Contributed by The Shoestring Travel
Eleven distinctive tribes reside in Davao City. They differ not only in culture, but also in religious beliefs. Among the city’s population, ten percent are Muslims, five percent are Lumads, and the rest are Christians. Despite these differences, Davao City is able to maintain its peaceful harmony.
Also read: The Truth About Davao City Ordinances Every Visitor Should Know
Locals of Davao feel safe as it is the only city in the Philippines to offer a free 911-emergency hotline. Everyone can easily call for help whenever necessary. Aside from that, Davao City is a Red Orchid awardee for three years. This award recognizes the tobacco-free local government units.
On top of these recognitions, the city boasts its untouched white beaches and mountainous landscapes, making it a great tourist destination. One can choose to climb Mount Apo, the country’s highest mountain, or just swim in the crystal clear waters of Samal Island. Davao City is also known to be the home of endangered species such as the Philippine Eagle.
There is so much to see in Davao. During our 4D3N stay in the city, we were able to explore its rich culture and indulge in its natural beauty.
We visited two museums — Museo Dabawenyo and D’ Bone Collector Museum. I highly recommend you check out Museo Dabawenyo when you’re in Davao. Aside from the fact that it’s free for public, the museum unfolds how the city progressed throughout the years.
Never leave the city without stepping on the white powdery sand of Samal Island. If you have money to spare, you may pamper yourself by spending a night at Pearl Farm Beach Resort, a well-known luxurious resort in Samal. Booking a room in Pearl Farm allows you to visit another haven named Malipano Island.
Eden Nature Park and Malagos Garden are also nice spots to be included in your itinerary.
Also read: 9 Things to Do in Davao City for First Time Visitors
| TIME | ACTIVITY | EXPENSE |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ||
| 06:00 PM | ETD from Manila | PHP 353 – RT Airfare |
| 08:00 PM | ETA in Davao | |
| 09:00 PM | Check-in at House of Tubo | PHP 900 – 3N accommodation PHP 100 – Pick-up from airport |
| 09:30 PM | Dinner at Jack’s Ridge We ate at Taklobo’s Restaurant and sipped durian coffee at Karlo’s Gourmet. |
PHP 230 – Food PHP 160 – Durian coffee PHP 20 – Taxi fare* |
| 10:30 PM | Back to the inn | PHP 20 – Taxi fare* |
| Day 2 | ||
| 07:30 AM | Ride a cab to People’s Park | PHP 25 – Taxi fare* |
| 08:00 AM | Check out People’s Park Breakfast at Taps |
PHP 130 – Food |
| 09:00 AM | Pray at the San Pedro Cathedral It is located along San Pedro St., in front of Davao City Hall, which is a walking distance from People’s Park. |
|
| 09:20 AM | Visit Museo Dabawenyo The museum is located behind Davao City Hall. |
|
| 10:00 AM | Check out D’ Bone Collector Museum The museum is located in Family Circus Compound Brgy 76 A, Trading Boulevard, Davao City. From Museo Dabawenyo, you can walk to D’Bone. |
PHP 80 – Entrance fee |
| 11:00 AM | Lunch at Lyndon’s World’s Worst Ribs We took a cab from D’Bone going to Lyndon’s. |
PHP 15 – Taxi fare* PHP 125 – Food |
| 01:00 PM | Check-in at Pearl Farm wharf Ride a boat to Pearl Farm in Samal Island |
PHP 30 – Taxi fare* |
| 03:30 PM | ETA in Pearl Farm Beach Resort | PHP 2500 – 1N accommodation** |
| 09:00 PM | Dinner at Maranao Restaurant | PHP 750 – Buffet dinner |
| Day 3 | ||
| 07:00 AM | Savor the free buffet breakfast | |
| 09:00 AM | Take the free boat to Malipano Island | |
| 12:00 NN | Check-out from the resort Lunch at Maranao Restaurant |
PHP 240 – Food |
| 05:00 PM | Back to the mainland Take a cab going back to the inn |
PHP 60 – Taxi fare* |
| 08:00 PM | Dinner at Matina Town Square | PHP 20 – Taxi fare* PHP 150 – Food |
| 10:30 PM | Eat durian at Bangkerohan Market A kilogram of durian costs PHP 150 that time, but it only costs PHP 10/kg during peak season. |
PHP 40 – Durian (0.25 kg) PHP 15 – Taxi fare* |
| 11:30 PM | Back to the inn | PHP 25 – Taxi fare* |
| Day 4 | ||
| 08:00 AM | Head to Eden Nature Park Ride a jeep bound to Toril, then ride a tricycle to Eden Nature Park. |
PHP 20 – Jeep fare PHP 50 – Tricycle fare |
| 09:00 AM | Enjoy nature at Eden; Eat breakfast |
PHP 220 – Entrance fee It comes with plated snacks. |
| 12:00 NN | Lunch at Eden’s Fishing Village | PHP 100 – Food |
| 02:00 PM | Go to Philippine Eagle Center From Eden, ride a jeep to Calinan and hire a habal-habal. |
PHP 50 – Entrance fee*** PHP 20 – Jeep fare PHP 15 – Habal-habal |
| 04:30 PM | Buy Malagos Dark Chocolate at Malagos Garden Resort From Eagle Center, take a habal-habal to Malagos Garden Resort. |
PHP 10 – Habal-habal PHP 150 – Chocolate |
| 05:30 PM | Head back to inn | PHP 50 – Fare |
| 06:30 PM | Dinner in an eatery | PHP 50 – Food |
| 08:00 PM | Check-in at Davao airport | PHP 50 – Taxi fare* PHP 200 – Terminal fee |
| 11:30 PM | Back to Manila | |
| Total Amount: PHP 6,973 per head | ||
* We are a group of four (4) so all our taxi fares are equally divided to four.
** Pearl Farm no longer offers day tour. Room rate for a group of four starts at PHP 12,500, but we had ours at a discounted rate because of a friend in the resort.
***Philippine Eagle Center has increased its entrance fees since Aug 2015.
Also read: 9 Things to Do in Davao City for First Time Visitors
Including a massive Leeroy New installation.
A journey through old-world Manila.
Let our guide walk you through pet travel essentials and must-knows!
Boracay by bus? Yes, please.
A great option to discover the island!
Travelling to BARMM just got easier!