Top 5 Questions About Davao City

1.Basic price of accommodation around the metro?

Answer: Hotel rates range from Php 1,500 to Php 4,000 per day. Inns and hostels are much cheaper and range from Php 650.00 to Php 1,000 per day. Check our Hotel listings here.

2.Prices of food and drink (meat, vegetables, water, coca cola, beer etc.)in bars and restaurants?.

Answer: Prices of Soda's, Beers in bars and restaurants range from Php 40.00 to Php 120.00 per bottle. Water cost around Php 15.00 to Php 30.00 per bottle. Meat range from Php 150.00 to Php 200.00 per kilo. Chicken meat range from Php 100.00 to Php 150.00 per kilo. Vegetables are sold in supermarkets individually or by pack, prices range from Php 10.00 to Php 60.00 per kilo.    

3.How much money do you need for a month long stay in Davao?

Answer: It depends on the price of the hotel per day and the foods are inexpensive. Fast foods range from Php 50.00 to Php 100.00 per meal. If you are low on budget, you can always check my hotel listings and from there you can choose inn's or hostels that suits your budget. Check hotel listings here.

4.What are  the Top 4 attractions in Davao?

1.Davao Crocodile Park - Fun for the whole family especially on weekends.

2. Eden Natures Park - 80 hectare nature expanse of nature's wonders and attractions, definitely a good escape from city life.

3.Philippine Eagle Center - Foreigners and locals are always attracted when they visit to Davao. The center is the transient home of the endangered Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyii).
    

4. Samal Beaches - Samal Island is a distant away from the shores of Davao and is located located in the Davao gulf and east of Davao City. Samal Island is famous because it is the Coral Reef City. Now, Samal Island is called Island Garden City of Samal. This beautiful virgin island has been protected from commercialization to preserve ecotourism. This island has a multitude of dive sites to suit all tastes. The crystal blue waters that surrounds this island paradise is good for scuba diving and snorkeling because the coastline is rich with underwater wildlife. Check my complete Samal Island page for complete guide and resort listing. 

Click Samal Island Beaches and Inland Resorts for rates

5.Davao City – Is it Safe?

Answer:  Davao City is one of the safest destinations in Mindanao for a foreign (or local) tourist.Davao City is really a law and order place.  Our Former Mayor here, Rody Duterte is sort of the “Dirty Harry of the Philippines.”  Duterte does not take criminal acts lightly, he takes action when these things happen.  Because of Duterte and his hard line stance, the crime rate in Davao is among the lowest of any City in the Philippines. 

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How to get to Davao City

Daily Flights To Davao from Major Airlines

Cebu Pacific Air
Website: http: //www.cebupacificair.com

PAL express
Website: http://www.flypalexpress.com

Philippine Airlines
Website: http://www1.philippineairlines.com/

Note: Domestic Terminal Fee cost around Php 200.00 per person. International Domestic Terminal Fee cost around Php 750.00.Travel tax Php 1,620 when traveling outside the Philippines. Baggage Allowance of 15kg for check in and 7kg for carry on.

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Davao City Guide

Davao is an expansive, bustling city located at the southeastern part of Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It is the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area with its span of 2,443.61 sq km. Davao is also considered as the de facto capital of Mindanao, serving as the region’s center for trade, commerce, services, and tourism. Situated on the Asia Pacific Rim, Davao serves as the Philippines’ gateway to the world in the south, with its international seaports of Sasa Wharf and Sta. Ana Wharf. Export cargos of abaca, coconuts, rice, fruits, spices, and pearls pass through these cargo ports everyday. Roughly 45% of its economy is dependent on agriculture. Being in a typhoon-free zone and blessed with rich, fertile soil, Davao enjoys a thriving agriculture-based export industry. Two of its largest exports are bananas and pineapple. Other agriculture-based exports are coconut, durian, mangoes, papaya, mangosteen, and flowers. The remaining allocation in Davao’s economy is occupied by the industrial sector (15%) and service sectors (35%). This steady movement away from an agricultural economy is largely due to the influx of private investments and a strong confidence in the peace and security in the region. Davao has a multicultural population, where immigrants from other nations and regions live side-by-side with the local ethnic groups. Davao is a city of contrast as well because of the Chinese, Spanish and Islamic influences that are both assimilated and exhibited in its people’s everyday life.

