Places to Visit in Davao City, Philippines

Brief Summary

Davao City, located in the southern island of Mindanao, is known for its balance of urban development and natural beauty. It’s home to the Philippines’ highest mountain, Mount Apo, as well as lush parks, pristine beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries. Beyond its attractions, Davao is also recognized for safety, cleanliness, and its reputation as one of the most livable cities in the Philippines. This guide highlights top places to visit, practical tips, and how to stay connected while exploring this dynamic southern destination.

About Davao City

Davao City is one of the largest cities in the Philippines by land area and serves as the economic and cultural capital of Mindanao. It’s famous for its durian fruit, world-class dive sites, and the annual Kadayawan Festival, which celebrates the region’s rich indigenous culture and harvest.

For Singaporean travelers, Davao is ideal for those seeking adventure and authenticity — it combines mountain hiking, island-hopping, and city comfort in one destination. Direct flights from Singapore or Manila make it an easy and affordable getaway.

Quick Facts Table

Stay Connected While Travelling to Davao City

From hiking Mount Apo to visiting Samal Island, staying connected in Davao City helps you plan your adventures and stay in touch with loved ones. With Circles.Life Borderless Plans, you can skip the hassle of buying a local SIM card — enjoy reliable, high-speed data coverage across the Philippines and other Asia-Pacific destinations.

SIM Only and eSIM Plans for the Philippines

Roaming Add-ons for the Philippines

Steps to Activate Circles.Life Roaming for Davao City

1. Open the Circles.Life app.

2. Navigate to Roaming & Data Plans.

3. Select Philippines (Davao City) from the list.

4. Choose your preferred data plan and confirm payment.

5. Activate your plan when you arrive at Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO).

Top Attractions in Davao City You Shouldn’t Miss

Davao City offers a blend of nature, culture, and modern living,  making it one of the Philippines’ most balanced and beautiful destinations. From majestic mountains to peaceful islands and vibrant city spots, here are the must-see attractions:

Mount Apo

Standing at 2,954 meters, Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines and a dream destination for hikers and adventure enthusiasts. The climb takes two to three days, rewarding trekkers with breathtaking views of Davao and nearby provinces.

• Location: Between Davao City and Davao del Sur

• Entry Fee: ₱2,000–₱3,000 (SGD 50–70) including permits and guide fees

• Timings: Best climbed during the dry season (March–May)

• Why Visit: The ultimate adventure — conquer the Philippines’ highest peak and witness spectacular sunrise views

Philippine Eagle Center

A must-visit for wildlife lovers, this sanctuary is home to the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, the country’s national bird. Visitors can observe rescued eagles and learn about conservation efforts to protect this magnificent species.

• Location: Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City

• Entry Fee: ₱150 (SGD 4)

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Why Visit: Experience one of the Philippines’ most important wildlife conservation centers

Samal Island (Island Garden City of Samal)

Just a 15-minute boat ride from Davao City, Samal Island offers white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush resorts. It’s a favorite weekend getaway for locals and tourists alike. You can go snorkeling, kayaking, or simply unwind by the beach. Popular spots include Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort and the Monfort Bat Sanctuary, home to the world’s largest colony of fruit bats.

• Location: Across Davao Gulf, accessible from Davao City ferry terminals

• Entry Fee: Varies by resort (₱100–₱200 / SGD 2–5)

• Timings: Open daily, most resorts from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Why Visit: Perfect for beach lovers seeking an easy island escape just minutes from the city

Eden Nature Park and Resort

Set 3,000 feet above sea level, Eden Nature Park is a mountain resort offering cool weather, scenic gardens, and panoramic views of Davao City. Visitors can enjoy activities like zip-lining, horseback riding, hiking, or simply relaxing amidst pine trees and flower gardens.

• Location: Toril District, Davao City

• Entry Fee: ₱350 (SGD 9) for day tour with snack inclusion

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Why Visit: A peaceful retreat in the mountains with fun outdoor and family-friendly activities

Davao Crocodile Park

This educational and conservation facility is one of the city’s top family attractions. Aside from crocodiles, it houses various wildlife species such as tigers, snakes, and exotic birds. Visitors can also watch live animal shows and interact with trained reptiles under expert supervision.

