Davao City in the Philippines is a great place to visit. Known as the largest city in the country in terms of large area, there are plenty of places that travelers can visit.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as a couple, there are several things that you can enjoy while touring the city for a couple of days or more. However, if you have only 24 hours in Davao, you don’t have to worry at all because there’s still a lot you can do.
Here are some ideas on how you can spend a day in Davao City.
Learn the city’s history at the Davao Museum
The Davao Museum of History and Ethnography is the place where you will learn about the city through a timeline showcasing its rich history, from its first settlers to the current, as well as dioramas depicting the lives of Bagobos, who were the first ethnic group in Mindanao, where Davao is; and even artwork and artifacts that reflect the culture of Davao.
The museum preserves and protects remnants of history. It is open on Mondays to Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pro Tipp: Go to the top floor and enjoy an incredible view over Davao City during sunset!
Get to know the city’s wildlife scene.
Located near the base of the famous Mt. Apo, which is the highest mountain in the country, the Philippine Eagle Center is a wildlife sanctuary that serves as a home to more than 30 Philippine Eagles. These beautiful winged creatures are known as one of the biggest and most powerful birds of prey in the world, which makes a trip to this place a must!
In the sanctuary, you will learn about the eagles, as well as other animals like monkeys, raptors, and pythons, while walking through the tropical rain forest. The Philippine Eagle Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can also visit Malagos Garden Resort and Orchid Farm, which is 12-hectare nature theme park in Davao City. Here, you will find various species of wildlife, such as indigenous birds and colorful butterflies, as well as various types flowering plants, fruit trees, orchids, palms, and many more.
But that’s not all. The resort is also where you will get to taste the award-winning Malagos chocolate, as well as a variety of cheeses and wine.
Taste the gastronomy that Davao has to offer.
The city has a lot of restaurants that would fit any traveler’s budget. If you want to try fine dining, there’s the White House Restaurant, Bondi & Burke, and Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville. But the best: Viking’s. All you can eat of Filipino and international food.
If you’re looking for some cheap eats, there’s Luz Kinilaw, Conching’s Native Chicken, and Penong’s Barbeque Seafood and Grill. Other restaurants like Jack’s Ridge, Marina Tuna, Blue Post, and The Vegan Dinosaur are popular as well.
Also, when in Davao, you must not forget about fruit tasting. The city is famous for its Durian, an exotic fruit that has a unique smell and taste. The Pomelos in Davao are quite delicious as well. You can easily get these from outdoor fruit stands.
Spend some down time at Seawall
After hours of touring and food tasting, spend some down time at Seawall, a small park that offers a nice view of the sea. It’s located along Times Beach and you’ll easily spot this place when you see a naked statue.
Go shopping and grab dinner at the night market
Since Davao is a becoming a more progressive city, you won’t have to worry about looking for a place to buy supplies or to simply grab a meal. But for dinner skip Gaisano Mall of Davao or Abreeza Mall and instead head to Davao’s night market and enjoy a variety of food including BBQ, shakes and fruits. The best part? Tons of clothing stands for a low-budget adventure.
End the day with a mangosteen shot in Downtown
There are plenty of bars and restaurants to spend a fun night in Davao. Huckleberry Southern Kitchen & Bar is a cozy and warm place that has great beers as well as exotic liquor like mangosteen shots. Cheers!