Davao Gateway to the Cultural Wonders

Davao City is a modern metropolis bursting with life, verve and colour. It is located in a of Mindanao land area of 244,000 hectares, which places it LAOAG among the world’s largest cities. Teeming with Davao Getting There Banaue a vibrant populace, the city is a bustling hub of Luzon commerce, education, tourism, arts, culture Major Airport Gateway Davao International Airport. ( DVO) PHILIPPINE SEA and wellness in Southern Philippines. Distance between Davao and Manila is 1,545 kilometres . MMAMANMANIMANILMANILA With a dominantly-migrant population, Davao Air Transport is a melting pot of cultures where diversities Various domestic carriers fly to Davao from several Mindoro are appreciated and nurtured in a harmonious points in the country while a few international carriers Boracay Aklan Samar and peaceful environment. As much as fly from several neighbouring Asian cities including Visayas Palawan Panay Iloilo Cebu Christians mix freely with Muslims and churches Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Singapore and Seoul. Leyte CEBUCCECEB stand alongside mosques, Davao is especially Water Transport Bohol famous as the home of colourful ethnic Major shipping lines service the Davao area from Negros minorities, some of which include the Bagobo, Manila and nearby southern points. The Davao SULU SEA B’laan, Mandaya, Mansaka, Manobo, and T’boli. seaport also serves as the shipping point of exit for Indeed, there is more cultural diversity in most of the agricultural exports of Southern and DavaoDDaDavDava Davao than any other part of the country. Southeastern Mindanao. Basilan Mindanao Davao is a place of ideal balance. It is fast-paced Hotels and Resorts CELEBES SEA yet relaxed where the luxuries of cosmopolitan Davao offers a variety of lodging accommodations living complement the breathtaking beauty of for travelers to the region. These facilities range from San Pedro Cathedral the great outdoors. It serves as the gateway to affordable quality accommodations to serene resorts The Cathedral serves as the seat of the Catholic explore the pristine wonders of Mindanao . lying on secluded coves. First class business hotels are Archdiocese of Davao and the oldest church in the city. also available nearer the city centres of each region. The church was built in 1847 during the Spanish period and even its original altar is preserved to this day. Fast Facts Sports Activities and Exploration Puentespina Orchids & Tropical Plants Time Zone: GMT + 8 What started as a hobby in 1977 grew to become one Mindanao is a host to an extensive collection of sport Visa: Only required if staying more than 30 days of the biggest producers of cut flowers in the country activities that range from recreational activities like today. Nowadays, it is a busy centre for the local cut Climate: November to February – cool and golf, horseback riding, beach combing, trekking to flower industry, supplying major cities nationwide mostly dry; March to June – warm and mostly dry; intense adrenaline fuelled sports including mountain with its beautiful floral products, especially the Vanda July to October – warm and mostly wet climbing, white water rafting, and surfing. Sanderiana, or the Waling Waling. Average Temperature Yea r- round: 24°C – 32°C Shrine of the Infant Jesus Attire: Light casual clothes all year round Major Attractions Located at the top of Matina Hill, this open-air shrine Money: Philippine Pesos. Check with the local with replicas of the Infant Jesus of Prague and Our banks for current exchange rates. All major credit Mount Apo National Park Lady of Fatima serves as a nice and quiet place to cards accepted At 2,954 meters, Mt. Apo is the country’s tallest peak. reflect and worship while also granting exceptional Every March, the local government organizes the Water: Bottled water available in resorts, views of Davao City, Davao Gulf, and Samal Island. Mt. Apo Trek, and hundreds of mountain climbers restaurants and convenience stores Crocodile Park Philippines Department of Tourism participate. Its natural wonders attract outdoor Communications: International and direct dial The park is one-of-a-kind in the region, and serves as a 10 -11 Suffolk Street London, SW1Y 4HG enthusiasts to trek to its towering peak while bearing phone and fax. Internet cafes are widely available sanctuary for locally bred crocodiles. One of its native Tel: 020 7321 0668 Fax: 020 7925 2920 witness to nature’s tranquility, including steaming inhabitants, measuring over 18 feet in length, is the What to Bring: Sun block, tanning lotions, E-mail: info@ itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk blue lakes, geysers, sulfur pillars, thundering rivers and largest crocodile in the country aptly named “Pangil” insect repellant, personal medication, swimwear www. itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk waterfalls. Tuday Falls at 100 metres, is the tallest and accessories, etc. (Fangs). Other attractions include horseback riding, waterfalls that can be found in the region. swimming pools and a picturesque picnic