When in Davao: 10 Places to Visit in the Land of Promise
First submitted as a requirement for ENG 157: Writing for the Professionals
DAVAO: LIFE IS HERE. This is the official slogan of the land of promise. Sure enough, visiting Davao City promises a lot of places that offer spectacular views, great company, and moments that not even photographs could ever encapsulate. Among the many sites to visit, here are my top 10 places to check out when you’re in the city.
1. JACK’S RIDGE
First in the list is Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurant, an all-in-one place for picture-taking, strolling, dining, and many more. Located at Shrine Hills, Talomo, their view deck offers a spectacular sight of the Davao City landscape — from the busy streets of downtown to the waters of Samal Island. You could go for a walk at the promenade, drink at the enclosed bar, eat gourmet food in the coffee shop, and even take a dip in the swimming pool.
Don’t forget to take a picture by the roundabout, where the renowned sculpture spells out DAVAO with its trademarks: the durian and pomelo fruits, the waling-waling flower, the Philippine Eagle, and Mt. Apo. Indeed, Jack’s Ridge is a go-to place when in Davao.
2. EDEN NATURE PARK
Located in Toril, Eden Nature Park offers an outdoor experience like no other. For those who fancy the extreme, you could try sky cycling — literally biking on a tightrope! You could also go horseback riding, ziplining, and sky swinging along their well-maintained forest. And at the end of the day, enjoy a warm cup of sikwate in their log cabins. Did I mention that they also have peacocks roaming around? Eden Nature Park is a perfect escape from the city life, and a staycation unlike any other.
3. PEOPLE’S PARK
At the heart of the city lies People’s Park, a place where, as the name suggests, people come to stroll around, meet old and new friends, and have a good time. Check out their landmarks: the Philippine Eagle sculpture, the Durian-shaped dome, and the Lumad statues plastered all around the area, installed by no other than Kublai Milan, a famous homegrown artist. Embrace the wonders of nature that Davao City offers, abundant with flora and fauna native to the city. Best to visit early in the morning, where the chirping of birds and rustling of trees make the place even more peaceful and relaxing.
4. DAVAO CITY HALL
Another feature that Davao City boasts can be found in Poblacion, where the City Hall is located. Notice anything different? Yup, underground cables! Enjoy the picturesque view of the busy city as if it were in the 90’s, surrounded by old but well-preserved buildings, public spaces, and statues along the stretch of San Pedro Street. Best visited during the month of March, where people take to the streets in the annual Araw ng Dabaw celebration: from the energetic street dances to colorful float parades. That’s Davao City for you!
5. DAVAO CROCODILE PARK
The home of politicians! Just kidding. But seriously, they don’t call it Crocodile Park for nothing. Just along Diversion Road is another 7-hectare land, green as far as the eyes can see. For an entrance fee of 250 pesos (150 for kids), you will surely have a great time exploring their state-of-the-art animal conservation facilities and relaxing at the park afterwards. Davao Crocodile Park is home to Pangil, an 18-feet-long crocodile — a Guinness record holder, too! The Butterfly House is just right across, all the more reason to visit this beautiful place and the wildlife it offers.
6. MALAGOS GARDEN RESORT
Another nature-themed park, this time at the tip of Calinan. Aside from the natural scenery and breathtaking view, Malagos Garden Resort is where you could get their world-famous tree-to-bark chocolate, straight from manufacturing. There’s nothing like home, and there’s definitely nothing better than homegrown Malagos chocolate!
7. PHILIPPINE EAGLE CENTER
Also along Calinan-Baguio district is the Philippine Eagle Center, a sanctuary of the Philippine Eagle, the largest of its kind in the world. Watch them hunt and thrive in their simulated natural habitat, a rainforest that is also home to different bird species and mammals in preservation. Don’t forget to donate to their charitable foundation to save the eagles!
8. ROXAS NIGHT MARKET
The Davao night life is not complete without the Roxas Night Market. Food stalls left and right, stretching the road of Roxas Street, way cheaper than the usual restaurants and still just as gratifying. Who knew you could already get bloated off of pork barbecue, isaw, proben, chicken skin, grilled squid, but still have room for a buchi dessert? Tara, food trip!
9. SM LANANG PREMIER
Of all the malls in Davao City, this one is probably my favorite. SM Lanang Premier is not only a one-stop-shop for groceries, shopping, and pasalubong, but it is also a great place to just relax and tambay. At night, the mall hosts a fountain show where the fountains follow the beat of pop songs, almost like they’re dancing! It is also the only mall in the city with a bowling alley, an arcade, and an IMAX theater. Perfect for dates, family outings, and alone time. The SM slogan is spot-on: they do have it all for you.
10. SAMAL ISLAND
Last but not the least, your Davao City experience is not complete without a trip to Samal Island. A quick barge ride away from the city brings you to a paradise of white-sand beaches, well-maintained resorts, and a lot of island life adventures. Venture into the colorful reefs, climb high-altitude trails, and unwind in the quiet, peaceful shore. However, there’s only one downside of visitng Samal: you’ll never want to go back home.
There are still so much to discover in Davao City, more than a listicle can hold, so I suggest that you go explore and see for yourself. Get lost and fall in love with the city full of promise. After all, in Davao, life is here.
