DAVAO

Davao is a region in south eastern 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.

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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!

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Where To Go:

Samal Island – unspoiled and pristine, the island prides itself for its white sand beaches with vacation facilities for different kinds of water sports.

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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 Isamal 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.

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Accommodations:

• Apo View Hotel
• Grand Meng Seng Hotel
• Pearl Farm Hotel
• Waterfront Insular Hotel
• Marco Polo Hotel
• Mercure Hotel Davao
• Royal Mandaya Hotel

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.

How To Get There:

One can get to Davao City from Manila by land (by bus via the Pan-Philippine highway), by sea (daily ferry boats) or by air.

Source: www.philsite.net

Teaser photo source: www.marcopolohotels.com