Experience the best of Davao City

Davao City spreads along the western shore of Davao Gulf on the island of Mindanao, one of the largest cities in the Philippines by land area. Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines at 2,954 metres, rises to the south-west. The city is a mix of peoples, from the indigenous communities of the surrounding hills to the settlers who came from other islands, and its central People's Park is a green stop in the downtown streets.

The Philippine Eagle Center, in the hills at Malagos, cares for the country's national bird, one of the largest eagles on earth. Samal Island, a short boat ride across the gulf, has beaches and resorts, and the foothills of Mount Apo hold waterfalls, farms and trails. The city's annual Kadayawan festival, in August, celebrates its harvest and indigenous cultures.

Davao is famous for its durian, with a smell that divides opinion, and for pomelo, mangosteen and other tropical fruit, which fill the roadside stalls. Grilled tuna jaw is a local speciality. The city lies outside the main typhoon belt, so the weather is steady, with a slightly drier spell from January to April.