characterized by even distribution of climatic elements all year round. Temperature ranges from 15 to 34˚C.Davao City is in the southeastern part of Mindanao and is approximately 946 aerial kilometers from Manila.
On the west, the city’s boundary line cuts through the highest peak in the country, the inactive Mt. Apo at 3,142 meters above sea level. Cascading from the peak and going east down, one sees vast plains, unspoiled forests, fertile valleys, navigable rivers, the sprawling metropolis and world-class beaches facing the Davao gulf.
With predominantly migrant population, the city is a melting pot of cultures where diversities are appreciated and nurtured in a harmonious and peaceful environment. Major languages and dialects in the city are Filipino, Chinese, English and Cebuano.
The city has one of the highest literacy rates in Asia at 98.3%. Its labor force is cited as among the best in the region: educated, easily trainable, industrious, and English speaking.
As Mindanao’s center of commerce, trade, and services, the city’s modern infrastructures and world-class utilities provide viable support to economic activities.
Its urban center is home to quality residential and commercial units complete with modern facilities and amenities at very reasonable prices. Access is fast and easy to utilities such as power, water, landlines and mobile phones with IDD features, cable TV networks, and Internet service providers.
Considered by many as the de facto capital of Mindanao, the City’s strategic position provides accessibility and linkage to the 20 million market of Mindanao and the 51.4 million market of the East ASEAN Growth Area.Davao is a place of perfect balance. It is fast-paced yet relaxed where the luxuries of cosmopolitan living complement the breathtaking beauty of the great outdoors.
Davao City is an investment haven, a place of perfect balance... where business and pleasure blend so well.
| Culture and Heritage |
Easy assimilation is an integral essence of multi-cultural Davao. Being a chartered city, it has grown appreciating differences in culture and tradition by numerous ethnic groups that integrated easily to  the local tribes already present during its infancy as a city. Like most cities in the country, Catholics largely populate Davao. Christian churches and chapels dot the city’s landscape along with some temples, mosques, and other places of worship. Another Spanish influence that remains up to this day is the observance and celebration of barrios (or villages) of the day of their respective patron saint called “Fiesta”. It is in these celebrations wherein  songs, dances and other forms of arts and merrymaking from various cultures have evolved creatively into the sights and sounds of Davao now. Such showcases point to its ultimate climax as the celebration of all celebrations - the weeklong Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival. PLACES TO GO URBAN ADVENTURE: PROMENADE AT THE PARK Peoples' Park (Camus St.) is probably one of the city's most popular recreational destinations visited by both locals and tourists. The City Government-owned and managed park boasts of playgrounds, gardens, water features, walkways, artworks and art installations that depict the diversity of the city's culture. It is also a favorite venue for various art, cultural, social and environmental events of the city. Admission is FREE.Learn more about the city's arts, culture and history at the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography (Insular Village Phase 1, Lanang). Admission Fee: PhP100.00 (adults) / PhP20.00 (students). URBAN ADVENTURE: DISCOVER ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY As the repository of the city's cultural and historical heritage, Museo Dabawenyo (Pichon St.) is a must-see destination in the city. The museum features an Indigenous and the Moro peoples' Galleries, showcasing the city's tribes' colorful arts, culture and way of living; the Memorabilia Gallery, showcasing the artifacts and information from various points of the city's history; and the Nanay Soling Duterte Contemporary Gallery, a hall of changing exhibits showcasing Davao's arts, culture, trade and industries. It also houses the Old Davao Landmarks Gellery, Remarkable Dabawenyo Gallery (Datu Bago Hall), Peace Counts Gallery, and the Bahaghari Art Space. Museo Dabawenyo is also a venue for exhibits, art shows and various educational enrichment activities. Admission is FREE URBAN ADVENTURE: SHOPPING Davao City prides itself in having the most number of malls and department stores this side of the archipelago. Indulge yourselves with hours of shopping and recreation at Gaisano Mall of Davao (J.P. Laurel Avenue), Victoria Plaza (J.P. Laurel Avenue), Gaisano South Citimall (Ilustre Street), NCCC Mall (Matina), Makro (Bangkal) and SM City (Ecoland). Aldevinco Shopping Center (C.M. Recto Avenue) is a favorite bazaar for pasalubong (take home) items of batik garments, brass products, ethnic accessories and souvenir shirts sold cheaper than those in the malls. Souvenir shirts are sold for as low as $2 a piece. Other favorite pasalubong include fresh and candied fruits, orchids and cutflowers, packed frozen tuna, and fresh seafood available in various shops and public markets. URBAN ADVENTURE: ADVENTURE IN LITTLE CHINA The city's own Chinatown, bordered by the streets of Sta. Ana, Ramon Magsaysay and Leon Garcia, is one of the major historical, economic and cultural centers of Davao. Various malls and department stores as well as Chinese restaurants and shops are some of the attractions of this newly created enclave. URBAN ADVENTURE: NIGHTLIFE Davao's lively night scene offers diverse wholesome entertainment and fun destinations such as restaurants, cafes, dance clubs, music lounges, videoke and piano bars. Davao's popular night spots are mostly located in dining and entertainment enclaves such as The Venue (Quirino Ave.), Matina Town Square (Matina), Rizal Promenade (Rizal St.), Victoria Plaza Mall (J.P. Laurel Ave.), Fountain Place (Agdao), Damosa Gateway (Lanang) and Jack's Ridge (Shrine Hill). Favorite night spots of high rollers are the Casino Filipino (Grand Regal Hotel) and Casino