Davao

Travel Guide

Davao
Davao
Davao
Photo by Sheena Bustamante
Photo by Christine Lariosa

Enjoy the safe,  friendly atmosphere of Davao City and use it as a base to explore the wildlife parks, nature reserves and tropical islands in the surrounding area.

Famous for its fruit farms and laid-back ambiance, Davao City is surrounded by a scenic harbour, lush forests and the highest mountain in the country. Base yourself in Davao and enjoy the wealth of natural attractions on its doorstep. 

Many visitors stop here on their way to climb Mount Apo. At nearly 10,000 feet (2,954 metres) above sea level, this is the tallest mountain in the Philippines. It takes between two to four days to climb, with the views from the top across Mindanao well worth the effort. For those feeling less energetic, you can visit the surrounding national park and marvel at thunderous waterfalls, lively geysers and lush dense forest. 

Animal lovers won’t want to miss the two excellent sanctuaries just outside the city. You can feed fearsome Philippine crocodiles at the Crocodile Park or see the largest species of eagle in the world at the Philippine Eagle Centre. This also contains several other birds, mammals and reptiles in a realistic forest environment. 

Escape to the idyllic Samal Island for a day or two to enjoy diving in the clear warm waters and explore the network of bat caves. Back in the city, you can find out about the area’s complex cultural heritage in the Museo Dabawenyo, which also has a small art collection alongside informative exhibits. 

Internal flights from Manila and Cebu run regularly and buses connect Davao with most other major centers in the country. Once in the city, taxis are the easiest and quickest way to get around. Try travelling like a local and hail one of the many jeepneys. 

The climate is tropical and humid year-round with the most rainfall in the summer, so any time is good to visit. And make sure you try the area’s most famous fruit, the durian. It can be an acquired taste, but is a must when staying in this relaxed and beautiful city. 

Where to stay in Davao

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Buhangin

While visiting Buhangin, you might make a stop by sights like Damosa Gateway and SM Lanang Premier.

Buhangin
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Poblacion District

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Poblacion District, Davao City Hall and Gaisano Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Poblacion District
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Kaputian

Kaputian might not have many top sights, but Isla Reta Beach and Hagimit Falls are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Kaputian
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Talomo District

While visiting Talomo District, you might make a stop by sights like SM City Davao and Davao Golf and Country Club.

Talomo District
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San Antonio

While San Antonio may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like SM Lanang Premier and Damosa Gateway.

San Antonio
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Agdao

If you're spending some time in Agdao, SM Lanang Premier and Mindanao Taoist Temple are top sights worth seeing.

Agdao
Rogen Inn
Rogen Inn
3 out of 5
Mount Apo St., corner Lopez Jaena St., Davao, Davao Region
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Davao. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions SM City Davao and People's Park ...
7.8/10 Good! (36 reviews)
"The property is walking distance to People's Park. There are dine in options that are a must have when you are doing the DIY tour."

Reviewed on 11 Feb, 2025

Rogen Inn
The Daylight Inn Davao
The Daylight Inn Davao
2 out of 5
San Pedro St, Davao, Davao Region
Stay at this hotel in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions SM City Davao and Monument of Peace and Unity ...
7.2/10 Good! (19 reviews)
Work, travel, save, repeat
"Overall it was good experience staying at the Daylight Inn Davao. The room was clean but some corner area has some dust. The shampoo doesn't smell good it was awful luckily I brought my own. When I check in the guard didn't help me at all seeing that I was with heavy luggage."

Reviewed on 1 Feb, 2025

The Daylight Inn Davao
Park Inn By Radisson Davao
Park Inn By Radisson Davao
4 out of 5
J.P. Laurel Avenue, Next to SM Lanang Premier Mall, Davao, Davao
The price is S$172 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$172
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (836 reviews)
"Very convenient location"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Park Inn By Radisson Davao
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Avida Towers Davao Condo
Avida Towers Davao Condo
2.5 out of 5
Avida Towers Davao, CM Recto Avenue., Davao, Davao Del Sur
Stay at this condo in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions SM City Davao and Aldevinco Shopping Center are located ...
7/10 Good! (43 reviews)
Poor condition.
"This place was in a very poor condition. The washing machine didnt work and this was main reason i booked so i could was clothes before next part of my trip. The room was really run down and in a poor state. The room smelt and so did the main corridor outside. They charge 500 php to clean the room ..."

Reviewed on 9 May, 2025

Avida Towers Davao Condo
Rinann's Mesatierra Garden Residences
Rinann's Mesatierra Garden Residences
3.5 out of 5
Ignacio Villamor St, Bajada, Davao
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Popular attractions SM City Davao and Gaisano Mall are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Good place would stay again, the rooms have broken things in them though"

Reviewed on 5 Feb, 2025

Rinann's Mesatierra Garden Residences
Anavada Suites
Anavada Suites
4 out of 5
aplicador st. Buulan St, Davao, Rehiyon ng Davao
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions SM City Davao and Zip City are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Room was very nice and clean."

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Anavada Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Davao

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 31%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 54%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

OK city but nothing special. Friendly people but I was here to visit a friend so I didnt explore too much.

3/5 - Okay

Jen

OK but nothing to write home about. friendy people but just a busy city really.

5/5 - Excellent

Totskie

Not much But I love my birthplace

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice place to visit

4/5 - Good

Eulo

Lovely place to visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I found Davao a very safe place and have no ptoblems whilst I visited.