As you can probably imagine, I get a lot of e-mail requests from people wondering what kinds of things they can do when they visit Davao City. I generally get such an inquiry at least once per week, and I usually answer the questions directly via e-mail, but since it is something that is asked so often, I thought that it might be a good idea to put it in writing and post it here in my column so that others can enjoy these wonderful day trips and really get to know Davao too!
Last week, I got an e-mail from a South African couple who moved here in February 2008, and have been wondering what activities I can suggest for those in Davao City. So, let’s have a look at some of the things that I suggest.
- Davao City has a lot of Health Clubs these days! If you enjoy fitness, try to pay a visit to one of the health clubs to enjoy all sorts of fitness activities. I love swimming, and I generally swim weekdays at Holiday Health Spa on F. Torres Street. I would also recommend Marco Polo Fitness Center and Metro Lifestyle Health Club.
- Visit the Eagle Farm in Calinan. This is the only spot in the world where you can go an witness the great Philippine Eagle (formerly known as the Monkey Eating Eagle) in captivity. There are a number of Eagles here, and this is the only place in the world that has successfully bred the Philippine Eagle in captivity. The Philippine Eagle is an endangered species, and the number of them remaining in the world is extremely limited.
- While at the Eagle Farm, also visit Malagos Gardens, which is just a few minutes away. At Malagos you can witness beautiful tropical gardens, walk a nature trail, even climb up into some great tree houses, and see very old fruit trees that still product durian, pomelo and marang, among other fruits. The food at Malagos is also excellent, so plan to have lunch at the place too!
- Don’t miss a trip to Eden Nature Park in Toril. Eden is nature at it’s best, located up in the mountains overlooking Davao and the Gulf of Davao. You can tour the working farm where they grow fruits, vegetables and other plants. They also offer a fishing pond where you can catch tilapia, and bring it home for supper! In addition, Eden offers a new Zip Line that you can ride down, if you are adventurous!
- Visit Bukidnon! Bukidnon is the neighboring Province to Davao, and it is one of my favorite parts of Mindanao! Bukidnon, in Bisaya means “Mountain” and indeed you are in the Mountains when you get to Bukidnon! If you enjoy nature, and some cooler temperatures, you don’t want to miss a day trip to Bukidnon Province!
- Visit Samal Island. Whether you enjoy visiting beautiful resorts, or you just like exploring the backroads, Samal is a place that you will enjoy. The world class resort “Pearl Farm” is located on Samal Island, and while it is not cheap, it is one of the most desirable resorts in the Philippines. If Pearl Farm is a little rich for your wallet, that’s OK, because there are dozens of Resorts on Samal Island, and you are sure to find one that fits your budget! One of my favorites is Chema’s by the Sea, and one of the most popular resorts on the island is called “Paradise Island.”
- Shopping! Davao is a regional shopping hub for Mindanao. There are many Malls in town, and you can find almost anything you might be looking for. Current malls in Davao include Victoria Plaza, Gaisano Mall, Chimes, Gaisano South Mall, NCCC Mall, SM City Davao and probably one or two others that I have forgotten to include! Also, there are two malls that will be gracing the City in the near future: Robinson’s and Ayala, which are currently in the planning stages. If you are looking for authentic Mindanao items, try Aldevinco Shopping Center, which is adjacent to Marco Polo Hotel.
- Enjoy the fruits! Davao is famous for it’s fruits! The King of Fruits in Davao is the exotic Durian Fruit. The Pomelo also is a favorite of Dabawenyos. Other varieties that you might enjoy would include Marang, Mangosteen and others. Fruits are abundant and inexpensive in Davao.
- As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, Davao is the Coffee haven of the Philippines. Whether you want to get a good cup of “Americano” coffee, as they call it here, or an exotic Durian Coffee, you’ll find it here in Davao at one of it’s dozens of Coffee Shops. Another thing that you might not have known is that nearly every coffee shop in the City offers free Wi-Fi access, so don’t forget to bring your laptop if you are going out to enjoy the coffee!
