By Joseph Ciccanti
Photo Credit: Annie Ciccanti
The Philippines offers settings that include various nature, cost, cultural, as well as health-related benefits. Those categories outlined below cover the above- mentioned pluses and more.
The Philippines archipelago comprises well over 7,000 islands. This tropical environment gives you an appreciation for life and the environment.
The mountains take you above the clouds.
The seas below lure you in with their turquoise blue, crystal clear waters. The lush, green landscape captures your attention.
The exotic animals invite you to connect with nature. The culture is
both laid-back and active at the same time. Welcome to a land that presents itself as vibrant, colorful, cheerful, and full of life.
Although the information in this article applies to the Philippines in general, the area of focus is Davao City. Davao is located on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. This article outlines several Davao City tourist spots.
You might wonder, “What is the best resort in Davao City?” From my visits, I’ll share my personal opinion below.
The seven categories covered in this article share one common characteristic: options. The best option for you when you visit Davao City really depends on what fits your style and preferences.
You’ll find many things to do in Davao City. I characterize my experience in Davao City in the following seven ways:
1. Scenic Options: The Mountainous and Seaside Tropical Landscape
You’ll enjoy many aspects of nature and remarkable scenery, particularly in Davao’s higher elevations. Atop one steep mountain slope, a popular restaurant overlooks the city. The eatery is part of Jack’s Ridge at Shrine Hills, which is one of the places in Davao City where locals hang out. The restaurant’s position leads to picturesque views during the day and presents a city of sparkling lights at night.
If you enjoy natural, scenic tours, take a retreat to Eden Park and Resort near the city. If you like to learn about animals and see them up close and personal, head to Crocodile Park. This zoo introduces you to interesting creatures native to the Southeast Asia region.
If you long to see that spectacular sunrise above the clouds, take a ride to Sonnenberg View on the outskirts of Mindanao. There, the Sea of Clouds displays a panoramic view of the mountains.
From various points in Davao city, you’ll gaze at the sight of Mount Apo, the tallest mountain peak in the Philippines.
2. Cooler Options Amid a Tropical Climate
In many places throughout the Philippines including Davao City, you’ll sweat from the hot and humid conditions of a tropical climate. However, you can easily escape from that by heading to higher elevations. The mountainous areas, such as Eden Park, help produce cooler conditions than in the city.
Some choose the mountains as a permanent or temporary place of residence. Others build homes by the sea. In either case, the Davao area climate does not allow for the four seasons. However, even in the lower elevations, it does feel relatively cool at times in December and January.
3. Healthy Options: Organically Grown Fruits and Vegetables
Davao’s organic fruits and vegetables give you more confidence in what you are eating if you are health conscious. If you pursue healthy choice living, the lush, green vegetation will encourage you to take advantage of such options.
Davao City–Bemwa Farm
Bemwa Farm and a host of other locations provide fresh produce. Mix vegetables such as chayote, pechay, and moringa into a nutritious
salad. Fruits of Davao include mango, guava, mangosteen, guyabano, and the famous fruit in Davao–durian.
Guyabano consists of anti-cancer properties. Durian does not smell the greatest, but the combination of flavors makes up for that.
Also, you’ll eat familiar fruits such as bananas, watermelon, and pineapple. Despite the familiarity, you can see, feel, and taste the difference between these organically grown fruits and the regular ones.
An abundance of calabash or “miracle fruit” reportedly treats cancer as well as diabetes. Another tropical favorite—coconut—offers many health benefits as well.
In terms of other foods Davao City is known for, rice, pork, a delicious, popular bread called pandesal, and duck eggs called balut come to mind.
Amid all the Filipino and other Asian foods, you’ll also find American meal items throughout Davao.
Whatever you prefer, with so many nutritious options, you won’t need to worry about how to maintain a healthy diet.
4. Convenient, Inexpensive Transportation Options: Jeepneys, Tricycles, and Taxis
In many areas in and around Davao City, you can easily get around without a car. Depending on where you stop or stay, you’ll find many establishments within walking distance. These include pharmacies, convenience stores, fashion boutiques, second-hand clothing stores, malls, medical clinics, eateries, and a variety of other stores and facilities. These places give you easy access to what you need.
If you live in the higher elevations, it might take longer to get there. Still, you drive or ride a reasonable distance.
A jeepney resembles a bus, but the two long seats face sideways instead of forward. Typically, for a jeepney and tricycle, the minimum fare is only a quarter U.S. dollar.
