D-A-V-A-O.
You might probably heard of Davao as the hometown of the current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, or the fact that it is home to the tasty durian fruit or even associate it with diverse outdoor destinations for daredevils. Whatever “D” that is, Davao has so much to offer with its plethora of attractions, and you can have a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) trip without necessarily breaking the bank.
Davao City is one of the biggest cities in the Philippines with most number of population, next to Quezon and Manila, but also the largest city overall in terms of land area. It is a first class highly urbanized city and considered to be the primary economic hub of Mindanao. But did you know that you can enjoy the best of Davao for 2 days and 1 night with only Php 1,000 budget? Surprisingly YES!
I made a little experiment and realized that you don’t really have to splurge when traveling. I asked some friends (who are also Davao locals) about tips on what to do or where to go in their beautiful city but I only got some ideas that are impossible to achieve given the limited time and budget. And so, I explored Davao City with my own terms and these are the highlights of my top activities to do in Davao on a budget:
☑️ Take a selfie and shop at Chinatown for ₱10 (bargain haven!)
☑️ Do park-hopping for free (6 different parks to visit!)
☑️ Eat durian fruit or candy for free (a must-try!!!)
☑️ Try charcoal dirty ice cream for ₱10 (delicious!)
☑️ Island hopping around Samal ₱450 (sensational activity!)
Here’s a 2D1N Davao budget travel guide with DIY itinerary:
DAY 1: CITY TOUR
Chinatown
Davao’s Chinatown claims the biggest Chinatown in the world in terms of land area – 44 hectares, roughly covering 4 barangays. It is said to be the only Chinatown in the Philippines with its own seaport.
There are four designated arches or virtues that marks each entry point of Chinatown namely Arch of Unity, Arch of Friendship, Arch of Prosperity and Arch of Peace. These arches are located in four different locations and each one has a unique design and color that are worthy to be visited when in Davao.
Davao’s Chinatown is a major trading center in downtown Davao where cheap items are being sold and authentic Chinese cuisines and culture can be experienced.
Just right beside the Chinatown arch, there a lot of vendors selling durian fruit and durian candies. If you’re lucky, these vendors often slice a durian fruit or two so you or any tourist can grab a free taste. It’s uniquely delish!
People’s Park
With all the cool things you can experience in Davao, park-hopping is for sure a fantastic way to enjoy. Start with the infamous People’s Park, one of the cleanest and greenest public parks in the Philippines. It is an urban public park in Davao covering an area of 4 hectares wherein most families and friends spend their time to bond and create special memories together. Cost: Php 0.00. Nada!
The main features of the park are as follow: visitors’ center, the Durian Dome, dancing fountain and Open Plaza that hosts a rainbow walk and sculptures which depicts indigenous people. Also inside People’s Park, there’s a dedicated fun park for children. Featuring seesaw, slide and other playground facilities, it’s really conducive for kids.
Magsaysay Park
Visit the famous Magsaysay Park. Located at the heart of the park is a 25-meter-long tri-pillar obelisk-like concrete tower that houses the life-size statue of President Ramon Magsaysay. Built by the Davao Chapter of the Philippine Veterans Legion, Magsaysay Park was turned over to the City Government of Davao on July 31, 1960.
You can also stroll at the park while you get a glimpse of an array of traditional houses and cultural customs from different group of lumad (or indigenous people) in Mindanao such as Subanen, T’boli, Manobo, B’laan and many more.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a free speech zone where public can form assemblies to exercise any form of freedom of expression. It consists of two parks: the Millennium Park, located in the center island along the stretch of Roxas Avenue across Ateneo de Davao University, and Clifford Park that covers the wide and spacious intersection of Claro M. Recto Street (old Claveria Street) and Roxas Avenue.
Rizal Park
Just like any city in the Philippines, Rizal Park is also developed and maintained in Davao in honor of the country’s National Hero. Rizal Park is a favorite leisure spot by locals, an open space wherein you can feed some doves at Rizal Park. You’d encounter uncage birds freely flying lowly in this park.
Charcoal black ice cream is a must-try. Lot of “flavor-of-the-road” ice cream vendors are scattered around the park, just choose which one offers charcoal black ice cream. Cost: Php 10.00
Quezon Park
Right beside Rizal Park lies Quezon Park. It’s actually small compared to Rizal Park but it is well-landscaped and adorned with ornamental statues and attractions. Although their are public jeepneys with routes passing by the above-mentioned parks, they are nevertheless located close to each other so you don’t really have to spend fare to hop from one park to another.
City Hall of Davao
The City Hall of Davao is also a great structure to stage your selfies. Depicting the American architecture in the 1920s, the Davao City Hall was the latest infrastructure in the country declared as a historical site in 2012. Every December, the façade will transform into a wall flashed with art.
Sangguniang Panlungsod
Marvel at the unique architecture of Sangguniang Panlungsod. A monument was also built which depicts Katipuneros releasing doves in the air to symbolize freedom.
St. Pedro Cathedral
You can end your Davao City Tour by visiting San Pedro Cathedral. It is one of the famous Catholic Churches in the city and the busiest church of all, fronting the Davao City Hall along San Pedro Street, Davao City. The façade turns golden when the sunset hits the unique structure that seemingly resembles a stone ship that’s about to sail.
DAY 2: ISLAND HOPPING IN SAMAL
Have fun in the sun, sand and sea by joining an island hopping tour around Samal Island. The only island that’s near the metro and the go-to beach destination every weekend and holidays is no other than Samal Island. For as low as Php 450, you can experience a breathtaking island hopping activity on a budget!
Whether you’d prefer inland tour or island hopping, Samal Island is a spectacular attraction to visit. See separate article here: Samal Island and Talikud Island
Where To Eat in Davao
Since this is a budget travel guide, I recommend eating (and shopping) at Roxas Night Market. Aside from its accessibility, there are varieties of makeshift stalls and carts that offer both yummy and affordable street food choices that your tummy and pocket will surely thank you for. It is definitely a nirvana for bargain aficionado and savvy foodie.
Where To Stay in Davao
If you’re looking for a cheap accommodation with clean and decent amenities, then Homitori is right for you. For only Php 220.00, you can already reserve a slot as a bed spacer (bunk bed style, shared for 4 persons).
What is included in the Php 220? Air-conditioned room, essential bathroom and toiletry needs, wifi connection, security, and complimentary breakfast. For a super affordable price, you get a service that’s basically similar to that of hotels and resorts. Other services such as massage, laundry, gym, internet café and meeting rooms are also available. That’s what you call value for money!
Homitori is located at F. Bangoy St., corner Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City. It is very near to Sta. Ana wharf where the boats for docking for the island hopping activities. Contact details are as follow:
Tel. No. (82) 295-2971
Mobile: (+63) 922 854 1127 (+63) 922 899 4646
Email: homitoridvo@gmail.com
DIY Itinerary and Budget
Day 1: Arrival (Php 15 jeepney fare)
Check-in at Homitori (Php 220)
Davao City Tour (Php 20)
Roxas Night Market (Php 50)
Rest
Day 2: Check-out at Homitori (leave baggage at counter)
Island-Hopping (Php450 without food)
Samal Island
Talikud Island
Departure (Php 15 jeepney fare)
How to Get to Davao
The fastest way to get to Davao is via air. There are a lot of local airlines with daily flights to Davao (Francisco Bangoy International Airport) from major cities in the country so choose your preferred flight schedule. From Davao Airport, you can take a jeepney (with Claveria route) going to Homitori, Sta. Ana, near Ramon Magsaysay Park. Jeepney fare is Php 15.00. Travel time is 30 minutes.