Davao City

Mindanao's largest city, gateway to Mount Apo — the Philippines' highest peak — and the Philippine Eagle Center, with Samal Island beaches and a reputation as the durian capital.

Davao City sits on the northern shore of Davao Gulf in southeastern Mindanao and is the island's largest city. Its vast city limits stretch from the waterfront downtown all the way to the foothills of Mount Apo. The city is known for being clean, relatively safe and full of tropical fruit — durian, mangosteen and pomelo are available year-round — and in August the Kadayawan Festival celebrates the harvest with parades, floats and Indigenous culture. Main areas to explore: downtown Poblacion has San Pedro Cathedral, People's Park, the Roxas Night Market and the Davao Museum; to the west, around Matina and Shrine Hills, are the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, the Japanese Tunnel and the Jack's Ridge viewpoint restaurant; in the northern hills of Calinan and Malagos are the Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos Garden Resort and whitewater rafting on the Davao River; in the southwestern uplands of Toril is Eden Nature Park; and across the water, Samal Island offers the Pearl Farm resort, beaches, waterfalls and the world's largest fruit bat cave. Mount Apo is the country's highest peak, and the summit takes 2–3 days. Climate: lying south of the typhoon belt, Davao is hot and humid year-round with fairly evenly spread rainfall; March–May is relatively dry. Getting there and around: Francisco Bangoy International Airport has flights from Manila, Cebu, Singapore and elsewhere; in the city, use taxis, Grab and jeepneys. Ferries to Samal Island leave from Sasa Wharf and take about 15 minutes (a Davao–Samal bridge is under construction). Allow 3–4 days: one for the city, one for the Eagle Center and Malagos, and one for Samal Island, plus 2–3 more to climb Mount Apo. Note: smoking is banned in public places, durian is prohibited in many venues, and curfew and alcohol rules are strict — please respect local regulations.

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