Davao

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Davao [1] is a city in the Philippines and is considered by many to be the most crime-free area in the country. Tourists are guarded not only by the police, but also by the people around.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By air

Davao is possibly the third most important Philippine city after Manila and Cebu. As such most if not all domestic airlines fly multiple times per day to Davao from Manila, Cebu and other major cities in Visayas and Mindanao. Silk Air also flies direct to Davao from Singapore.

Davao is served by the Davao International Airport (more properly named as the Francisco Bangoy International Airport), which receives both local and foreign traffic to Davao. Completed only in 2003, DIA is said to be much better than its counterpart NAIA in Manila.

The following Philippine carriers all have Davao on their flight networks:

• Philippine Airlines [2] - the national flag carrier
• Cebu Pacific [3] - 2nd biggest domestic carrier, offers Go discount fares
• Air Philippines [4] - flies to Davao from Manila as well as major cities in Visayas and Mindanao
• Asian Spirit [5] - flies once daily from Manila to Davao and recently introduced flights connecting Davao to diver's paradise Palau

[edit] By sea

Davao is also served by a bustling sea port with significant cargo and passenger traffic. Following is a listing of ferry companies that serve Davao:

• WG&A Superferry [6] - twice weekly ferries from Manila to Davao, trip takes more than 2 days in total
• Sulpicio Lines [7] - twice weekly ferries from Manila, usually via Cebu

[edit] Get around

The simplest way to get around is by hopping on a taxi. A typical trip can cost about 60-70 pesos or slightly more than a U.S. dollar if one goes by the meter. However, drivers in Davao do not bargain if they notice that you are a tourist, hence the cost of the trip may same as a regular in price. If you know the name of the building, establishment, area or street you wish you reach, this is still the fastest way to get to your destination.

Alternatively, if you opt for more adventure, then do as the locals and catch a colorful jeepney. Simply ask around for which route to take. They are available 24 hours and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the city. This is the cheapest option for getting around as a typical fare cost about 5-7 pesos.

Another alternative ride aside from the jeepneys and taxis, is to rent a car. Many available cars for rent, but if you don't know the routes, you can hire drivers buy asking the attendant of the said rent a car shop.

Buses are also available but these tend to ply exclusively along the north-south route and going out and in the city area.

The normal cost for a jeepney ride is 7.00 pesos. Taxis go from 26 pesos and will add 1 peso per kilometer with a non-airconditioned taxi. Airconditioned taxis start at 30 pesos and will add 2 pesos per kilometer.

[edit] See

the Mt. Apo at its peak- the tallest mountain in the Philippines, where u can also go and climb to the top of it.

Take time to see the majestic Philippine Eagle, one of the three largest eagles in the world and sadly also one of the most endangered, at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. The Center is home to at least 30 Philippine Eagles, and also hosts a variety of other raptors, birds, and animals in a simulated forest environment. The Center is about 45 minutes away from downtown Davao. To get there, buses or vans to Calinan depart from the Bankerohan Market at 15 minute intervals. Once in Calinan, tricycles, motorcycles and jeepneys bound for Malagos may be found at the Calinan market area. The Philippine Eagle Center is open 8am to 5pm daily and is operated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

When your going to Davao You can party hard at The Venue . You can also spot Filipino celebrities during week ends.

[edit] Do

[edit] Buy

Davao City has many department stores, and all of them have supermarkets - the SM which is a 3-level department store located at Quimpo Blvrd, Ecoland. Other notable stores include the New City Commercial Center(NCCC-1) at R.Magsaysay St and (NCCC-2) at McArthur hi-way corner Ma-a. Gaisano Mall is the tallest store which have 5 storey building. They are modern buildings with lots of western goods in addition to local stores. Gaisano South which is located at Ilustre Street. Victoria Plaza is also one of the notable stores in davao, located at J.P. Laurel Ave, Bajada. Convenient stores are also around the city from city proper, urban places to sub-urbs, with its 24hours open services. Some stores are called sari-sari, that sell in retail terms, especially the cigars that you can buy per sticks, or per pack with the price of their own retail per sticks.

[edit] Eat

Davao is reknowned for its durian and pomelo. Eating durian is admittedly an acquired taste but those who do end up liking it will swear that the bad smell is worth it. Pomelo on the other hand is a citrus fruit that most closely resembles a grapefruit, it is quite common in South East Asia. Beware of bringing durian inside airplanes as well as hotels and other establishments. They may have strict regulations on allowing durian inside and some may not allow durian to be brought at all.

