Davao River

The native home to the Philippines’s largest known crocodile at nearly 20 metres in length, the Crocodile Park is an important breeding centre as well as a popular tourist attraction. There are picnic areas and activities like horse-riding offered too.

The country’s tallest peak dominates this treasure of a park. Experienced climbers can head for the Sibulan and Cooland Trails in Sta Cruz or the Kapatagan Trail in Digos to begin their ascents. The tourist office organises gentler climbs and tours too.

Enthusiasts of Spanish architecture will be captivated by the beautiful and highly original Roman Catholic San Pedro Cathedral (also known as Davao Cathedral). Dating from the 19th century, it is the city’s oldest church and a unique architectural landmark.

Some of the world’s most exotic orchids, including the famous Waling-Waling and the Vanda Sanderiana, are on display and can be purchased at this sprawling flower and plant centre along with a variety of other Cutflowers and Ornamental Plants. The colours and scents are a delight.

This open-air shrine to the Infant Jesus of Prague and Our Lady of Fatima is a wonderful place to escape the bustle of city life, reflect and meditate, as well as enjoy an outstanding panoramic view of Davao. It takes about 20 minutes to get here by car.

Located on the outskirts of the city at the foot of Mount Talomo, the Eden Nature Park is a delight for visitors keen on walking, hiking, bird-watching and seeing native plants. It is peaceful and a great way to relax away from the city centre, weekend stays are possible at the resort.

The Philippine Eagle is the national treasure of the country, but an extremely rare and endangered species. The conservation centre has a breeding programme to protect this, one of the world’s largest eagles. Visitors can see them in special habitat areas.

The Davao River is famous for its 30 or so rapids spaced along a stretch of water that starts in the Baguio district’s highland areas and flows to the lowlands. It has become ‘the’ place to enjoy extreme white water rafting. There are a few picnic-perfect areas on its banks, too.

Offering a mix of beautiful white sandy beaches, superb diving and snorkelling waters, waterfalls and heritage sites, sports and top notch holiday resorts, Samal Island is a tourist hotspot. Motorcycles (called habal-habal) are a is Visitors can stay or visit for the day.

Be sure to visit some of the tribal villages that are dotted around Davao City, including the B’laan Cultural Tribal Village at Matanao and the Tagakaolo Cultural Tribal Village at Digos, along with plantations like those at Hagonoy and Padada (banana and other tropical fruits) and the durian farms at Sta Cruz.

Visit the the lively, fragrant Bankerohan Market to take in the authentic atmosphere of a busy marketplace, stock up on fresh produce, sample some local fruit (durian is widely available) or grab a bite at one of the market's street food stalls. Morning (before noon) is the best time to visit.