Have you been planning to go sightseeing in Davao? Here are some places that you shouldn’t miss.
Let’s have a quick tour of Davao, the gateway to southern Mindanao, Philippines.
Davao is found in southern Mindanao or Region XI of the Philippines. It is comprised of four provinces – Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental and the Compostela Valley. It’s regional centre is Davao City.
In Davao Oriental prepare for a breathtaking experience when you reach the 338 meter high majestic cascading water of Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel. It is 360 kilometers from Davao City and accessible by bus or vans. Not too far from the area is a forest that cradles the burial site of the Lumads or Mandaya tribe.
Moving on, we go to the next province northwest of Davao Oriental which is Compostela Valley. Here we can find Maragusan, another haven with its cool weather, springs and waterfalls. This is where the Agusan River starts its journey towards the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary.
On the west side of the Compostela Valley we will find Davao del Norte. Here we find The Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Center in the rainforest of Malagos, Calinan. It is the home of the organization set out to save the Philippine eagle or Pithecophaga jefferyi. The Philippine eagle is known as the tallest, one of the two largest eagles in terms of weight, and holds the record for wingspan that can exceed to eight feet.
From Davao del Norte we go to Digos City, Davao del Sur. You can take a public van or motorcycle transport also known as the “habal-habal” to get to Kapatagan. From there find a ride going to Sitio Marawer. You can start hiking to go to Mt. Apo which is the highest mountain in the Philippines and Southeast Asia’s second highest with a peak of 10,311 feet. Mt. Apo is known as the kingdom of the mountain god Apo Sandawa. The best time to climb is during the summer.
The beautiful beaches of Davao are worth the trip especially if you want to relax after going around the area. You can take a dip at the water, go snorkelling, scuba diving, and Dolphin or whale watching. You can play golf in two of the country’s famous 18-hole golf courses – Lanang Gold and Country Club or the Apo Golf and Country Club. If you’re more adventurous you can go white water rafting.
Other places to see are the Crocodile Park, the bat cave in Kamudmud, the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, the T’boli Weaving Center and the Saukegee Cave where pre-Hispanic porcelain jars were found.
For souvenirs you can go shopping for fine artworks, handicrafts and handmade products made by the indigenous tribes of Atas, Bagobos, Kalagans, Mandayas, Mangguangans, Mansakas, and the Tagakaolos or visit Davao in August to witness the Kalibongan Festival where the old rituals of the Manobo tribe as well as their sports, songs and dances are presented.
After going around, you can recharge with the fresh seafood, the famous Durian fruit and other specialties in the different and many restaurants and bars in Davao and come out graciously full not only of food but of memories of the beautiful places in Davao.