Davao Travel Related Tags

For tourists all over the world, there are a lot of typical activities that one can participate in, whenever wherever. Let’s say, going to beaches in the area, or visiting landmarks and museums. And then there are kinds of activities that only a certain place can offer in their fullness. This time around, we’re going to discover the special activities Davao City can offer you tourists who are looking for something fresh and extraordinary. Here we go…

Public Transportation Fun: Riding with the King of the Road

Only in the Philippines would you find the “jeepney”. Before you go on criticizing the King Of The Road for causing the most traffic in the Philippine Streets, let’s at least hear his story, okay?

The legendary component of the Philippine public transportation system sprang forth from the war remnants of the Second World War. What used to be mean and green war machines from the United States are now the most accessible and most favored ride for the typical Filipino — with a lot of tweaks of course. Although the hood still looks the same, the jeepney is a long, well decorated version of the old American wheels of war. Of course there are a lot of variants, but do look out for that all-original old-school face. People also love placing a horse on the hood as if to say they’re not only mean, but also fast.

The thing about the jeepney is that when you’re inside, you might find how intimate people can get. After all, people flock this mode of transportation because it’s cheap and very much accessible. When in the city, crowding can always happen.

But since this article is all about the unusual way of wandering, jeepney rides would qualify as one of the must-tries when in Davao City and or in almost major cities in the Philippines. Because the jeepney is an all-around all-over-the-place mode of transportation, why not visit the countryside while riding one. Aside from traveling the roads less traveled, you can also rent one at a cheap price. And then, say hello to the off-road world, Filipino style. It never fails to get your adrenaline flowing!

Going Bananas

If you’ve eaten a very delicious banana in a faraway land (other than the Philippines, of course) before, chances are, you’ve eaten a banana from Davao. And yes, the region is one of the best when it comes to banana production and export. When you’re in the city, never miss out on the banana plantations in the outskirts of town. You don’t have to be a scientist to appreciate the richness of the Davao flora. This endeavor is not only educational, it’s appetizing as well as bananas come in cheap and fresh the way you always wanted them.

Davao Traveler Tip #1 :Now that we actually awakened the fruit lover in you, why not go and try other Davao fruits as well. Davao is known for being a fruit basket, and the abundance is all year round. Aside from the banana, you can also get tasty mangoes and pomelos, as well as the renowned king of all fruits, the durian.

The Japanese Connection

Old school Davao has always been special in a lot of ways. For instance, the city is a melting pot culturally — having had a lot of influences to draw from. So don’t be surprised if the city seems to be a bit Japaneesy. It just goes to show how the Japanese love this city. In fact, Davao was once known as “Little Tokyo” — even though it was actually bigger than Tokyo.

Aside from the evidences at the present, you can also walk the memory lane and see what the Japanese left as a heritage for the city. Not far from the city (about close to an hour’s worth of travel) are ancestral houses made by the Japanese for the Japanese; that is, the Japanese that once inhabited the city for business purposes. Also in some parts of Calinan (road going to Cagayan de Oro), are the Japanese memorial shrine, a cemetery for the Japanese, and a museum among many others.

The moment you go back to town, there are also Japanese funded schools in the northern side of the city. There’s also this Japanese grocery (which should make you feel warped to Japan in an instant). And of course, how can we forget food. The city has a number of authentic Japanese restaurants for your convenience and pleasure!

There goes another Davao City travel feature. We hope that on your next visit, you’ll try out these unconventionally cool travel plans. There’s always that special excitement in everything new. Davao is always a fresh source of travel fun.

See you around town!

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Wanderful Davao is written by Randolph Reserva.

Today’s edition of our Davao traveler tour brings us northbound, to a favorite hangout for people staying in the Bajada area and beyond. We’re talking of none other than The Damosa Gateway. Let’s check out what this area has to offer in terms of both business and pleasure; perhaps a combination of ample food tripping and some business matters should convince you that there may be such thing as “another place like home”. Why so? Because we’re taking you somewhere that has everything you will ever need, and more than you’ll ever want! So, shall we begin?

The Gateway to Davao Travel

I remember this place being dusty and lifeless about a decade ago; save for a few small shops in the area, there was really nothing to care about. However, with passing time came consequential success, and for this Damosa Land owned estate, there was no way but up. It was a prime lot about to reach it prime; and that it was just a matter of time before it lives up to the hype. Now, this buzzing hotspot caters to business, nightlife, food, booze, and a lot of things that should make Davao proud, and every traveler happy!

Aptly named The Gateway, this booming domain can be found on the side of the Pan-Philippine highway, while flanking the ever alive Mamay Road on both sides. This position does not only give the place some much needed human influx, it also serves as an “oasis” to travelers. After all, this gateway is more or less, just a ten-minute ride away from the airport. The moment you land on Davao soil, you don’t have to go far to enjoy your stay right away!

Business By Day

The special thing about this area is its versatility. Whether you’ve been in Davao for days already and you’re looking for a place that offers essential services in the Lanang and Bajada areas, or you just landed and you need to do some quick transactions straight from the airport, you can be sure that this place means business.

To start with, the area has a number of banks, a travel agency, a barbershop, a massage and beauty salon, a spa, and a dental clinic. The Market Basket is also settled in the area, an establishment which houses dining and shopping boutiques. While in here, you’ll never run out of essential basic supplies as this place has a grocery too. That’s one good reason that makes this place a convenient hang-out. And then there’s even more!

