Davao City Guide
Beaches in Davao
The white sands and gentle waves make the Samal and Talicud beaches the perfect places for a relaxing retreat. The tranquil waters mean that the beaches around the Samal Island have become popular with divers as there are multitudes of exotic marine life. The beaches around Talicud Island are small yet idyllic, making them perfect for a stress-free day.
The Pearl Farm beach is the most popular beach in all of Davao as the Pearl Farm Resort is situated right on the beach front. Quality pearls used to be cultured here, yet the miles of white sands are now used by the tourists who descend upon Samal Island each year. There are also many water sports and diving opportunities on offer for the many tourists that holiday upon the island.
The Times Beach is filled with both locals and tourists who want to picnic or stroll along the Bay Walk. This is a great way to view the Philippine wildlife as many exotic birds situate around the shore when the tide is low. Whilst this beach does not contain the white sands that are typical within Davao, it is a majestic area that is truly loved by the locals.
Sightseeing in Davao
Mount Apo, meaning grandfather in Tagalog, is the tallest mountain within the Philippines. You can climb parts of the mountain to discover the rivers of Maribel Baruring and Sibulan and many smaller lakes. There are also cascading waterfalls dotted throughout the forestry along with exotic animals and foliage. Once you reach a high level upon Mount Apo, you can look out across the vast waters and islands of the Philippines.
The Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague is Davao’s most scared and religious attraction. The shrine contains numerous religious relics and there are stalls which sell novenas and rosaries which locals place upon this shrine. The Lon Wa Buddhist Temple is another important religious shrine; there is a large Buddha statue which is shaded by surrounding ancient trees. This is quite an unknown attraction, yet is perfect for tourists who wish to delve into unique aspects of the Philippine culture.
The Philippine Eagle Centre, which was established in 1969, is another unique place to visit. The conservation program is in response to the Philippine Eagle being on the brink of extinction; the centre has successfully bred the bird and now houses many of these creatures. You can marvel at these magnificent beings and learn about their habitat; this is the first step in Davao’s attempt to increase the numbers of their wild eagles.