Island Garden City of Samal

A metropolitan city at the foot of the archipelago, Davao City has as much pizzazz as Manila and Cebu. The malls and the nightlife are there, and so are five-star hotels and resorts. It has consistently made it to the list of the county’s top destinations and has proven to be one of the most peaceful and livable places in Asia. But what makes Davao truly exceptional is that it still retains an almost rustic yet homey ambience, flanked by the ocean on one side and a sprawling landscape on the other.

Davao is a city that can rouse the interest and curiosity of anyone. From the relentless fans of Durian, to floral enthusiasts of the Waling-waling; from animal and nature lovers down to beach buffs and divers, there are countless wonders on this side of Mindanao which people fondly call, “City in Bloom.”

Home to at least 10 major indigenous tribes, both Islamized and non-Islamized, as well as migrant settlers from all over the Philippines and a growing community of expatriates, Davao is a melting pot of cultures living in peaceful harmony. Davao is also one of the most peaceful cities in Asia with a monthly crime rate of 0.8 cases per 10,000 persons per month. The city is situated in a typhoon-free zone so tourists can enjoy good weather all year round.

The Island Garden City of Samal remains to be Davao’s prized tourism gem. The island offers world class choices of unspoiled beaches and niches which are the ideal refuge to escape the hectic and fast paced urban life. Lined with coconut trees, white sand shore, and cozy cottages, the blue and green landscape of Samal Island during a lovely afternoon is simply breathtaking. 

Fast facts

Local Dialect: Cebuano

Places of interest:

Eden Nature Park – A place where one can marvel at the serene stance of nature, Eden is home to vast gardens of herbs and organic vegetables, lush fields of tropical foliage, acres of pines and fruit trees, and showcases indigenous creatures at the Deer Park and Bird Walk.

Philippine Eagle Center – A man-made forest where eagles are bred in captivity in order to increase their numbers,  the center also houses rare avian species and other endangered wildlife such as hawks and falcons, monkeys, crocodiles, deer, wild boars, and a small community of monkeys. The Philippine Eagle Center is also home for Pagasa, the first Philippine eagle born in captivity.  

Shopping at Aldevinco – Aldevinco proudly claims that it is the only shopping center in Mindanao that truly showcases the culture and heritage of the Mindanaoan. Tourists and locals alike come here for souvenirs such as Davao native products, various Batik products (bags, dusters, slippers, table cloths, etc.), textiles imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, antique and brass items, and even indigenous musical instruments.

Must Try:

• Durian
• Pomelo
• Organic Vegetables

How to get there:

By air – The Davao International Airport is the principal link to the Davao region from other countries and the rest of the islands. With a capacity to accommodate more than one million passengers yearly, the Davao International Airport accepts international flights from countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Indonesia as well as major Philippine cities such as Cebu, Zamboanga, and Manila.

Major Festivals: 

Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest, and serenity of living. The festival pays tribute to Davao’s artistic, cultural, and historical heritage.