful sounds of nature. Participate in activities such as birdwatching or guided eco-tours led by local conservationists. Engage with the team about their efforts to protect the reserve.

evening
:

Return to Santa Josefa and treat yourself to a relaxing dinner at a restaurant celebrating farm-to-table practices. Share your day’s experiences with fellow diners as you reflect on the beauty of the reserve. Enjoy an evening of storytelling or a movie night under the stars if available.

day 6
Culinary Experience
morning
:

Your day begins with a cooking class where you will learn to prepare traditional Filipino dishes with a local chef. Discover the secrets behind local ingredients and techniques that make Filipino cuisine unique. Enjoy a delicious breakfast that you have helped to create.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon exploring food markets in Santa Josefa, trying various street foods and chatting with vendors to learn about their offerings. Join a guided food tour if available to visit several local eateries and taste signature dishes. Don’t forget to sample local desserts and snacks that are a hit among the locals.

evening
:

End your culinary adventure by dining at a renowned local restaurant, relishing the flavors of dishes you learned to cook. Join a food-themed trivia night or cooking competition to engage further with your newfound culinary skills. Share your favorite dishes with other guests and exchange cooking tips.

day 7
Local Markets and Shops
morning
:

Dedicate your morning to browsing the vibrant local markets of Santa Josefa, which are alive with color and activity. Discover unique handcrafted items, textiles, and fresh produce while interacting with vendors. Enjoy breakfast at a market café, sampling local delicacies such as puto or kakanin.

afternoon
:

Continue your shopping adventure in artisan shops, where you can find locally made crafts and souvenirs to take home. Enjoy lunch at a marketplace food stall, where you can savor authentic street food while mingling with locals. Take your time exploring every nook and cranny of the shops for hidden gems.

evening
:

As the day winds down, attend a local artisan fair showcasing crafts, performances, and culinary delights. Engage with artisans and learn the stories behind their crafts while enjoying a casual dinner at food stalls. Wrap up your day by purchasing a few items from the fair as memorabilia of your Santa Josefa experience.

day 8
Leisure and Reflection
morning
:

Spend a leisurely morning enjoying breakfast at a café that overlooks the town, taking in the serene environment. Reflect on your week’s adventures and consider your favorite experiences and learnings. If you're up for it, enjoy a meditative program in a local park.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon visiting local parks or gardens, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Bring a book or sketchpad to relax as you contemplate your time spent in Santa Josefa. Enjoy lunch at a café that celebrates local flavors before continuing your exploration.

evening
:

Spend your final evening at a cozy venue with live local music, a perfect setting to enjoy dinner and reminisce on your journey. Consider writing a postcard or journaling your experiences to share with family and friends. End the night with a sense of gratitude for the experiences and memories made.

day 9
Departure from Santa Josefa
morning
:

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation while soaking in the last sights of Santa Josefa. Take a final stroll around the neighborhood, snapping photos as a keepsake of your beautiful trip. Pack and organize your belongings as you prepare for your departure.

afternoon
:

Spend your last few hours enjoying a leisurely lunch at your favorite spot in Santa Josefa. Engage in light shopping for any last-minute souvenirs to remember your trip by. Reflect on the wonderful memories created as you prepare to say goodbye to the town.

evening
:

Depart from Santa Josefa with a heart full of experiences and memories. On your journey home, reflect on the local culture, new friendships, and the adventures that enriched your spirit. Until next time, keep the spirit of Santa Josefa close to your heart.

Discover Santa Josefa

Read more in our Santa Josefa 2025 Travel Guide.

Santa Josefa Travel Guide