Davao City Hotels

Do you want to experience utmost tranquility in the presence of nature? Do you want to constantly hear birds singing, see lush green forests and inhale unpolluted mountain air? If so, you might find that Davao is the paradise that you are looking for.

Eden Nature Park is one of the must-sees when in Davao. Out of the carved mountain slope you will find thousands of trees forming large canopies ideal for hiking or jogging. On top of that, you get to stay in a resort with modern amenities while enjoying the simple pleasures of life that can only be found in nature.

Good news for mountain climbers. Mount Apo, one of the most famous climbing destinations in the Philippines can be found in Davao. Mount Apo is a stratovolcano, has three peaks and a small crater containing crater lake. Mount Apo has been declared a national park and is home to flora and fona unique to the region.

Since we’re on the topic of nature, when in Davao a good place to go to would be the Philippine Eagle Center. The Philippine Eagle Center is where the country’s national bird is bred in captivity. However for animal lovers, the Philippine Eagle is not the only attraction in this Center. There are also other species of birds and animals indigenous to the Philippines that can be seen there.

Davao has something for everybody. If it’s history you’re after, the old Catarman Church Ruins is a primary historical source of life in the Philippines during the Spanish occupation and the devastaing 1871 earthquake which wiped out this illustrious city.

The Davao Musuem is also a must see if one wants to truly understand the culture of the people of Davao. In this Museum you will find tribal art, costumes, handicrafts and jewelries, as well as paintings, sculptures and ceramics. While one is at it, why not take it a step further by watching the T’boli women weave cloth from the abaca plant? This art has been handed down from generation to generation and can be viewed live at the T’Boli Weaving Center in the Insular Hotel grounds.

One’s visit to Davao is not complete until you see one of their festivals. Every July 1st, Davao celebrates its founding anniversary through a display of agro-industrial products. There are cultural presentations and shows and you could join in the fun in the numerous sporst activities lined up. Although there are several festivals celebrated throughout the year, the Araw ng Davao del Sur is an event that one should not miss.

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Ever gone to the country’s highest peak? If not, here are some facts on Davao’s Mt. Apo that may tickle the imagination and thrill.

Mt. Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines. It looms right over the city of Davao. Davao’s Mt. Apo actually has a three-pronged peak, flat topped like a famous chocolate, and is a dead strato volcano, according to experts. One of the things that earn the dedicated interest of mountain climbers is the fact that on top of Davao’s Mt. Apo is a dazzling 500-meter volcanic crater with a small lake within. The lake scene disperses all languidness brought about by the exhausting ascent.

The name of Davao’s Mt. Apo literally means grandpa. Ancient Filipino culture fondly referred to tribal chiefs or elders as “apo.” Thus, Davao’s Mt. Apo is said to be the chief or grandpa of all the mountains in the country. Though huge and majestic, it has been inactive since history can remember. Actually, according to records, Apo’s last explosion has been unknown. And that’s good news for all of us—although geothermal activity in Davao’s Mt Apo goes on. This may mean volcanic activity is still present in the mountain, though probably not enough to cause a major activity. Local government engineers tap the geothermal power for an energy source.

Nestled at the foot of Davao’s Mt. Apo is the national park named after it. Davao’s Mt. Apo sits right in the middle of this vast forested area of protected mountain ranges. And there the dormant volcano looms like an elder among subordinates. This gargantuan mountain stretches across southern provinces and ends at the southern tip of Davao. The National Park encompasses a huge 70,000 plus hectares. Thus, no other park in the country has a bigger land area. So Davao’s Mt. Apo is vast enough for the rare Philippine Eagle to roam around and call the mountain home. It has been declared as a protected area.

Aside from the national eagle, Davao’s Mt. Apo is also home to hundreds of other birds exclusive and endemic to Apo. They roam freely in the Apo environs and are a major target of bird watchers foreign and local. In fact, Davao’s Mt. Apo is considered a center of many endemic things in Mindanao—Apo has a potential biological variety.

Davao’s Mt. Apo is an amazing feat of nature in the South that gives, not only southerners, but the entire country a reason to climb up to a new level.

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When thinking of a vacation activity, a Davao tour ought to be it. There are many reasons why a Davao tour should be contemplated, but just four reasons are given here. And these are enough to convince anybody about seeing the whole of Davao later.