- Go for a walk! One of the best ways to get to know Davao is to park your car, get out and do some walking! Davao is a very safe place, and I am now scared to advise you that you can get out around the city and walk almost anywhere you want to go. Not much to worry about in the area of safety. Go down to Uyangaren (China town) and walk around down there! You’ll come across some unique things that you never expected to see.
- Visit Mt. Apo! Mt. Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines, standing at 9,692 ft. (2,954 meters). The best access to Mt. Apo would be by first traveling to Kidapawan, then heading up to the mountain. If you are a mountain climber, give a climb of Mt. Apo a try!
- Eat! Davao is known to be a place where the food is great, and inexpensive too! A while back I wrote a column about my Ten Favorite Restaurants in Davao, but if you search you can find a hundred favorites, I bet!
- White Water Rafting. If you go to the Riverfront Development in Maa you can sign up for a whitewater rafting trip that is a lot of fun, I am told. I haven’t tried it yet, but I hear a lot of good things about the Whitewater rafting!
- Crocodile Farm. Also located at Riverfront Development in Maa you will find the Davao Crocodile Park, which features dozens of crocs as well as other animals like snakes, monitor lizards and even an ostrich!
- Butterfly House. Again, located at Riverfront Development in Maa, you will find the Davao Butterfly House. You enter this place, and there are literally hundreds of butterflies. Children love this place.
- Head up to Jack’s Ridge for a spectacular view of the City!
There is a lot to do in Davao City, and I have no doubt that I have left out plenty of excellent activities. If there is something you enjoy doing in Davao, how about leaving a comment below and letting me know. Maybe it’s something I’ve never done before and would enjoy myself!
Thanks Bob,
We are visiting the Philippines in August, and I'd really like to make it down to mindanao this time. Are there any boats that will take you out fishing? Are there any large species of fish there that are worth going after?
Thanks!!
Hi Joe Parisi – Unfortunately, there are no charter fishing boats that I am aware of. There are plenty of great fish to catch (Tuna, Swordfish, etc), but it is not really a sport thing, more just for eating here. I would love to do some sport fishing here, but just have not found the means to do so.
I'm saving this list for our next visit, Bob. I can confirm that your advice to vist the Eagle center is excellent and also the Malagos Gardens. They seem an excellent place to stay over as well, I'll be exploring that next trip.
That fishing query fascinates me too … I get about 1/100th the traffic/emails you do, Bob, but I'd like a dollar for everyone I have had on fishing. And Iam fascinated by boats … one of the reasons I really like Davao is that access to the water is so easy … Hmm, could there be the germ of a business idea there?
Hi Dave – I'm glad that you enjoyed Malagos and the Eagle center! They are excellent places to visit while in Davao
I'm with you on the fishing. It seems that it would be a business that would attract plenty of customers!
Hi Bob,
Currently in Davao! Will text you soon (I hope brod still has your number). Re your list, I've done all but 5 – #'s 3, 11, 13, 14 & 15. I may be able to do all but #11 on this visit. 😉 So much to do, so little time. 🙁 See you and Feyma soon… 😀
Hi Tina – Gilbert has my number, and I'll be seeing him tomorrow actually. Maybe you can come along with him? Looking forward to seeing you!
What a coincidence! I'll see what my schedule is like tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you! Okay, gotta go. Just checking email in an internet cafe (it's great here, I have the whole place to myself, jazz music playing in the background, great AC!) 😆
See yah!
Hi Tina – Enjoy the aircon! By the way, while you are in town, you are welcome to use my office to check e-mails, if you like.
Bob
Great list of things to do, makes me glad to be here to experience them all, me am not a golfer but i know many people are, so, i would like to add this to your list, i know of 4 fantastic coures here, Apo, Lanang, one near SM and the other one……sorry may be 3 can't think of the other, just a small thing but golfing people really bring some tourism here
have done most of yr list Bob, but will only be a pleasure to do again and again
Thanks for taking the time to post this information. It really helps to get a picture of the activities in and around Davao.
Out of curiosity, are there any professional sports teams inDavao? What about concerts (both classical and contemporary)?
