Davao City - Philippines

Davao City is home to over a million people. Daytime population (which includes transients) is estimated to reach almost 2 million since it is the center of trade, commerce, and services in Southern Philippines. Its population growth rate is 2.83% while density is at 469 persons per square kilometer. Urban density however is higher at 2,262 people per square kilometer.

The Majestic Mt. Apo. Towering at 10,300 feet, this challenging trek traverses through creeks, ridges and waterfalls with an amazing panorama of rainforest flora and fauna. scaling the Philippines' highest peak is truly the ultimate in eco-tourism adventure.

Davao China Town. The city’s own Chinatown, bordered by the streets of Sta. Ana, Ramon Magsaysay and Leon Garcia St., is one of the major historical, economic and cultural centers of Davao City. Malls and department stores as Chinese Restaurants are some of the attractions of this newly created enclave. In 2009, former city Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ordered the creation of the city’s first ever Davao Chinese New Year Festival to further promote the culture and friendship of the Chinese community with the Dabawenyos.

 

 
Durian Sculpture by Davao Artist Kublai Milan

Nature Lover’s Paradise

Queen of the Rainforest

On the slopes of Mount Apo was discovered the waling- waling, an orchid of exceptional attributes- with full, velvet petals tinged in royal colors of purple, red and yellow.  So delicate is this stunning bloom that it can only thrive on flesh and balmy air. The waling- waling (Vanda sanderiana) has since been successfully transplanted from its natural environment and cultivated in many of Davao’s flower farms.  Retailing at several hundred dollars a plant, the Queen of the Rainforest has become an attractive business proposition.

 

Thrills at the bird show

Colorful species of birds headline this one of a kind bird show at Malagos Garden Resort. Eagles, hawks, parrots, crows, ostriches and even ducks perform fascinating tricks to the amusement of guests while educating the importance of conserving the environment

Meet Our Eagles

The Philippine Eagle (pithecophaga jefferyi) is considered one of the largest eagles in the world.  It has the countenance of regal majesty- snowy white plumes dappled with gray, a distinct crested head matched with a pair of sharp eyes and strong curved beak, a powerful eight- foot wingspan, and lethal preying claws.  This majestic bird of prey has been saved from extinction and now a national symbol  is sheltered at the Philippine Eagle Nature Center in Malagos.

The Philippine Eagle Nature Center is a sanctuary for this endangered species. The center is primarily a breeding facility for the eagles but it is also a temporary habitat of different animals endemic in the region. Many species of indigenous flora, including the waling waling orchid, flourish in the park’s flawless natural beauty and rugged environment.  The Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Center in the Malagos rainforest in Calinan, 45 minutes away from downtown Davao.

Crocodile encounters 
Davao Crocodile park is home to the largest crocodile in the country aptly named Pangil (“jaw”) . Aside from 19- foot reptile, other mindorensis and porosos crocodile species, wild cats, pythons, turtles, lizards, monkeys, and varieties of exotic birds and butterflies can also be found inside the mini – zoo.

 

December 04, 2011 · Posted in Philippine Tourist Destinations