Just take Eden Nature Park for example. Looking at the firefly sanctuary at night is just exhilarating. We’re talking of swarms of tiny twinkling lights that look as though the night stars are just a grab away. Eden Nature Park also has a swimming pool and a bird sanctuary. And while watching, the spacious spot can also be perfect for traditional Filipino games.

Eden Nature Park also has some of the rarest organic vegetables and herbs in its garden. Health buffs can always have a shopping spree of all-natural plant products fresh from the garden in this Davao tour first stop. Then try out its interesting souvenir shop and get an Eden Nature Park shirt to remember this Davao tour stop-over by. Eden Nature Park also has a fishing village, a deer park, an amphitheater and flower garden—where one may also offer “prayers” incidentally.

Second Davao tour stop is the incredible Crocodile Farm. This is where we get a feel of the deadly swamp creature. And what’s so exciting about a crocodile farm? Well, for one, 8-footer crocodiles daunted to be the country’s biggest. Crocodile Farm is a good idea of a Davao tour because there are so few of them in the country—and the rest can hardly come up with crocodiles as big. After this second Davao tour stop-over, we’re all perked up to see more of adventurous sites in the city.
Third Davao tour stop is the famous Pearl Farm—all 14-hectares of it. This used to be a real pearl farm where culturing of thousands of oysters from the Sulu Sea were done. Delicate treasures of pink, white and gold pearls were harvested and became viable for the global market. Today, Pearl Farm is top quality beach resort known the world over. Tourists pour in for its white beach, palm trees, good food, relaxing ambience, and excellent service.
Finally, the last Davao tour break is the Samal group of Islands. It looks like a miniature Philippines with nine small islands totaling some 28,000 hectares of land stretch out in the sea.

A Davao tour to these places will pave the way to falling in love with the whole of Davao.

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The people of Davao are a mixture of various migrants and tribes that come from different parts of the Philippines and the surrounding countries. Among the tribes that are present in Davao are the Mandaya, Bagobo, Tiboli, Manobo, B’laan, and Mansaka tribes. The culture and arts of these tribes in Davao are preserved, rehabilitated, and restored in Davao Museum.

Visiting Davao Museum is a way to learn and admire more about the cultural heritage of the City of Davao. Davao is considered as a cultural melting pot in the southern part of the Philippines where you will be able to experience the convergence of many arts and cultures of different tribes.

Davao Museum is located inside Insular Village in Lanang, Davao City. Davao Museum is open every day except on Sundays for visitors who wish to know more of the cultural heritage and arts of the city. The museum is a two-storey building. The location of Davao Museum is about 12 kilometers away from the center of Davao and is near Davao International Airport.

Davao Museum is mainly devoted to show the different cultural tribes and other facts and information about the people of Davao and the whole region. The bottom floor of the museum showcased Davao’s timeline. The timeline started from Davao’s earliest existence as a huge piece of molten rock and ends up on the events of the 20th century. It is pretty interesting and fascinating.

The main gallery of Davao Museum has various collections of beautiful tribal artifacts such as local costumes, handicrafts, tribal art, jars, looms, and jewelry. Ancient jars called the Martaban jars can also be seen in the museum. Davao Museum has a gallery that is full of sculptures, paintings, and ceramics. Ancient musical instruments of the early tribes in Davao are also shown.

Davao Museum is also considered as a private museum because it contains collections that are ethnographical and archaeological that relates to the region of Southern Mindanao. Many personal memorabilia are also found in Davao Museum that came from Davao’s first generation of pioneers.

Davao Museum is among the famous museums that are present in the Philippines. The rich collections of Davao Museum will take you back in time and there you will be able to fully understand the soul of Davao City.

After touring Davao Museum, you can find a souvenir shop within the vicinity of the museum where souvenir items are sold like native crafts made by the tribes of Davao.

Be amazed of the rich cultural and historical heritage of the tribes of Davao at Davao Museum.

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Mt. Apo is a famous mountain climbing destination in Davao as well as the Philippines. The mountain is a volcano that is already extinct and has a height of 2,954 meters above sea level.

The slopes of Mt. Apo in the north and northeast side are gradually descending. The west side slope of Mt. Apo has an abrupt descent going to the Cotabato Valley. The east side slope of Mt. Apo also has an abrupt descent down to the lowland areas of Davao.

