10 Reasons To Spend Your Vacation in Davao City

Davao City is one of the top tourist destinations in Mindanao because of the many things that it can offer to travelers, tourists, backpackers or just simply those who want to get away from the busy city.  Well, after spending a weekend in Davao, here are some of the things that would really make me come back to the city again and again.

1.  The people are incredibly honest and kind.  Taxi drivers, for instance, do not haggle with their passengers who are going to the airport, unlike in other big cities, that  it is such a refreshing experience.  It's as if it's a crime to even hint for a tip. 

2.  Fresh, tropical fruits such as mangosteen, durian, marang, pomelo.  Davao is known for all these and also, you get them at very low prices.   These alone will make you fall in love with the city.  So while you are here, you can indulge in the freshest fruits to your heart's content.


3.  It probably has the safest wharf in the country.  I went to Sta. Ana wharf and asked which boat was leaving for Samal and the answers were as clear as the blue sky that day.  I was not given the shrug, the annoying stares and disgusting sleazy looks that solo lady travelers often get from men who have not heard of RA 9262.

4.  People are hospitable.  Imagine an islander offering her house to a person she just met in the boat on the way to Samal.   And it turned out that lady has a beach at the back of her house in Kaputian Resort, one of the resorts in Samal Island.  How kewl is that?  I had actually a beach and a cottage to myself, courtesy of Mrs. Gian, a retired teacher, who accepts transients for a very low price, it is not only a steal, it's a chance of a lifetime.   If you are interested in staying at the beach owned by this kind teacher, drop me a line and I will give you her number.  You'll see thick foliage, starfish, and other sea creatures less than a meter from the beach. 

5. Mt. Apo civet coffee.  Sure, it's expensive for P1000 per 100 gms. but you can also enjoy a cup for 150.  An avid coffee drinker should not miss the opportunity to try it while he is in Davao.  It's pure coffee at its best.  There are no traces of acid in it.  No wonder it is the best and most expensive coffee.   Cat shit be ____ !

Don't miss the chance to try the famous civet cat coffee
6.  There are still a lot of things to discover and do in Samal Island.  This is Davao's unspoiled wealth and hopefully, it remains that way.  The island is still full of natural rainforest greenery, and surrounded with clear blue ocean water outlined by white sand.  I cannot get enough of it.

Kaputian Beach Resort has a very cheap entrance fee. P10.00
7.  Ethnic groups.  Unleash the social scientist in you, study the age-old culture and practices of the different ethnic groups that reside in the province.   And not only ethnic groups, many international groups have also made Davao their home just like the Japanese and Chinese.   It is a melting pot of different groups of people and culture in Mindanao. 

8.  Davao is Manila without the pollution and other aggravating factors like crime.   I'd feel safe walking in the roads of Davao than in any other areas of the Philippines.  Everyone in Davao needs to work honestly to earn a buck.  If you are lazy and have criminal tendencies, you had better get out of Davao before the law finds you.  There is no room for criminal elements here.

9.  Natural attractions:  Mt. Apo,  the Philippines' highest peak; the Philippine Eagle, Philippine's national bird, the longest extant specie of eagles measuring up to 3.14 ft.  With these attributes it is deserving of the name, haribon (king bird) Davao River where the brave and adventurous can measure their skill amidst the raging waters of the wild river. 

Private beach at Kaputian, Samal.  So quiet and calm, totally private

10.  Man-made attractions such as Davao Crocodile Farm (except for the animals), this animal sanctuary is a lovely creation that provides an opportunity for man to appreciate animals up close and also learn about their nature.  Eden Natural Park, it is famous for its cool weather and location.  There are many activities that families and big groups can do here.


Crocodile Pangil relaxed in Davao Crocodile Farm.  Entrance fee is P150.
This summer season,  remember to include Davao in your destination and treat yourself to an experience that you will never forget.  Davao is the largest city in terms of area and life is laid-back despite it being a metropolis. 

Comments

Mercy said…
Are you getting ready for your summer break? Don't forget the following:
http://spasivisit.blogspot.com/2013/04/10-beach-essentials.html#more
Mercy said…
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http://spasivisit.blogspot.com/2013/04/10-beach-essentials.html#more
Mercy said…
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