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Things to Do in Davao

Things to Do in Davao

Davao Philippines Travel Guide

Cultural Immersion

Enhance your knowledge of Davao's diverse heritage through immersive cultural experiences.

Cultural Performances and Festivals

Kadayawan Festival August

This event includes a lot of street dances, tribal performances, and traditional shows. It has a deep cultural experience.

Eden Nature Park's Cultural Village

Regularly hosts performances. These display traditional dances and music of the various Lumad tribes.

Araw ng Dabaw March 16

Davao City's founding anniversary. It features parades, concerts, and various civic events.

Language and Community

  • Chances To Learn a language: Basic conversational Tagalog phrases are widely understood. Cebuano (Bisaya) is the more common local dialect in Davao.
  • Community-Based Tourism Initiatives: Visits to Lumad (indigenous) communities. These visits have insights into their way of life, crafts, and rituals. Often arranged with deep respect for the community's culture and traditions.
  • Workshops and Classes: Formal public workshops for tourists are limited. Some resorts or art spaces might arrange private classes.

Ethical Tourism

  • Support local communities by purchasing direct from artisans.
  • Honor local traditions.
  • Leave no trace when visiting natural sites.

Photography Guidelines

  • Always ask permission before taking photos of people.
  • Be discreet when photographing sacred rituals.
  • Respect privacy in local communities.

Cultural Appreciation

  • Learn basic phrases in Cebuano (Bisaya) or Tagalog.
  • Try local foods and beverages.
  • Engage with locals respectfully.

Important Note

Structured public workshops for tourists are limited, but private arrangements may be possible through local tour operators.

Relaxation & Wellness

Davao has options for rest and rejuvenation, from spas to natural healing.

Spa and Wellness Centers

  • Many luxury and mid-range hotels have on-site spa services (e.g., DusitD2 Davao, Seda Abreeza).
  • Independent spas throughout the city have Filipino traditional massages (`hilot`) and current treatments. These have a relaxing escape from city life.
  • `Hilot`, a Filipino traditional massage, is offered in some spas. It uses local seasonings and oils for therapeutic purposes.

Natural Therapy and Retreats

Hot Springs and Natural Therapy

Mainit Hot Springs: In the Mount Apo area, these natural hot springs have therapeutic relaxation. They are ideal for soothing muscles after a trek.

Yoga and Meditation Retreats

Formal retreats specifically in Davao City are limited. Some private studios may have individual classes or short workshops. Ask local gyms or wellness groups.

Beach and Pool Clubs

Many resorts on Samal Island have day-use passes for their beach and pool facilities. Some city hotels have impressive pools accessible to non-guests for a fee.

Live Music Venues

Matina Town Square (MTS), Area 99, The Strip (F. Torres Street) have live bands and acoustic performances.

Nightclubs & Bars

MTS has clubs for dancing. F. Torres Street has a relaxed the bars and clubs for casual drinks.

Late-Night Options

Roxas Night Market is lively for late-night snacking and shopping. 24/7 convenience stores are common.

Shopping & Markets

Davao has a variety of shopping experiences, from traditional markets to modern malls.

Traditional Markets and Handicrafts

  • Roxas Night Market: A lively evening marketplace with street food, second-hand clothes, and souvenir items. A great place for a bargain hunt.
  • Bankerohan Central Market: The largest wet and dry market. It has fresh produce, seafood, meat, and local delicacies.
  • Aldevinco Shopping Center: Concentrates on Mindanao handicrafts. Discover textiles like T'nalak (from the T'boli tribe) and Malong (from Muslim Mindanao).

Souvenir Recommendations

Food Items

Durian-based products: Candies, tarts, pastillas, and coffee infused with durian. Malagos Chocolate: Award-winning, locally produced artisanal chocolate.

Textiles and Handicrafts

Woven fabrics: T'nalak and Malong textiles represent the rich cultural heritage. Handicrafts: Look for wood carvings, brassware, and tribal accessories.

Fresh Produce

Pomelo: Fresh Davao pomelos are a popular take-home gift due to their sweetness and juiciness.

Shopping Malls and Ethical Practices

Luxury and Boutique Shopping

SM Lanang Premier: A high-end mall with global and domestic brands, department stores, and a cinema. Abreeza Mall: Another modern mall, with a mix of international and local retail, dining, and entertainment.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

Purchase directly from artisans or certified fair trade shops. This fair compensation to the communities and supports cultural preservation. Be mindful of items made from endangered species, which may be illegal to buy or export.

Shipping and Customs Information

Shipping: Major courier services like DHL, FedEx, and LBC have offices in Davao for shipping purchases home. Customs: Be aware of import regulations for your home country regarding food items (especially fresh fruits like durian), plants, and animal products. Declare all purchases as required.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Find nightlife options in Davao City.

Live Music and Theater

  • Live Music Venues: Matina Town Square (MTS) has various bars and live music stages. Area 99 has a range of bars and eateries, some having live bands. The Main street (along F. Torres Street) has restaurants and bars with live acoustic performances.
  • Theater and Performance Spaces: Dedicated theater spaces are limited. Occasionally, malls or university auditoriums host plays or musical performances. Review local listings for schedules.

Nightclubs and Late-Night Options

Nightclubs and Dancing

MTS has a few clubs for dancing, catering to various music tastes. F. Torres Street has some establishments with DJ sets and opportunities for dancing.

Bar Districts and Pub Crawls

Matina Town Square (MTS) is the most concentrated area for nightlife. F. Torres Street has a more relaxed bar scene, suitable for conversations.

Late-Night Entertainment Options

Roxas Night Market is lively for late-night snacking and shopping. 24/7 convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Ministop are common.

Strolling and Sightseeing

Evening walks along Davao Baywalk have pleasant views of Davao Gulf.

Cinemas and Malls

Major malls like SM Lanang Premier and Abreeza Mall have cinemas and entertainment zones.

Casual Dining

Numerous restaurants and cafes across the city offer casual dining experiences late as evening approaches.

Tips for Nightlife

Safety
  • Always prioritize safety, especially when out at night.
  • Use reputable transportation like Grab or metered taxis.
  • Travel in groups if possible, especially when exploring new areas.
Local Customs
  • "Inuman" (drinking session) is a common social activity.
  • Singing karaoke ("videoke") is a popular pastime.
  • Locals are generally friendly and open to conversations.

Nighttime Considerations

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas late at night.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Adventure Checklist

  • Plan Mount Apo trek well in advance, licenses and guides are needed.
  • Dedicate a day to Samal Island for watersports and relaxation.
  • Consider adventure parks like Eden Nature Park for zip-lining and SkyCycle.
  • Book dolphin watching tours during the appropriate season.

Cultural and Leisure Planning

  • Check the Kadayawan When the festival is (August) for a cultural experience.
  • Include a spa treatment or visit a natural hot spring for relaxation.
  • Allocate time for shopping at Aldevinco or modern malls for souvenirs.
  • Explore Roxas Night Market to get a taste of local street food and nightlife.
Things to Do in Davao. Activities, Experiences, Adventures