If there is a city that has made a comeback progressively, it is Davao. The city is on the rise, and it is timely. Timely with opportunities. With its business community that was willing to innovate and a government that polishes the law and foundations for investments to flow. Not only that, tourism is one booming aspect of Davao. So, let's go!
My last visit to Davao was the summer of 2018 pre-pandemic, and that was the time that I was able to go around the city and realized that indeed a city is rising in the south. That time I learned that Davao City is the biggest city in the Philippines in terms of the land area. Well, looks like I haven't crossed a quarter of it in my last visit to this city, considering that I have only gone through the tourist destinations and, that time, the popular night market along Roxas Avenue. This was very famous attraction before Covid19, people would crowd in this area for the popular local street foods, some cheap local goods on sale, a group of blind masseurs put up chairs in rows for interested folks who wanted to have a massage at an affordable price, and of course thrift buying for shirts, shoes, pants, hats, and a lot more can be find here - one thing I enjoyed the most because I love bargains, lol!
Davao City draws the sea- and- sun crowd, the adventurers, as well as the highland culture- trippers, because of its equally awesome beaches and mountains.
Mountainside, this place is the home of the famous Mt. Apo, the highest mountain peak and volcano in the Philippines. Unfortunately, we're not able to climb it and I won't dare climbing it, not until I would experience a major climb. Yes, that means one must be an experienced mountaineer with skills and all. Maybe you, but for me, that would be someday soon.
For a conventional tourist like me, we can enjoy the more accessible tourist attractions. Let me take you to:
Upside Down House Museum
The building and everything inside is really upside down. It is well -furnished with beautiful decorations, great design and architecture, and vibrant colors. Indeed, as they say, instagrammable. Each group comes with an in-house phot0grapher, he/ she will be the one to take your photos and conceptualize the best way to do it. It's a fun half day experience, so you really need to go earlier to finish the tour before lunchtime or dinner.
Gap Farming
Just a huge family and nature park, where kids can play, have a picnic and sightseeing. There is a cave/ tunnel in this park that was known to be a hiding place during the World War 2.
Davao Crocodile Park
Literally a place with hundreds or maybe thousands of crocodiles, because they're into conservation, as well as propagation of crocodiles. There are also other animals in the park, and in the afternoon there is an animal show of their smart parrot and the monkey that are really amusing with great talents. Thus, a tour here is a great learning experience for the kids.
Outside the park, are restaurants that serve crocodile meat on some of their dishes. But, I didn't dare eat any of it, I'm not really a fan of exotic dishes. Another interesting food to explore is the crocodile ice cream! Yikes, another no for me.
The Philippine Eagle Center
Davao is also famous for the Philippine Eagle. This place is really huge and unique. Though the birds are kept in cages, the habitat is still environment-friendly for them. The cages are big enough for them to fly and for trees and some plants to grow. I have learned that big companies adopts these birds and sponsors for their food and health needs.
For instance, the Philippine Eagle "Diamante" adopted by San Pedro College and "Sam" adopted by Samsung. The name, gender and other information about the bird were written in signages outside the cage.
Visiting Davao won't be complete without the popular Durian fruit. And, this yummy Durian cake from Lachi's is just a wonderful substitute if the fruit is not convincing at all. Well, obviously, we're about to finish it up before I realized to take a picture of it, lol.
I hope you enjoyed the tour with me. The seaside was a wonderful experience too, and I guess that would be for the next article. So, stay tuned!
Thanks for joining me!
Photos are all MINE.
Nacurious ako sa durian cake. I love durian pero di ko pa natry ang cake. Candies, fruit, ice cream, jam pa lang mga nattry ako. Halo-halo with durian ayun ang sarap.
Dami pala places to visit sa Davao. Sana makapunta na diyan kapag wala na COVID. Climbing mountains medjo feeling ko hindi talaga para sa akin. Naffeel ko lang. Hehe. Hindi ko pa natry pero pinangungunahan ko na agad na hihingalin ako. Hahaha.