Stand on Shrine Hills Road in Matina as the light drops and the whole city spreads out below you, the ridge falling away toward the water. That view is the reason people come up here in the late afternoon, and it is a good introduction to how Davao works: a city of hills, parks and mountain air rather than a single downtown strip.
Davao suits travellers who are happy to move between a city park, a hilltop shrine and a mountain resort in the same day, and who do not mind a taxi ride to get there. Wildlife centres, museums and cooler highland air are all within reach of the centre.
This guide covers the sights and experiences named in the source material, with practical notes on timing and what to combine with what. It is deliberately short: only places that can be vouched for are listed.
Top things to do in Davao
1. Philippine Eagle Center
The centre is home to the Philippine eagle, one of the largest eagles in the world and one of the most endangered, with around 30 of them here. Beyond the eagles, it holds other birds and animals, including raptors, in a simulated forest environment.
It is open 8AM-5PM and admission is ₱150. Go in the morning, when the simulated forest is at its most comfortable, and give yourself time to walk the whole enclosure rather than heading straight for the eagles.
2. Jack's Ridge
Jack's Ridge on Shrine Hills Road in Matina was a hangout for Japanese forces during World War II and is now a spot for a scenic view of Davao City, especially at night. There is a restaurant, a pool, bars, cottages and a trail up and down the ridge.
Come in the evening for the city lights, and use the trail if you want to stretch the visit out. It pairs naturally with the Shrine of the Holy Infant of Jesus, which is on the same road.
3. Shrine of the Holy Infant of Jesus (Santo Nino Shrine)
This shrine sits up a hill on Shrine Hills Road in Matina, with views across Davao, and is a place to unwind, relax and reflect. Mass celebrations are held once in a while each day, and many people visit on Sundays.
If you want quiet rather than company, avoid Sunday. Combine it with Jack's Ridge nearby, and time your visit so you catch the view in daylight before moving on for the evening.
4. People's Park
A public park along Legazpi Street, People's Park is where people gather to stroll across bridges, exercise on the walkway that circles the park, and look at the man-made waterfalls and plants. It is free and open 7AM-10PM.
It is more enjoyable as the sun goes down and at night, so plan it as an early evening stop rather than a midday one.
5. Crocodile Park
At Riverfront Corporate City on Carlos P. Garcia Highway, the park serves as a breeding centre for crocodiles and also houses a small zoo, with daily animal shows on the central stage. You can feed crocodiles, tigers and some other animals for a fee.
The ticket includes entrance to Butterfly Park (8AM-5PM) and K'Mindanawan Village, which is a village built for tourists rather than a real one, with a fire show on Friday to Sunday, 5:45PM-6:30PM. Adults pay ₱350 and children ₱250. If you want the fire show, plan your visit for the end of the week and stay into the evening.
6. Eden Nature Park
About 50 km from Davao and close to the town of Toril, Eden Nature Park sits in the mountains, so it is cooler than the city. It has walks, restaurants, horse riding and a Sky-Rider, among other things.
It makes a good full day out and is worth the trip from the city. Because it is in the mountains, bring something warmer than you would wear in town.
7. Mt. Apo
Mt. Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines and a dormant volcano. It is the obvious choice if you want mountain terrain rather than a city day.
Treat it as a serious outing rather than a casual stop, and build the rest of your day around it rather than trying to fit other sights in afterwards.
8. San Pedro Cathedral
Built in the 19th century, San Pedro Cathedral is the city's main cathedral, on San Pedro Street in the town centre, across from City Hall. Most jeepney routes pass through the area, so it is easy to reach.
Pair it with the Dabawenyo Museum, which is also on San Pedro Street and a few blocks south of the cathedral and Quezon Boulevard.
9. D' Bone Collector Museum
On San Pedro Street, a few blocks south of the cathedral and Quezon Boulevard, this natural history museum specialises in skeletons of the animal kingdom. The surrounding neighbourhood is rough-looking, so keep your bearings.
It works well as a short stop on the same walk as San Pedro Cathedral.
10. Dabawenyo Museum
On University Avenue at a temporary address, this museum is open 9AM-6PM and closed on Sundays and some holidays, with free admission. Photography is not allowed except for a few recent paintings and in a separate room.
Check before you go, since the address is temporary, and leave your camera expectations at the door.
11. Davao Museum
At 113 Agusan Circle, within Insular Village, the Davao Museum covers local history and the culture of indigenous peoples. It is open Monday to Saturday, 9AM–noon and 1–5PM, and entry requires an ID.
Adults pay ₱100 and students ₱20. Bring your ID or you will not get past the entrance.
12. Lonwa Buddhist temple
The Lonwa Buddhist temple has no defined opening hours and free admission. It is less than a 10-minute walk from the crossing of Cabaguio Avenue, JP Laurel Avenue and St Camillus Dormitel.
Because there are no set hours, treat a visit as something to attempt when you are already in the area rather than a fixed point in your plan.
13. Forest Hill Resort
In Talomo District, Forest Hill Resort is one of the most visited inland resorts in the city, with a large swimming pool and a clean setup. It is open 9AM-7PM, at ₱100 per person, or ₱80 for those over 60.
It is a straightforward way to spend a hot afternoon, and the discounted rate for older visitors is worth knowing if you are travelling with family.
14. Camp Holiday Resort and Recreation Area
Beside Samal Ferry Wharf on Samal Island, this resort is open 24 hours. The ₱100 day fee covers swimming pools, nipa huts, open cottages and a seaside veranda, and it is kept very clean.
A day tour is ₱100 and an overnight stay is ₱150. If you are heading to or from the ferry, it is an easy place to build in.
15. Wake Board Park
Near Tacunan, this is one of Asia's largest wakeboard parks and a good option for a day trip. You can also rent locally if you want to extend your stay.
Reach it by taxi, and plan it as a day in itself rather than a quick stop between other sights.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at the Philippine Eagle Center when it opens at 8AM, and take your time with the eagles and the other birds and animals in the simulated forest. From there, head to San Pedro Cathedral in the town centre, then walk a few blocks south on San Pedro Street to the D' Bone Collector Museum.
Afternoon: Continue with the Dabawenyo Museum on University Avenue, keeping in mind it is closed on Sundays and some holidays. If you would rather be outdoors, swap this for Forest Hill Resort in Talomo District, which is open until 7PM.
Evening: Go up to Shrine Hills Road in Matina. Visit the Shrine of the Holy Infant of Jesus while there is still light, then move to Jack's Ridge for the view of the city at night. If you have energy left, People's Park along Legazpi Street is open until 10PM and is at its best after dark.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit People's Park?
It is more enjoyable as the sun goes down and at night. The park is open 7AM-10PM and admission is free.
Do I need an ID for the Davao Museum?
Yes. Entry to the Davao Museum at 113 Agusan Circle, within Insular Village, is only with an ID. It is open Monday to Saturday, 9AM–noon and 1–5PM.
What does a Crocodile Park ticket include?
The ticket includes entrance to Butterfly Park, which is open 8AM-5PM, and to K'Mindanawan Village, where there is a fire show on Friday to Sunday, 5:45PM-6:30PM. Adults pay ₱350 and children ₱250.
Is Eden Nature Park cooler than the city?
Yes. It is in the mountains, about 50 km from Davao and close to the town of Toril, so it is cooler than Davao City.
Decide which of these fits your days, check the opening times that matter to you, and start building your Davao itinerary around them.