I know you've posted about seasonal festivities in the past. I remember one in particualr about a big parade through the center of town. Do they have art and food festivals? How about regional trade conventions (electronics, etc.)?
lol might just work Bob, do they have secure marinas there? Nothin gmore embarssing than having a few clients to take fishing and finding your twin 115 Yamaha’s were borrowed…I can see it now ” here ya go mates…just start paddling and we’ll be droppin lines in a few days !!”
Dave and Bob
Interested to read about the fishing thing!
When i was in Davao i made friends with
a Norwegian guy and he loved his fishing
but so frustrated that he could not hire a
decent boat to do it. Funny but one
day we went up to Mati and just pass
there he hired a VERY small fishing boat
and strapped a chair to the front A very funny
sight the sea was rough no way i was going with
him. He had all the gear expensive rods
To his credit i forget the name of the fish he
caught but it was a whopper! loclas loved it
thought it was hilarious.
Yup must be call for a business 🙂
you have the sea the fish but no decent boat. Maybe when they build the marina!
p. Do you know if many foreigners live in bukidnon? cooler must be appealing
teat
oops should have been test….anyhow, Bob how come in all my 8+ trip to the RP I've have only seen 1 fibregalss sport boat? I also have looked for a sport fishing charter myself to no avail. Seems like it could be a way to have a hobby pay for itself.
Hi rick b – Ah yes, I forgot to include anything about golfing. Like you, I don't golf, so I easily forgot about that. The best golf course in Davao is Rancho Palos Verdes, which is in Mandug, about 20 minutes of so from the City Center. Palos Verdes is a world class course, and has amenities that are world class as well. A great place for a golfer to spend a day!
Thank you for reminding me about golfing!
Hi David S. – No, for some reason the Philippines is not like many other countries where there are professional sports in cities all over the country. Most everything in the way of professional sports is centered around Manila, with multiple teams all based in Manila, but nothing around the rest of the country. About 10 years ago there was a basketball league that had teams in cities all over the country, and Davao had a team (I think they were the Eagles or something like that). I also remember that General Santos had a team called the Marlins. For some reason, after a few years that league folded up, though, and does not exist today.
There are two BIG festivals in Davao yearly. The Araw ng Dabaw is held in March each year, and the Kadayawan Festival is in August. These are big events that basically take over the city, and shut down anything else during their time. During the rest of the year there are other small festivals and such around town too.
There are often concerts with Manila singers and such who come down to Davao to perform. Often these are at the SM Entertainment area on the second floor of SM City Davao. I am not a Classical Music guy, but on Klaus' column he often tells about Classical Music, and will generally let you know if there is a Classical concert pending in Davao.
In Davao, food is always a celebration! Expect that! There are also conventions in town regularly for all sorts of different events.
Hi Graham – That story about the fishing does sound very funny! Ha ha… I can just see that.
Foreigners living in Bukidnon? Yeah, I know a few who do. I don't think it is a huge number, because of the remoteness of the area, but I would guess that maybe a few hundred foreigners live in the Province. It is a place that I love to visit!
Hi Brian – I do believe that a smart person could set up a charter fishing business and make money doing it. It's something that I would love to do myself, but I also feel that it's not the right business for me. Who knows, though…. Hey, here is a thought… why don't you move to Davao, buy yourself a boat that would be suitable for the job, and open such a business! I'll make you a deal, I will promote your business for free in exchange for free fishing trips! I bet I could bring you quite a few customers! 😀
Hi brian – marina? What's that? 😆 Secure? Of course, sir! 😆
bob,
funny. had to drop in and say that i keep getting asked about deep sea fishing in davao.
im not sure, but i may have even asked you about this on my last trip (for my USAF visiting bro in law ).
on marina. there have been plans for years. but none. (ive actually seen drawing plans for a few). best bet is to rent a space with anyone with a seafront property w/ a sea wall. im quite sure that wont be a problem.
diving though. thats one's easy. its a popular hobby in davao.
aawww Gggeeezzz ( bangin head on keyboard) I can see where my retirement hopes of (sobbing uncontrollably) 😥 having a fishing charter have gone !!!
Hi macky – somebody can make a good business out of doing sport fishing charters in Davao. I'd do it myself if I had the time!
