Davao Travel Blog

Year in year out, Davao City (or DC, as I fondly call it) proves worthy of being considered as a strong contender in the tourism arena. Why so? Apart from the urban destinations found in the city, you also get the wonders that only a tropical paradise can offer in ample proportions – the best of both worlds, as they say. And since not all urban centers succeed to retain their “au naturale” look at its best, believe me when I say Davao City is truly one of a kind.

So why don’t you give the ailing traveler in you the chance to roam the world and see places? This time around, you better be in one of Asia’s most livable city. But before that, here are some things you might want to know before gearing up and taking off. They might just eventually convince you to visit us in the soonest possible time.

1. Flight Schedules

First things first; let’s talk about how you can set foot on Davao soil via the skyline. The Davao International Airport caters to both domestic and international flights round the clock, seven days a week. This world class airport never misses the buzz when it comes to bringing tourists to town, welcoming them with a view of a young airport of the future nested in between the beautiful greenery the city is in abundance of.

For domestic flights, all airlines fly daily to-and-fro Manila and Cebu.

For international flights, Cebu Pacific flies from Hong Kong to Davao every Tuesdays and Saturdays. The return flight (Davao to Hong Kong) takes off on Mondays and Fridays. Cebu pacific also flies the Davao-Singapore route every Mondays and Fridays. The return flight (Davao –Singapore) leaves DC on Thursday and Sundays.

Singapore Airlines also flies the Davao- Singapore as well as the Singapore-Davao airways five times a week (except Tuesdays and Fridays).

Davao Traveler Tip #1: There are hotel shuttle services waiting in the airport ready to take you to your hotel of choice once you arrive. Ask the airport staff and they’ll gladly lead the way for you. Also, check out our Davao Hotels section for more information on Davao City accommodations.

2. Festivalandia

Like every region in the Philippines, Davao City is home to wonderful festivities. Not to mention the many festivals celebrated by communities all over the city, DC is known for two nationally acclaimed festivals – the Araw ng Dabaw Festival, and the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival.

The Araw ng Dabaw Festival is celebrated every 16th of March. This city-wide festivity is highlighted by a number of events including parades around the city streets by bands, dancers, and socio-civic institutions. However, this event’s spotlight would probably fall brightest on the Mutya ng Dabaw. The Mutya ng Dabaw showcases the beauty and intelligence of a true blue Dabawenya. This is one of the most anticipated event (if not the most anticipated) every Araw ng Dabaw.

During the second week of August, Davao City gears up for the country famous Kadayawan festival. What used to be a thanksgiving ritual for fertility among the citizens of Davao has now become a national attraction, and is slowly becoming a world class sensation by gaining endless plaudits from the traveling population.

Apart from the famous street dances and parades, as well as the Hiyas ng Kadayawan (another famous beauty pageant), the Kadayawan also highlights the indigenous tribes who serve as the foundation of what is now a modern metropolis. That is why the Kadayawan has this rustic feel to it. Witnessing it would mean witnessing the beautiful beginnings of Davao through the show of customs and traditions.

Davao Traveler Tip #2: These festivals include a week long stretch of various side events. So come in to town about a week before the day of the culminating event. Also, during these fests, touring packages are at their best while their prices are at a discounted rate.

3. The Booming Flower

As much as the land is fertile and provides us with abundant harvest all year round, DC has also established itself as one of the cities for the future. With BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) and ITes (Information Technology Enabled Services) companies sprouting at a near frenzied rate in the area, the local economy is steadily experiencing booms (sonic-booms, to be exact). Sooner or later, everybody would want to jump in and ride Davao’s bandwagon to success.

With projects showing up as time goes on, it won’t be long until this city will become a go-to-destination when it comes to high tech business. So if you’re looking for a place to invest at the same time enjoy, don’t ever hesitate – visit Davao soon!

Davao Traveler says: Davao City is not only a growing field of science and technology, it also is a consistent player in the global import-export arena.

4. Dial 9-1-1

We love cities that offer us a sense of safety and security really well. That one factor sets Davao City as one of the best among the rest.

The city offers a centralized system of paramedical, fire, police, and other auxiliary services that can be contacted by dialing three numbers (I don’t need to say that it’s 911, do I?). With high-tech equipment such as the ECAD (Emergency Computer Aided Dispatch), highly efficient and professional staff, and state-of-the-art tools for the trade (i.e. ambulances and fire trucks), you never have to worry about getting help in case of emergencies.

Davao Traveler says of 911 : Unlike other cities in the world with the 9-1-1 system, availing the Davao version actually doesn’t cost a thing.

5. House Rules

Like every home away from home, there are some things you might want to get adjusted to once you step foot on Davao soil. For instance, DC strictly follows an Anti-Smoking ordinance. When in the city, smoking is illegal in public transportation, enclosed establishments and public places. However, establishments offer a designated smoking area if you need to smoke.