The south and southeast slopes of Mt. Apo are bisected by two rivers, the Sibulan and Marawin Rivers. Mt. Apo has a flat and plateau-like area at the height of 2,400 meters. This plateau-like area at Mt. Apo is about seven square kilometers in land area with a cone that has a height of 500 meters. The slope at the northeast side of Mt. Apo actually drains into Tab and Davao rivers.

The forests within Mt. Apo extend up to a height of 2,700 meters and cover a land area of about 50 square kilometers. The lower slopes of Mt. Apo are cleared for various crop plantations like cassava, rice, and bananas. Coconut and Durian plantations are also abundant. Secondary woodland areas have been developed.

At the height of 1,000 to 1,600 meters, the primary rainforest of Mt. Apo can be found, which is abundant with epiphytes and ferns. The Vanda Sanderiana, a species of orchids that is endemic and endangered can be found within the primary forest of Mt. Apo in Davao. Within the ecosystem of Mt. Apo, lots of floras that can be found are endemic and most of these are on the verge of extinction.

Mt. Apo is a very majestic mountain that contains wonderful scenarios, which makes the mountain a famous destination for hiking and climbing adventurers in Davao. It takes four days for an average mountain climber to climb Mt. Apo up to the summit. Due to the availability of a service road going to the geothermal site in Mt. Apo, accessibility is now easier.

The following are some of the interesting attractions in Mt. Apo: lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, hot springs, lakes such as Agco Blue Lake and summit lakes, sulphurous volcanic cone, milky white water of Marbel River, lots of waterfalls such as Todaya Falls, and Mt. Sibulan and Mt. Talomo with their semi-circular summits.

For the thousands of Lumad tribal people living in the area, Mt. Apo is a very sacred place for them and is considered as their last resort for living.

Mt. Apo is truly a majestic and amazing natural structure where lots of lives depend on its rich ecosystem. And with many of the endemic in Mt. Apo that has become endangered, preservation and conservation drives must be strengthened.

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The Davao Crocodile Park has now become a popular tourist destination in the City of Davao. It is located at the Diversion Highway of Ma-a in Davao City. The Davao Crocodile Park is a commercial establishment that is equipped of the state-of-the-art farming system of various crocodiles.

Aside from Freshwater and Saltwater Crocodiles, the Davao Crocodile Park is also housing other exotic species of animals such as monkeys, raptors, snakes, bearcats, birds, and other reptiles, making the Davao Crocodile Park a desired destination for tourists in Davao.

The Davao Crocodile Park was established in Davao for the following reasons: (1) For tourism in Davao, (2) To give entertainment to the public and also public viewing, (3) Become a venue of educational tours, (4) To promote public awareness of crocodiles and other reptiles through holding seminars and lectures, (5) For the conservation of the crocodile species and other wildlife species, (6) To act as a laboratory field for students of animal-related courses.

Through the fascination of Mr. Philip Dizon, the owner, to crocodiles, the Davao Crocodile Park was born. At first, creating the Davao Crocodile Park was not for business not until he learned later that public viewing and leather production from crocodiles are profitable businesses.

In November of 1995, the Philippine Government gave accreditation as well as permit to the owner to become the first Davao Crocodile Park in Davao. And ten years later, the Davao Crocodile Park opened as a world-class park in August 18, 2005 in Davao.

The vision of the Davao Crocodile Park is to educate everyone about the natural habitat of the crocodiles and what is their connection to our life and nature. This is vision of the Davao Crocodile Park is not just for the crocodiles alone but also other wildlife animals that are present in the Davao Crocodile Park.

The Davao Crocodile Park has made a conservation challenge for the benefits of the crocodile population. They make initiatives that people may pay attention to the danger that the crocodiles are facing at the present. The crocodiles are already nearing for extinction if we don’t act now to save them that the future generations may still be able to see some living legacy of the famous era of dinosaurs.

The Davao Crocodile Park has a number of events that people can enjoy while visiting this popular park in Davao. These are the Crocodile Dancing, Crocodile Encounter, Crocodile Frenzy, Tightrope Walking, and many more.

Once you have visited the Davao Crocodile Park in Davao, you will learn to love the crocodiles instead of being afraid of them.

