Davao : The Crown Jewel of Mindanao in the Philippines

Davao is a highly urbanized city that could be found in the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. The city is noted as the largest in the Philippines in terms of land area. It is also the most populated city outside of Metro Manila. Davao is noted dubbed as the King City of the South for nothing. Let us then discover ten of the best sightseeing destinations in Davao.

1. D' Bone Collector Museum

One of the best and finest sightseeing destinations in the city of Davao is the D' Bone Collector Museum. With a collection of over 700 specimens, this museum is said to host one of the largest collections of skeletons and bones in the country. It has also been noted as the first of its kind not only in the city but also in the Philippines. The D' Bone Collector Museum is home to remains of various animal species, most of which could be found in tropical rainforests, oceans, and the seas. This is an educational sightseeing attraction that you have to go to.

2. Eden Nature Park

The Eden Nature Park is a breathtaking park that could be found in the District of Tril in the city of Davao. Located at the foot of Mount Talomo, the nature park spans across 80 hectares where sightseeing tourists could have a chance to explore a wildlife sanctuary that is full of exotic plants, insects, birds, and flowers. The Eden Nature Park is almost man-made but its forests and pine trees could take your breath away. The park offers a shuttle tour where you could explore the best that the Eden Nature Park could offer.

3. Crocodile Park

Another popular sightseeing destination in the city of Davao is the Crocodile Park. This park is home to thousands of crocodiles of various sizes and species. Both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles are bred and born on this place. You also have a chance to visit the incubator room where you will be able to see hundreds of eggs and growing baby crocodiles. It is worth noting that the park is not only the home of thousands of crocodiles. When sightseeing around the Crocodile Park, you will also be able to see other animals including monkeys, birds, and other reptiles.

4. Jack’s Ridge

If you want to have a full bird's eye view of the city of Davao, then you may want to consider going to the Jack’s Ridge. It offers you breathtaking views of the city, so you could marvel Davao like an eagle does. Aside from sightseeing, you could also visit its two restaurants. These two areas are the Taklobo (which offers you Filipino food in an open-air dining area) and the Karlo's Gourmet (which provides baked treats and coffee). There are also cottages and a pool where you could unwind and relax.

5. The Gap Orchard Resort

The GAP Orchard Resort or simply called as the GAP farm is a great weekend sightseeing destination in Davao, especially when you are with your family or friends. It is a mountain resort found within the city which is home to orchards of a variety of fruit-bearing trees such as rambutan, sweet tamarind, and pomelo, among others. Its greeneries and abundance of trees, its collection of flowers and plants, and its faunas are great for sightseeing. This resort also offers various experiences including carabao riding, riding the swing, and learning about the Philippine heroes and myths.

6. Museo Dabawenyo

If you want to discover the rich history of the city of Davao, you may want to visit the Museo Dabawenyo. This is a museum which could be found in a structure which used to be the city court of Davao. When sightseeing inside the museum, you will be able to discover the diverse cultural heritage of the city and the rest of the island through its collection of historic photographs, stunning artwork, and informational monuments. The museum also houses the Indigenous People's Gallery, the Moro People's Gallery, the Contemporary Gallery, and the Memorabilia Gallery.

7. Philippine Eagle Centre

The Philippine eagle is one of the most iconic symbols which represent the Filipino people. You could find some of these endangered birds at the Philippine Eagle Center. Located at the foothills of Mount Apo within the Malagos Watershed of Davao City, the Philippine Eagle Center serves as a conservation breeding facility of the Philippine eagle, a critically endangered species of eagle that is endemic to the Philippines. It is also the home of other birds of prey. At present, there are seven Philippine eagles which are in exhibit while the others have been isolated for conservation breeding.

8. Dahican Beach

The Dahican Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches found in the city of Davao. It is noted for its turquoise waters and its stunning sand where you could opt for sightseeing, unwinding, and swimming, among many other things. You could soak up under the sun for as long as you would wish, or you could rent a lounge chair and relax while having a breathtaking view of the ocean. If you are more adventurous, you could also avail of boogie boards and surfboards and catch some of the waves.

9. China Town

When you see a bright red Chinese archway at the heart of Davao, you know that you are about to enter the China Town in Davao. This sightseeing destination is home to Chinese shops, restaurants, malls, and businesses which are run by Chinese Filipinos who have a strong spirit towards their Chinese roots. If you want to view stunning Chinese architecture, you may want to visit the Mindanao Taoist Temple and the Long Hua Temple.

10. People’s Park

Our final sightseeing destination on our list is the People’s Park. This park in Davao is an exceptional place where you could relax and unwind as you are sightseeing amid its fresh air. This park is noted for its ponds, shady trees, a tropical forest, and waterfalls, among others. You could also view some interesting art which is strategically placed around the park. Additionally, you could also sit in the park and feed some pigeons, run around the paved paths, or take a Zumba class with the locals.

◎Closing

With its stunning sightseeing destinations, it could not be denied that Davao is really the crown jewel of Mindanao. The next time you visit Davao, do not forget to visit all of the places which were mentioned above to have a fun-filled experience around the city.