Hi Brian – Oh, come on! I can't wait.
Hi Sir Robert could you pass my e mail address onto the South Arican couple who have just arrived in Davao . Be nice to communicate with them
Hi Frank – Unfortunately, I have been trying to e-mail them, and the mail bounces. Apparently, they do not have the same address any longer, so I don't know how to get ahold of them.
Hey Bob,
I will be visiting Davao in june. I am looking for a specific item. It is a hand carved wooden chest, kind of like a hope chest. I was wondering if you have seen anything like that there, and where in davao would i look for something like that.
Mike
Hi Michael Heavrin – These type of wooden boxes come in several sized and are hand made by Muslim Craftsmen in the Lanao del Sur area, near to Lake Lanao. In Davao, the best place to find them (and you'll find many to choose from) is in the Aldevinco Shopping Cener, which is just across C.M. Recto street from the Marco Polo Hotel.
Hello Bob:
I am retired American and live alone close to Chicago. My social security income is not enough for me to survive here. I have lost all my savings in a business venture, in another words I am broke. I have heard that there are lot of reired americans in Philippines.
I know I can enter philippines without visa for 21 days and may apply for extension there. What is the best to live in philippines legaly without getting married to a filipina??
Can a american buy a home in philippines. Any information you can give me would help me to make my decision in this matter.
I can accross your site through google search. I am interested to livearound Davao City.
I would be looking forward to hear your advise and guidance. Thanks
Hi Dave Watts – Pretty much all of the questions that you are asking have answers in the various columns of this site. A search of the site will find you some real valuable information. I will give you the answers I can here, but for more in-depth information, have a look around the site.
Yes, there are certainly a lot of retired Americans in the Philippines. There are also people like me who are not yet retirement age, but choose to live here. I moved here when I was 38 years old. Retirees are more common, though.
You are correct, when you first arrive in the Philippines you will be issued a visa to stay for up to 21 days. At around 18 or 19 days in country you should go to the Bureau of Immigration and extend that. The first extension will bring you up to a total of 59 days stay. After that time is up, you will need to renew it again every 59 days. You can stay up to 16 months this way. If you apply for special consideration, you can extend that up to 24 months. As somebody who is not married to a Citizen or former Citizen of the country you basically have three choices:
1. Do the tourist visa thing like I described above.
2. Apply for a Quota Resident Visa
3. Apply for a Special Retirement Visa
Since you say that you don't have much money, you probably won't be interested in the Special Retirement Visa (SRRV), because it requires an investment in the country of up to $50,000.
No, you cannot buy a house in the Philippines if you are not a citizen of the country (or former citizen). However, you can buy a condo. As a matter of fact, if you think you will buy a condo, that can be applied toward a SRRV, so maybe you will go that route, if you have the funds to purchase a condo.
Good luck on your potential move, and if you have other questions, I will be happy to answer them.
Thanks Bob for taking the time to answer my questions. The information you provided have given me hope that I could find my ways if I stay there longer.
I am glad i could find your site.
Thanks agian.
Dave Watts
Hi Dave Watts – Happy to help!
Hi bob,
Suddenly as I was surfing the web at home, I thought of you and feyma, have to search your Blog and so glad to find you again.
Might have a chance to visit Davao any soon, I would like to meet you Feyma again, i hope my phone number of Feyma is still active.
Extend my regards to the whole family
Hi Alma – Nice to hear from you, it's been a long time! I hope you and the family are doing well. I just e-mailed you privately with Feyma's cell number, and mine too.
Hi Bob,
I stumbled on your list while looking for things to do in Davao. This is a nice list you got here. I already printed it as our reference for our trip. My wife and I will be going in Davao and will be staying at the Pearl Farm Resort for 3 days this February. I was wondering if you can give us an idea which of the places you mentioned on your list is closer to the Pearl Farm. We're planning to visit some of these places while we are at the resort.
Thanks very much.
Hi Bob! Thanks for the quick reply. Do you think it will be better if we stay in the city instead and visit all those places from there? And then go on a day tour to Pearl Farm perhaps? We really want to make the most of our stay in Davao and visit all those wonderful places you mentioned.