Residential Places in Davao

Residential Places in Davao Upscale residences in the Philippines are usually within gated communities that the locals call subdivisions or villages. These residential neighborhoods are often enclosed by high walls with a security guard looking after the gate. Entry is granted by displaying a sticker chosen by the members of the homeowners’ association or by invitation from a resident. These gated communities are found in many districts in the city and they feature various housing units to match any clientele’s needs. Empty lots can also be purchased; however, the building of the house is left to the client. One of Davao’s prime residential locations is Bloomfields Davao in Lanang developed by Robinsons Homes Inc. It stands in front of the Lanang Golf Course and Country Club, as well as 15 minutes away from the city’s downtown and from Davao International Airport. The Positano Subdivision is located in the tranquil area of Shrine Hills and only a short distance from the city’s shopping malls, schools, and hospitals. The Villa Josefina Resort Village in Dumoy is a beach-fronted community located in the southern part of the city. Toscana Subdivision in Talomo is a grand Italian-themed residential neighborhood. It has the majestic Mt. Apo in its backdrop. Other upscale residential neighborhoods in Davao are Robinsons Highlands in Buhangin, Solariega in Talomo, and Villa de Mercedes Subdivision in Catigan at Toril and Fuente de Villa Abrille in Tulip Drive.

Hospitals and Universities of Davao

Hospitals and Universities of Davao  the educational center for Mindanao with its total of 46 colleges and universities. One of the well-established universities in Davao is Jesuit-Catholic the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) established in 1948 by the Philippine Society of Jesuits. ADDU is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a regional center of excellence in business, education, information technology, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. CHED is the government agency that exercises authority over institutions of higher education. Its College of Law ranks as one of the top four colleges of law in the country. Other notable private universities in Davao are University of the Immaculate Conception run by the Sisters of the Religious of the Virgin Mary, AMA Computer University, Assumption College of Davao, Davao Doctors College, St. Paul College of Davao, Philippine Women’s College, and the Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai International School. Prestigious government universities in Davao include the University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UPM) which was established in 1995 and is the newest regional unit in the UP system, University of Mindanao which is the oldest university in the island, and the University of South Eastern Philippines which is the integration of the state institutions of Mindanao State University-Davao, UPM-Master of Management, Davao School of Arts and Trades, and Davao National Regional Agricultural School.

Healthcare in Davao

Davao has a number of private major hospitals in its locality. Among these is the Davao Doctors Hospital which is a newly established institute that specializes in coronary abnormalities and diseases. It boasts of its specialized units in cardiac diagnosis, coronary care, endoscopy, intensive care, neonatal intensive care, as well as centers for oncology, diabetes, and ophthalmology. All of which are dedicated to provide accurate diagnosis and management of these diseases. The Davao Doctors Hospital is located along Elpidio Quirino Avenue. Another well-established hospital in Davao is the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital. It is a modern healthcare facility that has a 200 bed capacity. It specializes in pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, ophthalmology,and surgery. The hospital also offers child and adolescent neuro-developmental services, newborn hearing screening tests, and occupational and speech therapies. Other notable hospitals in Davao are San Pedro Hospital on C. Guzman Street, Davao Medical Center and Nephrology Center of Davao along JP Laurel Avenue, Ricardo Limso Medical Center on Ilustre Street, and Alterado General Hospital on R. Castillo Street. 

Security in Davao

The Philippine National Police has the Davao del Sur Provincial Office to exercise jurisdiction over the city and its surrounding areas. For the additional security of the people living and working in Davao, a special military force was formed to provide support for the local police force. Called the Task Force Davao, it is a group affiliated with the Philippine Army and aims to protect the city from terrorist attacks. In addition, Davao ahs an emergency line to report criminal incidents and for fast response to emergencies. Patterned after the 911 emergency response system of the United States and Canada, the city retained the same number for faster recall and association. 

