Davao City, modern metropolis bursting with life, verve and color, located in a land area of
244,000 hectares touted as the world’s largest in land area. This city, teeming with a
vibrant populace, is bustling hub of commerce, education, tourism, arts, culture and
wellness in Southern Philippines.
Situated in a typhoon-free zone with a dynamic, able support from the local government and
harmonious synergy of a multi-cultural and multi-lingual peoples from different indigenous
tribes, Muslims communities, migrant settlers and a large expatriate community, make this
cosmopolitan city conducive for business, investments and tourism.
Getting Around
The Davao International Airport service flights from major points of destinations in the
Philippines, including the cities of Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod and Zamboanga as well as
direct flights from Manado (Indonesia) and Singapore, connecting Davao virtually to the
world.
Air travel from Manila to Davao is approximately 90 minutes by plane. Travel time by sea
takes three days from Manila North harbor to Davao's Sasa International Wharf while land
travel via the scenic Pan-Philippine or Maharlika Highway takes around 42 hours.
The new Davao International Airport is a mere 15-minute ride from downtown Davao.
Metered taxicabs and car rentals are readily available. Flagdown rates is P30.00 for aircon
taxis and P26.00 for non-aircon taxis. Minimum fare for jeepneys is P7.00 per person.
Time zone is GMT +8 hours.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Davao Region, designated as Region XI, is one of the regions of the Philippines, located on
the southeastern portion of Mindanao. Davao Region consists of four provinces, namely:
Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. The region
encloses the Davao Gulf and its regional center is Davao City.
Region XI was originally called Southern Mindanao, and in addition to the three Davao
provinces also included Surigao del Sur and South Cotabato. At that time, Compostela
Valley was still part of Davao del Norte. Republic Act No. 7225, ratified on March 16, 1992,
created the province of Sarangani from South Cotabato. Then, Republic Act No. 7901,
signed on February 3, 1995, by President Fidel V. Ramos transferred Surigao del Sur into
the newly created region of Caraga (Region XIII). Finally, on September 19, 2001, President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Executive Order No. 36 reorganized the regions and provinces in
Mindanao. This moved South Cotabato and Sarangani to SOCCSKSARGEN region and
renamed Southern Mindanao as Davao Region.
Political Divisions
Davao Region is subdivided into 4 provinces and Davao City.
Component Cities: Digos City (Davao del Sur), Island Garden City of Samal (Davao del
Norte), Panabo City (Davao del Norte), Tagum City (Davao del Norte).
CHECK OUT THE NIGHT SCENE
Davao's night lively night scene is an adventure in itself with its diverse fun and wholesome
night activities and destinations. A fun-filled fusion of various after-dark action in videoke
and piano bars, dance clubs, music lounges, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Davao's favorite night spots are conveniently located in popular dining and entertainment
enclaves such as The Venue (Quirino Avenue.), Matina Town Square (Matina), Rizal
Promenade (Rizal Street), Victoria Plaza Mall (J.P. Laurel Avenue), Station 91 (C.M. Recto
Avenue), Fountain Place (Agdao), Damosa Gateway (Lanang), Jack's Ridge Resort and
Restaurant (Shrine Hill), among others.
Or opt for a night of chance and test your luck the Casino Filipino (Grand Regal Hotel) or at
the Casino Filipino VIP Club (The Apo View Hotel).
The perfect climax to your night? A cup of rich and creamy durian coffee in the metro's coffee
shops and cafes. But of course, you can extend your crazy party hours until the wee hours of
the morning.
EATING OUT
Eating out is just one of the many favorite pastimes of the Davaoeños. More often, you
would hear them say "mangaon 'ta!" (let's eat!) or even discuss about the next meal while
dining. It is because food is cheap, fresh and mouth-watering in this city known for its
abundance in seafood and farm-fresh bounties.
Never miss to sample local specialties such as inihaw na panga (grilled tuna jaw), inihaw
na bihod (grilled tuna roe), crispy buntot ng bariles (tuna tail), chicken barbecue grilled the
Davao way, and of course, the ubiquitous kinilaw (raw tuna or blue marlin strips marinated
in coconut vinegar, soy sauce, chili and other local spices), served with puso (hanging rice)
and an interesting dip consisting of soy sauce, coconut vinegar, calamansi (Philippine
lemon) and local spices.
You can also find numerous selection of Filipino, Thai, French, Italian, Chinese,
Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and other foreign cuisine in various restaurants around the
city, making Davao City a truly exciting place for dining.
TRAVEL BITS (DAVAO CITY)
WANDER AROUND
Suggested itineraries to complete your Davao experience.
Around the metro…
Experience the daily grind of the locals as you stroll along San Pedro Street. You can find
the City Hall, City Council and San Pedro Cathedral, the city's largest church, along this
thoroughfare. You can also take a break and savor durian at the nearby Durian Park (Bolton
St.). Get a glimpse of Davao's culture and history as you witness our local tribes weave
beautiful fabrics at the T'boli Weaving Center (Waterfront Insular Hotel), and see how the city
progressed through time with a visit to the Davao Museum (Insular Village). Take a trip back
to another era at the Japanese Tunnel & Restaurant (Balusong-Matina). Then make a
stopover for fresh fruits at Bankerohan Public Market.
Bounties of Nature...
Enjoy a day with nature in our fascinating countryside. Visit the Philippine Eagle Center
(Malagos), Malagos Garden Resort (Malagos), Crocodile Park (Diversion Road, Ma-a), GAP
Farming Resort (Diversion Road, Ma-a), High Ponds Resort (Toril), and Eden Nature Park
(Eden, Toril). See how our premium tuna products are packed and shipped at the Davao
Fish Port Complex (Toril). On your way back to the city center, make a brief stop at Lola
Abon's Durian Factory (Matina) for durian confections you can take home.
Shop, shop, shop…
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. Other favorite "pasalubong" include fresh and candied
fruits, orchids and cutflowers, packed frozen tuna, and fresh seafood available in various
shops and public markets.
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