10 Things to See or Do in Davao

Philippine Eagle Nature Center

The Philippine Eagle Nature Centre in Calinan treats visitors to a rare glimpse of one of the world’s most endangered bird species, the Philippine Eagle or Pithecophaga Jefferyi. Now close to extinction, the Philippine Eagle’s last remaining natural abode is in the Mt Apo range.The Philippine eagle stands a metre tall and has a wingspan of two metres, making it the second largest eagle in the world. Distinguishing characteristics include bluish eyes, a warlike headdress of spiky feathers, and a large, sharp, curved beak.The centre, which breeds and cares for this valuable national icon, is home to more than 30 Philippine Eagles, including Pag-Asa, the world’s first Philippine Eagle born in captivity by artificial insemination.

Culture and Heritage

Davao City may now be a sprawling metropolis but its roots are steeped in Mindanao culture. The city was originally inhabited by eight tribes, including the Bagobos, Mandayas, Manobos and T’bolis. The cultural inheritance of Davao City is showcased at the Davao Museum at Insular Village. Here can be seen costumes, accessories and implements of the different tribes of Davao.

The tribes of Davao have elevated their weaving to an art form, with each tribe having distinct patterns and techniques. The T’boli weaving centre at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao features the production of the colourful Tinalak fabric, while the Dagmay weaving technique of the Mandaya tribe takes centrestage at the Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

The Aldevinco Shopping Center in downtown Davao houses several shops selling the arts, crafts and fashions of southern Philippines.

Fruits

Mindanao is the food of the Philippines; Davao, its fresh fruit platter. Davao City’s many farms are major exporters of bananas, pineapples, mangosteens, durians, and pomelos, among others. These fruits are abundant in the markets and stalls lining the city’s streets at a fraction of their price elsewhere in the country.

The Davao Durian has several varieties, most popular ones being the Arancillo and the Puyat, and is known to be stronger and a tad more bitter than its Malaysian counterpart. So plentiful is this exotic “King of Fruits” in Davao City that it has penetrated the market for everything from ice cream and candy bars to jams and coffee.

The Malagos Garden Resort

This 12-hectare resort in the Davao City highlands offers more than just accommodation. The Malagos Garden Resort is dedicated to the protection and conservation of the environment, and this commitment shines through in its various attractions and activities.

Permanent fixtures include a butterfly sanctuary, horseback-riding trails, orchid farm, petting zoo, and works of Philippine national artist for sculpture Napoleon Abueva. An accredited wildlife farm, the resort also has the world’s only waling waling forest, the latter being the Philippines’ most important orchid species. Malagos Garden Resort holds various interactive wildlife shows every weekend.

Eden Nature Park & Resort

At 2,500 feet above sea level, this mountain resort has some of the best views of Davao City and the Davao Gulf. Nestled in the city’s lone pine forest, the 40-hectare Eden Nature Park & Resort is perched on the slopes of Mt Talomo.Touted as Davao City’s natural paradise, the resort has hiking trails of varying difficulty, a horse park, a multi-purpose sports field, a fishing village, flower gardens, greenhouses, vegetable and garden herb terraces, and fruit orchards.

Faint lights twinkle at the firefly sanctuary, birds sing in the aviaries, while deer dart about in a designated area.

Island Garden City of Samal

Some 700 metres south of Davao City is the Island Garden City of Samal, an archipelago of nine islands in the Davao Gulf. Pride of the place on Samal island belongs to the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, a 45-minute boat ride from Davao City. The 14-hectare resort was once, as its name suggests, a pearl farm where thousands of white-lipped oysters transported from the Sulu Sea were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Now transformed into a luxury resort, Pearl Farm remains luminescent with its promise of privacy, elegance and comfort.

The attractions of the Island Garden City of Samal extend beyond white sand beaches and posh resorts. Samal’s underwater vistas have made it one of the country’s top destinations for diving. Dive sites in the area include the Coral Garden & Marine Park, Ligid Island, and Talicud Island. Samal Island’s many caves allow for spelunking, while its inland rugged terrain make hiking and mountain-bike expeditions popular options.

Mount Apo

The Philippines’ highest peak at 2,594 metres, the majestic Mt Apo is a favourite of hiking and adventure travel enthusiasts.While the ultimate reward is the breathtaking view from atop Mt Apo, the journey itself serves up its own share of wonders such as hidden waterfalls, rapids, lakes, hot springs, sulphur pillars, and endangered plant and animal species, including the Philippine Eagle and the waling waling orchid known scientifically as the Vanda Sanderiana.

The trek to the summit of the extinct volcano takes around four days. The most established trail is the Kidapawan trail, approximately four hours by land from Davao City.

courtesy of www.atf2006.com