‘From islands to highlands”—that’s the promise of the Davao region, which is composed of the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and Davao Occidental.
“Our brand promise speaks of the region’s topography,” explains Arturo Boncato Jr., assistant secretary of the Department of Tourism. “It suggests a treasure trove of sites, attractions and activities visitors can experience in the gulf, mountainside and urban centers.”
From extreme adventures of mountain climbing and deep-sea diving to just walking over white-sand beaches or having fun at night, Davao has it. Visitors and guests will have a grand time during their stay in any place in the region. Here are some of those areas they should not miss:
Mount Apo
At 9,692 feet in elevation, this mountain, which towers over Davao del Sur and North Cotabato, possesses a formidable array of landscapes—from craggy rockscapes to virgin forests, from mossy swamps to volcanic structures. It provides an experience for mountaineers that lives up to their expectations from the country’s highest peak.
“Treks drew only the most resolute climbers to take on the challenge of conquering its perilous summit,” wrote Fr. Miguel Bernad, a Jesuit priest and ardent mountaineer, in his essay, “The Snows on Mount Apo,” on how difficult the mountain was to scale in the 1800s.
Mount Hamiguitan
Within 225 hectares, a total of 1,380 species of flora and fauna thrives in this lush sanctuary in Davao Oriental. Due to its high number of unique, endemic and globally threatened species, it is now included in the World Heritage Site list. What is unique about this place is its century-old mossy-pygmy forest, whose wild trees grow to an average of only 4 to 5 feet.
Sloping agricultural land technology
If Banaue has its famous rice terraces, Bansalan in Davao del Sur has sloping agricultural land technology. Instead of using rock walls, the system uses different nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs as alleys. The birthplace is now one of the top ecotourism destinations in the province.
Dahican Beach
Planning of going to Boracay? Why spend so much money when you can go to this 7-kilometer-long beach in Mati City. Walking barefoot on its white sand is a pleasure. However, its serene and tranquil shores make it a great escape from strenuous busy life. Added attractions are the endangered dugongs, dolphins and marine turtles that live in its waters. A bonus: meeting some of the Amihan Boys, a group of young homegrown skimboarders and surfers.
Creamsand Longbeach
Fronting the great Pacific Ocean, the 9-kilometer-long beach (whose coastline begins from Barangay San Antonio up to Barangay Baybay) has waves perfect for surfing and skimboarding.
Kopiat Island
Off the Davao coast in the municipality of Mabini, Compostela Valley, Kopiat Island boasts of clear and calm waters and wide sections of shoreline blanketed with fine white sand. Its old-fashioned way of beach lounging made it become more relaxing and comforting. No parties, no crowds—just simple beach life.
Aliwagwag Falls
Located in the middle of the forest in Cateel, Davao Oriental, it is touted to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. It has a series of 84 cascading falls appearing like a stairway to the sky.
Monfort Bat Cave
In the Island Garden City of Samal, you can find the Monfort Bat Cave. The 1,000-foot-long cave in Barangay Tambo, Babak District, is home to about 2.4 million bats. It made the Guinness Book of World Records in 2010 as the largest colony of Geoffroy’s Rousettes in the world.
Christ the King Cathedral
When going to Tagum City, visit this biggest basilica in Mindanao. Located at Magugpo South, it has an impressive architecture that incorporates modern and traditional designs. At the back of the cathedral, you can find the biggest wooden rosary in the world (about 100 meters), whose bead of the rosary each weighs approximately 35 kilograms.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
One of the world-class resorts in Mindanao, it has been featured in two international beauty pageants: Miss Universe and Miss Earth. The resort is set among inviting swaying coconut palms and fringed by a glittering white-sand beach. But what’s so striking about the resort are its cottages on stilts perched above the sea.
Philippine Eagle
The Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Center in Malagos, Calinan in Davao City is home of the world’s second-largest eagle, which happens to be the country’s national bird. The center is also home to various species of animals, birds and plants.
Davao Crocodile Farm
Located in Maa, it provides home to locally bred crocodiles, including the country’s biggest crocodile, named Pangil (fangs), measuring over 18 feet in length. Visitors can take pleasure from viewing, horseback-riding around the park, or feeding the young fierce reptiles.
So, whether you like islets that vanish or mountains that dominate skylines, admiring rare flora and fauna up close, or even sampling creative dishes, Davao makes good on its promise: adventure, durian and more.