How to See the Best of Davao City in 3 Days
While 3 days is not enough to experience the attractions and activities Davao City has to offer, that’s pretty much the vacation time we have most of the time.
Here’s a suggested 3D2N itinerary for the next long weekend.
Day 1: Samal Island Day Tour
The Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) is a coastal paradise sitting 900 meters east of Davao City. While it is technically not part of the metropolis, travelers often make it a point to visit Samal Island, especially if beach-bumming during vacation is a non-negotiable.
Photo from Pearl Farm Resort website.
IGaCos has much more to offer apart from the resorts and beaches that boast of long stretches of white sand too. Maximize your vacation time by visiting Monfort Bat Cave Sanctuary and Hagimit Falls.
Travel Notes:
There are several ways to get to Samal Island from Davao City:
- Go to Sta. Ana Wharf, which is near Magsaysay Park. Ride a ferry that will take you to Kaputian Beach wharf. Take this route if you intend to visit Kaputian Beach and to the nearby Talicud Island and Isla Reta.
- Go to Sasa Km 11 Wharf, located along JP Laurel Ave. Take the RoRo / motor boats to Babak Wharf in Samal. This is ideal for those near headed to Monfort Bat Cave.
- Go to Sasa Wharf, ride the Island City Express bus which would travel via the RoRo and dock at Kinawitnon Wharf in Samal Island
- Arrange to be picked up by your resort. Check if they do offer private transport via private boats.
Day 2: Countryside Adventure
To fully immerse yourself in nature, you can visit Malagos Garden Resort, the Philippine Eagle Center and Eden Nature Park — all on the same day. Malagos Garden Resort is an hour’s drive from the city proper.
After an hour or so, head off the Philippine Eagle Center within the Malagos Watershed and support their efforts towards conservation of wildlife.
Then drive to Eden Nature Park and stay for the rest of the afternoon.
Photo from Eden Nature Park website.
Travel Notes:
- Malagos Garden Resort: Resort Admission is at Php 100 (adults) / Php 80 (kids), and includes access to Bird Park, Bird Feeding Dome, Butterfly Sanctuary, Orchid Park, Abueva Garden, Playground.
- Philippine Eagle Center: Entrance fee is Php 150 (adults) / Php 100 (kids).
- Eden Nature Park: Entrance fee with meals is
- Adults: Php 550 (buffet lunch) or Php 220 (plated snacks)
- Kids: Php 350 (buffet lunch) or Php 190 (plated snacks)
- Recreational activities in Eden Nature Park include guided shuttle tour, skyrider, skycycle, skyswing, horseback riding, fishing, and swimming, among others. Additional fees apply.
Day 3: City Tour
Photo from Wikipedia.
Last day in Davao can be reserved for an easy city tour and pasalubong shopping before flying out of Davao. There are a lot of places you can visit — D’ Bone Collector Museum, Museo Dabawenyo, Rizal Park, Osmena Park, among others. You may also opt to devour delicious durian in Magsaysay Park or Bangkerohan. Or have an afternoon stroll at People’s Park.
For souvenir shopping, drop by the Pasalubong Center next to People’s Park. Or visit Aldevinco Shopping Center at Claro M. Recto Ave. Or the famous Lola Abon’s and / or Apo ni Lola in Matina for the famous durian treats.