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Davao Oriental is one of the country’s most amusing places to see. Natural scenic spots dot the landscape and lavish visitors with the rich natural bounty of Davao Oriental. For a captivating tour appetizer, here is a list of remarkable examples.

Davao being known as a beach destination, lets start off with an enigmatic collection of archaic trees lining up the coastline of Caraga in Davao Oriental. This centuries-old tree barrier and shed is a special feature of San Luis Beach in barangay San Luis. This picturesque locality of Davao Oriental is a mere 16-kilometer drive from the Poblacion going to Baganga. The shoreline is about 5 kilometers long rich with dark beach sand and a scattering of corals.

At the sound of the rare sumptuous fish, “Damagan” (which is almost an inverted play of the Tagalog word “maganda,” meaning “beautiful”), Caraga River of Davao Oriental immediately comes to mind. The rare, edible fish is found only in this river of Davao Oriental and is a common objective of visitors aware of the fish sanctuary. Caraga River itself is a scenic spot lush with wild shrubbery and native undergrowths. The long and winding river banks is a favorite spot for wild river sports.

Davao Oriental often reveals the unspoiled underwater mound of Burias Islet right in the middle of the sea when the waters are tame and the tide is low. This one-hectare Davao Oriental pristine sea spot is an atoll of fine white sand speckled with seashells and is excellent for idle soaking in shallow waters, sunbathing, or for therapeutic feeling of the soft sand with the soles of the feet.

Waterfalls add to the enchanting array of Davao Oriental water forms. A modest forest foliage in the locality of Tarragona in Davao Oriental, dramatically unveils a wide water falls amid a rich backdrop of wild verdant vegetation. “Puting Bato” Waterfalls in Barrio Limot is only about 15 kilometers away from this quiet barrio. Barrio Kampawan, just 30 minutes away, craddles Rubilinda Falls. Barrio Aliwagwag, however, boasts of the highest waterfalls in the country and one of the most fascinating in Davao Oriental and Mindanao. It’s appeal also comes from the thick forest surrounding the 84 waterfall steps descending from its peak height.

These are just some of the wonders Davao Oriental can offer visitors. Those in search of a unique exploration with what Mother Nature can offer in these parts, Davao Oriental is the place to go to.

Tags: Samal Hotel, Hotel, Mindanao, Philippines, Davao, Resort, Samal

The Philippine Eagle Foundation or PEF is an organization in Davao that is classified as non-profit, non-stock, and private. The Philippine Eagle Foundation is dedicated to save and protect the endangered species of Philippine Eagle and the bird’s habitat in Davao.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation was organized in 1987. Its staff consists of highly trained and dedicated professionals. The Philippine Eagle Foundation undertakes research, captive breeding, and rehabilitation of Philippine Eagles in Davao. Today, the Philippine Eagle Foundation is the Philippines’ leading organization in the conservation of raptors.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation has a firm belief that the fate of the endangered Philippine Eagle, the good health of the environment, and the good quality of Philippine life are interconnected. The Philippine Eagle Foundation therefore commits itself to promote the survival of the Philippine Eagle, the biodiversity that the bird represents, and the proper use of the forest resources of the Philippines so that the future generation will also come to enjoy them.

Through the many struggles and lack of funds, the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s effort and dedication paid off in 1992. The foundation was able to successfully produce the first generation of Philippine Eagles that were hatched and bred in captivity in Davao. They are Pag-asa or Hope and Pagkakaisa or Unity.

The birth of these two Philippine Eagles in captivity caught the attention of the world. The Philippine Eagle Foundation was able to receive more funds and support from the public to help save the species of the Philippine Eagles in Davao.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation is the only action-oriented organization in the Philippines that is focused on saving the endangered Philippine Eagle and its habitat in Davao. The Philippine Eagle is a very important natural and cultural heritage not just in Davao but the entire Philippines as well. It is a powerful symbol that can awaken the people to the importance of natural resources and conservation.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation has created the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao, which is the home of 32 Philippine Eagles. 16 of these Philippine Eagles were bred in captivity. The Philippine Eagle Center also rehabilitates ten other bird species, two reptile species, and four mammal species.

The Philippine Eagle Center is a simulated environment of a tropical rainforest where visitors of the center can have a glimpse of the forest ecosystem of the Philippines. The exhibits in the Philippine Eagle Center are there to help educate the people about conservation. The Philippine Eagle Center has become a major tourist destination in Davao nowadays.