During big celebrations, including the New Year’s Eve, DC citizens follow a strict code known as the Fire-Cracker Ban. This code prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, sale and use of pyrotechnic devices as well as other similar devices and explosives. Don’t fret though. The celebrations are never dull even without explosions all around. After all, this ordinance was made for everyone’s benefit. And while the locals deemed it a little bit “uncomfortable” during the early years of the code, everybody now understands what good it has done to everyone’s welfare.

But house rules aren’t all about creating a limitation – they’re about the welfare of the general populace as well. And so Davao, being one of the most livable cities in Asia, has a number of codes that provide the city’s general populace the needed protection. Humanitarian codes such as the Children’s Welfare Code and the Women’s Code, and business related ones such as the Investment Incentives Code make the area a favorable environment for interaction.

For more information, visit Davao City’s official website at www.davaocity.gov.ph.

That’s it for now as another Davao feature comes to a close. We hope this one serves as a good guide for all you would-be Davao Travelers out there. Be sure to tune in regularly for the latest buzz around the hive.

Stay fresh everyone!

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Randolph Reserva sounds like a travel agent in this article. Maybe it’s because he loves the place so much to the point of knowing how to market it even without being a real travel agent.

Those who have been visiting this website since the early days of its inception will notice that there was once a forum. Did you wonder why it was gone? Well, it was removed due to technical reasons (software thing) and you probably would not be interested to know the details.

We are playing yo-yo this time. The Forum is up again!

Due to the requests of many visitors and the volume of questions we receive from visitors, we are bringing back the Forum. At first we were very hesitant, but the requests made a lot of sense. After all, with the forum, it will not just be a single person who will be answering the questions from the visitors; other visitors can share their opinions too, forum members share ideas.

A forum allows for easy reference of the topics and the most recent entry get noticed immediately. Talk about website interactivity, the forum can provide it. You don’t have to wait for the website administrator to answer your most pressing questions. Forum members are ready to extend their help.

As of the moment, the Davao Travel and Tourism Forum has the following topic categories:

Accommodation

Useful for those looking for a place to stay in Davao. Business Travellers will also find this of great help. There are hotels, inns and resorts featured on the website, but to look after each one is a daunting task especially if you have not visited the place before or have not used the hotel in the past. Here is a quick help.

Travel And Tours

Are you here for vacation, for fun or both? Davao Travel and Tours forum will be perfect for you. Travel agencies are free to post here. Promos, discount offer, outbound travels, inbound travels, pilgrimage, etc, etc.

Outdoor Adventures

Mountain climbing, wild water rafting, island hopping, scuba diving, snorkeling, you name it. Davao has it and even more. Bring out the adventurer in you. Post your questions and opinions here.

Davao Chow

If eating is your thing, and we all do it everyday, this is it. From the exotic Durian to the most delicious stuff, you can find it in Davao.

Lost In Davao

This is useful especially for the first time visitors or those thinking about visiting Davao. Use your fingers and the mouse to do you research at the most comfortable place you can. One question, several answers.

Miscellaneous Topics

You are free to talk about anything Davao. Of course provided it is related to travel and tourism or something that would be interesting to travelers and tourists.

These are the categories for now, but it could grow depending on visitors feedback and as we see fit. Got a suggestion? Contact us using the Contact Form.

There you have it! The new Davao Travel and Tourism Forum. Registration is FREE and easy.

Visit the Forum now and see who’s cooking what and while you are there, why not join the cooking?

Filipinos love eating, whenever, wherever, and well… whatever, as long as it is edible and tasty of course. Because of the love for good food, we’ve not only grown fond of eating, we also mastered the art of cooking… more or less. Adaptive as we will always be, we didn’t only master our own way of cooking, we also picked up techniques from all over the world. The product: A one of a kind cuisine culture so extensive that we can actually provide you the different tastes of the world in just one street. The proof: we’ll give you a free food trip in one of Davao’s nightlife destinations, Rizal Street.

Buckle up because this one’s going to be a really good ride.

That Street Named Rizal

Found in Metro Davao, this half-a-mile stretch is frequented by tourists and locals who are in search of some chow and booze. Tourists should have no trouble locating this well traveled road as it is very accessible ‘round the clock. As for variety, there’s just so much to find in here that you wouldn’t need to go far to suite the specific things your palate desires.

Fast Food? Get It Really Fast!

Jollibee

If you’re looking to go for a quick of pit stop from your touring all around the city, Rizal Street offers a wide variety of quick-cooks to relieve your hunger and fuel you up for your enjoyable race around town. Who wouldn’t recognize the famous fast food chain Jollibee? A yummy burger should do the job of satisfying you well and quick. Try their fried chicken fondly called the “Chickenjoy” too. That’s something that goes down as one of the Filipino’s favorite.

