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 harbor, 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 meters) 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 Center. 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 traveling 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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Poblacion District

4/5(98 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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Buhangin

If you're spending some time in Buhangin, Damosa Gateway and SM Lanang Premier are top sights worth seeing.

Buhangin
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Kaputian

5/5(4 area reviews)

Though Kaputian might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Isla Reta Beach and Hagimit Falls.

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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Agdao

While visiting Agdao, you might make a stop by sights like SM Lanang Premier and Tribu K Mindanawan.

Agdao
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Matina

If you're spending some time in Matina, SM City Davao and Davao Golf and Country Club are top sights worth seeing.

Matina
Discovery Samal

Discovery Samal

4.5 out of 5
Limao, Island Garden City of Samal, Samal, Davao del Norte
The price is P16,396 per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
P16,396
P19,348 total
Oct 6 - Oct 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Samal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"Awesome place! The staff and crew of Discovery Samal were amazing. The food they served delicious."

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2025

Discovery Samal
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 People's Park and Aldevinco Shopping ...
7.8/10 Good! (39 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 Feb 11, 2025

Rogen Inn
Davao Airport View Hotel

Davao Airport View Hotel

2 out of 5
C. P. Garcia Hwy, Davao, Davao Region
The price is P1,643 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
P1,643
P2,004 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Maxima Aqua Fun and Zip City are located nearby.
7.2/10 Good! (57 reviews)
"The place is clean Location to the airport very convenient . The only thing is no elevator ."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Davao Airport View Hotel
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.
Davao Central Suites

Davao Central Suites

4 out of 5
JP Laurel Bajada, Davao, Davao
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Abreeza Mall and Upside ...
6.6/10 (6 reviews)
"Not very good"

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Davao Central Suites
Avida Davao by davaobnb & Lemonique Homes

Avida Davao by davaobnb & Lemonique Homes

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 Aldevinco Shopping Center and Roxas Night Market are located ...
7/10 Good! (44 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 May 9, 2025

Avida Davao by davaobnb & Lemonique Homes
Verdon Parc Davao City by darpm

Verdon Parc Davao City by darpm

3 out of 5
Ecoland cor Peacock St, Davao, Davao Region
Stay at this 3-star condo in Davao. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Davao Baywalk and SM City Davao are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"Unit faced the outside the property to local residential side, roosters crowing, dogs barking throughout the day and night. Overall property is very nice with rooftop views and nice atrium at entrance, with seating to relax."

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2025

Verdon Parc Davao City by darpm
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

Things to do

Reviews of Davao

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
65
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
44
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

ImeldaSantos

many places to explore like the Pearl Farm

4/5 - Good

WL

They say Davao is safe but the public transportation drivers don't drive safely. They won't even allow pedestrians to cross.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Safest place there is..

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I just love Davao.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Terrible traffic

4/5 - Good

ET

People were generally nice and accommodating.