You can also find the Damosa IT Park in this area. The IT Park was developed by Damosa Land to house big IT companies (think: Call Centers) going about its business here in Davao. This doesn’t only make the gateway known throughout the nation; it also is making waves in the global field of Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing in particular!

We Love The Japs

For our Japanese and Filipino-Japanese travelers who are looking to stay in the city for a relatively long time, this place has a grocery shop made exactly for you. Visit the Fuji Mart Japanese Grocery for your authentic Japanese shopping experience. Not only that, they also have two Japanese aided schools in the area that can provide your (or your children’s) educational needs – the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School and the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku.

Accommodation

Also, if you just arrived in Davao City and you’re looking for a good place to stay, you might want to check the Microtel Inns and Suites out. Conveniently found only minutes away from the Davao Airport, this hotel is also in the vicinity. That means you don’t have to go far from the airport to find whatever it is you’re looking for once you stay in this hotel.

Fun, Fun, Fun at Night

The Damosa Gateway offers a fun-filled night as much as it offers serious business during the day. With the oozing population preferring to stay in the area to spend the night away, the gateway never runs out of life round the clock. May it be booze, deli, or coffee, people just can’t resist visiting this place.

The Flavors of the East

For some Oriental taste, you might want to visit Taj Minar Bar and Restaurant. They offer Indian cuisine at its best. This place also caters to vegetarians via their vegetarian meals. All the dishes they offer come with authentic Indian spices that make the food even tastier.

How about Japanese food? Tsuru and Tadakuma are two Japanese Restaurants in the area. With two Jap restaurants offering a large menu in the area, what type of food could we probably miss out? Even the ambience in these two diners makes you feel you’re in Japan while you’re in Davao!

And then there’s the Hanoi Vietnamese Restaurant. This one’s my personal favorite. With dishes like Fried Spring Rolls, Cha Noung (pork barbeque, lettuce, rice noodles and basil wrapped in rice paper), and the scrumptious Butter and Garlic Crabs (this one is a must try!), you’ll surely have a happy stomach the moment you step out of the restaurant to continue your Davao travel.

How about some Fillipino dishes? Visit Dencio’s Kamayan for the beautiful food this beautiful country has to offer. For some Chinese food, Dimsum Diner offers fresh and hot Chinese delicacies round the clock.

The Wild Wild West – Flavors from the Other Side of the World

If you’re craving for Mediterranean food, Ristorante Spirale won’t disappoint. Food in this restaurant is, as they say in Italy, Delizioso! How Italian? Carbonara Spaghetti, Spaghetti with Meatballs, and pizza; all prepared the Italian way. How delicious? Food is “must try”, and this place is a “must visit”. All because saying they’re all delicious is understatement!

For booze and deli, go to La Taverna and Hola España. After you get some good Spanish meal including the likes of Gambas and Paella, there’s nothing better than a mug full of ice cold beer. They also offer the rustic Spanish ambience inside, while outside, they’ll lure you by playing some smooth Latino music.

Pizza anyone? The Damosa Gateway is home to the Yellow Cab Pizza Co. and Giacominos. The former is very well known for their hefty, American style pizza. The latter thrives in preparing pizza the Italian style. They also serve something other than pizza. You can order things like chicken fillet, chili wings, barbeque ribs, and carbonara spaghetti.

Burger lovers will have an easy time finding their favorite in the area. Space Burger offers grilled burger patties and a lot of yummy stuff in between. Or if you’re always on the go, McDonald’s is open 24/7. That place doesn’t need a lot of introduction, right? Ronald McDonald is just everywhere every time, just like the traveler in you!

You might also want to check that place that looks like your typical cowboy cavern named the Avenue S Bar and Grill. While the look of this place looks comfortable old-school, the ice cold beer should be just as good as it always is! For chicken lovers, there’s the Q Resto. This resto is famously known for their eat-all-you-can greaseless chicken meal which you can get at only PhP 95 PHP. Now I’m hungry.

Coffee Love

Because a day without coffee is never a day; only a fleeting moment.

Whether it’s in Coffee Dream or in Caffe Firenzo, complete your night with a cup of warm or cold coffee. Or perhaps, some chilled blends? As long as it’s coffee in a good coffee shop, you’ll never find it dead boring. Top your coffee with some pastry or sandwich, and you’re all done – the day will surely be complete. Though I haven’t been to Coffee Dream, I’ve spent some time in Firenzo. Apart from the Wi-Fi connection, the place offers a relaxing and cozy ambience. I’d give big ten stars to rate whoever did the interior design of this place. He or she just did us a lot of favor by providing us comfort that goes with the coffee. All in all, the whole experience is truly remarkable!

So there you have it, the Damosa Gateway scouted and reviewed for your convenience. All that’s left is for you to actually visit the place and experience the fun for yourself. Just be sure to tune back in for some specific visits to the shops in the area. Aside from that, we’ll continue to give you every Davao destination that suits your interest. I hope to see you around town one of these days. Have a good week everyone and bon voyage!

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The Damosa Gateway article is a personal review by Randolph Reserva. He has more travel stuff to review in the pipeline.