Davao

Davao del Sur, Davao Region

Davao

Durian Capital & Eagle Sanctuary

NatureAdventureWildlifeFood
Best timeMarch - October
Ideal stay4-5 days
Budget / day₱2,000 - ₱4,500
2 days minimum · Relatively dryPhoto by Darwin Frivaldo (Pexels)
Best timeMarch - October
Duration4-5 days
Budget / day₱2,000 - ₱4,500
From Manila1.5-2 hour direct
Plan trip with AI

Overview

The lay of the land

Davao is the largest city in Mindanao and third-largest in the Philippines, known for its safety, cleanliness, and the iconic durian fruit. It's the gateway to Mt. Apo (Philippines' highest peak), home to the endangered Philippine Eagle, and offers pristine island beaches at Samal.

Davao City, officially the City of Davao, is a highly urbanized city in the Davao Region, Philippines. The city has a total land area of 2,443.61 km2 (943.48 sq mi), making it the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area. It is the third-most-populous city in the Philippines after Quezon City and Manila respectively, and the most populous city in Mindanao, in Davao Region, and outside of Metro Manila. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 1,848,947 people.

Read more on Wikipedia

Travel guide

Davao is the largest city on the Philippines' second-largest island, Mindanao. It has a huge land area, and the inhabitants like to think of it as one of the most crime-free large cities in the Philippines.

Get inGet aroundSeeDoEat

Full travel guide on Wikivoyage

Highlights

01

Philippine Eagle Center - see the national bird

02

Gateway to Mt. Apo, highest peak in Philippines

03

Durian and pomelo capital

04

Island hopping at Samal Island

Travel tips

  • Book Philippine Eagle Center visit in advance for feeding time
  • For Mt. Apo, hire accredited guides through tourism office
  • Try durian at Magsaysay - vendors will pick the best for you
  • Davao is very strict on smoking and drinking in public
  • Visit Roxas Night Market for street food experience
  • Samal Island ferry is just 15 minutes from downtown
  • The city is safe - one of the safest in Philippines
  • Kadayawan Festival (August) showcases Davao's harvest and culture

Best time to visit

Recommended monthsMarch - October
SeasonRelatively dry

Kadayawan Festival in August celebrates harvest season

Plan with AI

Ready to explore Davao?

Let our AI help you plan the perfect itinerary.

Plan my trip

What to see

Top attractions

nature

Philippine Eagle Center

Sanctuary for the endangered Philippine Eagle

adventure

Mt. Apo

Highest mountain in the Philippines (2,954m)

beach

Samal Island

Island resort destination with beaches and caves

nature

Eden Nature Park

Mountain resort with gardens and activities

nature

Crocodile Park

Largest crocodile collection in Philippines

landmark

People's Park

Urban park with sculptures and durian dome

nature

Malagos Garden Resort

Chocolate museum and gardens

landmark

Jack's Ridge

Hilltop dining with city views

How to spend the days

Things to do

Activity

Philippine Eagle Center Visit

See the majestic Philippine Eagle

Guide price₱150 entrance

Activity

Mt. Apo Trek

2-3 day climb to the summit

Guide price₱8,000-15,000 all-in

Activity

Samal Island Hopping

Beaches, caves, and marine sanctuary

Guide price₱1,500-3,000

Activity

Eden Nature Park Day Trip

Nature activities and highland dining

Guide price₱600-1,200

Activity

Malagos Chocolate Making

Learn about local chocolate production

Guide price₱150-500

Activity

Durian Tasting

Try different durian varieties at Magsaysay

Guide price₱100-500

Activity

Crocodile Park Tour

See crocodiles and exotic animals

Guide price₱200

Gallery

See it first

Klook Philippines

Ad

Klook Philippines

Discover and book amazing experiences across the Philippines. Best price guaranteed!

Explore Deals

Logistics

Getting there

Nearest airportFrancisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO)
From Manila1.5-2 hour direct flight

Travel options

  • Direct flights from Manila (multiple daily)
  • Direct flights from Cebu
  • Bus from other Mindanao cities
Loading map...

Eat

Local food

Durian

King of fruits - try at Magsaysay Park or Aldeguer

Pomelo

Sweet citrus fruit, Davao specialty

Grilled Tuna

Fresh tuna belly (panga) grilled to perfection

Kare-Kare

Oxtail stew with peanut sauce - try at Marina Tuna

Sleep

Where to stay

Downtown

Close to restaurants and night market

Nightly range₱1,000-5,000/night

Lanang

Near malls and business district

Nightly range₱1,500-6,000/night

Samal Island

Beach resorts across the water

Nightly range₱2,000-15,000/night

Eden/Toril

Mountain resorts with cool climate

Nightly range₱2,500-8,000/night

Start here

Ready to explore Davao?

Let our AI help you plan the perfect itinerary — day by day, around your budget and travel window.

Plan my trip