Davao

From MaxTravelz

Davao is a city in the Philippines and is considered by many to be the most crime-free area in the country. Tourists are guarded not only by the police, but also by the people around.

Contents 1 Get in 1.1 By air 1.2 By sea 2 Get around 3 See 4 Do 5 Buy 6 Eat 7 Drink 8 Sleep 9 Stay safe 10 Get out

Get in

By air

Davao is possibly the third most important Philippine city after Manila and Cebu. As such most if not all domestic airlines fly multiple times per day to Davao from Manila, Cebu and other major cities in Visayas and Mindanao. Silk Air also flies direct to Davao from Singapore.

Davao is served by the Davao International Airport (more properly named as the Francisco Bangoy International Airport), which receives both local and foreign traffic to Davao. Completed only in 2003, DIA is said to be much better than its counterpart NAIA in Manila.

The following Philippine carriers all have Davao on their flight networks:

• Philippine Airlines - the national flag carrier
• Cebu Pacific - 2nd biggest domestic carrier, offers Go discount fares
• Air Philippines - flies to Davao from Manila as well as major cities in Visayas and Mindanao
• Asian Spirit - flies once daily from Manila to Davao and recently introduced flights connecting Davao to diver's paradise Palau

By sea

Davao is also served by a bustling sea port with significant cargo and passenger traffic. Following is a listing of ferry companies that serve Davao:

• WG&A Superferry - twice weekly ferries from Manila to Davao, trip takes more than 2 days in total
• Sulpicio Lines - twice weekly ferries from Manila, usually via Cebu

Get around

The simplest way to get around is by hopping on a taxi. A typical trip can cost about 60-70 pesos or slightly more than a U.S. dollar if one goes by the meter. However, drivers in davao does not do bargain if they notice that you are a tourist, hence the cost of the trip may same as a regular in price. If you know the name of the building, establishment, area or street you wish you reach, this is still the fastest way to get to your destination.

Alternatively, if you opt for more adventure, then do as the locals and catch a colorful jeepney. Simply ask around for which route to take. They are available 24 hours and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the city. This is the cheapest option for getting around as a typical fare cost about 5-7 pesos.

Another alternative ride aside from the jeepneys and taxi's, is to rent a car. Many available cars for rent, but if you don't know the routes, you can hire drivers buy asking the attendant of the said rent a car shop.

Buses are also available but these tend to ply exclusively along the north-south route and going out and in the city area.

See

Do

Buy

Davao City has many department stores, and all of them have supermarkets - the SM which is a 3-level department store located at Quimpo Blvrd, Ecoland. Other notable stores include the New City Commercial Center(NCCC-1) at R.Magsaysay St and (NCCC-2) at McArthur hi-way corner Ma-a. Gaisano Mall is the tallest store which have 5 storey building. They are modern buildings with lots of western goods in addition to local stores. Gaisano South which is located at Ilustre St. Victoria Plaza is also one of the notable stores in davao, located at J.P. Laurel Ave, Bajada. Convenient stores are also around the city from city proper, urban places to sub-urbs, with its 24hours open services. Some stores are called sari-sari, that sell in retail terms, especially the cigars that you can buy per sticks, not per pack.

Eat

Davao is reknowned for its durian and pomelo. Eating durian is admittedly an acquired taste but those who do end up liking it will swear that the bad smell is worth it. Pomelo on the other hand is a citrus fruit that most closely resembles a grapefruit, it is quite common in South East Asia. Beware of bringing durian inside airplanes as well as hotels and other establishments. They may have strict regulations on allowing durian inside and some may not allow durian to be brought at all.

Drink

Sleep

While in Davao, You can take the Marco Polo Hotel at the Claveria St. corner Roxas Ave. with its 5star accommodation and services, which is also the tallest Hotel in the City, Next is the Royal Mandaya Hotel at the Ponciano St. with same services. Followed by the Grand Regal Hotel at the Lanang St. near the Casino Filipino 1 is located. Apo View Hotel is also good where Casino Filipino 2 is also attached to the Hotel.

Lodges and Inn's are also available around the city. If you want to stay for too long, you can rent a townhouses or apartment for rent, for a good price and negotiable.

• Marco Polo Davao - C.M. Recto (formerly Claveria) cor. M. Roxas Blvd., Davao City, Tel +6382 221 0888, Fax +6382 225 0111. Perhaps the most modern hotel in Davao, this hotel is part of the Marco Polo chain of hotels and is situated right at the heart of Davao within easy reach of most of the city's key attractions.

Stay safe

Need of assistance, dial 911 for all emergencies.

Smoking and littering in non-designated areas/trash bins are prohibited especially around the street side-walks.

Get out

The island garden city of Samal consists of 28,000 hectares of white sand beaches, coconut palms, rock formations, mangroves and other natural attractions. It is only a 45 minute boat ride away from Davao City.

• Pearl Farm Beach Resort , Kaputian, Samal Island, Tel +6382 2219970, Fax +6382 2219979. Perhaps the best of the Samal Island resorts, Pearl Farm was in fact a place where oysters were cultivated for their pearls. Nowadays, honeymooners flock to the resort to spend their holidays amidst the beautiful and tranquil surroundings.

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