Davao is the biggest city of the Philippines in terms of size, and while there are plenty of things available to explore, often times we don’t know where to start. To make things easier for you, here are some great tips on how to make your trip fun and enjoyable. Let’s find out!
Wood and Coffee PH – The Coffee Experience Crafted by an Artisan
Davao has many good coffee shops but this is an unconventional coffee house that you want to note down and visit. It was built by the artist Gil Bumanlag and sits beside a hill looking straight into a beautiful green forest full of sky reaching trees. And the cool thing about it, it’s within the city! No need to take a long trip, just drive to Ma-a and pass by Monteritz subdivision. The indoor part of the coffee house has beautifully crafted tables and lamps, the outside area is an adventurous-thought brought to life. It is creatively developed with a sense of childhood imaginations, something you may think of but never actually do. But here it comes to life! It is a very unusual coffee experience and one that you will definitely enjoy, and without a doubt, tell people about it when going back home. You can sip your coffee right in front of tropical trees, hear birds chirping and see lushes of green that you will actually believe you are not in Davao City. If you really want to experience something in Davao City then visit Wood and Coffee PH. You won’t regret it!
Visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/woodandcoffeeph
Gil Bumanlag Gallery – Get Honestly Inspired Here
If you are already in Wood and Coffee PH, why not check the beautiful gallery of Gil Bumanlag? You will see creative artwork that you won’t find anywhere else and it will make you think of all the possibilities we as humans can do if we pursue our dreams and passion. The items can be purchased directly there. It is a truly creative experience. One might wonder, ‘how did he come up with this?’ It will perfectly match your time, so that you can go back to the city proper with a creative and happy mindset.
Visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063629963449
SM City Davao – Shop, Eat, Drink, Play & have Fun
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There is no SM that is more fun to be at than SM City Davao. It is the first SM that was built in the city, and it expanded in size in recent years. They are currently developing the mall and make it even bigger with even more parking options. The annex added new stores like The French Baker, Hukad, Lugang Cafe, Starbucks, Uniqlo, Nike Store, Xiaomi Flagship store among others. The main building has a huge grocery, lots of shopping possibilities, more food experiences and a cinema too. The possibilities are endless in SM and this mall is no different. But why do we choose it over others? Simply because it’s more attractive and it invites you more to shop, eat, have fun and enjoy! So, make sure to stop by at this mall when in Davao City!
Visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/smcitydavao
Ram’s Grill Lechon Manok beside SM Ecoland – Delicious & Fresh Pinoy Food
Do you like eating Filipino food? Well, Ram’s Grill is the place to be for delicious Pinoy food in Davao City! Just right across SM Ecoland you will find this restaurant that fills your tummy with pure deliciousness. Designed like a huge indoor bahay kubo, it makes you feel welcome the moment you step into it. There are lots of dining tables, so you will surely find a seat at this place and if you need even more space for a birthday party, guess what? They have a great venue for that too. Ram’s Grill is a great place to stay and enjoy delicious Filipino recipes. Freshly grilled Bangus fish and Barbecue sticks, tasty Kinilaw, perfectly cooked Sinigang, sizzling appetizers and yummy Pancit are just a few of the things that you can order at Ram’s. If you are staying a couple of days or even just one day, this visit will make your trip worthwhile.
Visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/ramschicken
Coffee Project Vista Mall – Eat Well & Enjoy your Time
Vista Mall is one of the newer malls in Davao City. While it’s not as big as the big players such as SM or Gaisano, they have a coffee shop that is worthy to visit. The Coffee Project is a coffee shop that you can sit back and relax. It is big, has many seating options and a nice design. The inside of the coffee shop has a lot of plants and a bit of a living room feeling. Besides, it’s not just about coffee here, they serve great food in here too. So, you won’t miss out if you also think about eating your lunch here. Nice sandwiches and delicious spaghetti options await you with very good hot and cold coffee offers. It’s just perfect for a nice cup of coffee and some snacks, together with friends and family.
