Davao City Hotels

Davao can promise a thousand and one tour delights with its abundance of tourist destinations and spots not even most locals have visited in their entirety. Here is a summary of what these places are.

Davao’s forest reserves are among the famous and most beautiful in the country. And such havens are perfect sanctuaries for local eagles which are one of the government’s preservation targets today and for decades to come. The Davao Eagle Conservation Center is a perfect site for eagle lovers and eagle protection advocates, or even bird watchers who seek the pure sight of wild birds in their natural habitats, freely roaming or soaring around.

And who wouldn’t want to experience the exhilarating sight of Mt. Apo, much more tread its sides to its world famous peak—the highest, in fact, in the country, and one of the highest in the world? Mount Apo, a national park very near Davao, is a favorite lair of mountain climbing thrill seekers, from abroad and the country. Its peak is said to be a fairy-tale like wonder where some unique flora and fauna species proliferate, nurtured by natural dew and caressed by the warmth of sunlight. This Davao mountain attraction never fails to lure young and adult climbers and hikers who traverse the rugged terrain up the slope to claim a conqueror’s footing on the Davao mountain king.

Davao is also well known for quality orchids. And an important place to visit is the Puentespina Orchid Garden. Discover the different orchid varieties that proliferate locally and those from abroad, and appreciate the subtle colors and forms in which they come and the natural arrangement they blossom in.

Another Davao specialty is how tropical fruits grow and take their exceptional quality that is distinctly Davao. Davao fruits are branded with top caliber appraisals and are popular for being export quality. Particular here is the popular Davao banana varieties. Bananas are said to be so abundant in Davao that there are times when they are merely given away for free to any passerby. Try dropping by banana plantations which are regular features of Davao farm lands.

Then there are the island of Samal to explore, the island of Talikud to discover, and the remarkable Coral Islands to unearth and take good shots with the camera.

The above are but a few of what Davao can reveal. No wonder that both tourists and investors are often brought to Davao when locals want to show off.

Tags: Tourism, Tour, Philippines, Samal, Davao City, Davao Beach Resort, Davao Philippines

• » Comments (0)

These four tourist spots are a must see when in Davao Del Sur. Find time to explore the special worth of these places and let the experience rivet the memory to their enduring significance.

A favorite memorial spot in this province frequented by foreign tourists, especially Japanese and American war veterans, is the famous Japanese Peace Memorial Shrine located inside the Japanese Memorial Cemetery. This Davao Del Sur landmark reminds visitors, and the world at large, of the futility and cost of armed confrontation, especially of war, in resolving political or economic issues, particularly those of international extent.

The Department of Tourism in Davao Del Sur has invested in and banked on the potential of this tourist spot, this being the venue of an annual reunion of Japanese war veterans, their relatives and friends. This site is accessible from the Davao City through private or public transportation. The memorial shrine, among the historical sites in Davao Del Sur, is devoted to promoting the universal brotherhood of all men of any race, belief, or ideology.

Another tourist destination worthy of checking out is the Davao Museum, located inside the Insular Village. This museum, providing a peek into the culture and spirit of Davao Del Sur, is about 12 kilometers from Davao City. This museum highlights the origins and achievements of a people in the course of time, making Davao Del Sur what it is today.

At the onset, entering the main gallery, Davao Museum is at once a fascinating depository of indigenous art and craftsmanship reflecting Davao culture’s ingenuity and uniqueness, and its contribution to Philippine civilization.

On display in Davao Museum are native art and tapestry, people’s ancient costumes, accessories, utensils, jewelries, native handicrafts, among others, that make Davao Museum a delightful historical stop-over. It also keeps a special gallery for Davao paintings, elaborate sculptures, and painted ceramics and pottery, along with native souvenir items and mini furnishings.

Finally, don’t miss the Tiboli Weaving Center right on the grounds of classic Insular Hotel in Lanang, Davao City. The weaving is actually done by tribal weavers straight from South Cotabato. See first hand the creation of captivating and colorful tapestry with intricate designs unmistakably Davao. These weaved items are colored with herbal roots with a mix of mud reflective of Davao native myths or religion.

These three spots in Davao are must destinations that every visitor ought not only see but experience. They impart not only scenes but a message.

Tags: Travel, Pearl Farm, Philippines, Davao Beach Resort, Tour, Davao City Hotel, Davao City

• » Comments (0)

Before going any place else in the Philippines, do make sure to give a serious thought to the South. And don’t ever miss Davao and what wonders and delights it can show off.

