It was 1982, when I came to Mindanao for the first time in my life. I stepped already on Philippine soil in 1976, before heading to Japan. Being back from Japan it happened that I got several pen pals from the Philippines – one from Manila, one from Cebu City, one from Davao City and one from Zamboanga City.
As I said, in 1982 I visited Mindanao for the very first time – and, I got married here in 1983.
Since 1999, after almost annual visits I settled down in Davao City for good with my family. I am still being very busy with several businesses and tasks. That’s good. Even being an expat, I wouldn’t love to sit under a palm tree and count my days waiting for the next monthly pension.
Why Davao?
Pearl Farm Resort on Samal Island, Davao
Well, I could write several posts, just to answer this simple question. As one could read in a brochure: “If you are smarter than a 5th grader, then you would know most of Davao’s titles – Orchid Capital of the Philippines (yipee – my “waling-waling” is blooming again!), one of the largest cities of the world (when it comes to the total area, IT IS the world’s largest city!), the Fruit Basket of the Philippines (come here and you’ll see, that’s true!)… and so on and so on…
And, as many Filipino writers or actors or others voiced out before: “Aside from all these monikers, the thing I love most about my home town is that you’ll never run out of things to do and to enjoy.”
Where to start? Don’t worry, I’ll also take you through my top destinations where to stay, dine, shop, meet and enjoy.
Please bear with me: I might have to have many ideas where to stay and what to do. One thing is for sure: you need more then one day to experience Davao City and its surroundings.
Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort on Samal Island in the Gulf of Davao, take the boat at Km. 9, Sasa. Sure, there are a lot more: Barcelo Pearl Farm Resort, Costa Marina, Eden Nature Park. You really can’t go to Davao without visiting its beautiful beaches. Soft white sand and clear waters, Samal Island, i.e. is the place to go to spend that relaxing day (or those days) out in the sun.
Why Davao City?
You can have it all here in Davao City and its surroundings: nature tripping, wild water adventures, shopping and dining. Hold on, hold on, guys. Don’t get me wrong, this post isn’t mean to be a commercial for Davao City or Southern Mindanao. Yes, I also like to visit General Santos City, Sarangani or all the beautiful places in Bukidnon or Davao Oriental.
Or:
- Aldevinco Arts and Crafts Center, C.M.Recto Street, near one of my favorite hotels, the Marco Polo Davao City. No one leaves Davao City, without PASALUBONG, and the best place to find native arts and crafts is at the Aldevinco Shopping Center. The center is a one-stop-place for trinkets, cloths, dresses, furniture and pearls jewelry. You can also change your money there.
- Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Center, Malagos, Calinan, Davao City (45 minutes away from downtown).
- If you want to buy orchids, buy them at Puentespina Gardens and Tropical Plants (Bolcan Street in Agdao).
- The Eden Nature Park and Resort, Inc. is a must, if you visit Davao City.
- For the best view of Davao City, eat dinner at Jack’s Ridge.
- Or cap the night by listening to local bands at Matina Town Square.
Where to stay in Davao? I don’t get any commissions, but first on my list is the Marco Polo Davao City. Aside from its luxurious room amenities it has two of the top restaurants in Davao, and a cocktail lounge. You might also enjoy a good stay in Apo View Hotel, Chateau Veronica Apartelle, Grand Regal Hotel (Casino) or the Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Bear with me, but I am a serious food lover. I might be a self-proclaimed connoisseur of restaurants, but I hesitate right now and here to mention my top restaurants. Only this: try to find Picobello Italian Restaurant or the Swiss Deli in Lanang/Davao City.
Oh boy, and what I am missing since years? I miss real cultural events, such as concerts (classical and others), as I mentioned in several articles during the last ten years. I miss special stage plays and the visit of well known artists or other performances, such as TV-live-shows happening in Manila, Cebu City or Boracay. Davao City needs more support!
Anyway, yes, I love my Davao City. I feel secure and safe living here. I would never move to another place.
About Klaus
nice article, klaus! makes me want to go back now to my beloved city. the last time i went for a vacation for 2 months, i didn’t have enough time to visit all the places i would have wanted to see… no problem, though. i would have more things to look forward to for my next vacation.
Guten tag Klaus,
Now I want to move to Davao City!!!, all kidding aside Davao City does sound great and has most of the amentities a person would want to have if to move there, I do look forward to visiting Davao City in the future for many reasons. But most of all to meet the people who have a big hand in making the move to the Philippines so much easier for us who have never lived there, and that is you all at LiP. So someday hopefully soon (pohon,pohon!) will get to meet you all, and would love to see the orchids you have growing there Klaus, and meet the whole family there as well….ingatz.
Goodbye,
Danny
Is that Pearl Farm’s floating dock at the top of the article? We had a great time at Pearl Farm, and even got in some sailing with the Hobie Cat.
We redid our vows in 06 at at Costa Marina on the beach. Good time for reasonable money.
We also went out to the butterfly farm, and it was very pretty there.