Embassies in Davao

Many of the foreign embassies have their offices located in Metro Manila. However, considering the distance between Manila and Davao, a few countries opened their consulates in the city for convenience. Some of these are the Consular Office of Japan at the Plaza de Luisa Complex on Magsaysay Avenue, Consulate General of Malaysia at the Florantine Building on Bonifacio Street, Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia at Ecoland Drive in Matina, Consulate of the Czech Republic on Mintrade Drive, and the Consulate of the Republic of Palau at the Anda Corporate Center on F. Iñigo Street. The United Kingdom British Embassy in the Philippines is located at the 15th-17th floors of the LV Locsin Building at Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

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Davao City Airport Information | Francisco Bangoy International Airport

Francsico Bangoy International Airport

This 1 billion terminal was inaugurated last December 2, 2003 with a capacity double from the old terminal. The modernization of airport facilities aims to put Davao as a hub for tourist and foreign investment on the region. This modern terminal can handle 1.2 million passengers and 84,600 tons annually.

Airport Information

The passenger terminal is a Malay architecture-inspired building which cost P1 billion and is four times larger than the old terminal. It is highly computerized, more secure and has more commercial spaces for concessionaries at approximately 9,000 sq. meter. It has four units of jet bridges (2 for domestic planes and 2 for international) for passengers. It has also a Flight Information Display System and Closed Circuit Television System complementing the terminal's security system. The terminal has 14 domestic and international counters that can handle a steady flow of passenger traffic. The Check-in counters are equipped with electronic weighing scales and conveyors and its baggage handling system is also computerized. The Cargo Terminal Building covers almost 5,580 sq. meters and can handle up to 84,600 tons a year .

Entertainment

There are 2 Internet terminals located on the first and second floor of the passenger lounge. There are only 2 terminals provided by Smart Communications so better bring your netbook, internet enabled phone  or laptop . Wifi is available at the passenger lounge, sometimes sluggish but it's  free. There are souvenir shops located at the second floor before you enter the passenger lounge, but the prices are much higher compared to other souvenir shops located in Aldevinco Complex. Cafe Restaurant and Foods shops are also located at the second floor where you can eat and drink coffee while waiting for you flight. 

Air Traffic Control Tower

The tower is considered as the most advanced in the Philippines.

Runway

The passenger terminal is a Malay architecture-inspired building which cost P1 billion and is four times larger than the old terminal. It is highly computerized, more secure and has more commercial spaces for concessionaries at approximately 9,000 sq. meter. It has four units of jet bridges (2 for domestic planes and 2 for international) for passengers. It has also a Flight Information Display System and Closed Circuit Television System complementing the terminal's security system. The terminal has 14 domestic and international counters that can handle a steady flow of passenger traffic. The Check-in counters are equipped with electronic weighing scales and conveyors and its baggage handling system is also computerized. The Cargo Terminal Building covers almost 5,580 sq. meters and can handle up to 84,600 tons a year .

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Getting Around Davao City

1.Jeepneys

The workhorse of Philippine Transportation, jeepneys ply all major routes around city. They are reliable, safe and inexpensive. If you want to explore and see Davao in a whole new way i think you should try this one. Not advisable if your into comfy and air conditioned ride.

2.Taxis

Taxis in Davao are not that expensive. They cost around Php 30.00 on the meter and Php 2.50 added for every 200 meters. Taxi ride from airport to downtown metro will cost you around Php 100.00 to 150.00.

Note: Taxis in Davao International airport are metered and contracted rate is not allowed, just in case please report the taxi driver to local authorities. Just list the taxi name or the plate number. 

3.Rent a Car

Renting a car is the most convenient way for a hassle free tour around the metro. Quite expensive but highly recommended if you have the budget. Just check the car rental listing below.

