Major Tourist Attractions In Davao

Camiguin

The tiny island of Camiguin, on the north coast of Mindanao, is renowned for the friendliness of its people, epitomised in its lively annual festival dedicated to the humble lanzones fruit, which is one of the island's major sources of income. Fruity and friendly this pear-shaped island certainly is, but it also has some other attractions to recommend it. There are no less than seven volcanoes, some still active; a multitude of hot springs; stunning beaches and offshore islets; and a spring that emanates natural soda water. The island has 35 resorts and plenty of restaurants. Mambajao is the capital, situated on the north coast. Most popular pursuits on the island (apart from enjoying the beaches) include climbing Mount Hibok-Hibok, an active volcano that last erupted in 1951 leaving a death toll of 500; snorkelling through the sunken cemetery at the barrio of Bonbon; reading gravestones that were submerged in a volcanic eruption in 1871; and taking a swim at Ardent Hot Springs, inland from Mambajao.

Davao Museum

About seven miles (12km) from the Davao City centre at Insular Village, Lanang, the Davao Museum is devoted to showcasing the various tribal cultures of the people of the region. The main gallery is a repository of tribal art, local costumes, jewellery and handcrafts. There is also a gallery of paintings, sculptures and ceramics, and a souvenir shop sells native crafts. Tribal women can be seen at work at the nearby T’Boli Weaving Centre weaving cloth from the fibres of the native abaca plant, featuring patterns that depict the folklore of the tribe.

Lake Sebu

The region of south Cotabato in Mindanao, several hours' journey from Davao City, is for those who are courageous enough to seek 'off the beaten track' eco-adventures. Lake Sebu, near the village of Suralla, is surrounded by rolling hills and forested mountains, home to the T'boli, a highland tribe famous for their colourful costumes, intricate beadwork, woven work and brass ornaments, as well as the Tasadays, a cave-dwelling people. The area abounds with waterfalls, natural caves and springs.
 

Philippine Eagle Centre

The powerful, large Philippine eagle (also known as the monkey-eating eagle) is found only in the mountains of eastern Luzon in the north of the archipelago, and in the heavily forested area of Mindanao. The breeding camp for these magnificent predators is sited at Malagos, in Calinan near Davao City. Also at Malagos is an orchid farm, sanctuary of Philippine native orchids, which offers a restaurant and swimming pool as part of its facilities.

Samal Island

Just a short ferry ride south of Davao City, in the Davao Gulf, is the island of Samal, part of an archipelago of islets that offer a getaway from city life and some adventure activities. The island offers fabulous sunrises and sunsets and a fascinating topography of rolling hills, white sandy beaches and dozens of caves, which are popular with spelunkers and hikers. The coastline has the usual coconut palms, mangrove swamps and coral reefs, together with some little fishing villages, washed by clear, clean water: all the delights of a tropical island within a stone's throw of the city.
 

San Pedro Cathedral

Davao City's oldest church is named for the city's patron saint. Don Jose Uyanguren, known as the 'Spanish Conquistador of Davao', built it in 1847 during the Spanish colonial period. The original altar, carved with images of saints, has been preserved and can be seen in the right wing of the cathedral.