Merco and Mandarin Tea Garden

If you want a full meal of sorts and you want it quick, then go to Merco. This place is very well known for its cakes and pastries, but they don’t only focus on the sweet stuff. Right beside their pastry shop is a restaurant where you can get some American style dishes. They also serve “lutong-bahay” (home cooked) style Filipino dishes. However, if you’re looking for Chinese food, then you can go to the Mandarin Tea Garden right across the street. Rice toppings, dimsum, congee, there’s just a lot of delicious dishes to choose from. With these two good restaurants, satisfaction will surely be guaranteed!

Big Appetite? No problem!

The Rizal Strata offers you a lot of options for a good place where you can eat a lot with your friends and family. You never have to go far just to find the very famous Filipino style roasted pig a.k.a. the “lechon”. Whaw Litson Biik Grill and Restaurant specializes in roasting homegrown piglets at an affordable price. Eating big with a big group? This is the place to be!

As for buffets, we have two restaurants in the place to give you maximum satisfaction when it comes to the food and the price. Vist the Iron Horse buffet and you shall see why this street is well visited. For around 130 PHP, you can choose from a wide variety of Davaoeño dishes in whatever way you want them. Grilled, fried, or baked, it doesn’t matter. What matters most is that you enjoy the food! Also check out the Apung Kula Seafood Grill located further down the street. This place is highly regarded when it comes to catering for big events such as weddings and birthday parties. On a daily basis, it doesn’t fail to impress as well. For 118 PHP, you can eat all you can find a long buffet table of delicious delicacies including your favorite seafoods!

And when you’re visiting the city, you should never miss out on Davao’s very own TAPS. This fast-food chain started out and grew big in none other than Davao City itself. What started out as a small family business is now bigger than ever. Filipino dishes anyone? This place offers all the Filipino favorites such as the famous Tapa, Adobo and Ox feet among many others – all served with garlic rice and a scrambled egg. Truly delicious, truly Filipino, proudly Davaoeño!

Fine Dining Delight

Fine dining desires? You guessed it right, we have them here too! Check out Chico’s Music Bistro found in Casa de Habana. Casa de Habana is a compound where everything may seem too good to be true. Chico’s Music Bistro offers not only good food and wonderful drinks; they also offer good music, specifically Jazz and Samba, from Davao’s best musicians. If you’re looking to relax and spend the night comfortably after a whole day of tours and sightseeing, you should visit this place. Casa de Habana also houses the De Boute Koe European Restaurant. Indulge in fine European cuisine. Here’s a taste of Europe right on Philippine soil. Also, do check out the El Toro Spanish Cuisine. This restaurant offers Spanish cuisine at its best. You can choose from their menu which includes Tapa, Salads, Soups, and Paellas. Casa de Habana also has an inn for with rooms available at low rates.

Also, don’t forget to visit Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville just beside the Iron Horse. This place specializes on French cuisine, something you would have pre-empted from the name of the café alone. Anyway, this café has been around since the early 90’s, and has established itself as the only authentic French restaurant in Davao City. The elegance is reflected by its sumptuous servings of awesome steaks and stews; not to mention mouth watering appetizers! We’re bringing Europe to Davao, and there’s no other place where you can find it better than here!

The Nightlife

We already expressed how a lot of people frequent this avenue for its nightlife. Now, the only thing left is for you to experience it. But for now, let’s go through the establishments which make this street tick during the night. This area is known for a place named The Rizal Promenade, an arcade flanked by a number of bars that will make you dance the night away. Good booze, lots of people and music that should make you sway to the beat – all of these make this place awesome. Your presence should make this place awesome even more!

And if ever you get tired of dancing and decide to go singing instead, right across the street in front of Rizal Promenade is a commercial establishment named Cats and Dogs. For 100 PHP per hour, you can get a room hooked up with a Karaoke system so good it will only make you sing even more. Also, there are food stations outside Cats and Dogs where you can order some food and take with you to your karaoke room. You can choose from grilled meat, even the famous Asian dish we all know as the Kabab. Yes, they have that one too, in Majid’s Kabab, a small restaurant outside Cats and Dogs. They don’t only offer their signature kababs, they also offer a few Eastern dishes. Wasn’t I right when I said we have everything in this place?

A Good Coffee for a Good Night

A truly satisfying night wouldn’t be complete without a cup of coffee. Visit Las Casitas de Angela, a hotel beside the Rizal Promenade. This exquisite hotel doesn’t only offer wonderful rooms at value prices; they also house the Coffee Mood Coffee Shop. Spend an easy time with a warm cup of coffee and a Mexican-inspired ambience. After a lot of partying and a lot of very satisfying meals, this should pretty much sum up everything well. And a bit of a reminder, go slow on the caffeine. You deserve a very good sleep after a tour around Rizal Street!

That deep sleep should re-energize you for another tour around Davao’s main streets one of these days. And we’ll make sure you’ll be up for that. Until next time! Have a good time in Davao City everyone!

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This article on Rizal Street is written by Randolph Reserva. In Davao, you don’t have to go far to have Good Food, Good Coffee and Good Music. They are all in one street, according to Randolph.