One day in Davao

A one-day itinerary in any city must include history, culture, the unique offerings, and of course, food and drinks throughout the day. In Davao City, one day covers all of the highlights of the region from the highlands and into the city center.

 

9:00 AM History Lesson at Davao Museum

Start with a history lesson at Davao Museum, also known as the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography. You will find a timeline of local history, dioramas, artifacts and artwork from the Dabawenyo (local people of Davao) culture.

Davao Museum | TripAdvisor Reviews
Zonta Building, 113 Agusan Circle, Insular Village 1
Lanang, Davao City
Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 5pm
Closed on Sundays and Holidays
100 pesos for adults, 80 pesos for senior citizens, 20 pesos for students with valid ID

 

11:30AM Wildlife education at Philippine Eagle Center

Near the base of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest mountain, the Philippine Eagle Center is a wildlife sanctuary to 36 Philippine eagles, one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the world. Guests can learn about the wildlife as they walk through the tropical rain forest ecosystem.

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Beautiful landscaping of trees, plants, and flowers alongside pleasant pathways around the Philippine Eagle Center inviting visitors to learn about the eagles and wildlife in a picturesque setting
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The Philippine Eagle. The center provides educational write-ups, charts, and photos to further learn about the endangered animal which is unique to Davao, and therefore an attraction for animal-loving tourists

Philippine Eagle Center | TripAdvisor Reviews
Malagos, Davao City
Daily, 8am to 5pm
50 pesos for adults, 30 pesos for children

 

12:30 PM Lunch at Malagos Garden Resort

A few minutes away from the Philippine Eagle Center is the Malagos Garden Resort, home to the internationally renowned Malagos chocolates and cheeses. The resort offers a retreat-like setting and a newly renovated restaurant. After lunch, taste the award-winning Malagos chocolate as well as their cheeses and wine.

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Welcome to Malagos Garden Resort. The landscaping and tall trees of the property invite guests for a retreat away from the city bustle. Guests can also stay overnight in the resort’s cottages
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Sungka tables. Much of the exterior and interior decorations are native to Davao and the Philippines. This hand-made sungka table and chairs bring visitors back to their childhood. Sip on a Malagos hot chocolate and play a game!
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Malagos Chocolate. The award-wining 65% dark chocolate along side 72% and 85% dark chocolates made of single-origin cacao. You can also taste and buy their drinking chocolate products

Malagos Garden Resort | TripAdvisor Reviews
Calinan-Baguio-Cadalian Road
Malagos, Davao City

 

3:00PM Merienda in the mall

Malagos back into the city takes about an hour by car. By the time you are back in Davao City, it is time for merienda – the Filipino snack time, and in many cases merienda can consist of an actual meal

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Suman at Tsokolate in Habi at Kape. Suman a sticky rice dessert. Here in Davao, dip and swirl the suman in a shot of hot chocolate. A perfect sweet snack that can be found inside the Abreeza Mall

Habi at Kape | TripAdvisor Reviews
2/FAbreeza Mall
Abreeza Ayala Business Park
J.P. Laurel Avenue
Davao City

 

4:00PM Souvenir shopping

Next to Hapi at Kape are souvenirs in the form of food products, clothes, bags, jewelry, and more. Many of the products support local foundations. You can also admire the local crafts and furniture to decorate your dream house.

 

5:00PM Fruit tasting

Just outside the Abreeza Mall, an outdoor fruit market sells the best of Davao including the famous durian and pomelos. You can purchase fruits to take home and even sample what you purchase as the market provides tables and benches

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A local vendor preparing a durian tasting. Here you can watch them expertly select the varieties of durian and cut open the fruits. You can also sample products to take home for yourself or as gifts

 

8:00PM Dinner featuring regional dishes

The best way to learn about a culture is through their specialty dishes. Davao cuisine features recipes utilizing their tropical fruits, such as pomelo salads. The region also specializes in seafood such as clams and tuna.

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Seafood Durian Curry at Bistro Selera. A modern dish representing Davao in one bite. You immediately taste the creamy, sweetness of the durian followed by the fresh taste of the tuna and local seafood

Bistro Selera | TripAdvisor Reviews
2/F SM Lanang Premier
J.P. Laure Avenue
Davao City

 

10:00PM After dinner drinks

Davao City enforces its strict laws on everyone – locals and tourists. The smoke-free city makes a night out for drinks a more pleasant experience. You can go home at night without smelling like an ashtray. The city also enforces its curfew with the last call for drinks at 1am and bar closing at 2am – much like in the U.S.

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Local craft beer and flavored rum shots at Huckleberry. A cool, local bar that welcomes tourists and guests, with a hidden bar in the back specializing in flavored and infused rums, such as chili, mangosteen, and santol (local fruits). Thanks to Kenneth Irving Ong (Instagram @kennethkingong) lifestyle columnist of the Edge Davao for taking us out for drinks

Huckleberry | TripAdvisor Reviews
Oboza Compound
Rizal Street, corner Bangoy Street
Davao City

 

Spend the night or 2 in Davao City! Here are a few of the best hotels in town:

Seda Abreeza Davao

Ideally located across Ayala’s Abreeza Mall
Abreeza Ayala Business Park
J.P. Laurel Avenue
Davao City
Book your stay via Agoda
Book your stay via Booking.com
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Park Inn by Radisson Davao

Connected to the SMX Convention Center and SM Lanang Mall via covered bridge
J.P. Laurel Avenue, next to SM Lanang Premier Mall
Davao City
Book your stay via Agoda
Book your stay via Booking.com
Book your stay via Hotels.com
Book your stay via TripAdvisor

Marco Polo Davao

Located in the business and shopping district
Claro M. Recto Street
Davao City
Book your stay via Agoda
Book your stay via Booking.com
Book your stay via Hotels.com
Book your stay via TripAdvisor

Disclaimer: This trip was graciously and generously sponsored by Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines as part of the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Familiarization Trip. All opinions, as always, are my own. This article contains affiliate links to hotel booking sites. With no additional cost to you, your bookings earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!

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