Manuroyta!: Davao City

September 16, 2011

Davao City

Known as the largest city in the world by land area, approx. 2,443.61 square kilometers, Davao City is where the highest peak of the country is located at: Mt. Apo. Located at the border of Kidapawan City and Davao Del Sur, Mt. Apo offers a sanctuary to the almost extinct Philippine Eagle.

Now called the Metro Davao , it comprises of Davao City, Tagum City, Panabo City, Island Garden City of Samal, Digos City and Sta. Cruz and Carmen. Recently, in the year 2014, a new province was created now called Davao Occidental which is composed of Saranggani, Santa Maria, Malita, Jose Abad Santos, and Don Marcelino. The city is typhoon-free, so you'll get to enjoy the weather anytime you want to visit the place. So, what you'll get to enjoy in the city of Durian? For adventure seekers, Davao offers a variety of activities: Davao Whitewater rafting; Longest Zipline in Asia (Outland Adventure); Trekking/Hiking in Mt. Apo; wakeboarding experience in Deca Wakeboarding Park; scuba diving in the beautiful and mysterious island of Sta. Rita or anywhere in Samal or you may contact Wind and Wave Center. Wind and Wave Center also offer various water sports: snorkeling, jet ski, para-sailing, kayaking, etc.

You can also visit the Philippine Eagle National Center in Malagos - the breeding center of the Philippine national bird: Philippine Eagle. Just last week, I submitted my Philippine Eagle Foundation volunteer form where I am going to undergo some days of training to perform some necessary tasks to assist the center's employees and promote the foundation's advocacy. The biggest crocodile in the country can also be found in Davao Crocodile Park and the Monfort Batcave located at Babak, Samal - Guinness recognizes the cave as the world's largest colony of Geoffrey's Rosette Fruit Bats. There's also Camp Sabers in Sta. Cruz.

Enjoy the cool breeze in Eden Nature Park where you can stay overnight and experience their zip line and mountain trail. We dropped by in Eden 2 months ago and stayed the whole tiring-fun day roaming around mountain trail and goofing around their kid's playground. Had fun. Not far from Eden is Malagos Garden Resort where you get to see the different types of flora and fauna of Davao. They also offer day tours and you can check that from my Malagos blog. For flowers fanatics, Yuhico Orchid Garden and Puentispina Garden breed and sell different types of orchids (waling-waling for Davaoenos). For self-confessed culture magnet, you can add Davao's Museum located in Cor. A. Pichon and C.M. Recto in your itinerary.

A beach bum? Samal Island is 15-30minutes away from Sta. Pier or SASA Wharf. Samal is known for its laid-back, beautiful, and world-class beach and resorts. You can choose to stay and enjoy Pearl Farm, Paradise, Costa Marina, Secdea, Isla Reta, Pangubatan, Villa Amparo, etc. Visit samalbeachguide to check the list of resorts in Samal island and some info about them.

If you want to feel the city life, there are so many hotels, inns/pension houses you can choose from in the heart of the city - depending on your budget. Marco Polo Hotel; Apo View Hotel; Waterfront Insular Hotel; Royal Mandaya Hotel; Grand Menteng Hotel; Grand Regal Hotel and many more. These hotels/Inns are located right next to these city attractions you might want to take a peek at People's Park; Magsaysay Park; Davao City Hall; San Pedro Church. Enjoy the night at the overlooking restaurant located in Matina - Jack's Ridge or simply jam with the band in Matina Town Square, Rizal Promenade, or Damosa Gateway.

It will not be called a complete Davao vacation without you trying the taste of the famous fruits in Davao: durian, pomelo "Suha", marang and mangosteen. You may also want to try the famous-to-the-locals durian Cappucino from Blugre or the Chicco Di Caffe. Shopaholics can shop around Aldevinco Shopping Center, right in front of Marco Polo Hotel and Ateneo De Davao University.