Company	Location	Tel no.
Avis Rent a Car	Davao International Airport	(63) 82-2978939
Dollar Rent a Car	J.P.LaurelAve.Davao City	(63) 82-2242045 (63) 82-2241544
Ecotrans Car Rental	Bacaca Rd.No. 16 Amazon St. Riverview Village	(63) 82-2212746 (63) 82 -2217432
Nissan Rent a Car	J.P. Laurel Ave. Davao City	(63) 82-221-8604(63) 82-221-8605
Marconi Rent a Car	Avenida Santos, Davao City	(63) 82-2340736

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Brief History of Davao

The history of Davao dates back thousands of years to the times when various ethnic groups such as the Manobos, Bagbos, and the Mandayas occupied the land and established formal communities throughout the area today known as Mindanao. For centuries these people lived in relative peace.The Spanish were the first Europeans to discover Davao , when in 1528 they arrived at the coast and encountered groups of the native people. But it wasn’t until the middle of the nineteenth century when the Spanish began populating the area and gaining control of Davao ’s ports, when permanent European settlements began being built. Control of the ports meant valuable trade leverage in the vastly expanding world trade market.Although they tried, the Spanish were unable to gain complete control of the Mindanao Island , as the native people fought back and resisted. he Spanish-American War in 1898 resulted in an American occupation over the next few years. During the early 20th century, Davao grew in size because of the development of the ports, and the global demand for various products from the area such as cotton, rubber and coffee. Davao officially became a city in 1937. Since this time, the city has been damaged and afflicted by many wars, and been occupied by various countries.

Culture and Heritage

Easy assimilation is an integral essence of multi-cultural Davao. Being a chartered city, it has grown appreciating differences in culture and tradition by numerous ethnic groups that integrated easily to the local tribes already present during its infancy as a city. Like most cities in the Philippines, Catholics largely populate Davao. Christian churches and chapels dot the city's landscape along with some temples, mosques, and other places of worship. Another Spanish influence that remains up to this day is the observance and celebration of barrios (or villages) of the day of their respective patron saint called "Fiesta". It is in these celebrations wherein songs, dances and other forms of arts and merrymaking from various cultures have evolved creatively into the sights and sounds of Davao now. Such showcases point to its ultimate climax as the celebration of all celebrations - the weeklong Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival.

Geography

Located in the southeastern corner of the country's southernmost island of Mindanao, the province of Davao City in the north to Sarangani Island in the south. It is bounded by the province of Davao (formerly Davao del Norte) to the north; the Celebes Sea to the south; North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and South cotabato to the west ; and Davao Gulf to the east. With a land area of 6,377.6 sq.km., the province is composed of sandy beaches and outlying islands; agricultural plains and valleys; rainforests; swamps; rolling hills and mountains including the Philippines' highest peak, Mt. Apo (3,144 meters).

Davao City, the premiere city of Mindanao, is located in the northeastern part of the province, at the head of the gulf. In terms of land area, Davao City is the world's largest city (244,000 hectares). The mighty Davao river runs through the city. Davao is divided into eight political district : baguio and Paguibato in the north; Calinan and Tugbok in the central part; Bunawan, Bahangin and Talomo in the east ; and Toril in the south.

Davao enjoys a mild, pleasant climate all year round. Because of its topographical characteristics and geographical location, it is rately visited by typhoons. There is no pronounced wet of dry season. The coolest months are from November to February with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. during the peak summer months from March to May, temperatures average 28 degrees Celsius but may rise as high as 32 degrees.