Must-try restaurants

• Sea Urchin Restaurant. Along Mamay Road, a few meters from Damosa Gateway. A full range of Chinese cuisine. Cold cuts and soup are excellent. Try also their steamed lapu-lapu and garlic chicken. The best restaurant in the city. Call them @ telephone numbers (082) 235-8603 , (082) 301-9289.

• Ahfat. At Victoria Plaza area. The ultimate gastronomic experience. Try the steamed shrimp, spicy spare ribs and crab fuyo.

• Yahong. There's one in The Venue and another along Torres Street. Try their talaba and chicken wings.

• Na Trang (Jekoy's Grill). Beyond Santo Nino Shrine if you come from Matina. Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Try their tofu and mushrooms, Vietnamese pancake, wet lumpia and fried spring *rolls. Coffee is great here also.

• Jack's Ridge. Just across the Santo Nino Shrine. Delicious Filipino cuisine and a breathtaking view of the city.

• Cubyertos. Along Torres Street. Try their signature vegetable-chicken salad.

• Dencia's. Along Ilustre Street. Classic Davao-Chinese cuisine. Best orders are tokwa't baboy, congee, fresh lumpia and pancit canton.

• Gardena Fresca. Within Coca-Cola Village in Matina. Their bestseller is adobong tahong.

• Talaba Joe's. Along Rizal Street. Come to this place for the freshest oysters in Davao.

• Claude's. Along Rizal Street. Authentic French cuisine.

• De Bonte Koe. Along Rizal Street. Dutch Cuisine. Try their herring with onions. Never miss the apple pie.

• Boodels. Within Barrio Obrero. Very cheap grilled tuna belly. Tastes great too.

• Gerry's Grill. Within G-Mall. The many versions of sisig are great.

• Mang Inasal. Within G-Mall and SM Mall. Delicious cheap barbecue chicken.

• Dimsum Diner. Within G-Mall and somewhere near Holy Cross College. Best orders are salted fish fried rice, salt and pepper riblets and siomai.

[edit] Drink

[edit] Sleep

There is no shortage of accommodations in Davao, ranging from the four-star accommodations of the Marco Polo Davao on Claveria, the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Ponciano, the Grand Regal Hotel and Casino Filipino and the Waterfront Insular Hotel on Lanang, and the Apo View Hotel, where Casino Filipino 2 is located, to lodges and inns, all around the city. Serviced residences like the Crown Regency are also rising in popularity, or one can find townhouses or apartments for rent, all for negotiable rates that are very good for those coming into Davao with dollars.

• Marco Polo Davao, : C.M. Recto (formerly Claveria) cor. M. Roxas Blvd., Davao City., : +6382 221 0888, Website: http://davao.marcopolohotels.com/. Perhaps the most modern hotel in Davao, this hotel is part of the Marco Polo chain of hotels and is situated right at the heart of Davao within easy reach of most of the city's key attractions.

• Crown Regency Residences Davao, : J.P. Cabaguio Avenue, Agdao, Davao City, Philippines., : +63-82-255-8188, Website: http://www.crownregency.com/davao/davao.php. Experience the fine life at Crown Regency Residences’ Mediterranean villa clusters set against a sprawling garden setting. The beautifully landscaped surroundings evoke a feeling of class and luxury you won’t find in other Davao city hotels. Best rates on official website start at US$45

• Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, : Lanang, Davao City 8000 Philippines, : +63-82-233-2881, Website: http://www.waterfronthotels.net/davao/davaohtml.htm. Nestled along the beautiful Davao Gulf, this hotel's beautifully landscaped gardens and the sea may be seen from its refreshing open-air corridors. Enjoy free 'tuba' (coconut wine) given to hotel guests. Best rates on official website start at US$65

[edit] Stay safe

Need of assistance, dial 911 for all emergencies.

Smoking and littering in non-designated areas/trash bins are prohibited especially around the street side-walks.

[edit] Get out

The island garden city of Samal consists of 28,000 hectares of white sand beaches, coconut palms, rock formations, mangroves and other natural attractions. It is only a 45 minute boat ride away from Davao City.

• Pearl Farm Beach Resort [8], Kaputian, Samal Island, Tel +6382 2219970, Fax +6382 2219979. Perhaps the best of the Samal Island resorts, Pearl Farm was in fact a place where oysters were cultivated for their pearls. Nowadays, honeymooners flock to the resort to spend their holidays amidst the beautiful and tranquil surroundings.