Tin MendezDavao City, the Philippines’ largest city by land area, boasts a diverse array of attractions. It’s renowned as the “Durian Capital,” a sanctuary for the majestic Philippine Eagle, and the gateway to Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak. While past perceptions of safety were often linked to specific governance styles, in 2025, Davao City continues to prioritize visitor safety and well-being through updated community policing and tourism initiatives.
Travellers can expect to find a vibrant city that balances natural wonders with urban development. We will also include information on updated accessibility options for Mt. Apo, and sustainable tourism practices within the city. In spite of its greatness, Davao City is still largely undiscovered. In fact, it remains as one of the most underrated destinations in the Philippines. If you’re planning to get there soon, here are some interesting things you can do on your first visit.
1. Warm up your leg muscles on a D.I.Y. city tour
Image credit: Shubert Ciencia
Listed below are interesting streets and sites that are within walking distance from each other and make for a good walking tour of the city.
Before the arrival of big malls, the street of San Pedro was the place to be for Davaoeños to visit the cinema, to shop for clothes and hang out with friends. Today, this modest street hasn’t lost any of its charm. A mix of southern-Filipino (Malay and Islamic roots) and colonial-Filipino (Spanish roots) influence characterises the street along which the City hall, San Pedro Cathedral and a few city parks are located. It’s also close to Museo Dabawenyo, which is located near the C.M. Rector Circle.
Image credit: Reuel Mark Delez
Situated along Palma Gil Street and a few blocks away from San Pedro Street, you can find the People’s Park. The 4 hectare park is dedicated to the people of Davao where anyone can unwind within the city. The park is very accessible and wheelchairs are thoughtfully provided for the elderly or disabled visitors of the park. It also features giant sculptures of prolific artist Kublai Millan.
Roxas Boulevard is another street very close to Palma Gil which is good to stroll on as it is lined with trees and benches (Ain’t a boulevard for no reason!). Aldevinco Shopping Center is located along this street as well, at the corner of C.M. Rector. It is an excellent place to buy souvenirs such as shirts, batik-style fabrics and apparels, brass work and carved wood and many more objects.
The lower end of Magsaysay Avenue is an interesting street to finish off your walking tour. Formerly known as Uyanguren Street, it is where Davao’s China Town is located. Filipino-Chinese business establishments line the street – wholesale shops, hardware stores, and restaurants. At the end of the street you can find the Magsaysay Fruit Stand, a perfect place to buy fresh fruits such as mangosteen, pomelo, mangoes, and of course, different varieties of durian, which Davao is known for.
Aside from these interesting places, another reason to stroll along the streets of Davao is to observe the clean state of the city. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas, spitting and littering are subject to hefty fines and the speed limits are imposed and followed strictly. The streets are also not too crowded – a welcome surprise for a city of Davao’s size.
2. Feel the heat and the beat of the Tribu K Mindawon
Image credit: shankar s.
While most of the northern and central parts of the Philippines were heavily influenced by Spanish culture, Mindanao, the major island group where Davao city belongs to, steered its own course. Many tribes, such as the Bagobo T’boli, and the Mandaya, habituated the island with their own culture and way of living. A glimpse of what their lives used to be, is what we can experience at the Tribu K Cultural Village.
The village features replicas of traditional houses, tools and ornaments. Various traditional dances, such as Singkil and Maranaw, as well as their famous fire show are performed on a regular basis. To complete the visit and cultural immersion, try the Mindanawan-inspired cooking and delicacies that are served at Koananan Restaurant.
3. Know the stories of animals from their remains in D’Bone Collector Museum
Image credit: Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ
What started out as personal collection for Darrell D. Blatchley, owner and curator, has become a 3 floor museum of bone specimens of land and sea animals from different parts of the world. Today, D’ Bone Collector Museum has over 700 specimens on display. The museum stems from more than a mere fascination with bones and its aim is to educate the public in the hopes of preserving the rich environment of Davao and the species that habituate it.
Each animal had its own story before it came to be displayed at the museum. One dwarf sperm whale got caught in a fishing net and was killed by the fishermen thinking that she was a shark. Later on, it was learned that she was also pregnant. Another mammal was found with a bottle of alcohol inside its stomach and another with a plastic wrapper.
The stories show that this is not merely a simple museum, but also a collection of stories of the animals that once lived and how our interaction with them played a role in their lives or their deaths. At a very affordable entrance fee of PHP80, visit the museum and enjoy a guided tour in Bucana, Davao City.
4. Find peace and quiet in Lon Wa Buddhist temple
Image credit: Shubert Ciencia
One of the biggest, if not the biggest Buddhist temple in Mindanao, the Lon Wa or Long Hua Buddhist temple greets its visitors with a smiling Fortune Buddha at the entrance gate. The name of the temple also means Temple of the Dragon and is a convent to Kung Fu monks of the Buddhist religious movement Philippine Academy of Sakya.
