Davao Region: Reaching for the apex of the world

Details

Category: Destination

Published on Monday, 23 January 2012 15:03

Compostela Valley • Davao del Norte • Davao del Sur • Davao Oriental

About the region

Davao Region or Southern Mindanao is considered an agricultural center in the south, its provinces generally covered by fertile soil. Majority of the livelihood and businesses here are centered on fruit plantations and crop-yielding farms. Additionally, five of the major fishing grounds in the Philippines can also be found in this region, including the Rio Grande de Mindanao, the second-largest river in the country. Southern Mindanao is composed of four provinces, which are Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. The regional center of Southern Mindanao is Davao City.

How to get there and go around

By Air. Francisco Bangoy International Airport, also known as Davao International Airport is located at Davao City. It is the main gateway to Southern Mindanao. Davao International airport lists four domestic flights carriers and one international flight carrier: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirPhil Express, Zest Air, and Silk Air (Thailand). Davao International airport is estimated to handle around two million passengers annually.

By Sea. The region has links to Manila and Cebu. The major shipping lines servicing the region are Sulpicio Lines, Inc., Aboitiz Transport System Corp. (WG&A Super Ferries and Cebu Ferries), and Negros Navigation Co.

The main transportation used in the region are jeepneys and tricycles. Air-con vans, buses and jeepneys are available to go from one province to another. Major cities in the provinces have taxis and other shuttle services.

 

Where to stay

The region has many hotels, inns and pensions houses which can accommodate tourists and are still within the vicinity of the various places of interests.

To learn more, click the following links:
Compostela Valley Accommodations
Davao del Norte Accommodations
Davao del Sur Accommodations
Davao Oriental Accommodations

 

What to eat
The cuisine of this region is centered on seafood. One of Davao’s more popularly known offerings is the kinilaw na malasugui, or raw blue marlin in vinegar sauce. Davao locals are also known for their delicious grilled seafood, such as grilled tuna and barbecued squid. Davao region is also famous for the exotic fruit of durian.

What to buy
The region offers a variety of products for tourists to bring home. Candied fruit, batik garments, brass works, and frozen tuna are great take aways for traveler.

What to see and do

Compostela Valley
In Compostela Valley, nature lovers can enjoy the flora and the fauna found among the mangroves and coral gardens of Lunod Island. They can also go trekking and mountain-climbing at Mt. Candalaga. Spelunkers can find adventure at the Mahayhay, Casoon and Kiokmay Caves, while Tagbibinta falls offer a unique rafting experience in its waters.
    
Davao del Norte
In this part of the region lie beautiful beaches that families can go to for excursions and outings. Pearl Farm, Canibad and Costa Marina Beach Resorts offer cool white, grey and black sand, clear water beaches. For the inquisitive and inquiring mind, a tour of the Vanishing Island is a must to see the wonder of this “disappearing” body of land. The Monfort Bat Sanctuary is also a must see.

Davao City
In this modern and contemporary city, one can still find the luxury of nature. There is the Paraiso Beach Resort, where visitors can find time to bathe under the sun and swim in cool waters. Ecotourist will enjoy the Seagull Mountain Resort and Riverford Nature Park. Additionally, tourists can relax in the calming, still waters of the El Nido Cold Spring. For a taste of culture and history, travelers should visit the city’s Japanese village, which was built before the Japanese occupation during World War II.
 
Davao del Sur
In Davao del Sur, travelers can find the highest peak in the country, Mt.  Apo, where mountain climbing, hiking and camping are popular activities. Tourists can also go swimming at Llavan, Sta, Monica and Pearl-Cris Beach Resorts. Additionally, Kabulao Cave is also great for spelunking.

Davao Oriental
When in Davao Oriental, tourists should go to Ballestic Island and visit the 17th century Caraga Catholic Church. Travelers should also go hiking at Tinagong Dagat (Hidden Sea), and discover this unique natural phenomenon situated a thousand feet above sea level. On the other hand, tourists should also see the Sigaboy Floating in Governor Generosa, an islet shaped like a giant whale.
 

Relevant Contacts and Online Resources

PH Department of Tourism Region X
Rm. 512, LANDCO Corporate Center Bldg.,
J.P. Laurel Avenue, 8000 Davao City 
Tel. No.: (+6382) 225 1940
Fax. No.: (+6382) 221 0070 / 221 6955
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
URL: www.visitmyphilippines.com
www.discoverdavao.com

Download brochure here.

• Next >