Davao City is the biggest city in Mindanao. It has a similar hustle and bustle to it like Metro Manila and Cebu, with the malls (you’ll find the usual Ayala and SM shopping centers), hotels, bars, restaurants, buildings, and urban jungle giving visitors all the amenities of city living.
However, a vacation in Davao can provide a contrast of things to do and experience — enjoy city life with stops in cafés and restaurants or hang out in a mall if it’s too hot outside, but bask in nature, too, by taking a short ferry ride to Samal Island, then hit the beach, go island hopping, visit parks and other natural attractions.
Hello, Samal
Samal Island is a famous beach destination for both locals and tourists. Its accessibility from the city makes it a convenient place to visit.
If your accommodation is near Babak district, take the barge from Sasa Wharf. If you’re near Kaputian district or Talicud Island, depart from Sta. Ana Wharf.
It’s convenient to explore the island even if you don’t have your own transportation. You can board a bus or take a tricycle, which you can rent for a day for up to P1,500. You can also rent a motorcycle for around P500 per day plus the cost of gas.
For island hopping, you can rent a boat for P2,500+ (depending on your itinerary) for up to five passengers, and pay for docking, entrance, and guide fees as well.
UNWIND. Kaputian Beach can be your quick getaway from city life.
Samal has its own beautiful islands, beaches, and snorkeling spots to fill your day. You can go swimming, sunbathing, and see some corals and starfish during your trip.
Check out Talicud Island, Coral Garden, Wishing Island, Starfish Sandbar, Giant Clam Sanctuary, Malipano Island, and Diaz Island.
Each island has its own unique characteristics that makes it a stop worth adding to your itinerary.
In your Samal visit, include places like the Monfort Bat Cave. In the huge bat sanctuary, learn more about these creatures and their habitat.
You may also spend a relaxing few hours swimming and hanging out at Kaputian Beach, climb up Mt. Puting Bato for beautiful overlooking views, or visit Hagimit Falls.
COOL DOWN. Take a cool break at Hagimit Falls.
Exploring the urban sprawl
When in the city proper, Davao City feels like any other metropolitan area in the Philippines. It’s huge, though, and it would take a lot of time to get anywhere using public transportation.
One of the places to check is the Philippine Eagle Center or the PEC, which can be visited by catching a bus bound for Calinan at the Annil Terminal. Once at Calinan, find transportation going to the center.
The PEC is a great place to learn more about the majestic Philippine Eagle, one of the biggest in the world. The conservation center created a simulated rainforest for its eagles and other animals under its care.
Just near the conservation center is the Malagos Garden Resort, which features the Museo de Mariposa, Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird Feeding Dome, Petting Zoo, Chocolate Park, Chocolate Laboratory, Chocolate Museum, and others.
BEAUTY. The Philippine Eagle up close.
Visit the Davao Crocodile Park as well, a family-oriented place that aims to educate visitors about crocodiles and the other animals they care for.
Also an educational place to visit is the Japanese Tunnel, a relic of World War II that was built to store weapons, used as passageways, and served as a temporary place to rest for soldiers.
For a relaxing stroll, there’s the People’s Park. This green space amid the urban sprawl has gardens and sculptures.
There’s also the Roxas Night Market for affordable souvenirs and other items to take home. Sample the street food or try Blugre Coffee’s durian coffee and other cafes in the city like Madayaw Café, Waling Waling Café, The Secret Garden Café, and Fourth Street Café.
Davao City and Samal Island are affordable destinations for all sorts of travelers. It’s definitely a good stop for mixing a city and beach break. – Rappler.com
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