Philippine Travel Davao

Among the many things that are uniquely Davao: Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak and home to the Philippine monkey eating Eagle, which is an endangered species, and the waling-waling, a rare orchid. The famous Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a world class resort that is visited by hundreds of travelers each year. The increase of modern leisure establishments in Davao city has made her become a popular tourist destination.

Some tourist must-sees include Dabaw Etnica, a tiny settlement of the Mandaya Tribe, Dabaw Museum where one could see tribal artifacts and costumes. Travelers should also visit the Taoist and Lon Wa Buddhist Temples. Davao City is the main agricultural and trading center of Mindanao.

She is the biggest cut flower producer in the country and plays a major role in the export of tropical fruits. With the opening of the Davao International Airport, she has established herself as one of the international gateways to the Philippines. The city is known for its exotic fruits like bananas, pineapples, mangosteen, and the smelly but tasty durian, which incidentally is banned in most airports because of its foul smell. Philippine Airlines flies twice daily to Davao from the Manila (one hour and 35 minutes away - 1,545 Kilometers) and from Cebu (55 minutes away).

Flights are also available from Zamboanga (daily, one hour and 20 minutes) and Cagayan de Oro (Four times a week - M W TH SAT - 35 minutes). Major shipping lines also service the Davao area from Manila and nearby southern points. Shoppers in Davao may treat themselves with shopping sprees at Gaisano Mall of Davao (J.P.

Laurel Avenue), Victoria Plaza (J.P. Laurel Avenue), JSGaisano Citimall (Ilustre Street), New City Commercial Center (R.

Magsaysay Avenue), Makro-Davao (Bangkal) and SM City Davao (Ecoland). The best place to purchase souvenirs is the Aldevinco Shopping Center (C.M.

Recto Avenue). It has a wide range of batik garments, brass products, ethnic accessories and souvenir shirts. Recommended Hotels: Apo View Hotel J. Camus St., Davao City (082)2216430 Manila Contact Number: (02)8931288 or (02)8939151 Grand Regal Hotel Davao Km.

7, J.P. Laurel Ave, Lanag Davao City (082)2350888/(082)2343910 Manila Contact Number: (02)7349055 / (02)7349061 / (02)7349156 .

By: Noel