Visitors are allowed to wander around the temple grounds. The vicinity is landscaped with palm trees, shrubs and stone statues. The temple’s interior is a striking contrast of the grand design-style common to most Chinese temples. It is adorned with white Italian marble slabs and elegant wood carvings.
The beauty of the architecture, the serenity of the garden and the overall peacefulness of the temple contribute to making it an absolute treat for the eyes and soul for visitors. It is located in Cabaguio Avenue and is accessible by many jeepney routes.
5. Escape to the past through the Japanese Tunnel
Image credit: Davao Portal
Before the Second World War, many Japanese had already settled in Davao City which led to the city being nicknamed ‘little Tokyo’ during the 1930’s. Most of the settlers were business owners, particularly in the Abaca sector, which was the most exported product from Davao to Japan. The Japanese were so plenty (almost 20,000) that the Philippine government hastened the inauguration of Davao becoming a city in fear of threat of the Japanese population.
A decade later, the story had turned grim with the outbreak of WWII. The Japanese tunnel, right within the heart of Davao City, is among the historical remnants of this dark period. Some say that although the tunnel itself is short (some areas are closed due to safety concerns), it makes for an eerie and chilling tour. This site is good for a side visit as it is short but informative and historical. With a nominal fee of PHP50, this site will truly enthrall any history buff.
6. Brave the rapids of the Davao River
Image credit: Base Camp Davao
Davao River is a 150 kilometre long river system which holds an important part of the lives of Davaoeños. It serves as a source of many benefits such as drainage and water supply for irrigation.
This river system also provides a great venue for those thrill-seeking travellers that are craving for a water rafting adventure. The trail starts at Barangay Tamugan (an hour away from the city proper) and ends at Barangay Lacson in the Calinan District, a good 13 kilometre stretch of turbulent torrent water with 24 challenging rapids. This four-hour activity which you can avail through either Davao Wild Water Adventure or Base Camp Davao never fails to give a memorable and exciting experience.
Also read: 12 Best Hiking Getaways in the Philippines
7. Conquer the Xcelerator Zipline of Outland Adventure Camp
Image credit: Outland Adventure
At a whopping one kilometre long and 200 feet above sea level, the Xcelerator Zipline of Davao’s Outland Adventure Camp is arguably the longest zipline in Southeast Asia. Owned and operated by Project Challenge Foundation in Davao City, this adventure camp really challenges anyone’s fear of heights. With a tensile strength rating of 14, 400 pounds and using standard state-of-the-art safety system with well-trained personnel on standby, safety first is the camp’s priority.
It is not only about conquering your fears that makes this challenge worthy a try because along the ride, you are treated to a stunning view of the city. Outland Adventure is located along Diversion Road at the end of Ma-a Road just across Gap Farm.
8. Climb the country’s highest peak
Image credit: Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ
One hard to miss site when in Davao City is the stunning view of Mount Apo. With an elevation of 2, 954 metres above sea level, Mount Apo is the tallest mountain in the country and considered grandfather of Philippine mountains. Reaching its peak is a coveted achievement of many seasoned climbers but it is open to everyone (foreigners and locals alike) willing to take the challenge. The mountain is known to have 3 known trails depending on level. Check out Mt. Apo Adventures for climb packages and schedule for guides.
Apart from its glory as the highest peak, Mount Apo is also known to be the centre of endemism in Mindanao. It is home to 111 endemic birds including the majestic Philippine eagle, one of the world’s largest. The mountain also has 3 distinct forest formation, 19 major rivers, and 4 major lakes.
Also read: Top 10 Mountains in Philippines With the Most Incredible Views
9. Meet and greet the mighty “Haribon” (king-bird)
Image credit: VN Malazarte
Just the sight of this magnificent bird is reason enough to visit the centre. Among the most powerful and rarest birds in the world, the Philippine Eagle is also considered the largest extant eagle in terms of length and wingspan. What makes it more special and worthy of the national bird title is that it belongs to the family of Accipitridae, which can only be found in the forests of the Philippines.
The Philippine Eagle Center strongly advocates the conservation of this beautiful bird. A visit to the centre to show support to their cause is almost a duty of every local traveller. Plainly speaking, if you haven’t been to the Philippine Eagle Center, you haven’t been to Davao City.
Also read: The Philippine Bucket List: 20 Challenges Every Filipino Traveller Must Complete
Davao City has plenty to boast but it boasts not through big words but by persevering to achieve excellence. To date, it is among the safest cities in the world with one of the cleanest potable water. Probably the biggest reason why it is not a common tourist destination is that visitors of the city ends up staying there. Well, who can blame them? The City’s motto is: Life is here.
