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Davao City Tour: A Do-It-Yourself Guide

August 10, 2011 by Davao Traveler Admin Leave a Comment

It’s the Kadayawan Season once again in Davao. And that means a lot of visitors will be coming over to Davao City to see the best of what the city can offer.

Frequent visitors are expecting some of the usual things they always see during the Kadayawan Festival:

  • Good Fruits (Durian, Lansones, etc) and Orchids
  • Good Deals (A lot of businesses are coming out with their gimmicks)
  • Good Vibes (Just have fun with friends)

For the first time visitors and travelers, it is also the best time to visit Davao! And by “best time”, I mean you really get to “feel” what the city is all about.

While it is generally safe to just stroll around the city from your hotel, having a sense of where you want to go would save you from encountering the unexpected – unless, getting lost in the city is your definition of an adventure. 🙂

To this end, we have prepared a list of spots where you can possibly go for a city tour and what you can expect to see if you go there.

Stopover #1: The San Pedro Cathedral — Where The Heart Is

san pedro church -- davao city tour

There’s really not much to see once you are there at the church.

Am I crazy to even suggest that this place should be the first stop? Well, not really. Consider this: Once you are there, you’ll be standing (or sitting – it’s really up to you) at the heart of the city. Hey, that’s the very center of Davao City!

On top of that, the San Pedro Church is a historical place. Wow!

But, don’t go around asking people to give you lecture about the Church’s place in history. They can’t recall anymore. And besides, who ever wants to remember High School History, huh?

Actually, if you are really into that kind of stuff, there’s the right kind of people to ask. Just across the street (or streets, if you may) is a place called Museo Dabawenyo. You know what that place is? It’s a museum! Oopps, sorry for the obvious answer! I know you know that.

And speaking about “across the street”, don’t you forget to drop by the following nearby places:

  • The City Hall of Davao
  • The Davao City Council
  • The Osmena Park

They are good places to take photos from; especially the Osmena Park where you get to see some magic tricks, live massage, palm reading, gospel preachers, etc.

Stopover #2: The Aldevinco Shopping Center — Where Native Crafts Abound

If I were to describe this place in a few words, it would be these:

  • Forex — the Aldevinco is a popular place to exchange a foreign currency to the Philippine Peso.
  • Native Crafts -– sometimes you can find antiques there, but mostly, you’ll see native crafts which are good for souvenirs.
  • Pomelo Stores – yes, those sweet, little balls you want to bring back to your place as pasalubong.

Stopover #3: The Magsaysay Park — In Search Of Excellent Durian?

This is perhaps the most popular destination for anyone in search of the Durian Fruits all year round. Just before you enter the park, there are small stalls that seem to never run out of durian fruits to sell — even during their off seasons. I’m still amazed to think where these vendors are sourcing their durian fruits from.

Now, Durian is not really for everyone; some just couldn’t take the smell. If you are that type, the Magsaysay Park is really a good place to stroll around — it’s a park, you know — and have a nice little talk with your companion about whatever topics you want to talk about. Maybe you can talk about your next destination? Well, you better print this article because it’s going to be your handy cheat-sheet for your city tour. Throw away that map, because the taxi drivers are all familiar with these places.

Next thing on the To-Do List: Eat, Pray, Love — or something like it.

Stopover #4: Jack’s Ridge Restaurant and The Shrine Hills

Have you read the book entitled “Eat Pray Love”?

Well, I haven’t, but I’ve seen the movie and yes Julie Roberts still looks cute — and Ketut was even more cute.

I’m not really a movie critic, but anyways… at these places, you can basically Eat, Pray, Do whatever it feels like doing.

dine in Davao at jacks ridge restaurantThe most popular place at the Shrine Hills is the meditation center and church known as the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. It’s one of the best places to pray, meditate, relax or just feel the fresh air and have an overlooking view of the entire city.

If you started this city tour at 9 o’clock in the morning, by the time you reach the Shrine Hills should be the perfect time for lunch.

And you don’t have to go that far just to satisfy your gastronomic trip. The Jack’s Ridge Restaurant could just be the perfect place to Eat and have your version of “La Dolce Far Niente”.