area. Eden Nature Park Siargao Island Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental General Santos City, South Cotabato Useful Websites for the Region: Surigao Situated at the foot of Mt. Talomo, Eden Nature Park Located in northern Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro is faithful Given its prime location along the migratory routes of Davao www. davaocity.gov.ph provides magnificent views of Davao City and the Gulf. Bucas Island for luring adventurers to its bountiful natural resources. Southern Philippines, “ Gensan” has become the Tuna Capital www. clickdavao.com The park provides a relaxing venue in contrast to the Mainit It is famous for its selection of outdoor activities www. discoverdavao.com T of the Philippines, and provides a rich harvest of yellowfin http://www. kadayawan.com/ bustling city life. L. Mainit including spelunking through the numerous exotic caves, tuna to a worldwide market. Other than this, Gensan is a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Davao_City Cantilan traversing sky bridges along century old forests and white Philippine Eagle Conservation Centre well-known outdoor destination, with top-quality products Camiguin www. camiguin.gov.ph Carniguin water rafting along the mighty Cagayan de Oro River. It is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Camiguin The centre is primarily dedicated to the conservation also the home of the Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, which like Kalaja Karsts Land (featuring Kalaja Cave and Kalaja Face), www. camiguin. redbearnet.com of the extremely rare Philippine Eagle ( Phitecophaga Ta n d a g successfully captures the ethnic spirit of the indigenous Bunga Springs, Absekong Waterfalls and Nopol Hills. Samal www. samalcity.gov.ph Jefferyi), first discovered by British ornithologist John Butuan tribes of the area. Siargao http:// siargao.com Whitehead in 1896. It is the largest eagle standing Marihatag Festivals Zamboanga www. zamboanga.com about one metre tall with a wingspan of two metres. Bayugan www. zamboanga.gov.ph Araw ng Koronadal (second week of January; Koronadal); In the wild, these eagles are found in the forests around Prosperidad To Tagum Cagayan de Oro www. cagayandeoro.gov.ph Kahimunan (second week of January; Butuan); http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Mount Apo, while in the centre, you will see various Dipolog Attractions within the Region Oroquieta Calinan Kalilangan (second week of February; General Santos City); Cagayan_de_ Oro_City Philippine Eagles bred in captivity. Cagayan de Oro Bukidnon http://www. bukidnon.gov.ph/tourism. htm ILIGAN Hinatuan Davao International Sibug- Sibug (fourth week of February; Zamboanga); Camiguin Province Bukidnon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Bukidnon GULF Airport Davao River Lying in the Bohol Sea some 90 kilometres north of Mindanao Sindangan Iligan MOUNT APO Crocodile Park Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay NATIONAL General Santos City http://www. gensantos.gov.ph/ Representing the third largest river catchment in the is the pear-shaped volcanic island of Camiguin. It is an island Malaybalay Bislig Eden Nature Samal (fourth week of February; Zamboanga); Labason PARK Park Davao Island entire country, it is currently the venue for the latest paradise known for its beautiful coastlines and rich marine Mt. Dapial Tubod Lingig Araw ng Dabaw (first week of March; Davao); Useful Contacts: craze for adventure-seekers in Davao City. White water Kaputian resources surrounded by natural wonders like hot springs, Marawi Mt. Apo Panagtagbo (first week of March; Tagum City); Department of Tourism Offices: rafting along the river is a three-hour run starting from Sirawan waterfalls, volcanoes (of which there are seven in the island) Kabasalan Pagadian L. Lango Boston Kaamulan (first week of March; Bukidnon); London +44 (0) 20 7321 0668 the highlands of the Baguio District, going through and exotic flora and fauna. Camiguin has two other attractive M INDANAO [email protected] Compostela Talikud Banwahon (second week of May; Surigao); Calinan and then finishing in the lowlands. There are islets known as White Island, a 2 kilometre uninhabited white Malabang www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk Island Pagsalabuk (last week of May; Dapitan City); about 30 rapids, varying in difficulty from class one sand bar and Mantigue Island, four hectares of forest fringed Siraguay Baganga To General Davao +63 (0) 82 221 6955 San Juan Hibok- Hibokan (last week of June; Camiguin); www. discoverdavao.com up to the extreme class five. white sand beaches. Also located in the island is the Old Ta b i n a Parang Mt. Ragang Santos Santa Cruz DAVAO GULF Catamaran Church Ruins, remnants of the oldest Spanish Ta g u m Sirong- Sirong (last week of June; Surigao); Cagayan de Oro +63 (0) 88 726 394 Samal Island Panabo [email protected] settlement in the area destroyed by the 1871 Vulcan Daan Digos Sagayan (first week of July; Lanao del Norte); Located just 10 minutes from Davao City, Samal Island is Cotabato Midsayap