• Location: Diversion Road, Ma-a, Davao City

• Entry Fee: ₱350 (SGD 9)

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Why Visit: Fun and educational wildlife experience for kids and families

People’s Park

Located in the city center, People’s Park is a beautifully landscaped public space featuring native plants, sculptures, and a large durian-shaped dome. It’s ideal for a quick stroll, morning jog, or a glimpse of local culture and leisure.

• Location: Palma Gil Street, Davao City

• Entry Fee: Free

• Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Why Visit: A scenic and relaxing green space in the heart of the city

Roxas Night Market

Experience Davao’s vibrant street food scene at Roxas Night Market, where you’ll find everything from grilled seafood and barbecue to fruit shakes and local snacks. It’s also a great place to shop for souvenirs and meet friendly locals.

• Location: Roxas Avenue, Poblacion District, Davao City

• Entry Fee: Free

• Timings: 6:00 PM – midnight

• Why Visit: A lively local experience offering food, culture, and community all in one spot

Davao City: What to Know Before You Go

How to Get to Davao City

Davao City is easily accessible via Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), the busiest airport in Mindanao. There are direct flights from Singapore, as well as multiple daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major Philippine cities. Travel time from Singapore is about 3 hours and 50 minutes, making Davao a convenient destination for a quick tropical escape.

Getting Around Davao City

Transportation in Davao is efficient and affordable. The easiest way to get around is by using Grab, which operates widely across the city. Taxis are metered and safe, while jeepneys and tricycles offer budget-friendly rides for short distances. For exploring nearby attractions like Mount Apo or Samal Island, renting a private van or joining a guided tour is recommended.

Best Time to Visit Davao City

The best time to visit is during the dry season (December to May) when the weather is sunny and ideal for outdoor activities. August is another great time to visit because of the Kadayawan Festival, Davao’s biggest celebration featuring parades, dances, and colorful street performances. The rainy season (June to November) brings occasional showers but rarely disrupts travel plans.

Where to Stay in Davao City

• Budget: Hostels and inns in Poblacion District offer affordable stays close to dining and shopping areas.

• Mid-range: Business hotels around Lanang and Bajada provide comfort and accessibility to malls and restaurants.

• Luxury: Upscale resorts and hotels near Samal Island or Toril District offer nature views and beachside tranquility.

Book your accommodation with Agoda discounts from Circles.Life to enjoy exclusive rates on top-rated hotels and resorts in Davao City.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Davao City is one of the most organized and tourist-friendly cities in the Philippines. To make your trip even smoother, here are a few practical tips:

• Stay connected with a local SIM or eSIM. Having mobile data is essential for booking tours, using Grab, and navigating around the city or nearby islands.

• Bring a power bank. Many of Davao’s top attractions, such as Mount Apo and Eden Nature Park, are full-day excursions.

• Cash vs. card usage. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and malls, but cash is still king for markets, taxis, and small eateries. ATMs are accessible across the city.

• Download key apps. Grab for rides, Google Maps for directions, and Klook for activity bookings are must-haves.

• Try local delicacies. Don’t leave without tasting durian, pomelo, and Davao chocolates — the city is famous for its rich agricultural produce.

Travel Smart – Get Roaming Plans Before Travel

Many travelers underestimate how much they rely on mobile data when exploring a new city. From ride-hailing apps to digital payments, being connected is essential in Davao. With Circles.Life Borderless Plans, you can activate your data plan before flying and enjoy seamless connectivity the moment you land — no SIM swapping or manual setup required.

Here’s how to travel smart:

• Activate before departure. Set up your eSIM through the Circles.Life app for instant activation on arrival.

• Choose the right plan. The Borderless Plan (100 GB for SGD 30/month) gives you consistent coverage across the Philippines and neighboring countries.

• Stay flexible. eSIMs make it easy to manage data and top up without visiting a store — perfect for spontaneous side trips or extended stays.

With your plan ready, you can share your Davao adventures in real time (from scaling Mount Apo to watching the sunset on Samal Island) without worrying about Wi-Fi or roaming fees.