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Davao & Camiguin

Tropical rainforest, rugged mountains including the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, killer surf and beaches lure travellers to the island of Mindanao.
Top 10 Activities

All you need to know about Davao & Camiguin

Mindanao’s capital – and the country’s third most populous city – vibrant Davao City has plenty of cultural, foodie delights and beaches just waiting to be discovered before you head to the island-province of Camiguin. 

As well as its tropical beaches, the latter is best known for its Mount Hibok-Hibok Protected Landscape of interior forest reserves (designated an ASEAN Heritage Park) and for its three National Cultural Treasures.

Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport has flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Doha and Quanzhou, as well as internal flights. Other domestic flights operate to and between several airports within Mindanao including the island paradise of Siargao.

Manila sunset

Why it’s more fun in Davao & Camiguin

Hiking, diving, surfing and white-water rafting are just some of the exciting activities that await the adventurous in Davao Province and Camiguin, although wildlife encounters and visits to natural sites are high on the agenda too. Beaches promise relaxation, as do the likes of yoga and meditation with their associations with the Hindu-Buddhist traditions that influenced local life during the classic epoch of Philippine history. 

You might also consider a day-trip or overnighter to Lake Sebu a 4hr bus-ride (145km) southwest of Davao City – a growing ecotourism and adventure-sports destination as well as home to the T’boli and Ubo tribes.

Whitewater rafting Cagayan de Oro River

Culture & Food

Davao province and the region of Mindanao as a whole have a rich cultural mix, being home to the Philippines’ largest Muslim community along with Roman Catholics and 18 tribal Filipino groups. In Davao City, you’ll find Christian churches and chapels alongside temples, mosques and other places of worship, a Chinatown and a Japanese presence, plus heritage sites including Davao Museum, the Mindanao Folk Arts Museum and the Japanese Tunnel (used by Japanese forces during World War II). Meanwhile, Camiguin’s reputation as a beach destination belies the cultural wealth evidenced by its many heritage buildings. 

Davao is famed for its durian fruit, and Camiguin for its lanzones. You’ll also see lots of fresh tuna from General Santos City on menus. Davao City’s most popular dish is kinilaw, a kind of vinegar-marinated ceviche with tuna, mackerel or swordfish, cucumber (and sometimes radishes) and chilli. Camiguin is a good place for both local and international dishes, with a wide choice for vegans.

Lazones Festival

Top Events & Festivals

  • Barrios Feast Days, Davao City – various times
    Fiestas celebrating patron saints.
  • Kadayawan Festival, Davao City – August

    A celebration of the area’s indigenous tribes, with native street dances, motorcades, and local arts and crafts.

  • Lanzones Festival, Camiguin – October 
    4-day celebration of the harvest of the local fruit.

  • Hermosa Festival, Zamboanga -October

    One of the country’s oldest festivals, held in the sardine capital of the Philippines with its many Spanish colonial buildings, an 80-min flight from Davao City.

Climate

With an average daily high of 33°C, tropical Mindanao is one of the warmest regions in the Philippines, with high humidity and rainfall. The wet season is July to October; the least rain falls from December to April.

Davao City
30°
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5:42 am5:49 pm PST
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34/23°C
33/23°C
31/23°C

Top 10 things to do in Davao & Camiguin

Sleeping Dinosaur Island Davao City Lester Casio

1. Mount Apo and Mount Hamiguitan

Trek to the top of Mount Apo in Davao province – the Philippines’ highest peak, at 3,144m, or the UNESCO listed Mount Hamiguitan (1,620m).

2. D’ Bone Collector natural history museum

Explore Davao City including the D’ Bone Collector natural history museum.

3. Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo

Visit Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo with its wildlife shows and educational exhibits.

Philippine Eagle

4. Blue Water Cave

Between Davao and the Cagayan de Oro, swim in Blue Water Cave in Bukidnon, and rappel, climb and spelunk nearby.

5. White-water rafting

Go white-water rafting in the Cagayan de Oro River with its electrifying rapids.

6. Surfing

Surf at Dahican Beach in Davao Oriental.

7. Discover Camiguin’s history

Explore Camiguin’s historic gems: the Old Bonbon Church ruins and Sunken Cemetery in Catarman, Guinsilibas’ Spanish-era watchtower, Old Mambajao fountain and municipal building, Santo Rosario Church in Sagay town, and 14 heritage and ancestral houses.

Pearl Farm, Davao

8. Tuasan Falls

Immerse yourself in nature at Tuasan Falls on Camiguin island, a lovely spot to swim.

9. Diving and snorkelling

Dive or snorkel at sites suited to all levels, especially those around Camiguin Island.

10. Luxury Farm Resorts

Visit Davao’s luxury farm resorts Pearl Farm and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation.

Where to stay in Davao and Camiguin

Davao City: has a wide choice of clean modern accommodation, ranging from luxury to budget options, both around the airport and in the city centre – in the latter, the People’s Park area is a lively hub.

Camiguin: offers beach resorts, eco-retreats, cabins, cottages, villas, lodges and guesthouses, most of them clustered on the north coast within easy reach of the airport and all of them excellent value when compared with their equivalents in the West.

Nouveau

Nouveau

Getting there & away

Air

Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport has flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Doha and Quanzhou, as well as internal flights. Other domestic flights operate to and between several airports within Mindanao including the island paradise of Siargao. Camiguin can be reached by air from Cebu in 50mins.

Sea

There are ferries to the region from Luzon and the Visayas, and from Malaysia and Indonesia. 

Land

Long-distance buses are available to Davao and other destinations in Mindanao from Manila. Onward journeys within the region can be made by long-haul buses or for shorter distances, there are the usual jeepneys and taxis. From Davao City, buses take you to Cagayan de Oro (260km) in about 7hrs 30mins and on the island, there are motorbikes, multicabs and vans to hire to explore, as well as public transport.

More travel info

For more general information on travel to and around the Philippine Islands, visit our travel information section:

Maps, travel tips, information on visas, working holidays and health and safety.

 

Getting there & away

Air

Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport has flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Doha and Quanzhou, as well as internal flights. Other domestic flights operate to and between several airports within Mindanao including the island paradise of Siargao. Camiguin can be reached by air from Cebu in 50mins.

Sea

There are ferries to the region from Luzon and the Visayas, and from Malaysia and Indonesia. 

Land

Long-distance buses are available to Davao and other destinations in Mindanao from Manila. Onward journeys within the region can be made by long-haul buses or for shorter distances, there are the usual jeepneys and taxis. From Davao City, buses take you to Cagayan de Oro (260km) in about 7hrs 30mins and on the island, there are motorbikes, multicabs and vans to hire to explore, as well as public transport.

More travel info

For more general information on travel to and around the Philippine Islands, visit our travel information section:

Maps, travel tips, information on visas, working holidays and health and safety.

 

Wake up in Davao & Camiguin

As we wait for the day to travel once again, discover the wonders that await you in our 7,641 islands from the comfort of your home. Stay at home, dream, and wake up in the Philippines.

360° images Fung Yu

Davao & Camiguin brochure

Download our Davao & Camiguin brochure here

Find out more information about the destination. Maps, attractions, shopping, activities, eating out, nightlife, accommodation and other useful links and contacts.

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