Planning on visiting the Land of Promise? Davao City is your gateway to Mindanao and a visit to Duterte’s city is something you should not miss. But being the largest city in the world in terms of land area, you can’t see Davao in just a couple of days. So here’s a Davao City 7-day tour itinerary that’ll give you a real “feel” of this beautiful metro.
Day 1: Arrival and City Orientation
Morning: Start your day by experiencing the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting the Davao City Hall and the San Pedro Cathedral. Both are notable landmarks that showcase the city’s history and culture.
Afternoon: Visit the Davao Crocodile Park, a well-known tourist attraction that showcases the city’s diverse wildlife and then some. There are many restaurants and cafes in the area and you can enjoy a great cup of joe at Paramount Coffee. Their al fresco setup is perfect during afternoons.
Evening: Enjoy delicious Filipino cuisine at Vista View Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the city. It does not hurt that their place is IG-worthy, too!
Day 2: Island Hopping
Morning: Head early to Samal Island and explore its beautiful beaches. Check out the Hagimit Falls, one of the island’s most famous attractions.
Afternoon: Take a boat ride to the nearby Talicud Island, where you can explore its pristine beaches and enjoy a relaxing swim in the crystal clear waters.
Evening: Stay in one of the resorts on Samal or Talicud and enjoy a seafood feast. You can return to Davao by boat or barge in the morning.
Day 3: Adventure Day
Morning: Take a late morning trip to Eden Nature Park, a mountain resort that offers a wide range of activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and Sky Adventures. Day tours come with either a plated snack or a buffet lunch. I recommend the all-you-can-eat buffet, of course!
Afternoon: Get some exercise at Altitude Indoor Trampoline Park, the only one of its kind in Mindanao. Experience the Trampoline Park, Ninja Warrior Course, Climbing Wall, Slam Ball Zone, Zorb Ball, Massive Foam Zone and the Arcade. Snacks and beverages are also available onsite.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at the Garden Bay Resort and Restaurant. This seaside restaurant offers a fresh sea breeze while you dine and stunning views of Samal Island.
Day 4: Cultural Exploration
Morning: Start your day by visiting the D Bone Collector Museum, which showcases the different animal and plant species found in the Philippines. The museum owner and curator is an environmentalist and you will learn A LOT during a tour.
Afternoon: Walk up an appetite to Tola at the corner of Rizal Street. It’s located on the second level of one of the most iconic old buildings in the metro. Tola offers traditional and Filipino fusion cuisine depicting our Filipino-Spanish roots. Their paella is one of the best I’ve tasted! The haunted house aura adds to the place’s charm. If you fancy coffee, buy an iced latte from Glasshouse Coffee right outside the restaurant. You can then head to the Museo Dabawenyo and learn about the city’s rich culture and history.
Evening: Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Lachis, a popular restaurant that serves Filipino and Asian fusion cuisine.
Day 5: Nature Day
Morning: Visit the Malagos Garden Resort, a nature reserve that features a butterfly sanctuary, a bird park, and a chocolate factory. If you come on a weekend, there’s a Bird Show, too! Their lunch buffet is also one of the best in Davao City.
Afternoon: Pay the majestic descendants of Pag-asa, the first Philippine Eagle bred and hatched in captivity at the Philippine Eagle Center. The 28-year-old Pag-asa, dubbed as the Philippines’ icon of hope, passed away in 2021. Other raptors and endemic species are also on display at the center. TIP: bring mosquito repellant.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset picnic at Waterfront Insular Hotel. If the picnic food leaves you wanting more, you can proceed to dinner at Cafe Uno.
Day 6: Shopping Day
Morning: Make an early start at Poblacion Market Central, where you can purchase traditional Filipino clothing, handicrafts, and other souvenirs.
Afternoon: Visit the Abreeza Mall, a large shopping mall that features both local and international brands. The mall has excellent food offerings as well — take your pic from Chinese, Italian, American, Filipino, and fusion cuisines. Some restaurants offer al fresco dining, too.
Evening: Treat yourself to a street food feast at the Roxas Night Market. The night market is located at the heart of the city and offers a smorgasbord of Davao’s best street food. Prepare your stomachs for the delicious grilled seafood, quirky fried treats, and lots and lots of shopping.
Day 7: Departure Day
Morning: Bid farewell to Davao City by visiting the Peoples Park, a public park that showcases the city’s natural beauty. Take lots of photos with artist Kublai Milan’s best works depicting the tribes of Davao.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your flight back home, taking with you memories of the wonderful experiences you had through this Davao City 7-Day tour itinerary.
Should you need a personal guide and I have some time, I’d be happy to take you around.
