MileHacker Logo
Davao Travel Resources

Davao Travel Resources

Davao Philippines Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Grab

    Required for ride-hailing and food delivery.

  • Google Maps

    A navigation must-have, download offline maps.

  • Google Translate

    For language translation. Download offline language packs.

  • WhatsApp/Viber

    Widely used for communication in the Philippines.

  • Your Banking App

    Use for monitoring transactions and managing finances.

Booking & Information

  • Booking.com/Agoda/Airbnb

    Useful for finding and booking accommodations on the go.

  • Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines

    Official tourism website for national information.

  • Davao City Tourism Office

    Look for official local government sites or dedicated tourism portals.

  • Airline Websites

    Check Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia for schedules.

  • Local News Sites

    Davao Today and MindaNews offer local updates and insights.

Online & Print Resources

Social Media

Follow official tourism pages for Davao City on platforms like Facebook and Instagram for the latest on events and attractions.

Guidebooks & Books

General Philippines guidebooks often include a section on Davao. Seek historical accounts of Mindanao and Davao. Explore works by Philippine fiction writers.

Digital Content

Search podcast platforms for "Philippines travel," "Davao travel," or "Mindanao culture" for context and personal stories.

Language Learning

Basic Tagalog

  • Use apps like Duolingo for basic Tagalog phrases.
  • Consider Pimsleur or Mango Languages for engaging learning.

Local Dialect - Cebuano

  • Learning some Cebuano phrases will be notably useful in Davao.
  • Look for local language tutors for personalized instruction.

Local Publications

Newspapers

  • SunStar Davao
  • Mindanao Times
  • Offer current events and local knowledge.

Tourism Brochures

  • Look for free brochures
  • Found at the airport
  • Available at hotels
  • Highlight attractions and mini-maps.

Local Food Blogs

  • Find updated dining recommendations
  • Discover hidden gems
  • Discover new culinary experiences
  • Search online for "Davao food blogs".

Emergency & Medical Information

Know Emergency Procedures

Emergency Contacts

  • National Emergency Hotline: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance).
  • Davao City Police Office: (082) 224-0000.
  • Philippine Red Cross (Davao Chapter): (082) 227-6623.
  • Your Travel Insurance Emergency Number: Have it readily available.

Hospital & Clinic Locations

  • Davao Doctors Hospital: Malvar Street, Davao City.
  • Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC): J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City.
  • San Pedro Hospital of Davao City: C. Guzman Street, Davao City.
  • These are well-regarded private and government hospitals.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Passport: Report loss or theft to local police immediately.
  • Get in touch with your embassy or consulate for assistance.
  • Credit Cards: Immediately contact your bank to report loss and cancel cards.
  • Have your bank's international contact numbers saved.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Earthquakes

  • If an earthquake occurs, be certain to Drop, Cover, plus Hold Tight.
  • Follow local advisories and instructions from authorities.

Flooding & Tsunamis

  • Flooding: Avoid affected areas. Seek higher ground during heavy rain.
  • Tsunamis: If near coastal areas after an earthquake, move immediately to higher ground.
  • Follow official tsunami warnings and evacuation routes.

Embassy & Consulate Information

Foreign Embassies

  • Most foreign embassies and consular offices in the Philippines are located in Manila.
  • Keep their contact information handy before and during your trip.

U.S. Embassy

  • For U.S. Citizens, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines (Manila) can be reached at +63 (2) 5301-2000.
  • Contact them for passport issues, emergency assistance, or travel advisories.

Further Reading & Exploration

Visual & Auditory Content

  1. Documentaries and films provide visual context and insights.
  2. Listen to traditional Mindanao music, like Kulintang ensemble performances.
  3. Explore contemporary Filipino music, blending traditional influences.

Online Communities

  1. Travel forums, like Reddit's r/Philippines or r/Davao, offer peer advice.
  2. Find recent experiences and ask questions to locals or other travelers.
  3. Facebook groups for "Davao Expats" or "Travel to Philippines" are valuable for community insights.

Language Learning Resources

Duolingo & Apps

Use apps like Duolingo for basic Tagalog phrases before your trip.

Audio Programs

For more immersive learning, consider audio-based programs like Pimsleur or Mango Languages.

Cebuano Phrases

Learning some Cebuano phrases will be notably useful in Davao for local interactions.

Security Note

Most foreign embassies and consulates are in Manila. Have their contact information handy for consular assistance during your trip.

Beyond the Guide

Dive into Davao

Cultural Understanding

  • Hospitality

    Filipinos are extremely hospitable and friendly. Expect warm welcomes.

  • Respect for Elders

    Use "po" and "opo" when speaking with elders. Offer `mano po` to show respect.

  • "Bahala Na"

    A common Filipino phrase meaning "come what may." Embrace this relaxed attitude.

Community Insights

  • "Filipino Time"

    Punctuality can be more relaxed than in Western cultures. Be patient.

  • Smiling

    A smile goes a long way. Filipinos often respond with warmth to a friendly smile.

  • "Turo-Turo"

    Pointing with pursed lips instead of a finger is common to indicate direction.

Online Engagement

Reddit Forums

Look into travel forums like Reddit's r/Philippines or r/Davao for advice from your peers and recent experiences.

Visit r/Philippines

Facebook Groups

Join Facebook groups for "Davao Expats" or "Travel to Philippines" for the local community insights and real-time information.

Find Travel Groups

Ask the Locals

These online communities are excellent places to ask questions directly to residents or seasoned travelers.

Detailed Digital Resources

Essential Travel Apps

  • Google Maps for navigation, download offline maps for areas without internet.
  • Your Banking App for monitoring transactions and managing finances while abroad.
  • Google Translate for language translation; download offline language packs.

Websites

  • Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines official website for national information.
  • Davao City Tourism Office for specific Davao information, event calendars, and local contact details.
  • Local news sites like Davao Today and MindaNews for local updates and insights.

Print Resources for Reference

Guidebooks and Maps

  • General Philippines guidebooks often include a section on Davao.
  • Local tourism offices may provide free maps of Davao City upon arrival.
  • Consider a Philippines Road Map if planning extensive self-driving trips outside the city.

Books & Local Publications

  • "The Great Philippine Eagle" by various authors gives context on this conservation icon.
  • Seek accounts from the past of Mindanao and Davao to deepen your regional past.
  • Local newspapers, like SunStar Davao and Mindanao Times, offer current events and local knowledge.

Travel Insight

Podcasts and digital content about "Philippines travel" enrich your understanding before or during your trip.

← Previous
Davao Travel Hacks
← Back to Davao
Next →
Davao Travel Checklist

Next Up: Davao Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Continue to Davao Travel Checklist
Davao Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts