Visited Davao again a few weeks ago and stayed there for a month and a lot of friends are asking me how to go around the city and what places to visit.So I created this sample itinerary to help friends who are hesitant to go to Davao not just because its far from Manila, but they think it might be expensive to go here.
Not only it is the home of our current president Rodrigo Duterte, Davao City is known for its cleanliness and for being one of the safest city in the country. Its easy to go around as there are lots of public transportation you may choose from and people are so friendly.
How to get there:
Flights from Manila and Cebu are available through airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia.
Where to Go:
Jack’s Ridge
Jack’s Ridge is a popular destination for dining and recreation, it offers a great view of the city. This was said to be once a part of the Japanese forces headquarters.
>>> You may ride a cab from the city proper, just tell the driver to bring you to Jack's Ridge, fare is around Php 150.
>>> You may also ride a jeepney bound to Matina/Bangkal/Ulas and drop off at crossing Shrine Hills, fare is Php 8-15. Once in the crossing, ride a tricycle to bring you to Jack's Ridge.
A major tourist destination in Davao which is a sanctuary and protects the endangered Philippine Eagle. It is also a home for other birds, mammals and reptiles. It might be a bit far from the city center as it takes an hour to go here, but its worth it. It's also cheap to but souvenirs here aside from the pasalubong center in people's park.
Entrance Fee: Php 150 for adults, Php 100 for children
>>>From Bankerohan, take a van to Calinan, fare is Php 40. From, Calinan, take a tricycle or habal-habal to the center. Click Here
Blessed with white sand beaches and interesting underwater marine resources, this is something you shouldn't miss. There are resorts in the island if you want to stay overnight but there are also boats that can tour you around the island.
>>> There are boats in Sta. Ana wharf going to Samal island, most of the resorts in the island provides a boat transfer, or if you're going on a day tour island hopping, there are private boats you may rent here as well.
>>> For cheaper option, you may choose to take a passenger boat that will bring you to Samal Island and just do an inland tour by hiring a habal-habal
People's Park
This is the most popular park in the city at the heart of Davao. A 4-hectare tourist attraction is a perfect place for relaxing and enjoying recreational activities with your family and friends.
>>> From Davao International Airport, you may take a taxi (Php 150) or jeepney (Php 15). People's park is located at J. Palma Gil streets in the city center. Click Here
One of the most visited tourist spot in Davao City. Aside from being a home for crocodile, they also have other animals here such as birds, snakes, tigers, ostrich and reptile.
>>> From the City Center, you can take a Jeepney bound to Buhangin (Php7) and tell the driver to drop you in the corner of the Diversion Road where the Habal-Habal (motorcycle for hire) are located. From there, take a habal-habal that will bring you directly to the park (Php20 - Php40). Click Here
This museum features various tribes of the Davao region and handicrafts, instruments and information about their way of life. FYI, cameras are not allowed to be used inside the museum.
>>> This is just a walking distance from the People's park.
