Are you heading to the Philippines, the pearl of the East Seas? Here’s where to stay in Davao, in the south of the archipelago!
Davao is the capital of the region that bears its name, and of theisland of Mindanao, in the southern part of the Philippine archipelago. The city is nothing less than the largest in the Philippines in terms of surface area and the fourth largest in terms of population; it is overlooked by Mount Apo, the highest point in the Philippines at 2954 m. Nicknamed « the country’s fruit and flower basket », Davao’s economy is focused on agricultural activities, but there’s plenty of room for tourism: it’s worth noting that the city is set in a privileged natural setting, bordered by heavenly beaches and studded with a myriad of tropical islands to visit!
The Philippines is a country of promising development, and numerous investments are being made to entice potential visitors to come and stay here: Davao, the spearhead of tourism in the region, is resolutely turned towards the world and will charm all those who let themselves be convinced by the discovery of this very special nation.
So, would you like to find out more and visit the fruit city? We’ve put together a few tips to help you find the ideal accommodation in Davao.
Barrio Pogi
Photo credit: Pexels – Sheila Mae Capul
This barangay (Filipino neighborhood) is located right in the center of Davao, along the coastline: It’s from here, for example, that you can board a ferry to escape the noise and hustle and bustle of Philippine cities, and head off to the seaside resort of Dayang, on theisland of Talikud just opposite Davao, or plan a scuba-diving excursion with one of the many operators offering this type of service -Davao is renowned for its sublime coral reefs and numerous colorful fish spots.
For those who don’t mind Davao City’s frenzied atmosphere, the city is yours to explore: bars, street food stalls, traditional stores or modern shopping malls, there’s no problem finding something to do, go out and have fun! That said, although there is a strong police presence in the city and crime rates have fallen sharply over the past twenty years, it’s best to avoid wandering through some of the downtown alleys after dark: juvenile delinquency continues to threaten residents and unwary tourists alike.
As for accommodation, it’s easy to find a hotel room in Davao: there’s one on every street! Prices are low: expect to pay around 40 euros for a top-of-the-range room.
San Antonio
Photo credit: Flickr – Wayne S. Grazio
Further north, close to theFrancisco Bangoy international airport, San Antonio is a business district (many multinationals are based along J.P. Laurel Avenue, which runs through the area). This barangay has the advantage of being quieter (fewer bars and restaurants), and there are fewer hotels to choose from, which drastically reduces the price of a room!
Accommodation in Davao’s San Antonio district is also available through an online accommodation-sharing platform, which will make you feel right at home before you head off on a trek around Mount Apo, tour the town in a « jeepney » (an old US army jeep converted into a colorful bus: a folkloric and fun way to get around Davao) or to learn something new at the nearby Davao Museum of History and Ethnography. For the wealthy clientele looking for a luxurious place to stay in Davao, some of the finest establishments are also located in the San Antonio barangay.
Find a hotel in San Antonio
Find an Airbnb in San Antonio
Map of hotels and accommodations – Davao,ph