Davao del Sur has a lot of surprises to show visitors. The much vaunted unique orchid specie vanda sanderiana is just among them. Davao fruits are also the best in the archipelago, and what of the flaunted rare Philippine Eagle which thrive in the province? But there are more to see in Davao than just orchids, fruits and eagles, and Davao has so much more wonders to divulge to thrill seekers than its riches in the sea, at its shorelines, and even its nightlife.

Davao del Sur can also afford a glimpse into the unique culture and lifestyles of some of its remarkable natives. These ethnic groups have preserved their indigenous distinctiveness through years of modernity around them, giving us a constant reminder of how things used to be in times past. Although admittedly, these aboriginal tribes have somehow unwittingly accommodated themselves a bit to the present times. Nevertheless, Davao has kept intact the ethnicity of the Mangguangans, Bagobos, Mansakas, Atas, Kalagans, Tagakaolos, and Mandayas. They are somewhat similar with their northern counterparts (Ifugaos, Ibanags, and all), but in many ways also distinct from them. Artifacts on them are on display in many Davao museums and native art shops.

But if we think that ethnic marvels are all Davao is capable of, we’re again missing a major point. And that point is not some side of an argument but the peak of Davao’s biggest pride of all.

Mt. Apo sits majestically on the plains of Davao, among other places, like a mighty guardian in the South. Experts say it is actually a dead volcano, but its sheer 2,954-meter immensity above sea level is enough to send us quivering with the mere thought of a freak eruption. But climbers foreign or local are unfazed by any such speculation. Apo continuous to be as strong an object of obsession to adventurous hikers as Davao is to determined tourists undaunted by the backwoods of the South.

Apo’s slopes on its north and northeast elevations gradually rolls down to the plains below, while its west slope abruptly descends going to Cotabato’s plains. The east slope, however, abruptly goes down the lowlands of Davao.

Davao’s marvels are its people and its land. Its natives and mightiest land form are preserved reminders of Davao’s potentials.

Tags: Samal, Davao Resort, Philippines, Pearl Farm, Samal Resort, Davao, Samal Hotel

• » Comments (0)

It has one of the most exciting developments in the country and region this decade, and we’ve been hearing many more positive appraisals on it. Davao City may well be the next vacation capital of Asia, if not the world.

And why not? Name it and Davao City has it. Well, probably not everything—for now. But give it enough time to bud and blossom and soon this promising city in the South may well be witnessing an exodus of vacationers from various parts of the world. For one, it is the biggest city in the world—and this says so much about potential for progress, growth, income, popularity, and promotion.

Just imagine what a land mass of some 244,000 hectares can do. Add to this Davao City’s natural soil richness that makes all 244,000 hectares of it ideal for planting virtually any plant or tree and get top quality and bountiful harvest out of it. Then think about its many natural scenic spots and wonders that need only have a bit infrastructure grooming here and there, and propel more the hotel and resort industry, and we will soon have a giant tourism industry roaring in Davao City.

And what about the historical places? What about the orchards and farms and plantations that already exist and display proof of Davao City’s and its surroundings’ prospects for incredible development? Then there’s Mt. Apo the true potential of which has been barely scratched. And everybody knows how great Davao City is a place for unwinding, shopping, mountain trekking, orchid growing, sightseeing, surfing, diving, dining, real estate, and farming, among others. What more can one ask for? If we just improve more on preserving, improving and marketing the whole of Davao, Davao City may well be the next global vacation center.

Just talking about the wonder resort everybody fondly refers to as the Pearl Farm is enough to tickle the imagination about seaside escapades. Located just off the coast of Davao City near the famous Samal Island, Pearl Farm’s stilted houses on the shoreline stir romantic scenes of posh relaxation in cozy wooden cabins right over the sea. Imagine just standing out the stylish veranda with various kinds of fish teeming beneath the floor with the sea horizon staring the guest in the face.

The above are just some of Davao City’s possible areas of potential. If further improvements are done Davao City’s true latent capacity and worth will have finally been unleashed.

Tags: Samal, Hotel, Davao Beach Resort, Davao City, Travel, Davao Hotel, Philippines

• » Comments (0)

Davao is known in the country as a rich source of fresh fruits and vegetables, probably second to the country’s salad bowl in La Trinidad, Benguet. But Davao may soon be a top fruits and veggies haven not only for the country but for the Southeast Asian region.

A research agency in Australia eyes Davao as a suitable venue for more intensive research and development on agricultural products. The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) aims to aid and subsidize joint agricultural research and development (R&D) plans between Australia and Third World countries like the Philippines. And Davao has been chosen to be the right spot for the R&D fruit and veggies program.

