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 when we are new to a place and we just stick to the common areas. To make it easier for you, we are giving you some great tips how to make your trip fun and enjoyable. Let’s find out!
A warm cup of coffee at Wood and Coffee PH
Davao has many good coffee places but this is an unconventional coffee house that you want to note down. It was built by the artist Gil Bumanlag and sits beside a hill looking straight into a beautiful area full of sky reaching trees. And, it’s within the city! No need to take a long trip, just drive to Ma-a and then pass by the 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. The outside area is creatively developed with a little sense of childhood imaginations. You may think about things like this, but never actually do it. So, it is a very unusual coffee experience but something that you will enjoy and without a doubt, tell people about it. You can sip your coffee right in front of tropical trees. You can hear birds and other creatures that you will actually think you are not in Davao City. If you want to have an experience in Davao City then visit Wood and Coffee PH, and if possible, stay in the outside area. You won’t regret it.
Visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/woodandcoffeeph
Get inspired at the Gil Bumanlag Gallery
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 and after having your cup of coffee. 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
Shop, eat, drink, play, do everything at SM City Davao
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 the new one SM Lanang? 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
Enjoy delicious Pinoy food at Ram’s Grill Lechon Manok beside SM Ecoland
Do you like eating Filipino food? Well, who doesn’t? Ram’s place is the place to be for delicious Pinoy food in Davao City! Just right across SM Ecoland you will find this restaurant that will fill your tummy with pure deliciousness. Nicely 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 in 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, yummy Adobo, perfectly cooked Sinigang, crispy Lumpia and Pancit Bihon are just a few of the great things that you order and eat at Ram’s. If you are staying a couple of days or just one day, this will make your trip worthwhile.
Visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/ramschicken
Eat well and enjoy time at Coffee Project Vista Mall
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 an artistically created coffee shop that you will enjoy staying. 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 creative hot and cold coffee offers. The inside of the coffee shop has a lot of plants and a living room feeling with a little dimmed lights. Perfect for a nice cup of coffee and some snacks together with friends and family.
Visit their website here: https://coffeeproject.com.ph
Enjoy your morning coffee at 6th Republic
A friendly café in them middle of the city yet situated that it won’t feel 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 longer hours and enjoy your time with you family and 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
An icon of the Davao hotel industry Waterfront Insular Hotel
The Waterfront hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the city and even though it aged, it aged well. The great fact that it is situated beside the sea makes it offers this relaxing resort feeling. The area is big, it has lots of green that you can walk around, a big event space to hold weddings or company events, and restaurant options. In the open dining area you can enjoy their baked pizzas with delicious fresh-pressed juices and top it with sliced caked and a café au lait. Staying at the sea side you cannot just enjoy the breeze but also a great scenery. It invites you to spend some hours of quiet time before going back to the hustle and bustle, or, you can spend even a night or two and enjoy their pool and beach area and 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/
View the whole of Davao City at Jack’s Ridge
The Jack’s Ridge restaurant is a place that’s known for the breathtaking view and their delicious dining. The menu is large, nice delicious Filipino food that makes you feel good! The ambience is very lively, and it 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 can always smell the yummy things that are cooked. 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 green area that you can walk down and make pictures from you and the view at your back. Additionally, Jack’s Ridge coffee shop is just beside 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/
Brick-oven pizza and yummy self-made ice cream at Lara Mia Cafe & Bistro
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. It’s a matter of preference. What is also 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 area beside and additionally a very nice brick-floor outside space which is best in the evening. What else could we mentioned? Well, do you like gelato? They produce their own at Lara Mia! And it’s super delicious! We guarantee you that because you can see people going in and out to get a cup of one of the 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/
A moment of tranquility merged with fun at Eden Nature Park
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. It’s definitely rewarding, thinking of all the space and green that you will be surrounded. And if you want to go out short and do shopping you can easily reach the city center and go back to tranquility afterwards. Eden Nature Park will energise you and make you share your experience as well, 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