Davao City City Guide

Local dishes like Kinilaw, Sinugba, and durian are must-tries. There’s a good mix of international food and growing vegetarian/vegan options. Many eateries open late, especially street stalls.

Davao's nightlife centers around bars and KTV lounges, mainly on Torres Street. It’s more low-key than Manila but still lively enough.

Coffee scene is lively with local cafes and emerging specialty shops serving locally grown beans.

Tipping is optional but appreciated. Restaurants may include 10% service charge; otherwise 5-10% is normal. Taxi drivers expect rounded fares.

Buy SIM cards at the airport or malls from Globe, Smart, or DITO. Registration with ID/passport is required. Globe and Smart offer good coverage and eSIM options.

The city is clean thanks to strict waste rules and active recycling programs.

Many pharmacies (Mercury Drug, Watsons), convenience stores (7-Eleven), and some clinics operate 24/7 or late.

Supermarkets stock international foods but with limited variety. Fresh markets offer local produce and meat. Major supermarkets are SM, Robinsons, S&R, and Gaisano. Bargaining is usual in markets but not in malls.

Most big stores accept cards and mobile payments like GCash and PayMaya, but small shops and public transport mostly use cash.

ATMs from major banks like BDO, BPI, Metrobank, and Landbank are easy to find in malls, banks, and convenience stores. Expect international fees depending on your bank.

Davao has universities like Ateneo de Davao and University of Mindanao. International schools include Davao Christian High School and Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School with English instruction.

The community is growing with some coworking spaces and cafes but still small compared to bigger hubs. Online groups help with networking.

Green parks like People's Park and Eden Nature Park provide good access to nature inside and near the city.

Popular routes include People's Park and the coastal road; safe with good air quality.

Gyms and sports facilities for basketball, badminton, and tennis are common.

Tennis courts are available at sports complexes and private clubs.

Padel is rare but found in some newer sports facilities.

Several yoga studios and wellness centers offer drop-in classes.

Dojos exist for Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, BJJ, and Muay Thai. Check each gym for drop-in policies.

No skiing; Philippines is tropical.

You can kayak, paddleboard, and jet ski mainly near Samal Island resorts.

Limited surfing in Davao City. Better spots like Dahican Beach are 3-4 hours away by car.

Great snorkeling and diving around Samal Island with good visibility and diverse marine life.

Hospitals like Southern Philippines Medical Center and Davao Doctors Hospital have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like Mercury Drug and Watsons are common and many open 24/7.

Tap water should be boiled or filtered before drinking. Bottled water is widely available and cheap.

Parks and malls have playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés. Attractions like Davao Crocodile Park and Eden Nature Park keep kids entertained.

Generally progressive and safe for LGBTQ+ people with some local protections but limited national legal rights.

More pet-friendly spots appear, with vet services and some public areas allowing pets on leash.