{travel} Davao – 3days 2nights Itinerary and Expenses

The first time I set foot in the city of Davao was on July 2012. The city is already well-known to be one of the safest and cleanest in the country. I was pretty excited to finally see and experience what the Davaoeños are enjoying.

Upon arrival at their airport, you can immediately tell you’re in Davao. A familiar, yet distinct smell will greet you… Durian, their ever famous fruit! :D

Just look at how clean their city is!

For those who haven’t been to Davao, here’s a guide on where to go, what to eat, and how much budget to prepare.
(This trip originally includes our Samal Island day tour. I’ll do a separate post on that.)

Davao Trip (as of July 2012)

Our favorite!!! P10 pork bbq at Barbeque Boss!

The first public park I went to that’s clean and safe! We went here around 9PM already. Entering the park is like going inside a mall. There are guards who will check your bags and belongings.

People’s Park is a 4-hectare tourist attraction and main recreational center in the city. Giant sculptures of indigenous groups by famed Mindanao artist, Kublai Millan, can also be seen around the park.

On our second day in Davao, we decided to rent a van for our city tour. It’s a lot cheaper if you’re a big group and more convenient too!

San Pedro Cathedral or Davao Cathedral (Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral). Davao’s oldest church which was built in 1847 by the Spanish settlers. The cathedral is situated at the heart of the city.

Davao souvenirs!

Lon Wah (or Long Hua) Buddhist Temple. Built in 1964 by a Chinese priest, it is the biggest Buddhist temple in Mindanao.

One of the things I miss in Davao, Apo ni Lola’s durian candies!!! *drolls*

Malagos Garden Park and Watershed.

The Philippine Eagle Center. The 8-hectare property is the research and breeding facility of the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

I was looking forward to seeing Pag-asa, the first Philippine eagle bred in captivity (born January 15, 1992).

On to the next stop, Davao Crocodile Park. You’ll be able to see Pangil here, the biggest croc in captivity.

Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurant. If you want to view the entire Davao City and Samal Island, this is the perfect spot!
A fun fact: It was believed that the place was under the sea millions of years ago. The Taklobo shells at Jack’s ridge holds proof of that existence.

One of the must-try places in Davao that will pique your interest is Lyndon’s. Yes, they have the “Wold’s Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken”… if you know what they mean. ;)

Extra budget for souvenirs and other snacks – P1,000 to 2,000
Roundtrip Airfare (Iloilo-Davao Promo) – P1,056 (all-in)

In my short vacation in Davao, I have witnessed how orderly, safe, and clean the city is. (I think I may have use clean and safe quite a lot in this post). :D

Let me end this post with a quote:
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi