9 Ways To Get In Touch With Nature In Davao City, Philippines

1. Take a tour of Eden Nature Park, a paradise in the city

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Eden is where alluring shades of nature invite you to experience what it is like to be in the middle of lush, surrounding greens and the grand heights of nature’s most bracing peaks. It is a nature park and resort marked with adventure, a cool crisp morning breeze, and an unforgettable experience, with cultural treasures and accommodation that will allow you to enjoy that leisure time you have always been looking forward to.

This 80-hectare (197.7 acre) man-made nature park, located 2,500 feet (762 meters) above sea level, offers the best view of Davao City. A tour is a must in order to see the Amphitheater, Lola’s Garden, the Flower Garden, Plaza Maria, Mayumi’s Well and other spots. Get some fresh air and enjoy the park, now.

Eden Nature Park & Resort

Address: Matina Town Square, Mac Arthur Highway, Matina, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur

Website: Eden Nature Park & Resort

2. Enjoy life's gift of variety at the Philippine Eagle Center

Mindanao is home to an endemic giant raptor, the Philippine Eagle, also known as the Philippine Monkey-Eating Eagle. It is believed to be the dominant predator within the Philippine’s forests. This graceful, yet cunning creature is a vital part of the forest ecosystem and was declared the national bird, seen in items like coins, stamps and other logos. But this animal is also a critically endangered species. The government has already been working on the preservation of these birds and there is a special facility in Davao, referred to as the Philippine Eagle Center where you can see their work.

The Philippine Eagle Center is solely designed to help save the species as well as breed them. The facility is now also known as a tourist destination, where Philippine Eagles are not the only species you will see but a number of other birds, mammals, and reptiles, as well - most of which are endemic to the country and some considered rare. The vast variety of typical flora found in a tropical forest, animal exhibits, and wild birds found here, has driven tourists to flock to the center and it is also known for bird watching.

With facilities such as a lounge area, Diola’s Forest, an audio-visual room and a gift shop, there is no doubt that this facility not only contributes to animal preservation but also Davao’s tourism.

Philippine Eagle Center

Website: Philippine Eagle Center

3. Appreciate different frameworks of nature from the D' Bone Collector Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Pictures continue to amaze us when we look back in time. Even past photos of ourselves, from when we were young, excites us and allow us to reminisce about past times. What will stun you about Davao are the traces of the past that you never really expect. Stories of the more than 1,800 bones at the D'bone Collector Museum are waiting to be told and will allow you to think and rethink the purpose of your travels.

Most of the bones you will see here come from species that died as a result of water pollution. See how travel to this region can educate you through the vast information held in Darrell Dean Blatchley’s priceless collections.

D' Bone Collector Museum

Address: D’ Bone Collector Museum, San Pedro St, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur

Website: D’ Bone Collector Museum

4. Be a witness to the 1,101 species of plants and trees from different parts of the world at the People's Park

The Philippines is home to several flower-bearing species but you might not know that is it possible for species like tulips to row in the country. Yes, tulips! The People’s Park in Davao is home to indigenous and non-indigenous plants along the park’s five avenues. Non-indigenous plants come from other parts of Southeast Asia, Central and South America, Madagascar, Australia, New Guinea and mainland Africa. Amidst the park is a Durian-inspired dome (Durian is a famous fruit, in Davao) that houses the Bambusetum (a place where different bamboo species are kept) and the Shady Plaza hosts African tulips.

About 10,000 square meters (110,000 square feet) of the park’s grounds are allotted to plants and the park was built on the old PTA grounds, also known as the City Playground, that was converted into a park, turning it into a prime tourist destination. Located on Palma Gil Street in the city center, People’s Park is accessible by taxi (PHP 140 / USD 2.83) or by jeepney (PHP 15 / USD .33) from Davao International Airport.

Come and get a glimpse of the best park in the Philippines, in Davao!

People's Park

Address: Uy Building, 49 Palma Gil St, Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur, Philippines

5. Have a breathtaking experience and ascend the crater of Mount Apo

The boulders of the Philippines’ highest mountain peak are an irresistible site. Gifted with a variety of greenery, 19 major rivers, and 21 creeks, where you can be refreshed and enjoy the mist, Mount Apo provides the opportunity for peak hopping the seven mountain summits and are quite an adventure. Standing at 2,954 meters (9,692 feet), the king of all mountains and volcanoes awaits the conqueror in you.

Mount Apo

Address: Digos City, Davao del Sur

Website: Mount Apo

6. Kill time and visit Davao Crocodile Park

Chilling out in the nature of Davao is an easy thing to do. Just 20 minutes away from the center of the city, Gadi Road will bring you to a treat that children always look forward to. Crocodile species of different sizes, a butterfly farm, a variety of bird species, including ostriches, a tiger, and even snakes.

Restaurants and live shows are also on offer on the property, which doesn’t just highlight the crocodile farm, but the overall ambiance, activities, and fun! With an entrance fee of only PHP 200 / USD 4 for adults and PHP 100 / USD 2 for children, you can enjoy the state of the art facilities of a crocodile farm and a park!

Davao Crocodile Park

Address: Gadi Road, Talomo, Davao City, Davao del Sur

Website: Davao Crocodile Park

7. Get to know more about Davao and its people at the Museo Dabawenyo

Showcasing the rich history and mixed cultural heritage of the people of Davao, the Museo Dabawenyo (a name given to the people of Davao), is the most visited museum in the region. Referred to as the “New Museum” because of its architectural design and appearance, it has a rich collection of the best and most prominent handicrafts that Davao is known for.

The Museo Dabawenyo is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 12 noon and from 1 pm to 6 pm and is closed every Monday for maintenance and during these holidays: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, Easter Sunday, All Saints Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is FREE. Get to know Davao at the New Museum!

Museo Dabawenyo

Address: Andres Bonifacio Rotunda, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur

Facebook page: Museo Dabawenyo

8. Roam around and enjoy the evening at the Roxas Night Market

Some prefer a quiet evening. Nonetheless, nighttime can also be pleasurable and engaging. And when in Davao, what better way to spend an evening than by walking down to the Roxas Night Market. Like all other night markets, this is the best time to see the authentic city! Makeshift stalls and food carts, small tables and low stools and lots of items to choose from are found at the Roxas Night Market. There are no elaborate displays of food and goods but just the authentic day-to-day offerings of Davao.

You can fill yourself up with the first round of street food and then walk your calories away with “Ukay-Ukay” or the act of rummaging through the piles of items, be it clothing, shoes, bags or even stuffed toys. Authentic secondhand items, from shirts, bags, and sneakers, it can all be found here. The best time to go is on the weekend. So reserve your weekend schedule for the night market.

Roxas Night Market.

Address: Roxas Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur

9. Create your own sweet chocolate treat in the cool mountain breeze of Malagos Garden Resort

The Malagos Garden Resort is a 12-hectare (29.7 acre) nature-themed park and an accredited wildlife farm, as well as a sanctuary for butterflies, indigenous birds, and other wildlife species. It offers even more than what you expect in a theme park. Nonetheless, what is most striking is that the Malagos Garden Resort now boasts of an exhibit of one of the most loved candies, made from cacao - chocolate!

The resort hosts the first Chocolate Museum of the Philippines and is basically divided into four parts: the Museum Section where you get to learn where chocolate comes from, the wonders of cacao and the how to of chocolate-making, the Interactive Zone, where you can play with Beanie, the Malagos Chocolate Mascot, the Chocolate Bar, where you get to enjoy your favorite chocolate food and drinks, and the Chocolate Laboratory, where you can create your own signature chocolates!

With this new attraction in Davao, it is an exciting thing to look forward to, in the King City of the South.

Malagos Garden Resort

Address: Calinan-Baguio-Cadalian Road, Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur, Philippines

Website: Malagos Garden Resort

Nature is D-A-V-A-O

From Davao’s highest mountain peaks to the wonders of its wild and ferocious beasts, to a walk through a night market or the sweet chocolate museum of the city, what else can we say? Davao has it all!