48 Hours in Davao: A 'Biyahe ni Drew' itinerary

If you’re looking for a more relaxing take on city life, Davao’s the place for you. Here’s Drew Arellano’s guide to the smoke-free city.

Welcome to the durian capital of the Philippines!

Located in southeastern Mindanao, Davao is also a center of trade and industry as part of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area. However, this urban side is balanced out by an abundance in homegrown sights like Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, and local flavor — just ask the durian vendors!

Here’s Drew Arellano’s guide to a weekend in Davao:

How to get there
By plane. The Davao International Airport (DIA) has flights from major points in the Philippines such as Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod and Zamboanga. There are almost 20 daily flights from Manila to Davao, each taking approximately 90 minutes.

We booked our flights with our official biyahe partner, Cebu Pacific Air. Their seat sales bring down airfare to budget-friendly prices. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook for alerts on the latest sales.

By land. DIA is a 15-minute ride from downtown Davao. You can get there via taxi (P40 flagdown rate), but if you have light baggage, you can save by taking the jeepney (P8 for four kilometers).

What to see
Davao Crocodile Park
Corporate City, Diversion Highway, Ma-a, Davao City
Doubling as an industrial crocodile farm, the park has also been developed to accommodate tourists. In their wildlife encounter program, guests have the chance to chat with the animal keeper, who explains the animal’s role in the ecosystem and how we can conserve the species. There is also a tight-walking performance done over an enclosure filled with crocs!

Entrance fee is P150 for adults and P75 for children under 12.

Tribu K’Mindanawan
Davao Crocodile Park Complex, Davao City
Because of its distance from the capital, many aren’t aware of the rich cultures of Mindanao’s indigenous people: Tog’Gan, Uyaanan, Binotok, Binanwa Baluy, Bakag, Bale, Gono Taug’Na, C T’boli House, Gumne, and Bal’Lay. On weekends, the ten tribes have a cultural show and an exciting fire dancing presentation.

Philippine Eagle Center
Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City
Who wants to see a Philippine Eagle? The Philippine Eagle Foundation is a non-profit organization that has been working to conserve the fierce bird — also known as the monkey-eating eagle — and its rainforest habitat since 1987. Located 45 minutes away from the city proper, the center is open to the public and simulates a tropical rainforest! Entrance fee is just P50.

What to do

Wakeboarding
Deca Wakeboard Park, Tacunan, Mintal, Davao City
Looking for a fun, physical challenge? Deca’s wakeboarding packages include equipment rental and instructor’s fees. The basic package is P350 for two hours during weekdays, and P500 for the same on weekends. If you want to save, they have an all-day unlimited package for P600 on weekdays and P750 on weekends. Our tip: Visit the park in the afternoon for an unobstructed view of the sunset as your backdrop!

White water rafting
Davao Crocodile Park Complex, Davao City
Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon may be known as Mindanao’s adventure capitals, but don’t count Davao out just yet. The riverside area of the Davao Crocodile Park is the jump-off point for Davao’s take on this adrenaline-pumping experience.

Where and what to eat

Mangosteen Cake from Karlo’s Gourmet and Coffee
Jack’s Ridge, Matina, Davao City
For most of us, mangosteen is the purple fruit whose sweet, white pulp we scoop out with a spoon; but this Davao cafe has turned it into a pastry. Try a slice for P80.

Ranchero Grill Steak and Seafood Restaurant
Tionko Avenue cor. Arellano Street, Davao City
Sizzling bulalo, blue marlin kinilaw ang baby back ribs. Ranchero is your best bet for a busog-to-the-bones dinner. On a budget? Not to worry, because Ranchero also has set meals for as low as P100.

Taklobo Restaurant
Jack’s Ridge, Matina, Davao City
Taklobo is the main restaurant in Jack’s Ridge. The recipes themselves are familiar — grilled tuna and kinilaw are the favorites on their seafood-heavy menu — but it’s a convenient place to get a filling meal. Ask the waiter if they have fresh pomelo for dessert!

Where to stay
Reliable option: Microtel Inn and Suites
Damosa Gateway Complex, Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City
Located just ten minutes away from the Davao International Airport, Microtel is your most convenient bet. Rooms for two start at P3500 a night, with the most expensive suite at P4700 a night; all room rates include a continental breakfast.

Unique option: Ponce Suites Gallery Hotel
Corner Road 3 & Road 4, Doña Vicenta Village, Bajada, Davao City
Almost every wall here has been decorated by Maximinia Millian, the artist who owns the hotel. Rooms for two start at P1500 a night, with the suite going for P2800 a night. Traveling in threes? It costs just P280 per night for every added guest.

Budget option: Deca Wakeboard Park
Tacunan, Mintal, Davao City
If you’re traveling solo and on a very tight budget, Deca has single occupancy “budget beds” that go for P500 a night, inclusive of free wi-fi internet. —Cristina Tantengco/CM, GMA News