The good thing about dining at Jack’s Ridge is that you get a good view of the city from high altitude (imagine if it’s night time) while you enjoy the good food being served. Plus, there are other amenities there too that you can enjoy.

Stopover #5: The Crocodile Park

To just say that this place is awesome would be a disservice. The Crocodile Park is like a mini-zoo and a little bit more. To describe the place would be to combine the following words: exotic, wild, fun, colorful and… well, I’d rather want to see you describe this place.

Go there and see these things:

  • Crocodile – they claim to have the largest croc in the country.
  • Large snakes, Ostrich, and other animals
  • Butterflies — your kids will love it.

Well, here’s a short video clip to show you what’s there at the Crocodile Park

You’ll definitely like it.

Stopover #6: The People’s Park — By The People and For the People

You should have been tried by now. If you want to relax in an open air and watch people go by, one of the best places to be is the People’s Park.

As it turns out, someone has made a video of the place. Here, get a virtual tour of the park before actually going there or deciding to skip the place for the next destination.

Stopover #7: The NCCC Mall – Davao’s Homegrown Mall

There are a lot of malls in Davao. There’s the ever popular SM, the old-timer Gaisano Mall, and just recently, the Ayala Group has a joint venture with Anflocor to put up the Abreeza Mall — positioned to be a high-end mall in Davao.

Not to be left out is Davao’s very own NCCC Mall – known as Davao’s Homegrown Mall. I don’t know what it is with the NCCC Mall, but the people of Davao just love to buy their grocery items there. But of course, there’s more to be found at this little mall than just the grocery shop. They have a bakeshop, a number of restaurants and dinning centers, cinemas, specialty shops, old books, pawnshops, and much, much more.

You could be there shopping at night, which is perfect just before you go back to your hotel. Wouldn’t it be nice to be shopping for the things to bring back to the hotel? You can do just that at the NCCC Mall.

~~~

“Davao City Tour: A Do-It-Yourself Guide” is written by Carlos Velasco.

Filed Under: About Davao, Attractions, Dining, Hangouts, Tourism News Tidbits, Travel Guide Tagged With: Aldevinco, Crocodile Park, Davao Hotels, Hotels, Jack's Ridge Restaurant, NCCC Mall, People's Park

Looking For An Accomodation and On A Tight Budget? Go For St.Camillus Dormitel!

August 21, 2010 by Davao Traveler Admin

Being in Davao City on a limited budget does not mean crappy lodging. St. Camillus Dormitel definitely gives the weary traveler a pleasant and affordable place to stay.

It is the Davao Dorm made better.

More often than not, as transients in the city, we would like to spend our time and money exploring the place or attending to what is necessary. At the end of the day, when resting and recharging is what we need, a cool and clean dormitel gets the job done.

St. Camillus Dormitel is located within the clean, green, and spacious grounds of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Bajada, Davao City. (SPMC is formerly known as the Davao Medical Center (DMC). But expansion and upgrades have made this state medical facility worthy of its new, more encompassing name.) The SPMC Cooperative Building houses the St. Camillus Dormitel, along with a foodcourt, a Chowking outlet, an internet café, and a beauty salon and spa. The necessities of a busy and stressful life all in one building give guests of St. Camillus an easy and comfortable residence. Moreover, trees and greenery in the parks beside and near the dormitel give refreshing air to balance living in a bustling city. One can choose to study, or hold small meetings, or just chill in the parks. A Holy Mass is celebrated daily at the chapel in the main SPMC building just a few meters away from the dormitel, for those of us who want to honor the Lord’s supreme sacrifice and seek spiritual strength and refreshment.

The region’s best doctors and medical professionals work in the SPMC (several of them live at St. Camillus) and are accessible from the dormitel, if ever need for medical attention arises. It is thus that your stay in Davao City is made more wonderful with lodging at St. Camillus.

Photos of St. Camillus Dormitel

Dormitel Capacity

St. Camillus Dormitel can accommodate 120 people in its 15 fully air-conditioned rooms equipped with double-deck beds, dresser, and cabinet.

Who Should Stay at St Camillus Dormitel And Why

This place is perfect for interns, reviewees, seminar and convention participants, and other transients. There is a lounging area with study tables, TV, and a snack bar highlighting Apo Natural Spring Water and Provida Sugarcane Juice for the enjoyment of the guests. Local and national newspapers are also provided daily to keep one abreast of current events.

Run by a kindly couple and friendly and efficient staff, St. Camillus Dormitel is a warm haven that previous visitors always return to. Sometimes, valuable relationships and friendships form in the hospitable atmosphere of the dormitel.

Ideas and information are freely exchanged by people who were previously strangers to each other. Students, artists, interns, lawyers, doctors, nurses, sales people, tourists, seminar participants, and many other transients have all found their way to St. Camillus and many of them have returned. They rave about the nice and clean accommodations, the very affordable rate, the friendliness of the management, and the convenience of the location. There are also others who have established temporary residence at the dormitel and pay monthly rates, apparently recognizing great value for money.

Affordable Rate

At the very friendly rate of PhP 180 / person / day, St. Camillus Dormitel can be a very pleasant home for you in Davao City.

Contact St Camillus Dormitel

For reservations and inquiries on your next accommodation in Davao, please contact St. Camillus Dormitel at:

St. Camillus Dormitel
Southern Philippines Medical Center Cooperative Building
Bajada, Davao City

Contact Person : Cherie S. Valverde
Phone : (082)301-9997/ 09179049032