Filipino VIP Club (The Apo View) where they spend hours of fun gaming and amusement. EXPLORE OUTDOORS CONQUER MOUNT APO Towering at 10,311 feet, this challenging trek traverses through creeks, ridges and waterfalls with an amazing panorama of rainforest flora and fauna. Scaling the Philippines' highest peak is truly the ultimate in eco-tourism adventure. Climbing season is normally during summer and October. DISCOVER BAGANIHAN Just an hour and a half drive from the city center, Baganihan in Marilog District takes pride in its natural wonders such as springs, caves, waterfalls and mountain trails, and its cultural showcase of the district's indigenous tribes. Baganihan's elevation and cool all-year round weather also make it as one of the city's main sources of various agricultural produce. COUNTRY'S LARGEST CROCODILE Davao Crocodile Park in Ma-a is home to the largest crocodile in the country. Aside from 19-foot reptilian giant, exotic reptiles, mammals and varieties of birds can also found inside the mini-zoo. Animal encounters (where you can have your photo taken with a live crocodile!) and wildlife shows are presented every weekend. The park also has a cultural village and a riverside restaurant. DAVAO CROCODILE PARK entrance fee for as low as $ 1. SOAR WITH THE EAGLES The Philippine Eagle � the country's National Bird � is considered one of the largest eagles in the world. The Philippine Eagle, along with other birds and animals endemic in the region, is sheltered at the Philippine Eagle Center (Malagos). The nature center is primarily a breeding facility for the eagles and temporary home for eagles undergoing rehabilitation. Philippine Eagle Center entrance fee is $1. Learn more about the Philippine Eagle . WATCH BIRD SHOW Watch eagles, hawks, parrots, crows, ostriches and ducks perform astonishing tricks while educating guests about the importance of conserving the environment at the Bird Show in Malagos Garden Resort. The resort is also home to diverse varieties of ornamental flora and orchids, such as the Waling waling. Malagos Amazing Bird Show admission fee is $ 2. SAVE THE TURTLES Situated in the Punta Dumalag peninsula is the Marine Turtle Sanctuary, a 2-kilometer white sand beach where Hawksbill turtles are known to lay their eggs. Manned by Task Force Pawikan Davao, an organization tasked to conserve and protect marine turtles within the territorial jurisdiction of the city, the sanctuary engages in recovery and tagging, as well as the rescue of illegally captured and detained marine turtles. The sanctuary also manages a humble hatchery which yields 93% hatching since it started in 2003. BRAVE THE WILD WATERS Go white water rafting along the winding and scenic Davao River, a three-hour high adrenaline adventure, cruising through 24 challenging rapids from Barangay Tamugan to Barangay Lacson in Calinan District.White Water Rafting rate at $40 per person. FEAST WITH NATURE Rediscover paradise at 2,500 feet above sea level in Eden Nature Park, a 40-hectare mountain resort where you can go trekking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, take the heart-pounding Sky Ride adventure, do a shuttle tour, visit the cultural village, deer reserve and bird park or play with peacocks that roam freely around the property. The resort has a restaurant that serves fresh and sumptuous dishes with ingredients organically grown in the resort's vast fruit and vegetable gardens. Overnight cottage and camping facilities are also available. Eden Nature Park admission fee for less than $4 inclusive of snacks. CHILL OUT BY THE GULF Endowed with an extensive coastline, beach resorts and seaside restaurants dot the Matina, Talomo and Toril shorelines. Davao Gulf is an exciting destination for kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing, jetskiing, boating and fishing. Davao City is also the gateway to the Island Garden City of Samal, famous for its white sand beaches and dive and snorkeling Going to this beautiful region in Mindanao is very easy as it is accessible whether you will be travelling by air, land, or sea.The Davao International Airport, also known as Francisco Bangoy International Airport, is the principal link to the Davao region from other countries and the rest of the islands. It is the busiest airport in Southern Philippines. Philippine Airlines operates two daily flights between Manila to Davao and the same number of flights from Cebu. Likewise, PAL has similar daily flights from Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga. Bourag Indonesia Airlines offers two flights weekly to Davao from Manado and Hong Kong with a stopover at Cebu. From the airport, there are taxis that can take passengers into the city. Hotel pick-up can likewise be arranged. Another alternative is to hire a car if passengers want to drive themselves. How to get to Davao By LandThere are several options for land transportation that passengers can choose in order to get around Davao. Buses are the cheapest mode of transportation. Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned public buses travel to major destinations across Davao. Jeepneys are likewise a popular means of traveling around Davao. They are the cheapest and most convenient way of travelling around the city. Outside the main road, pedicabs or tricycles serves as the mode of transportation. Taxis take passengers from the city and surrounding destinations. Outside Davao’s popular hotels or tourist spots, there are taxi cabs that can be hired. They provide metered service and providing a tip approximately 15 percent of the total fare is common. Taxi cabs come with meters. There are two alternative services in Davao – air conditioned and non air-conditioned service. The latter is a common scene in Davao because of its cool weather and fresh air throughout the city. The former, on the other hand, is the more expensive option but in general the price is affordable. In addition, car for lease is available for tourist. There are several cars for hire operators located at the airport. Aside from that, there are car for rent companies located at offices and major hotels in Davao. |
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