Experience nature in Davao, the third largest city in the Philippines, a popular tourist destination

Davao is located in the south of Mindanao Island, in the southern part of the Philippines. It is the third-largest city in the Philippines after Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, and is the political, economic, and cultural center of the southern Philippines. It also has an international airport and seaport, and in addition to its convenience and good security, it also has beautiful nature, which is why it has been certified by the Philippine Department of Tourism as the "most livable city" in the Philippines. It is also famous for its fruit production, especially durian and pomelo. Davao's climate is stable throughout the year, without a rainy or dry season, making it a comfortable place to live.

Here are some tourist attractions in Davao, a city that is easy to live in and has a relaxed atmosphere.

1. Eden Nature Park

Eden Nature Park is located in a mountainous area rich in nature, about an hours drive from the center of Davao City, at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level. It is a great facility for outdoor enthusiasts, with accommodations available. Inside Eden Nature Park, various activities are available, including horseback riding, athletic activities, trekking, fishing, and ziplining. There are also herb and flower gardens, and hydroponic vegetable houses where vegetables are grown without pesticides, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely tour.
There is also a tour that takes you around the park by car, which is worth participating in. At the restaurant inside Eden Nature Park, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh vegetables grown in the park. It is a park where you can enjoy yourself in a variety of ways within its vast grounds.

2. Philippine Eagle Center

Did you know that the Philippine Eagle is the national bird of the Philippines? This Philippine Eagle Center mainly conducts conservation activities for the Philippine Eagle, which is an endangered species. They also carry out artificial insemination, breeding, and research.
Within the vast 8.4-hectare site, you can encounter not only Philippine Eagles but also other rescued animals such as monkeys, owls, and crocodiles.
You can get a map of the center at the visitor lounge and also request a guide. Although it is located away from the center of Davao, it is worth visiting just to see the very rare Philippine Eagle. It is also a facility where you can learn about the importance of nature.

3. People's Park

People's Park is a public park located in the heart of Davao. It is a popular spot for tourists and a place for Davao residents to relax and unwind. The park has a rich natural environment with over 1,000 species of plants from Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America.
Opened in 2007, it is a relatively new park. There are many statues of Davao people in People's Park, including a large statue of the Philippine Eagle, the national bird of the Philippines. Perhaps this is why it is called People's Park.
There is also playground equipment for children, ponds, and fountains, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll. It is said that the park is illuminated at night, attracting many citizens.

4. D' Bone Collector Museum

D' Bone Collector Museum, which opened in 2012, is the first museum in the Philippines and possibly one of the few in the world dedicated to "bones". Initially showcasing only 150 exhibits, it now displays over 700 skeletal specimens of various animals and fish. The museum's curator, American Darrell Dean Blatchley, has been fascinated by bones since his youth, a passion that led him to establish this unique museum in Davao.
Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a guide who provides detailed explanations of the exhibits in English.
Among the most impressive displays are the skeletons of a massive sperm whale and a grizzly bear. Poignantly, some of the animals on display met their demise due to human impact on the natural world. The museum reveals that bottles containing alcohol, plastic bags, and food wrappers were found in the stomachs of these creatures. Driven by this tragic reality, the curator and staff actively advocate for environmental awareness and responsible behavior to mitigate such incidents.

5. Abreeza Mall

Abreeza Mall is a shopping mall that opened in May 2011. It's so large that you can't see everything in just one day.
Inside Abreeza Mall, you'll find shops and restaurants familiar to those in Japan, a movie theater, fast food restaurants, and even convenience stores. There's also a currency exchange, so you don't have to worry if you forget to exchange money beforehand.
In addition, Abreeza Mall has an open-air event space with a feeling of spaciousness where various events are held.

6. Crocodile Park

Davao Crocodile Park is one of the largest crocodile farms in the Philippines, attracting many tourists. There are three ponds within the park, housing over 1,000 crocodiles. Most of them are saltwater crocodiles from America, while Philippine native freshwater crocodiles account for about 10% of the total.
Besides crocodiles, you can also observe the Philippine Eagle (the national bird), Aldabra giant tortoises, various animals and plants native to the Philippines, and butterflies. You can witness the thrilling crocodile feeding sessions, and even take a memorable photo with a giant python! Uniquely, the park also offers crocodile meat and steaks for those adventurous eaters.

7. Matina Town Square

Matina Town Square can be considered the center of gourmet food, entertainment, art, and culture in Davao.
Often called "MTS", it has many bars, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular spot for young people in Davao. Especially on weekends, there are live performances by local bands, and many music-loving Davao residents gather to enjoy their weekends.
There is also a playground for children and a mini-garden with benches. Matina Town Square is open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM.

8. Dabawenyo Museum

Museo Dabawenyo is a museum in Davao. The building was originally used as a courthouse, but it was renovated by the Philippine government to showcase the rich history and culture of Davao.
It was reopened as Museo Dabawenyo and made public on March 14, 2008. Photography is prohibited inside the museum. Also, a guide will explain and show you around the museum in English, so it's a good opportunity to learn about the history of Davao.

9. SM Lanang Premier

SM Lanang Premier is a relatively new shopping mall, having opened in 2012. It's one of the largest malls in Davao, boasting a wide array of shops and restaurants in a well-maintained environment. It's a mall with facilities that will surely delight Japanese visitors.
It has four floors, including a basement level, with ample parking space and even a bank. For the ladies, there are nail salons and eyelash extension shops.
Some travelers enjoy visiting local supermarkets when they go abroad, and SM Lanang Premier has a great one. It's quite large and might take a whole day to explore fully, so it's a good idea to allow plenty of time to enjoy your visit to SM Lanang Premier.

10. Aldevinco Shopping Center

Aldevinco Shopping Center is one of the most famous shopping centers in Davao, packed with over 150 souvenir shops. You'll feel like you're wandering through a maze!
There's also a money exchange inside, so you don't have to worry if you forget to exchange your currency beforehand. From tropical-print shirts and dresses to accessories and abaca (Manila hemp) products, it's a fun place to browse even if you're not buying.
It's located right in front of the Marco Polo Hotel, a landmark in Davao, so you won't have any trouble finding it.

11. Mount Apo

Mount Apo, whose name means "ancestor" in Japanese, is located southwest of Davao City. It is the highest mountain in the Philippines, boasting an elevation of 2,954 meters (9,692 feet). As it sits on the border between Davao City and Cotabato Province, it attracts many climbers from all over the world as a prime hiking destination in the Philippines.
The area around Mount Apo is rich in natural wonders such as lakes, waterfalls, caves, and rapids. It is also home to diverse wildlife and has been designated as a national park in the Philippines. Mount Apo gained further recognition in Japan due to the "Mount Apo Super Banana 800," a variety of banana cultivated at an altitude of 800 meters on the mountain. These bananas are known for their high sugar content and delicious taste, garnering a following among Japanese consumers who appreciate this premium fruit.
Furthermore, Mount Apo is a habitat for the Philippine Eagle, the national bird of the Philippines. Over 270 other bird species are also said to inhabit the mountain. Despite its relatively low average temperature, it doesn't snow on Mount Apo, making it an ideal environment for these tropical birds.

Summary

Davao is known for its safety in the Philippines and offers many opportunities to encounter nature and wildlife. Since it's a popular tourist destination, many attractions have informative guides and well-maintained facilities, which is a plus for Japanese travelers.
It would also be interesting to experience Davao's history and traditional culture, explore the spots where young people gather, and discover the latest trends.