Manay Cotobato City +63 (0) 64 421 110 Eruption. The island’s most popular event is the Lanzones T’Nalak (second week of July; Cotabato); stddotr12@ pldtvibe.net lined with white sand beaches and provides a multitude Festival, held annually in the month of October. MORO Datu Piang Kidapawan Bukidnon Province Kinabayo (last week of July; Zamboanga); Butuan City +63 (0) 85 225 5712 of activities both on and offshore. Inland tours to Davao Zamboanga GULF Upi Mati Bukidnon is a highland haven in the heart of the island. It is known Kalibongan (second week of August; Cotabato); [email protected] spectacular rivers and falls, heritage sites and a renowned Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte Maganoy Mt. Apo as the Food Basket of Mindanao and is home to the world’s Kayag-An (last week of August; Cagayan); Zamboanga City +63 (0) 62 991 0218 cave housing an incredible 1 .8 million bats are popular Siargao is a teardrop shaped island located in the northeast Digos DAVAO [email protected] of Mindanao. The eastern coastline faces directly out into biggest pineapple plantation. It is well endowed with Flomlok (second week of September; Cotabato); with tourists. Aside from overland adventures, this GULF Airlines the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Trench, 10,057 metres Isulan natural attractions like the Kitanglad Ranges that includes Padigo San (second week of September; Davao); island is blessed with a multitude of dive sites to suit Lebak Padada Philippine Airlines +63 (0) 2 855 8888 m u g Dulang Dulang, the second highest peak in the country. The deep. The island is primarily known throughout the world a www. philippineairlines.com L. Sebu T Davao Medical Zamboanga Hermosa (second week of September; Zamboanga); all tastes and experiences. Names like Ligid Caves and o BASILAN Koronadal T Centre as a first class quality surfing location where international Lanang Golf & province is also endowed with a very high concentration of Air Philippines +63 (0) 2 843 7770 Pinnacle Point in the northeast, to Mushroom Rock in Country Club Sambuokan (second week of Sepetember; Davao); rt www. airphils.com competitions are held every October. Other activities o endemic biodiversity. Malaybalay City, the Provincial p Palimbang Malita ir Kidapawan (first week of October; Kidapawan City); the southeast, conjure images of giant gorgonian fans, Tupi A o include sailing, spelunking and exploring the spectacular T Capitol, plays host to the increasingly-popular Kaamulan Asian Spirit +63 (0) 2 840 3811 octopus, moray eels, jacks, dolphins and other pelagic Lanzones (second week of October; Camiguin); 0 50 km General Festival every March. www. asianspirit.com seascapes through snorkeling and diving. Philippine Eagl e Victori a animals. There are also spectacular sights for snorkelers, Conservation Centre Plaza Mal l Ting’Udo (second week of October; Cotabato); Cebu Pacific +63 (0) 2 636 4938 Santos Public Market Lake Sebu, South Cotabato www. cebupacificair.com like the Marissa reefs where the hawksbill turtles are Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur San Pedro Hospita l Banayan (last week of October; Davao); Maasim DAVAO Gaisano Mal l regular visitors. “Zamboanga Hermosa”, or Beautiful Jose Harana Magsaysay Recognized as one of the most important watershed areas Sea Air +63 (0) 2 894 0100 Park Helobong (second week of November; Cotabato); Glan CITY The www. flyseair.com Zamboanga is also the name of the most Abad Ve nue in the country, Lake Sebu consists of many small streams, Kalimudan (third week of November; Sultan Kudarat); Kadayawan Sa Dabaw Festival City T riangl e Department o f popular festival in the “Ancient City of Foreign A ffairs creeks, rivers, and springs that provide irrigation water for Ferries Santos Davao Doctors Dencio’s Brokenshir e Hospital Kadagyaan (first week of December; Cotabato);

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To Mount Apo a – Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak; durian, the king D A and the day-to-day way of life. Zamboanga National Park San Pedro V Ubo, make their home on and around Lake Sebu. The T’bolis in Cebu Ferry Corporation +63 (0) 32 232 4229 Cathedral Matina T own A Sarangani Square Davao D of fruits; and waling-waling, the queen of orchids. City is home to numerous historical sites City Hall particular are known for their skill in weaving and making SuperCat Fast Ferry Corp +63 (0) 32 234 9600 NCCC N Mal l s Today, Kadayawan has metamorphosed as one of the dating back to the Spanish era, when Island to brassware. Wildlife is commonly observed in the region, and n a S l ra country’s biggest, honoring Davao’s artistic, cultural countless battles were fought e communities of birds such as cockatoos, swallows, Other useful Contacts: n e G o and historical heritage through tribal dances and floral by the Spaniards against the Moros. T kingfishers, kites, herons, and egrets have made their British Embassy Manila +63 (0) 2 816 7116 SM City Davao parades in full regalia. permanent homes in the area. British Consulate Cebu +63 (0) 32 346 0525