Davao

Urban Coastal Beaches Riverfront

Population: 1 million

Best Season to Visit:

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: September–October

Famous For: Eagle Point, Philippine Eagle sanctuary, Durian fruit (the 'King of Fruits'), Samal Island beaches, Apo Reef diving, Crocodile Park, Malagos Garden Café, Mindanao's cultural diversity, Kadayawan Festival

Train Access: No

Bus Access: Yes (Ceres Bus Terminal operates regional bus services; local jeepneys and minibuses provide city transit)

Davao City, located on the island of Mindanao, is the Philippines' third-largest city and serves as the gateway to the southern region. The downtown area centers around San Pedro Cathedral and the Rizal Park waterfront promenade, where locals gather along the Davao River. The city's most iconic natural landmark is Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest peak at 2,954 meters, accessible via the Sibulan trailhead for multi-day climbing expeditions. The Jack's Ridge area offers panoramic city views and sunset spots, while the Philippine Eagle Center on the outskirts houses the country's national bird in a conservation facility. Neighborhoods like Poblacion feature colonial-era architecture and local restaurants, while the Lanang commercial district contains modern shopping centers and dining establishments. The Davao Crocodile Park showcases Philippine wildlife in a sprawling facility near the airport. Street food culture thrives at the Bankerohan Public Market, where vendors sell fresh tropical fruits, seafood, and local delicacies like grilled fish and barbecued meat skewers.

VRBO Vacation Rentals
Learn More

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.

VRBO Vacation Rentals

Planning Your Trip to Davao

Weather: Davao has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and high humidity. The city experiences relatively consistent weather with a dry season from June to September and a wet season from October to May.

Festivals: Kadayawan Festival (August), Araw ng Davao (March 16)

Best Things for Kids to Do: The Davao Crocodile Park features saltwater crocodiles, Philippine eagles, and other reptiles in a large open-air facility with feeding demonstrations and photo opportunities. The Insular Aquarium in the Lanang area displays local marine species and freshwater fish in themed tank exhibits. The People's Park in the Bajada district has playground equipment, walking paths, and open green space for families. The Museo Dabawenyo in the Poblacion showcases Davao's cultural history through artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits focused on indigenous Lumad heritage.

Hidden Gem: The Eden Nature Park and Butterfly Sanctuary, located in the Calinan district outside the city center, features native forest trails, a working butterfly garden, and a small zoo with Philippine endemic species. The park remains largely unknown to international tourists despite offering genuine biodiversity experiences and peaceful walking paths through regenerated forest habitat.

Accessibility: Davao is relatively accessible for older people, with many attractions offering paved pathways and the city itself having a good network of taxis and public transportation.

For the Runner: The Rizal Park waterfront promenade along the Davao River provides a flat, paved 2-3 kilometer running path with city views and regular foot traffic. The Jack's Ridge area has uphill running routes with varying terrain and elevation gain leading to scenic overlooks. The Lanang commercial district features sidewalks suitable for running, though traffic congestion during peak hours requires caution.

Restaurants in Davao

Davao offers a diverse dining scene with a mix of local Filipino cuisine, international restaurants, and seafood specialties reflecting its coastal location. The city has numerous casual eateries, mid-range restaurants, and upscale dining options, though fine dining choices are more limited compared to Manila. Local favorites include fresh seafood dishes and regional Mindanao specialties.

Where to Stay

Davao's accommodation landscape ranges from budget guesthouses in the Poblacion district to upscale beachfront resorts in nearby Samal Island. Mid-range hotels cluster around the Lanang and Bajada areas near shopping centers and business districts. The city has limited ultra-luxury options compared to Manila or Cebu, but several international-standard properties serve business and leisure travelers.

Best Hotels: Marco Polo Davao is located in the Lanang district overlooking the Davao Gulf, featuring a casino, multiple restaurants, and a spa with modern ameniti

Dog-Friendly Hotels: Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Seda Abreeza Davao, The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases

Davao

Planning Your Trip to Davao

Restaurants in Davao

Where to Stay

Recommended Reading