~~~

This article is written and shared by Vida Valverde.

Filed Under: Davao Hotels, Travel Services Tagged With: Budget Hotel, Davao Hotel, Davao Hotels, Davao Medical Center, DMC Davao, Hotel, Hotels, Souther Philippines Medical Center, SPMC Davao, St. Camillus Dormitel

Kadayawan Festival 2009: The Fever Continues

August 14, 2009 by Davao Traveler Admin

The South’s most extravagant and celebrated festivity is here again and once more Davao City will unravel the very reasons why it is considered a land of bountiful harvest and melting pot of people of diverse backgrounds.

The streets will once again show the colors, the sights, the sounds and the experience of Kadayawan sa Dabaw. This week-long annual festival speaks of the beauty of the Dabawenyo culture that made name throughout the globe and earned the admiration of millions.

From exquisite ethnic crafts, exciting destinations, beauty and glamour of the waling-waling and the majestic Philippine eagle — these and more is what Davao offers to local and foreign tourists and visitors who would take the time and have a glimpse of this cultural haven.

What To Expect In Kadayawan 2009

17th August. This year’s celebration of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw has the same texture and appeal that made the former celebrations a thing to keep on coming back to for many tourists. On the opening day August 17, the celebration will feature Davao’s best fashion designers and creations at the Gaisano Mall in “Moda Mindanaw“.

18th August will as ever be exciting with an exhibit of Indigenous People’s photos to be shown in Hulagway sa Kaliwatan at the Museo Dabawenyo with the festival’s grand opening at the People’s Park during the afternoon followed by the Indigenous People’s Festival Opening themed “Lumadnong Kasaulogan” at night.

19th August. A thorough peek into the lives of the tribes will compose the whole day of August 19 with an exhibit of their crafts and traditions at Rizal Park that will last until the 24th, while beauty and brains continue to battle at the Search for the Hiyas ng Kadayawan during the evening to be held at the CAP Auditorium in Anda Street.

20th to 21 August. The World Music Competition will be staged August 20 at the NCCC Mall of Davao in Matina. SM City Davao will be the host venue for the World Dance Competition which will be staged the following day.

22nd August. The traditional Davao River Festival will be held on August 22 after which fashion designers will again set ramps on fire with Moda Minadaw’s Fashion Night in the evening at the Venue or music lovers may find the Evening Tugtogan at Rizal and People’s Parks more interesting.

23rd August. The popular Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan or the Street Dancing Competition will take place August 23. “Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan” has been flocked by people because of display of Davao’s rich culture depicted in colorful costumes and feisty music in which performers turned the highway to a dance floor despite the heat of the midday sun or haste of falling rains.

24th August. Beautiful and colorful floats will parade the street on the 24th with the Floral Float Parade and Competition dubbed as “Pamulak sa Kadalanan“. The festivity will be concluded with Mayor Rodrig Duterte’s free concert treat for the people.

