by The Planner

Created on: August 17, 2009   Last Updated: August 18, 2009

Davao City, the Land of Promise. It's called as such as the City really promises a variety of things to do and places to explore.This is located in Mindanao, one of the main Islands of the Philippines. A melting pot of different cultures from different places. The main dialect used here by the locals are Visayan and Tagalog but English is also used. The City is one of the largest in terms of land area and home to a variety of flora and fauna and the Philippine Eagle. People here are very friendly especially to foreigners. Crime rate is low since Mayor Duterte, the recent and incumbent Mayor of the city named as the Dirty Harry of the place wants to keep it peaceful and drug free. There are many places to explore in this place.

Frolic to its many beaches like the Pearl Farm, with beautiful white sand and located at a secluded cove on Samal Island off the coast of Davao. It was really a farm of pearls before it was converted into a relaxing retreat.

You could go mountain climbing at Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines. Every Mountaineer loves to conquer. Have a weekend getaway at some mountain resorts for a breather. Eden Nature Park offers some relaxing ambiance with log houses for rent and a pool at the heart of the forest, for a cool dip. Fresh fruits and vegetables are ready to be served when your palate asked for it. A garden of wonders much like what it's called. With a fishing village for those who enjoys fishing. The days catch is weighed and you can grill it if you like. Fairytale weddings in a forest can be made through one of its neighboring resorts called Lolengs. Just a mile apart from this park.

Heard about the monkey-eating-eagle? It's name was derived because it eats monkey's meat but then was change to The Philippine Eagle. Which can be found in another wildlife reserve area in Mintal,Calinan called Malagos Garden Resort. Here you can find an aviary of some of the extinct species. Orchids grew on tress on this part also like the waling-waling, Davao's pride.

Only Davao boast of Durian. A fruit they said is just fit for the gods. This has a very strong odor some may not like but the taste is creamy and milky and very sweet.

A romantic dinner overlooking the city in a cool place on top of a hill can be book in Jack's ridge. Offers a variety of Filipino foods like "Sinigang na Baboy " (stewed pork in tamarind soup), Kare-Kare(ox tongue or beef meat in peanut sauce with vegetables) and many more. While enjoying these meals a group will serenade you.

Crocodile park can bring some leisure to kids and educate them more about crocodiles and while in that area you might like to experience the thrill of water rafting in the wild water adventure of Davao River.

Shopping for cheap finds and the City's products are located in Aldevinco. For some novelty gifts you could bring to love ones at home.

Modes of transportation in the city are jeepneys and taxis. While in the more secluded area you could take a tricycle. It's a clean and green city. With very friendly and accommodating people. As the Philippines has only two seasons (summer and rainy) there is no problem at all exploring it. A good time though is December as the weather is cool. You will just experience some rain showers. Summer is fun going to the beaches but it's definitely hot. But all in all it's a paradise Island in the South.

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