When I visited recently, from downtown Davao to Toril, taxis ranged from $8 to $10 with an increase in the price depending on traffic and distance. All in all, you can get around easily at reasonable prices.
5. Cost-Related Options: Comparatively Low Prices
Costs in Davao City are of course, as with anywhere subject to change. When I was there in early 2020, the value of 50 pesos was about one dollar in U.S. currency. Now, it’s 54-56 pesos to a dollar.
At the popular and scenic Jack’s Ridge at Shrine Hills, you can order two quality seafood meals for only $20.
In terms of groceries, depending on the type of product, you can buy milk for less than two dollars.
The taxi’s rate is 8 to 10 dollars.
In terms of electricity and water, the price depends on how much an individual or family uses. In Bato, one family pays 7-8 $ for water and 20-25$ for electric.
If you live in the United States, you can easily save up for a decent retirement in Davao City.
For those admitted to the hospital, the price ranges from $20 to $40 a day for the room. Treatment varies depending on the type of illness and the kind of test that patient needs.
6. Lifestyle Options: Experiencing the Unique Combination of a Laid-Back and Active Environment
Davao City presents itself as a city with a culture of gratitude. The city thrives from an atmosphere that is both laid back and active at the same time. You could enjoy a more relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, or you might draw energy from being around a lot of people and activities. Either way, the Filipino culture can easily fit your personality and preferences.
Unlike in other countries, the laid-back, slow-paced way of living reflects how they avoid worrying about time. Time seemed to slow down after coming from the rushed culture of the U.S. East Coast. Flipinos take their time when it comes to busy work. However, traffic eagerly moves in tight succession, and it’s normal for horns to constantly beep.
Filipinos are generally happy people. They love music and karaoke. Employees sing while they work. You’ll also feel the vibe of excitement in the stores. You could spend a whole day at Gaisano Mall, for example. Walk among crowds, stop in at any of the hundreds of retail stores, and explore the variety. In the midst of those choices, you’ll find piles and piles of densely packed items.
The malls of the Philippines boast some of the largest in the world.
If you go to the various shopping facilities in Davao, you’ll come across plenty of security.
Because of the strict government, the numbeo.com database in the past ranked Davao City in the top ten in terms of the world’s safest cities.
Many Filipinos love outdoor activities. Water lovers pursue snorkeling, diving, boating, and fishing.
Nature lovers enjoy the many waterfalls and hot springs. Hikers journey through the mountainous terrain. Another popular activity, basketball, tops the list of sports Filipinos enjoy along with tennis and volleyball.
7. Retirement Options: Opportunities in Other Nearby Islands
If you’re thinking about retirement options, I saw some opportunities near Eden Park in the higher elevations. Eden Park, if you take a taxi, this scenic location is about 30 minutes from the city itself.
I would say that is the best resort in the Davao City area due to the relaxed and cooler atmosphere.
Is Davao City a Decent Place to Live?
As with any location, you’ll find some aspects of the place appealing, and others not so much. For example, if you decide to live in Davao or anywhere in the Philippines, typhoons or earthquakes might threaten the region from time to time.
Although, you’ll find that you can likely retire quite comfortably in that area after years of working in the United States. The prices are going up, however, so keeping track of price trends is a good idea.
If Davao does not suit you, here are a couple of other possibilities…
Take a five-minute boat ride over to Samal Island. In the Island’s Garden City of Samal, Babak District, you’ll find beachfront condos with scenic ocean views.
In one residential village in Laguna Province along the scenic Lake Caliraya, you can participate in a variety of activities. The village boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, an excellent place for fishing and water sports, as well as leisure amenities. There, you can continually take in the natural surroundings.
Siargao Island, where it’s my dream to visit in the future, is another option. I plan to write about and share information on that scenic spot down the road.
A Variety of Options and Benefits
You can choose whatever lifestyle, eating habits, and daily activities that suit you most. As an outdoors person, you might appreciate nature, farmland, and scenic locations. You might also prefer healthy foods and a warmer climate.
If you like to go shopping, you won’t go far before finding such a facility.
If the above descriptions characterize you, the information above shows what you would experience and enjoy if you visit or live in the Philippines.
The Davao City government site appears to be down at the moment, at least on my computer. When up and running, for more information, check out: Davao City Tourism Website and LIFE IS HERE – City Government of Davao
(davaocity.gov.ph).