Suggested Davao Hotels

In preparation for this momentous event, hotels, inns and suites have prepared the best for every visitor and are more than willing and ready to give you the care like you have never been far from home.

The Marco Polo Hotel. You may try the most luxurious hotel in Davao, The Marco Polo Davao — with its world class hotel service, amenities and facilities that is sure to give you the best of staying in Davao. Marco Polo is located at corner Roxas Avenue and Claveria Street and is the best place to witness the happenings, even when you are just inside your room.

The Waterfront Insular Hotel. If you want to enjoy the celebration but opt to stay away from the noise during the night to give you a more relaxing rest, try the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao at Lanang. They have the same amenities and facilities that are truly world class.

Other Small Hotels: Las Casitas, La Anclar, Microtel Inn and Suites

Staying in Davao for the Kadayawan festival does not have to be that expensive. If your budget is tight but still want to experience the thrills of the festivities, there are inns and suites that offer comfortable stay in less the cost. You may try Las Casitas along Rizal Avenue or La Anclar Hometel in Bonifacio and there are a lot more.

Another spot where big activities for the festival will be held is at the Damosa Gateway. Concerts, live band performances and night parties will be held there — the best for all the party people out there. If you wish to be stay at the Damosa Gateway, you may try the excellent service being offered by Microtel Inns and Suites, the best place to stay for young professionals and tourists who want a modern experience in Davao.

These exciting activities could only be seen and experienced in Kadayawan, so step in to Davao and indulge yourself with the Kadayawan fever.

~~~

This Kadayawan Festival 2009 article is written by Matt Regis.

Filed Under: Attractions, Tourism News Tidbits Tagged With: Damosa Gateway, Davao Hotels, Davao Museum, Hotels, Kadayawan Festival, La Anclar, Las Casitas, Marco Polo, Microtel Inns and Suites, People's Park, Waterfront Insular Hotel

Feature: Viajeros Economy Inn

October 24, 2007 by Davao Traveler Admin

Another place to look for an inexpensive accommodation in Davao is the Viajeros Economy Inn. Located very near the Ecoland Terminal, this small, economy inn was built primarily for travelers who need instant accessibility to that area. Viajeros Inn offer the following services and facilities:

  • Individually controlled air-conditioned rooms
  • Hot and Cold shower
  • Remote controlled cable TV sets
  • Laundry and pressing services
  • Mini store
  • Viajeros cafe
  • Roof Deck
  • Free shuttle service to Yellow Fin Seafoods and Restaurant
  • Secured parking area

Room Rates:

Twin Sharing = PhP 850.00
Extra Person = PhP 100.00

Rates are inclusive of VAT.

Contact Viajeros Economy Inn at:

Telephone: +63.82.297.5710, +63.82.298.5134
Address : Patnubay St., Sandawa, Matina, Davao City

Here is a vicinity map of the Viajeros Economy Inn in Davao City.

davao city map viajeros economy inn

Filed Under: Davao Maps, Travel Services Tagged With: Accommodation, Davao Hotels, Hotels, Small Hotels, Viajeros Economy Inn

Regency Inn Davao

March 10, 2007 by Davao Traveler Admin

Another hotel that sits at Davao’s business center, Regency Inn offers top-quality service with its modern facilities and highly trained staff. It is located in a highly accessible area along the Villa Street, Davao City just right behind the Plaza de Luiza Building (in Magsaysay Ave.)

[Read more…] about Regency Inn Davao

Filed Under: Davao Hotels Tagged With: Accommodation, Davao Hotel, Davao Hotels, Hotels, Regency Inn

Linmarr Suites and Apartelle

March 9, 2007 by Davao Traveler Admin

Looking for a comfortable accommodation in Davao that caters to a large group of travelers? Try the Linmarr Davao Suites and Apartelle. It is located in Lakandula Street in Agdao, Davao City right at the back of Central Warehouse Club (Lapu-Lapu Street, Agdao).

[Read more…] about Linmarr Suites and Apartelle

Filed Under: Davao Hotels Tagged With: Accommodation, Davao Hotel, Davao Hotels, Hotels, Linmarr, Linmarr Apartelle

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