Davao is known to be bounteous with natural attractions in its countryside. Beautifully landscaped resorts, botanical gardens and weekend retreats attract not only locals but as well as tourists who want to experience the natural wonders of Davao.
Malagos Garden Resort (Malagos, Baguio District)
is a sprawling hideaway in a garden setting, showcasing Davao’s famed orchids, tropical plants and fruit trees. It also has a butterfly sanctuary, fishpond, camping area, horse back riding, swimming pool, restaurant, adventure playground, convention facilities, a bird park and environmental conservation center.
Nestled at the foot of Mt. Talomo, Eden Mountain Resort (Eden-Bayabas, Toril)
is another favorite nature destination. At 2,630 feet above sea level, the resort boasts of cool climate all-year round. The nature resort has a variety of accommodations, multi-function hall, restaurant, playground and swimming pool overlooking the city. The area is towered by pine and fruit-bearing trees that provide cool mountain breeze and a spectacular view of the city and the gulf.
Loleng’s Mountain Spring Resort (Eden-Bayabas, Toril)
is another resort that commands a dramatic vista of metropolitan Davao. Blessed with a cool climate, the resort has accommodation, convention and sports facilities. They also have a vast playground, chapel, restaurant and a free-flowing swimming pool.
Crocodile Park (Diversion Road, Ma-a)
is where one can find the country’s largest known crocodile – at 18 feet - aptly named Pangil (fang). This 5.4 hectare mini-zoo houses mindorensis and porosus crocodiles species as well as mini-zoo with wild cats, python, turtles, monitor lizard, monkeys and various kinds of birds.
LEISURE ISLANDS
As Davao is the gateway to Southern Mindanao, it is also the portal to the Island Garden City of Samal across the gulf. For the sea, sand and sun worshippers, a 10-minute motorized outrigger ride is all it takes to enjoy the island’s row of immaculate white sand beaches and numerous dive and snorkeling sites.
Davao Gulf is indeed an amazing marine world pulsating with an enchanting and colorful aquatic life. Its natural resources have not gone unprotected as fishes and corals riot in colors, frolicking in a kaleidoscope playground. The island is also a favorite eco-adventure site.
Island resorts such as Paradise Island Beach Resort, Costa Marina and Samal Beach Park in Peñaplata area, Pearl Farm Beach Resort and Tambang Beach in Kaputian area, Isla Reta and Pacific Little Secret in Talikud Island and Buenavista Island in Ligid Island provide guests all the creature comforts for that perfect vacation.
Mainland Davao has also a string of beach resorts along Matina, Talomo and Toril. Resorts, such as Seagull Beach Resort (Punta Dumalag), Felis Beach Resort (Punta Dumalag), Villa Victoria (Talomo), Vales Beach Resort (Toril), and High Ponds (Toril) as well as numerous seaside restaurants which can be found along the waterfront.
THRILLING EXPEDITIONS
Scale the breathtaking summit of Mt. Apo, rising 10,311 feet from the rich fertile lands of Davao City, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato. Mt. Apo is known the King of Philippine peaks and one of Southeast Asia’s highest mountains.
The Tamayong Trail, located in Calinan District, sets forth a more adventurous course to the peak. The trek via this trail will take approximately four days, depending on the climber’s capability. This would entail passing through creeks and rivers and traverse several waterfalls.
Though notoriously known as the longest and most arduous of all trails, the amazing panorama of rare flora and fauna, the excellent conditions of century-old trees and the physically challenging experience is said to be ravishingly incomparable.
Climbing seasons are during the months of March, April and October, organized by various tourism, mountaineering and environmental organizations. The City Tourism Operations Office, in coordination with the Calinan District Tourism Council, oversees all climbs using the said trail.
For other nature and eco-tourism journeys, grab your backpacks for a safari in the vast adventure-filled terrains of Marilog District and experience the breathtaking beauty of Davao’s great outdoors.
Marilog, a district long known for its rugged beauty, is a popular destination for agricultural and eco-tourism. Its amazing caves, waterfalls, rivers and mountain trails are just right to satiate the wanderlust of adventure seekers. With an altitude of more than 3,000 feet above sea level, lush forests and vegetation grow under the damp mist of the clouds, creating forests with a peaceful, ethereal beauty.
SIGHT SEEING
With so many places to see and things to try out, here are some suggestions to complete your Davao experience.
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN. Mingle with the locals and enjoy the wonders of urban Davao’s popular tourist spots.
T’boli Weaving Center (Insular Century Hotel Davao)
Nieva’s Arts & Crafts (J.P. Laurel Ave.)
Davao Museum (Insular Village Phase 1)
Lon Wa Buddhist Temple (R. Cabaguio Ave.)
Aldevinco Shopping Center (C.M. Recto Ave.)
San Pedro Cathedral (San Pedro St.)
Magsaysay Park (R. Magsaysay Ave.)
Lola Abon’s Durian Factory (Matina)
COUNTRYSIDE TOUR.
Have rendezvous with nature in our fascinating countryside.
Eden Nature Park (Eden, Toril)
Loleng’s Mountain Spring (Eden, Toril)
Philippine Eagle Center (Malagos)
Malagos Garden Resort (Malagos)
Japanese Museum (Calinan)
Lantaw Bukid (Tugbok)
Sul Orchids (Tugbok)
Yuhico Farms (Catalunan Grande)
Crocodile Park (Diversion Road, Ma-a)
GAP Farming Resort (Diversion Road, Ma-a)
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK. Explore the untamed beauty of Marilog, a scenic hour and a half drive from downtown, would take you to Davao’s summer capital.
Seagull Mountain Resort (Buda Road)
Datu Salumay Spring (Datu Salumay)
Baganihan Caves (Barangay Baganihan)
Epol Falls (Barangay Baganihan)
Marahan Vegetable Market (Marahan)