Visit their website here: https://coffeeproject.com.ph
6th Republic – Enjoy your Morning Coffee & Pinoy Classics
A friendly café in them middle of the city yet situated at a street that it never gets too crowded, that’s 6th Republic. It is located in Matina close to the Davao City Water District. You can opt for a good range of delicious every day meals, from freshly-cooked Filipino breakfasts served with the lingering smell of perfectly dripped coffee, to mouth-watering Adobo or Salpicao paired with a nice warm cup of garlic rice. They sure know how to make you come back. The friendly ambience invites you to stay for long hours and enjoy your time with friends. Outside they have a beautiful patio which is best enjoyed in the morning with a breakfast meal. Inside they have a welcoming environment that can fit enough people to celebrate your birthday. If you want to spend a good time and eat well – 6th Republic got you covered.
Visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/6threpublicph
Waterfront Insular Hotel – An Icon of the Davao Hotel Industry
The Waterfront hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the city. And even though it aged, it aged well. It is situated beside the sea, has a big area with lots of green to enjoy a little walk, a big event space to hold weddings or company events, and restaurant options. In the open dining area you can enjoy baked pizzas with deliciously fresh-pressed juices and have a good slice of cake with a café au lait. Just enjoy the sea breeze and resort living when you are here. It invites you to spend some time of tranquility before going back to the hustle and bustle. Or, if you wish, you can also spend a night or two and enjoy their pool and beach area with a fine dine-in.
Visit their website here: https://www.waterfronthotels.com.ph/waterfront-insular-hotel-davao/
Visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/waterfront.davao/
Jack’s Ridge – View the whole Davao City on Top of the Hill
The Jack’s Ridge restaurant is known for the breathtaking view and their delicious dining experience. The menu is large, yummy delicious Filipino food that makes you feel good! The ambience is very lively and makes you want to do three things: eat, drink and have a great time chatting. Because the restaurant sits on top, you have fresh air and smell the yummy things being cooked in the kitchen. Jack’s Ridge might not be a place that you will take your date out, but it is a place that you want to come with family and friends. Besides, the restaurant has a big area that you can walk around and make pictures from you and the view. Additionally, Jack’s Ridge coffee shop is just beside it, which makes it easy to have a round of coffee and sweets to cool down the happy evening. One thing is for sure, at Jack’s Ridge you will enjoy your time – every time!
Visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Jacksridge/
Lara Mia Cafe & Bistro – Brick-Oven Pizza & Self-Made Ice Cream Delights
If you want to have some Italian comfort food without the need of travelling to Italy, then Lara Mia is your place in Davao City. They serve Italian-style pizza, brick-oven baked as you would expect. The dough is super-delicious and the toppings too! We tested all of the available options and we recommend just all of them. At the end, it will be a matter of preference. What is great about this restaurant is that it has four areas to dine. You have the area with the brick-oven, the other area at the front, another more quiet nested area and additionally a very nice brick-floored outside space which is best in the evening. Actually, any time. And do you like gelato? Because they produce their own at Lara Mia! And it’s super delicious! We guarantee you that, not just from experience but the many people going in and out to get a cup of one of their flavours. So, why not check it out yourself and have a good time at Lara Mia!
Visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/LaraMiaFudge/
Eden Nature Park – A Moment of Tranquility merged with Fun Activities
You might have heard already of the Eden Park if you have talked with someone from Davao City. This park is a great option for a day trip that is both fun and relaxing. It is located in the hilly area of Toril and is easily accessible by car. You can find a flower park, a butterfly garden, lots of green sceneries that you can walk around, drive around by car, a huge land area to hike and even more! If you want you can even stay in one of the cottages there and spend some days there. It’s definitely rewarding, thinking of all the space and green that you will be surrounded with. And if that’s not enough, you can still go out and go shopping as you can easily reach the city center from there and then head back to tranquility afterwards. Eden Nature Park will energise you and make you share your experience, whenever somebody you know is going to visit Davao City.
Visit their website here: https://www.edennaturepark.com.ph
Visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/edennatureparkdavao