We at Davao Traveler are always on the lookout for information on travel and tourism about Davao from all sources imaginable. The Web can be a good source of feedback (talk about freedom of speech) from tourists and travelers who have set foot (hhmm feet?) in this city.
We would like to share this interesting series of discussions from one of the recent forums on Davao City Tourism. Please take note that the following are personal views of the respective forum posters.
Here we go…
From Paul:
dear pinoy people,
I arrived last Saturday on a flight from Singapore to Davao and observed the tourists that were on the same flight! If you ever want to talk about tourism’s you better get real and get organized….. what an ordeal in Cebu to get the transit people in to a cubicle ????? what a surprise to to see the taxi organization at Davao????? and what a disappointment to see the cleanliness of Davao I am so glad to tell the world about your dreams!!!!!!
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From Rick:
Paul
I do think the infrastructure here in the Philippines is lacking but personally i would much rather get a taxi from here in davao than in manchester where i used to live where it is a joke / rip off expensive
/ no pick up points and basically no bloody taxis
So, whereas i can see there are some points to be made re-things here in the philippines, actually what is your point
For me, Davao is a city, not a tourist destination, but there are touristy things to do, say Samal, say climb mt apo, say scuba, or whatever…can’t do those in manchester….
Not sure what your point is Paul?
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From Columbu:
So those were your first impressions. And then when you looked around and saw all those smiling faces, did you still miss your country? Did you forget that you went to a third world country?
Do you really expect to be like at home? In that case, you better stay at home.
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Judging from their forum names, it is safe to say that all three posters are foreigners who have their first hand, or even long time, experience in Davao City.
That sort of brings to mind the eternal words of the Prince Of Paradox himself, the late GK Chesterton who said, “The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.”
Interesting huh? And what a challenge to those who promote Davao City as a tourist destination!
Are you a tourist or a traveler? What did you see, when you looked at Davao City?
Unlimited opinions are welcome. Simply use the Comment Box below.
Just been to davao thru cagayan. it was my first time, i think the bus ride was hell spending 5-7 hours sitting , and with the zigzag road, that left me headaches for a day or two.
my initial impression was wow, it was really a big city compared to manila or cebu which i’ve already been to.
i happened to fall asleep on my hotel and woke at around 9pm and got a shocking of my life- there are no stores or businesses open along ramon magsaysay road, only little sari-sari stores. the prices too in hotel accommodations are too expensive which is a room in my thought is not worth that much, the hotel food too is expensive like a vienna sausage from a can and i guess only at that hotel (with steep vertical stairs) . the taxi? was another thing. at least in cdo you can get mostly an aircon taxi and well maintained vehicles. i found too many at davao with no aircon and poorly maintained taxis. the people are freindly though and i can text in the open with little worry of getting rob. didnt have much time for sight seeing
hopefully my next experience well be more wondeful
I have to say, enjoyed the read, thanks.
regarding davao as a tourist destination,i have travelled to many countries in the world,all geared up to take the ready cash of unsuspecting tourists,i find davao people mostly honest and helpful and tourist spots such as eden and the rest to be a pleasure to walk around viewing the philippine eagles is a must.What i am saying is this you may get what you wish for, leave well alone, or you may get what i have left behind, plastic people, with plastic smiles. Organized yes, greedy yes. Roll on daveo good luck.