The program aims to have a two-fold target for Davao in the early part of 2008: vegetables and fruits. It seeks to strengthen more small and medium vegetable businesses in Davao, especially in terms of viability and competitiveness. Moreover, the program also aims to support the propagation of tropical fruit trees in Davao not only for local supply but for export, especially to Asia.

In view of the above, horticultural R&D is now the main thrust of said Australian agency in cooperation with the local government. It aims to employ the best of what its local counterpart can provide. This will be done in conjunction with the International Finance Corporation’s agribusiness efforts and plans in Davao.

Why Davao? Davao is popularly known for its extensive multicultural character as a city, as well as its growing expatriate constituency and direct global air accessibility. Help Davao and the help extends to various ethnic groups often neglected in rural development. And help is easily flown in through its accessible airport.

Moreover, it’s easier to coordinate with other related agribusiness help agencies in Davao; besides, Davao is well known for its refreshing nearby beaches and mountains to make migrating more attractive for R&D immigrants.

This program will put together Australian and Davao researchers and some top ACIAR planning experts. This ambitious project requires no less than local and foreign top skills in the development and supervision of agricultural studies, growth and other linked projects, to put Davao’s best veggies and fruit crops in the international market.

Davao is set for new progress breakthroughs in the near future. It is bound to be a new haven for top quality fruit and vegetable local supply, as well as exports. And this also means a new wave of immigration might be flooding Davao soon.

Tags: Samal Resort, Philippines, Davao Resort, Samal, Tourism, Travel, Pearl Farm

• » Comments (0)

There is nothing more that an adventurous traveler could ever hope for in Davao—known to be one of the biggest cities in the world. Accessible by land, sea or air, it is rich in history and blessed with so many natural wonders, not to mention the diversity of culture in the place. Barely two hours away from Manila by plane, there is always something new to see and enjoy in this urban community.

Home to mixed cultures of mixed religions, there is always someone around you could count on to make you feel at home in this beautiful southern city. Locals speak Bisaya, Tagalog, English and some Spanish. Although it is located in Mindanao—a region dominated by Islam—Davao is surprisingly a Christian-dominated city, with only about 1% of the groups belonging to non-Christian faiths.

Going there and mingling with the people would not be much of a predicament to travelers; with the number of seaports and airports, bridges and roads, the only problem is deciding where to go with its various attractions.

There is always something to see for each member of the family—mothers and daughters could stroll through the Davao’s busy streets and find ingenious handicrafts.

Adventurous dads and sons alike could go to Mintal and Toril District to catch a glimpse of old Japanese homes, abaca processing plants and warehouses built during the Second World War. They could also visit the Uyanguren Landing Site, named after a Spanish conqueror/governor in Davao. If exotic wildlife thrills you, visit the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos where you could find the national bird of the Philippines.

World War II memoirs are abundant in Davao. Battle Memorial, a Japanese-American battle memorial in Davao and Camp Domingo Leonor used during the Spanish and American era are worthy sights. Tools utilized in abaca fields, old currencies and periodicals could all be found in the Japanese Museum which features items from the World War II period. Armando Generoso, a Filipino fighter during the Japanese invasion, was honored by a memorial site aptly called “A Memorial to a Brave Son”. The former municipal hall built in the 1920s could still be found in San Pedro Street in Davao.

If you are up for a multi-religious pilgrimage, one could also appreciate the religious diversity in the city: churches of different religions abound, such as the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Obrero, which is tagged as the “Chinese Parish” in Davao. Drive to Cabaguio Avenue to catch a glimpse of the Mindanao Taoist Temple and the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple. Along Quezon, Quimpo, Panacan and Bankerohan are mosques of Islam advocates. San Pedro Cathedral, the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague in Matina, as well as St. Mary of Perpetual Rosary in Buhangin District are Catholic churches.

To view artifacts of indigenous tribes and historical events, must-see locations are the Davao Museum located in Lanang and the Davao Historical Society Museum in Magsaysay Park.

You can never appreciate Davao without taking into consideration one of its most famous travel destinations, Mount Apo. Trekkers enjoy the thrill of this mountain which is considered the highest in the Philippines.

Samal Island and Chemas both boast of white sand beaches and resorts; Eden Nature Park and Malagos Garden Resort gives you both the pleasures of a resort and a wildlife farm of endangered plants and animals. Pearl farms are also just off the coast while remnants of warships could still be found today in Talomo Beach.

Truly, Davao is the solution to relish Southern Philippines’ beauty and culture in just a single city.

Tags: Davao Beach Resort, Tourism, Resort, Davao Hotel, Tour, Philippines, Pearl Farm

• » Comments (0)