In this article:
- Start at the Soul of Davao City
- Where to Eat in Davao
- Chase Adventure in the Wild
- See Rare Wildlife Up Close
- Beyond Davao’s Tourist Favorites
- Ready to Explore Davao?
Davao is where urban energy meets nature. One moment, you’re strolling through a bustling night market, and the next, you’re trekking through the rainforest. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or a culture buff, Davao City has something unexpectedly exciting for you.
Wondering what to do in Davao? We tapped Marc Alexander Lim—born and raised in Davao, a national athlete, and owner of Limitless Fitness & Martial Arts in Davao City—for insider tips on where to eat, explore, and experience the city like a true local. Here’s what he had to say.
Start at the Soul of Davao City
Image Credit: Wikimedia.commons/Ryme26
The best way to get to know Davao City? Walk its streets. Start at People’s Park, a lively green space where locals jog, families gather, and durian vendors set up shop. It’s also home to colorful sculptures representing Mindanao’s indigenous tribes—a perfect introduction to the region’s rich culture.
Just a few blocks away, visit San Pedro Cathedral, the city’s oldest church, easily recognizable by its unique curved roof. To dive deeper into Davao’s history, head to Museo Dabawenyo. Prefer something quirky? The D’Bone Collector Museum offers one of the largest bone collections in the Philippines, featuring everything from tiny birds to a 40-foot whale skeleton.
Where to go:
- People’s Park, 49 J Palma Gil St.
- San Pedro Cathedral, San Pedro St.
- Museo Dabawenyo, Andres Bonifacio Rotunda, Poblacion District
- D’Bone Collector Museum, 76-A San Pedro St.
Where to Eat in Davao
Image Credit: Blue Post Boiling Crab and Shrimps
Davao’s food scene is as vibrant as its culture: a delicious mix of fresh seafood, hearty grilled meats, and exotic fruits you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Start with kinilaw, Mindanao’s take on ceviche, made with fresh tuna marinated in coconut vinegar, ginger, and chili. For something smokier, try sinuglaw, a satisfying combo of grilled pork and kinilaw that captures the region’s bold flavors. Both dishes are available at local favorite Cafe Tavera, known for its tasteful ambiance and equally tasty dishes.
No trip to Davao would be complete without tasting durian, the city’s famous (and famously divisive) “King of Fruits.” Whether you end up loving it or leaving it, the experience is a must. If you’re hesitant, ease in with a durian cheesecake from Blugré Coffee or a durian ice cream from Aling Foping’s Halo-Halo.
For a seafood feast, head to Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps, where you dig straight into bags of buttery crabs, shrimp, and mussels—kamayan-style. If you’re craving comfort food, make your way to Lachi’s Sans Rival Atbp., famous for their addictively good sans rival cake and home-cooked classics.
And no foodie trip would be complete without exploring the Roxas Night Market, a bustling stretch of street food stalls where you can sample grilled seafood, barbecued meats, and all sorts of sweet Filipino treats.
Where to eat:
- Cafe Tavera, 44 Avanceña St, Poblacion District
- Blugré Coffee, various locations
- Aling Foping’s Halo-Halo, Matina Town Square, Compound Gen. Douglas MacArthur Hwy, Matina
- Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps, JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada
- Lachi’s Sans Rival Atbp, Door 1-H, Values School Building, Ruby Street, Marfori Subd.
- Roxas Night Market, Roxas Ave, Davao City
Chase Adventure in the Wild
One of the best parts about Davao City? It’s ridiculously easy to swap city streets for beaches and forests within an hour. Just a quick boat ride away, Samal Island invites you to swim, snorkel, and chill under the sun. Spend the day at the stunning Pearl Farm Beach Resort, where you can relax on powdery sands or paddleboard across clear waters.
If you're feeling more adventurous, dive at Angel’s Cove or chase waterfalls at Hagimit Falls, a refreshing hideout tucked within Samal’s lush forests. Prefer the mountains? Eden Nature Park offers ziplining, sky-cycling, and pine forest treks—all just an hour from the city center. The cool air and mountain views make it a perfect nature escape. For hardcore adventurers, trekking Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, is the ultimate experience. Think boulder trails, steaming sulfur vents, and a sunrise view above the clouds that you’ll never forget.
See Rare Wildlife Up Close
When it comes to wildlife conservation, Davao leads the way. A visit to the Philippine Eagle Center is a must. Nestled deep in the rainforest, this sanctuary gives you a rare chance to see the critically endangered Philippine eagle, the national bird and one of the most powerful raptors in the world. For a more interactive experience, Crocodile Park lets you feed juvenile crocodiles, watch live animal shows, and get up close to exotic animals like snakes and orangutans.
Beyond Davao’s Tourist Favorites
Sure, Davao is famous for beaches and durian, but if you're craving something wilder, there’s plenty more waiting beyond the usual tourist trail.
Start with a heart-pounding adventure: white-water rafting on the Davao River, where you’ll battle thrilling rapids surrounded by towering jungle cliffs. Several local operators offer both half-day and full-day rafting experiences—perfect for anyone ready to trade city views for rushing waters.
Chocolate lovers can take a sweeter detour at Malagos Garden Resort. Here, you’ll create your own artisanal chocolate straight from Davao’s award-winning cacao beans. (And yes, you’ll get to taste your work.)
If you're up for a road trip, head to Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental. It's a skimboarding and surfing haven, with golden sands, rolling waves, and the kind of peaceful vibe that makes it hard to say goodbye.
Ready to Explore Davao?
Whether you’re tasting your first durian, hiking up Mt. Apo, diving into Samal’s blue waters, or chasing the flavors of kinilaw and grilled tuna, Davao welcomes you with open arms.
Stay connected while exploring off-the-grid adventures! Activate your mobile postpaid plan or prepaid promos before you fly. If you’re traveling with balikbayans, ensure they enjoy seamless connection with Globe’s Traveler eSIM—perfect for worry-free navigation and social sharing wherever you go.
Need to pay for tours or souvenirs? Don’t forget to use GCash for fast, secure, and cashless transactions even in hidden gems outside the city.
Now that you know what to do in Davao, the only thing left is to plan that unforgettable trip!
