Why is it that so many people reserve their curiosity for new and enlightening experiences on the road while they take for granted similar opportunities just because they happen at home?
-Daniel Noll, Uncorneredmarket.com
Davao Peoples Park Dome at night
I have never ceased to appreciate the beauty, peace and bounty of Davao City from the time I came to live here. It is one of the few major cities in the Philippines where you can walk safely without fear of someone nabbing your valuables. The city has comparably tolerable traffic, competitive schools and first class amenities. Davao City is a fusion of rural and urban living; you get to live near seashores and farmlands (we do) yet have access to world class infrastructures. Davao City is one the best places in the Philippines to live in and raise kids.
Food
Tuna (bariles) is abundant in Davao City. You get to eat tuna recipes almost anywhere. My personal favorites are sinugbang panga or buntot ng bariles; sashimi and kinilaw na bariles.
Durian, pomelo, mangosteen, mangoes and bananas are cheap and bountiful. Dragon fruit, a red, pulpy fruit with spiny skin known as a “cleansing fruit” in South America is also grown here. You can try the Dragon fruit shake at the Davao Crocodile Parks’ Riverwalk Grille or buy dragon fruits at the SM Supermaket.
Barbecue houses abound in Davao City. Among the most popular of these are Penong’s and Banok’s. Many restaurants offer buffets meals which start at 100 pesos per head.
Places to Visit
Tribu Kamindanawan
For Families with Children
Crocodile Park animal show
One of the newest landmarks in Davao City is the People’s Park. It’s a free and accessible place for families to relax and have fun. I encourage parents with children to visit the Crocodile Park, the Malagos Garden, Tribu K’ Mindanawan, The Philippine Eagle center, and the Butterfly Park. It is best to go to Crocodile Park at past 3pm for the animal encounter show and Malagos garden on weekend mornings for the Bird show. The weekend cultural presentations and fireshow at the Tribu Kamindanawan starts at 6PM.
For the Adventurous and Daring
Wakeboard at the first and only wakeboarding facility in Mindanao, the Deca Wakeboard Park; Brave the Davao river with your friends. Assembly time for water rafting with the Davao Wild Water is at 8: 30 AM at the Davao crocodile park’s area. You may also want to visit the Zip City; try the Xcelerator at Outland Adventure; slide yourself through a giant water slide in Maxima or ride a Zorb Ball at the Davao Zorb Park.
Eden Nature Park
For the Nature Lovers and Beach Bums
Eden Nature Park is a must visit for Nature trippers. Popular beach destinations include the Paradise Island and the Pearl Farm.
Those who want to learn more about Davao’s history and culture may visit the Japanese tunnel and the Davao Museum. Better yet, visit Davao city during the Kadayawan festival.
The weekend cultural presentations and fireshow at the Tribu Kamindanawan starts at 6PM.
The weekend cultural presentations and fireshow at the Tribu Kamindanawan starts at 6PM.
I highly recommend trying out the whitewater or wild water rafting to adventure seekers out there. It’s a one of kind experience that surely will rock your world. An exhilarating fun ride of tossing and splashing, a great way to spend some bonding time with friends and families.
I highly recommend trying out the whitewater or wild water rafting to adventure seekers out there. It?s a one of kind experience that surely will rock your world. An exhilarating fun ride of tossing and splashing, a great way to spend some bonding time with friends and families.