Economy

Davao City is the premier City and hub of Mindanao.It is a "Crown Jewel" of Mindanao in terms of economic activity. It is the most important economy in the island and the third most important urban center in the Philippines. Like the rest of the country, Davao City operates on an economic system that is market-oriented, although pricing mechanisms remain regulated in a few sectors (particularly on basic commodities) to protect consumers. The competitiveness of the market has been enhanced through the dismantling of protection for "infant industries" and the breakdown of industries with monopolistic or cartel tendencies. On the international front, the economy has been opened to global competition, through a tariff, private investments has Davao City's economy is steadily growing in the last two decades. The City has shifted counting investments from millions in the '80s to billions in the '90s and pool of skilled workforce. With close to 1.5-Million people as primary market base, the city is conducive to business as evidenced by the presence of the country's top 200 companies. Inflow of investments has been remarkable in the last ten years. Export in the City is now a billion dollar industry with a growing niche market for its products. The stable banana and flourishing pineapple industries are among the country's leading export commodities. A net exporter since 1987, Davao City largely contributed in making the Philippines as the world's top exporter of papaya, mangosteen, and even flowers. The productive linkages between established businesses and Davao City community reinforced the competitive quality of life in a city that has consistently maintained single digit inflation rate since 1993. Along with flourishing investments and exports, the low inflation rate serve as concrete illustration of the remarkable gains from Davao City's sustained competitiveness nurtured by high level of responsiveness of the local government which put priority focus in facilitating business-friendly initiatives and in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous environment.

Government

Unique to the local government set-up of the city is the designation of a deputy mayor by the city mayor. Although an appointed official only, the deputy mayor serves as a direct link to the city mayor, especially for people living outside the city proper. The deputy mayor also serves as the city mayor's representative in community events. The functions of the position are considered complementary to the functions of the city vice-mayor, given the large territorial jurisdiction of the city.

Security

Davao City is the premier City and hub of Mindanao.It is a "Crown Jewel" of Mindanao in terms of economic activity. It is the most important economy in the island and the third most important urban center in the Philippines. Like the rest of the country, Davao City operates on an economic system that is market-oriented, although pricing mechanisms remain regulated in a few sectors (particularly on basic commodities) to protect consumers. The competitiveness of the market has been enhanced through the dismantling of protection for "infant industries" and the breakdown of industries with monopolistic or cartel tendencies. On the international front, the economy has been opened to global competition, through a tariff, private investments has Davao City's economy is steadily growing in the last two decades. The City has shifted counting investments from millions in the '80s to billions in the '90s and pool of skilled workforce. With close to 1.5-Million people as primary market base, the city is conducive to business as evidenced by the presence of the country's top 200 companies. Inflow of investments has been remarkable in the last ten years. Export in the City is now a billion dollar industry with a growing niche market for its products. The stable banana and flourishing pineapple industries are among the country's leading export commodities. A net exporter since 1987, Davao City largely contributed in making the Philippines as the world's top exporter of papaya, mangosteen, and even flowers. The productive linkages between established businesses and Davao City community reinforced the competitive quality of life in a city that has consistently maintained single digit inflation rate since 1993. Along with flourishing investments and exports, the low inflation rate serve as concrete illustration of the remarkable gains from Davao City's sustained competitiveness nurtured by high level of responsiveness of the local government which put priority focus in facilitating business-friendly initiatives and in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous environment.

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Accessbility

By land

You will find roaming around the city streets accessible by the number of buses, jeepneys, multicabs, cabs (taxi) that run the city streets. Getting your way around Davao City is never a problem with the mode of transportation available. Davao City also offers a wide bus network connection to major cities and provinces, not only in Mindanao but even as far as Manila and Pasay City in Luzon. Davao City is connected to Manila by a series of roll on roll off or inter-island ferry connection. You can reach Davao City by bus to and from all of the Cities in Mindanao like Cotabato, Kidapawan, Digos, General Santos, Koronadal, Isulan, Tacurong, Tagum, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao, Butuan, Cebu City and Pasay City in Manila.
By Air

Davao City has direct flights to major cities in the Philippines and some Asian Cities. Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao International Airport) is currently being served by the following airline carriers: Cebu Pacific 4 flights weekly to Cagayan de Oro, 3 flights daily to Cebu City, Once daily flight to Iloilo City, 6 daily flights to Manila, and Once daily flight to Zamboanga City Philippine Airlines 5 daily flights to Manila and daily flights to Cebu City.

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