Davao City

Davao is the biggest city on Mindanao, the Philippines' southern island, with Mount Apo — the country's highest peak — on its horizon. It suits travellers going beyond the Manila–Cebu–Palawan circuit: fewer tourists, steady weather, and wildlife, beaches and mountain air all within an hour of the city.

• Meet the giant Philippine eagle at the Philippine Eagle Center — entry is around ₱150 ($2.50)
• Beach day on Samal Island, a 10–15 minute barge ride from the city
• Eden Nature Park in the Mount Apo foothills for cool air, gardens and zip lines
• Taste durian in its Philippine capital — stalls cluster at Magsaysay Park, at some of the lowest prices in the country
• Time your trip for Kadayawan in August, Davao's week-long harvest festival

Davao is Mindanao's main gateway. Its international airport sits around 30 minutes from downtown, with flights from Manila in under 2 hours and Cebu in about 1 hour, both running many times a day. A handful of international routes land here too, but most overseas visitors connect through Manila or Cebu.

Davao is not a first-trip stop — do Manila, Cebu or Palawan first. Come on a second trip, or if you want the Philippines without the crowds. Two to three days cover the eagle centre, a Samal beach day and Eden Nature Park.

Because it sits outside the main typhoon belt, Davao also works as a wet-season fallback when the rest of the country is stormy — see the Philippines guide for how the seasons run. Getting around is easy and cheap: taxis here are known for actually using the meter, and most rides across town cost under ₱200 ($3).