Davao is a region in southeastern Mindanao,
Philippines that boast of its natural beauty and resources.
Davao is composed of four provinces namely: Davao del Norte,
Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and the City
of Davao. Collectively, they are designated as Region XI of
the Philippines.
Davao is a major producer of gold, and its
mining resources include silica, silver, copper and elemental
sulfur. It is where the highest peak (10,311 feet) in the Philippines
is located – Mt. Apo, where only the brave dare climb.
Davao City is the most important city in Mindanao and the largest
city in Asia in terms of land area - occupying more than 244,000
hectares.
Its population according to the 2000 Census
is 1,147,116.. It's international airport and seaport is one
of the busiest cargo hubs in the southern Philippines. Davao
City is also one of several cities in the Philippines that are
independent of any province. The city is also the regional center
for the Davao Region.
There are many places to go and things to do
in Davao. Just 5 kilometers north of the city is Lanang Golf
& Country Club with an 18 hole course. To the south of the
city are Apo Golf & Country Club and New Davao City Golf
Club. The region has many hotels and resorts to relax and unwind.
For the gourmet, Davao offers a wide variety of local and international
cuisines at very reasonable prices.
Davao is known for its fresh seafood, notably
the grilled yellow fin tuna, tiger prawns, barbeques and other
delightful specialties. Not to be missed when in Davao is the
Durian, the fruit that smells like hell but taste like heaven.
Some of the more popular places of interest
in Davao:
Samal Island – unspoiled
and pristine, the island prides itself for its white sand beaches
with vacation facilities for different kinds of water sports.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort, is
the most famous tourist destination in Davao. The Pearl Farm
is located on Samal Island just a short boat ride from Davao
City. The 11-hectare resort was once a real pearl farm that
cultivated oysters imported from the Sulu Sea, and produces
some of the best pearls in the country. Now the white sand beach
resort is a top tourist attraction in Davao with cottages inspired
by the samal native design.
Philippine Eagle National Center,
where the endangered Philippine eagle is bread in captivity.
The Center provides shelter to some 19 Philippine eagles as
well as other birds, animals.
Tourist interested in local handicrafts will
find artwork and various handmade products made by indigenous
ethnic tribes of Davao namely the Bagobos, the Atas, the Mansakas,
the Mandayas, the the Kalagans, the Mangguangans and the Tagakaolos.
Their crafts can be found in local stores and museums in the
city.
