Top Three Davao City Local Tourist Destinations

 As a Dabawenyo, I was one of those lucky residents that get to see a lot of places in the city. No, I’m not rich because most of those trips are funded by the school or by the office I was working with (which is why I called myself ‘lucky’).

Today, I am writing for those who want to travel to Davao but do not know where to go.

First of all, let me clear things up. Davao is not a place where war is a daily activity. In fact, Davao is one of the most peaceful cities in the Philippines with a crime rate that is close to zero. What I’m saying is that, when you are Davao, you are safe.

Now, let’s move on to my personal top three choices when it comes to Davao local tourist destinations. I have to be honest by saying that Davao City is not one of those places where you can see nature at its best. A large part of the city is already civilized and there only remain a few places that are covered with green trees. But still, there are really good places to check out if you are a tourist in Davao City.

Philippine Eagle Nature Center. Situated in Calinan, Davao City, Philippine Eagle Nature Center offers tourists a break from the busy city. With just an entrance fee of P55, you can enjoy touring around the green forest that houses a couple of eagle species. This can also be a great way to bond with your children and at the same time, have them educated about nature.

Davao Crocodile Park. Another place to feast your eyes with the default color of nature is the Davao Crocodile Park. Although it is a little costlier than the Philippine Eagle Nature Center, it is worth it. You can see more animals and enjoy the different animal showcases. It is also found in the center of the city which is easily accessible from anywhere in the city.

People’s Park. Most Dabawenyos would say they don’t like this place. I personally don’t actually like it that much too but I must say it is a good place to check out the city’s culture. It features art works of Dabawenyo artists, beautiful landscape and garden arrangement from creative designers scattered in a large space where you can relax and unwind... in the middle of the city! Plus, the entrance is free! You can ask anyone for the directions to check it out because every Dabawenyo knows where it is!

There you have it! I’d like to remind you that those are only my personal choices. There are still other Davao local tourist destinations around the metro. The fun part is discovering them one by one all by yourself!

About The Contributor: Sam Aviles is the Marketing Manager of Filipino Adobo , a website intended to provide authentic Filipino cuisine for all occasions. Visit the site for more information.

Philippine Eagle Center: Davao’s Pride

Davao City has been advertising its campaign “Our King Can Fly”. Anyone coming from and outside the city knows that this is all because of Davao’s Pride, the Philippine Eagle.

Known as the Philippines’ national animal, the Philippine Eagle is commonly found in the country’s largest city –Davao.

The center showcases 36 Philippine Eagles, 10 species of birds, 4 species of mammals and 2 species of reptiles. Aside from being a tourist destination, the center is also known to be active in educating and building activities about eco-conservation.

Tourists and locals wanting to encounter or visit the Philippine Eagle should visit the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Calinan which opens from 8:00AM until 5:00PM. Malagos is just 20 to 30 minutes from the center of the city. You can use your private car or have the public transport which is readily available in Bankeroahn Public Market for vans. The bus bound for Cagayan de Oro also passes by the Calinan area which would cost one around P50. From the central district of Calinan, you should take the 10-minute tricycle ride to Philippine Eagle Center for only P6.

Fees (used for the park’s maintenance/sustainability):

Malagos/DCWD Entry - P5 (adult) and P3 (kids)   

Phil. Eagle Center Entrance Fee - P50 (adult) and P30 (17yrs old and below)

Schools may request lectures on the following (optional):

Conservation Breeding Program

Field Research Program

Community Based Program

Conservation Education Program

Captive Breeding Techniques

Special Education Program

* Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) Office

VAL Learning Village, Ruby St., Marfori Heights,

Davao City 8000 Philippines

Telephone: (+63 82) 224-3021

Telefax: (+63 82) 224-3022

Email: phileagl@pldtdsl.net

* The Philippine Eagle Center

Malagos, Baguio District

Davao City 8000 Philippines