I have eaten at a number of mom & pop stores all good, but my favorite restaraunt so far is Jack’s Ridge. The cool air in the evening, and the view of the bay is wonderful…..i2f….John
Great article Klaus. I agree with you totally on Marco Polo. It’s one of the best hotels I have ever stayed worldwide. Have you stayed at the other hotels you have listed or are they just the most popular? I won’t mention any names, but I tried to stay at one of the ones you have listed and when I complained about hair being in the bed of the room I just walked into to, the person said “why don’t you go to Marco Polo then?”….we did.
kamusta klaus
hmm now if i remember right at one time when your neighbor fenced in your property and you wasent even allowed to enter your own home for some time.didnt you make a hole in the fence and have to climb through to gain access?and was it your mom who had an emergency when this was happening?dont get me wrong but there also negatives that can happen in davao or i would guess any place in philippines.i know that bob mentioned alot of negatives with gensan and i figured we would cover some of them in davao as well.i do enjoy davao but the big city isent for me.i like the smaller towns and if i feel the need a can visit the city then return home to the relaxed life of the small towns.
just my opinion my friend.
salamat klaus
Klaus: One of these days I’ll get down there and take a look… I know. I always say that. Perhaps before summer ends.
Positive views from someone not a local, wow i’m proud to hear that. Pity for me though im just about to walk around what you just had. U lined up my itinerary. im going there this sept and Thank you for the round up. I’m googling the net on what are the things to do in Davao and it course me through this site, very informative… KEEP IT UP and more power to you and LIP
Hi Klaus – Great article & more well-appreciated info about Davao. More and more, I am thinking of adding a good trip to Davao to my “To Do” list. The list is pretty full right now, but there’s always room for pleasure!
Hi Klaus,
Guten Morgen. es ist so gut zu hören, dass jemand Leben in Davao genossen hat, und fühlt Safe. (excuse my german
….
It is a very comforting words coming from you and Bob Martin. I, too is looking forward in retiring in Davao or Samal. My husband has yet to see the Philippines and make a decissions. Thank you for your article. Keep it up! Loved reading it. Take care, Salu!
Hi Klaus,
Ich lebe in den Vereinigten Staaten…. Ich hatte in Deutschland Rückseite in des 70′ss und 80′ss gelebt. Mein Deutsch in sehr rostig jetzt
…. Hatte in Europa für 15 Jahre vor Bewegen zu den Vereinigten Staaten gelebt…. Vielen vielen Danke 
…. Haben Sie meine E-Mail-Adresse? Bitte lassen Sie fallen mich eine Linie. Vielen Dank 
….
Davao City is where I come from. Ich hatte 7 Sprachen gesprochen und bin zu 79 Ländern gereist. We are coming to the Philippines this year, Mit meiner Tochter.
Siehe, Tschüs, Danke meinem Freund.
Hi Klaus,
Guten tag meinem freund!
I tried going to contact us and followed the instructions then I sent a message, but it’s not sending. There seems to be a problem with the link. I can’t send you my email address. Oh well, such as life.
Have a fantastic weekend! Cheers.
Hi Ensueno, thanks liking my article. I don’t know where you’re based now, but I am sure you’ll be back here one day – even for two months “only”. Stay safe always… .
Dan2vero, guten Tag! Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s really nice to hear, that LIP and all its writers give good information and make it really easier to move here for good one day. Sure, we’ll meet then! Pohun, pohun! So God will! Best wishes also to your family…
Hi IMAGINE, yeah, it’s Pearl Farm. Good, you also mentioned the Butterfly Farm (as well as the Crocodile Park!). Of course, dinner at Jack’s Ridge is really great. I stayed there several times for lunch, but it was really too hot.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences with us here… .
Hi Steve A., thanks for enjoying my article. No, I didn’t stay in all listed hotels. Anyway, good, you didn’t mention the hotel’s name with your “hairy experience”. On the other hand: a good promotion for Marco Polo Davao City.
Hi RonW, thanks, I am doing well. OF COURSE, you’ll find always negative things, where ever you settle down. Sure, I got that really bad experience with my neighbour. Good thing is, and that’s why I still believe in some local politicians here, MY PROBLEM will be solved. I learned already, that many things in the Philippines go on very slowly. I learned how to wait – like in my case.
I agree with you, when it comes to smaller towns. I have the same feelings while travelling out of Davao. But, I am living in a very quite place almost in the middle of Davao. Just also a personal opinion, my friend!
Thanks a lot for stopping by! Take care!
Hi John, I am really looking forward for this… .
Hi ROSS, thanks for your comment. I am glad you’re proud to hear that. Looking forward to your next Davao trip in September. I wish, you ‘ll get an enjoyable stay here. Thanks also for your kind words. I am sure, all LIP writers appreciate your comment.
Cheers!
Hi Paul, thanks for your kind words. I wish you’ll have an enjoyable stay next time in Davao. Take care!
Hi Medora, danke sehr – no problem with your German, it’s almost perfect. Regards to your husband. I am sure, you are a good guide for his first Philippine visit. Just curious ko – where are you located in Germany and in the Philippines???
Hi Medora, nice to know you and that you’re from Davao. Your German is really not rostig (rusty!) – it’s amazing, also, that you know how to speak languages and stayed in more then 70 countries. You can send me an email by clicking CONTACT US (and then go to KLAUS). Would love to keep in touch with you MEDORA. Stay safe. All the best for you and your daughter.
Hi Medora, I received your email “Guten Tag”. Sorry, I have been on leave for two days and will travel again this coming Thursday. I will reply to your email as soon as possible. Danke schoen!!!