Places / Asia / Philippines
Davao City
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At a glance
- Country
- Philippines
- Region
- Davao Region
- Population
- 1.8 million
- Best time to go
- Year-round, driest from January to April
- Main airport
- Francisco Bangoy International (DVO)
- Coordinates
- 7.19°N, 125.46°E
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Overview
Davao is the big city of Mindanao, spread across a vast area on the Davao Gulf with the country's highest peak, Mount Apo, rising behind it. It has a reputation for order and cleanliness, and a famously strict smoking ban.
It is also the place to try durian and pomelo straight from the orchards. Use the city as a base for the beaches of Samal Island, the eagle sanctuary in the hills and some serious trekking.
Things to see
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Photo: RoyKabanlit, CC BY-SA 4.0 Philippine Eagle Center
A conservation centre in the forested foothills where you can see the rare, enormous national bird up close.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Reuel Mark Delez from Valenzuela, Philippines, CC BY 2.0 People's Park
A shady city-centre park scattered with sculptures of the region's indigenous peoples.
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Photo: patrickroque01, CC BY-SA 4.0 San Pedro Cathedral
The city's oldest parish, with a striking modern façade shaped like the prow of a ship.
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Photo: Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ, CC BY 2.0 Roxas Night Market
An evening street market of grilled skewers, fresh fruit and cheap clothes along Roxas Avenue.
Things to do
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Photo: Lachlan Fearnley, CC BY-SA 3.0 Island time on Samal
A short ferry ride across the gulf brings white-sand beaches, coral reefs and quiet resorts.
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Photo: مانفی, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat durian
Pungent, creamy and divisive. Try it fresh from a fruit stall, or start gently with durian candy or ice cream.
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Photo: Dosias, CC BY-SA 4.0 Climb Mount Apo
The country's highest mountain is a multi-day trek through mossy forest and sulphur vents, arranged with a licensed guide.
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Photo: Rolando.entero, CC BY 4.0 Kadayawan Festival
A harvest festival in August with street dancing, floral floats and indigenous music.
Where to stay
Poblacion
The old downtown, convenient for the parks, markets and cheaper hotels.
Hotels in PoblacionLanang
Newer area near the airport with malls, business hotels and seafront dining.
Hotels in LanangSamal Island
For a beach stay with easy access back to the city.
Hotels in Samal Island
Getting around
Metered taxis are plentiful and honest, and Grab is widely used. Jeepneys cover the main roads.
The airport is about 20 to 30 minutes from the centre by taxi.
When to go
Davao lies largely outside the typhoon belt, so the weather is warm and fairly steady all year, with rain spread across the months. January to April tends to be driest, and August brings Kadayawan and the fruit season.
Plan your trip to Davao City
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.