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Mt. Apo is the Philippines’ highest peak. This mountain overlooks the city of Davao. Mt. Apo is a huge stratovolcano that is flat topped and with three peaks. There is a volcanic crater that is 500 meters wide with a small crater lake within.

The name Mt. Apo means grandfather. Mt. Apo’s last eruption is unknown and the mountain is a good source of geothermal energy. Mt. Apo is in the center of the Mt. Apo National Park that stretches throughout the North Cotabato and Davao del Sur provinces.

Mt. Apo National Park has a land area of 72,800 hectares and is considered as the largest park of the Philippines. The mountain is also the home of the endangered Philippine Eagle. Former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon declared Mt. Apo as a national park on May 9, 1936.

Over 270 species of birds can be found in Mt. Apo. More than a hundred of these birds in the mountain are considered as endemic. Mt. Apo has been considered as Mindanao’s center of endemism. The mountain has a high biological diversity per unit area.

Mt. Apo has three forest formations. These are lowland tropical rainforest, mid-mountain forests, and high mountain forests. The slope on the east side of the mountain is under the UNESCO Hydrology Environment Life and Policy. The focus of this network is for watershed stakeholders to have building collaboration among them.

Mt. Apo is among the famous mountain climbing destinations in the Philippines. Don Joaquin Rajal and his party are the first people who climbed the summit of Mt. Apo on October 10, 1880.

Climbing Mt. Apo can be done any day of the year. The area of Mt. Apo is outside the typhoon belt area so it is safe to climb any time. October to December and March to April are the preferred months to climb Mt. Apo. Every Holy Week, an annual climb to Mt. Apo occurs with lots of mountain climbing participants. The Philippine Tourism Authority organized this annual event on the mountain.

Towards the summit of the mountain, a lake called Lake Venado is nestled beautifully with crystal clear water that mirrors Mt. Apo’s twin peaks. In this place, you can take a deep refreshing breath and shout to your heart’s content. At the mountain’s summit, you will be able to view the wide expanse of the surrounding provinces of Davao.

Mt. Apo is indeed the grandfather of all the mountains of the Philippines. The mountain’s towering height and its vastness is a great sight to see in Davao. Be ready to be amazed by the majesty of this mountain.

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Welcome to one of the World’s biggest City! Davao City covers about 244,000 hectares of land located in the province of Davao del Sur in Mindanao, Philippines.

If you are looking for a place to unwind, shop for exotic souvenirs and rare orchids, climb the Philippines’ highest peak, or just want to go sight-seeing, then Davao is the perfect place for you.

A perfect sight-seeing trip could start with a visit to the Pearl Farm located in Samal Island off the coast of Davao City. The cottages are built on stilts over the sea that teems with different kinds of fish. The waves provide a sweet lullaby at night to give guests a relaxing and comfortable sleep. The resort used to be a pearl farm where pearls of different colors and sizes were cultured. Now it offers warm accommodation and first class amenities. Serves good food especially fresh seafood fares, and offers a wide variety of activities.

Next stop would be a hiking/camping trip to the Eden Mountain Resort that boasts of a cool climate, lush forest and provides a spectacular view of the city and the gulf. The place is also suitable for bird watching and horseback riding.

What is a trip to Davao without a trip to the Tribal God’s Abode in Mount Apo. The highest peak in the Philippines, many outdoor enthusiasts and mountain climbers can not resist the lure of the mountain’s beauty. Take a dip in the cool streams and waterfalls as you trek along the verdant surroundings before reaching the summit.

After the adventure in Mount Apo, you might want to visit the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary. The majestic Monkey-eating Eagle considered an endangered species, can be found only here in Davao and a portion of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Luzon.

For a change of pace, know the culture and history of the place by going to the Davao museum and the centuries old San Pedro Cathedral. Admire the colorful Art, handicrafts, tribal costumes and jewelry and shop for souvenirs in the museum. The cathedral, named for the city’s Patron Saint, is the biggest and oldest church in the city. It houses age-old/antique images of saints and well preserved structures built during the Spanish period.

Experience Davao, befriend the warm and hospitable people and have a taste of the native delicacies. Have fun while learning and enriching your knowledge of the world. It’s truly a feast for the eyes and the palate!

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