We'll probably go with your last suggestion and spend just one night at the Pearl Farm and the rest in the city. Thank you very much for your help Bob.
Hi Bob! I finally had our Davao booking finalized. We will be spending our first night at the Pearl Farm and then our 2nd and 3rd night at the Marco Polo hotel. I was looking over your list again I saw the section about the food. I was browsing over the articles you wrote but I still can't find the one you mentioned (above) about your 10 most favorite restaurants. Can you give me the link to the article? Or probably write down the list here, if you don't mind.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Bob! Never mind my request. I already found your article (http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/content/2008/03/bobs-top-ten-restaurants-in-davao/). I'm really looking forward to try those. Thanks!
Hi Bob! This is the first time I came across your site and as a native of this country, I find it very interesting that you know, and to some extent, seem to love the province and the country you're currently in, which is more than I can say for most Filipinos, sadly. I myself have never been to Davao (which is the reason why I came across your site in the first place!). It's very refreshing to see our country from the perspective of a non-native. It makes me appreciate our country more and believe that there is hope for us as a nation. So thanks!
Hi Bob, im considering Davao City as a place for my 2nd home. Can Americans buy condos orany real estate here? Thanks for any help and great site!
Hi Mark – Non-Citizens of the Philippines can buy condo units, but not land.
Hi mark – I don't really have specific recommendations. The number of condo units in Davao is limited, so I'd recommend that you go have a look at the ones available and choose which you like best, what area of town is best for you, etc.
Thanks for you "super" fast response. Any realtors, websites, or other contacts for buying a condo there?
Hi mark – Like I said in my last comment… I really don't have any recommendations. If I were looking, I'd just google "davao condo" and take it from there. Hope this helps.
Hi bob,
do you know a lot of foreigner who lived in davao, like our of the city. I like bukidnon, but scared about the rebel thing. are you not scared about any of this?
hi bob, jon again..I was in a hurry and was pretty unclear, sorry about that. I was just talking about these rebel people whom i heard camped in the mountain. i saw your youtube video about bukidnon and it was beautiful. do you know a lot of foreigner who live there? or atleast out of davao city?
are you not scared about these kidnapping going on overe there?
Hi jon – To be honest, I have answered your question thousands of times over the year. Yes, I know thousands of foreigners who live in Davao and other Cities of Mindanao. I know a lot who live in Cities of Bukidnon (Malaybalay, Valencia, etc). I know still others who live out in the Province of Bukidnon. Scared? Scared of what? Bukidnon is quite safe. Kidnapping? Can you tell me of even on kidnapping in or anywhere near Bukidnon in the past 100 years? If you find any, please let me know, because I know of no such events.
Hi Bob, chanced upon your blog while looking for things to do in davao…we’ve been going there for awhile now and we’ve pretty much done your list…was hoping to discover new things to do……might as well add….on one of our trips we went on a boat trip around the island of samal on a large “banca” that could fit 40 people easily, it even had its own toilet! boarded the boat at the port area at 8am, we had 3 stops, the first was a pristine white sand beach which we had all to ourselves! stayed there till lunch time where we had fresh grilled fish and squid freshly with rice caught by our boatmen! (learned how to eat with our hands!) then we headed off to our next stop which they called the “aquarium”, there we were anchored around 100meters from the shore and were given snorkeling masks and fins. It was mind boogling! colors of the corals and boulders and fishes all exploding all around you…time will fly over there!…finally our last stop was beside a small island that was about 200meters in diameter, where the kids could pick up sea shells and explore….we were back at the port by 7pm utterly exhausted but content. Unfortunately I was not able to get the contact numbers of the boatmen but I was told that all you have to do is go there and ask for the “day trip” around samal island…hope this helps make your davao experience as unforgettable as ours…cheers!
Hi Jesseton – I have also taken trips around Samal, and it’s a wonderful thing to do. Beautiful place, no doubt! I’m glad you enjoyed your time in Davao!
It feels great that you like living here in my hometown. Thank you for promoting Davao City and I hope the whole Davao Region.
You’re most welcome, Alf. And remember… it’s my hometown too! 😉