Holiday in Davao
City in the Philippines — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇵🇭
Country
Philippines
Type
City
Best time to travel
March to May (25-33 °C, dry). Davao is located outside the typhoon belt. August-November for Durian season.
Budget/day
45-100 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Davao Francisco Bangoy (DVO, approx. 15-20 hours with layovers in Manila, Singapore, or Seoul). No visa required for Germans for up to 30 days.
Deals for Davao:
What makes Davao special as a destination?
Davao City is the largest city in the southern Philippines and is located on the island of Mindanao. With an area of over 2,400 square kilometers, it is one of the largest cities in the world by land area — its territory stretches from the coast to the summit of Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines (2,954 m). Davao is the undisputed Durian capital of the Philippines: The spiky fruit with its intense smell and creamy flesh is celebrated here in all forms — fresh, as candy, ice cream, cake, and even as chips. The Durian market on Magsaysay Street is the epicenter, especially during the harvest season from August to November. The Philippine Eagle is the largest eagle in the world (wingspan up to 2.2 meters) and the national bird of the Philippines. The Philippine Eagle Center in Davao is the main breeding and conservation station for this endangered species — only about 800 individuals remain in the wild, almost all on Mindanao. Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, is an active volcano and a popular trekking destination. The ascent takes 2-3 days and passes through various vegetation zones: from tropical rainforest to moss forest to alpine grasslands at the summit, where hot springs and sulfur deposits testify to the volcanic activity. Samal Island, just 15 minutes by ferry from Davao, offers white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and caves. The Paradise Island Beach Resort and the Monfort Bat Sanctuary — home to the largest bat colony in the world with over 1.8 million animals — are the most famous attractions.
What are the top highlights in Davao?
The top highlights in Davao include Philippine Eagle Center, Mount Apo, Durian Market (Magsaysay Street), Samal Island, Eden Nature Park.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Philippine Eagle Center
Breeding station for the largest eagle in the world: national bird of the Philippines with a wingspan of up to 2.2 m, endangered.
Mount Apo
Highest mountain in the Philippines (2,954 m): 2-3 day trek through rainforest, moss forest, and volcanic landscape.
Durian Market (Magsaysay Street)
Epicenter of Durian culture: fresh fruits, Durian ice cream, and candies in Davao's most famous street.
Samal Island
White beaches and coral reefs just 15 min by ferry: also home to the largest bat colony in the world at Monfort Bat Sanctuary.
Eden Nature Park
Mountain resort at 900 m altitude: zipline, bird watching, and cool temperatures as a contrast to the tropical heat.
Hotels in Davao
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
* You will be redirected to Expedia.de. Their terms of use apply.
Reise-SIM für Davao
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Davao?
The best time to visit Davao is March to May (25-33 °C, dry). Davao is located outside the typhoon belt. August-November for Durian season.. 26-34 °C, tropical humid with short rain showers In winter: 24-31 °C, consistently warm, slightly more rain
Recommended travel time
March to May (25-33 °C, dry). Davao is located outside the typhoon belt. August-November for Durian season.
Summer
26-34 °C, tropical humid with short rain showers
Winter
24-31 °C, consistently warm, slightly more rain
How much does a holiday in Davao cost?
Budget travellers: 20-40 €/day, mid-range: 45-100 €/day, luxury: 110-300 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
20-40 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
45-100 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
110-300 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Davao?
Flight to Davao Francisco Bangoy (DVO, approx. 15-20 hours with layovers in Manila, Singapore, or Seoul). No visa required for Germans for up to 30 days.
Book a package holiday to Davao
Compare thousands of package holidays to Davao and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Davao?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
No visa required — Germans can stay visa-free for up to 30 days. Extension for 29 days possible at the Bureau of Immigration.
Philippine Peso (PHP) — 1 € ≈ 62 PHP. ATMs available, cash needed for markets and tricycles.
Try Durian — the Puyat variety is the best for beginners (less intense smell). Check hotel restrictions on Durian.
Take the smoking ban seriously — Davao has one of the strictest smoking bans in the Philippines. High fines for violations.
Mount Apo permit — trekking permit and local guide are mandatory. Apply in advance at the DENR (Environmental Authority).
What should you eat in Davao?
Typical specialities in Davao: Durian — the queen of fruits: creamy flesh with an intense aroma, available in all variations in Davao., Kinilaw — Filipino ceviche with raw tuna in vinegar and coconut milk: fresh and spicy, Davao's signature dish., Sinuglaw — a combination of grilled pork and raw fish kinilaw: a unique Filipino fusion., Lechon Baboy — whole roasted pig on a spit: crispy skin and juicy meat, a feast for any celebration., Tuba — fermented coconut wine: slightly alcoholic and sweet, a traditional drink of the Visayas and Mindanao..
These specialties you must try!
