Top Must-Visit Places in Davao Oriental

Davao Oriental is located in the southeastern province of Davao Region, Mindanao with its Capital City of Mati. The province is known to be the top producer of coconut and copra, earning the title “Coconut capital of the Philippines.”

But more than just that, Davao Oriental also boasts its natural destinations of gorgeous beaches, heritage sites, islands, and a lot more. Combining a balance between chill laid-back and adventure-filled natural wonders, Davao Oriental is definitely a perfect weekend getaway destination! And below are some of the not-to-miss. Check this out!

HOW TO REACH DAVAO ORIENTAL

The City of Mati, the province’s capital, can be reached from Manila and Cebu by taking any of the daily scheduled airline flights to Davao City or any inter-island vessels that are regularly plying Manila/Cebu- Davao routes. From Davao City, a 3-hour private vehicle or a 4-hour public utility vehicle ride will bring you to Mati. Bus rate is Php 200-220.

DAVAO ORIENTAL’S A MUST-VISIT ATTRACTIONS

WELCOME PARK

This gateway of Davao Oriental in Barangay Pintatagan, Banaybanay is the entry point to the province and to the 14-stations of the “Way of the Cross” along 645 steps to culminate in a hilltop shrine of the Holy Cross. At the Park also are where local cafes and pasalubong centres are available.

Travel tip #1. This is a popular stopover for tourists and locals alike. So better travel early in the morning and reach here before the sun gets hot.

DARRPORT

This place is probably one of the most underrated attractions, although it is just a base point to major island adventures. It is located at Sitio Catmonan, Brgy. Macambol, Mati, Davao Oriental with a roughly 30-minute drive from the national highway. You can get a full panoramic view of Pujada Bay and Waniban Island on sight and take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air.

Travel Tip #2. Wear comfy shorts or any hiking outfits to keep you dry as you start going into the adventure.

TINIKARAN PEAK

You can experience the ultimate Ridge to Reef Adventure here. This trail is actually part of the UNESCO protected sanctuary of Mt. Hamuiguitan that will lead you to discover wonders you might have not seen before. Considered as a buffer zone, the communities around Tinikaran Peak are in full efforts to brand the area as a sustainable eco-tourism destination. You may contact Tinikaran Peak for booking arrangements and other tour packages.

PANDIL RIDGE

Located in Manay, Mati City, Pandil Ridge gives you an amazing view of Panongtongan Ridge. It will take roughly an hour to travel here from Mati, City, which can be accessed only via private vehicle since the road going there is well-paved. From the entry point, you will ride a habal-habal for 10 minutes and you will be welcomed with this view.

Travel Tip #3. Always bring your tumbler or water jug with you. It is life-saver.

DAHICAN BEACH

Situated in Mati, Dahican Beach is popular with surfers, skimboarders, and beach bums, as it offers a charming and unspoiled slice of paradise, with its powdery white sand and stunning crescent-shaped coastline facing the Pacific Ocean. Dahican was also the top choice of the internet’s “Search for Next Boracay.”

Travel Tip #4. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. Also, bring ziploc bags.

SUBANGAN MUSEUM

Subangan Museum is an interactive museum that tells everything you need to know about Davao Oriental. The name is derived from the term ‘Subang’ which means “east” and/or “a place where the sun rises”. One of the highlights of the museum is Davor, the largest whale skeleton in the country and ranked 7th in the world. The museum opens daily from Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM.

SLEEPING DINOSAUR VIEW DECK

DavOr trip without dropping by at this deck is definitely hard to miss. This deck has become a popular stopover for locals and visitors coming from Davao or Tagum. It’s just an island that is shaped like a sleeping dinosaur. Just be careful when taking a photo.

GASTRONOMIC TREATS IN DAVAO ORIENTAL

Davao Oriental is also a haven of tatak Pinoy food delicacies! The most famous and a must-try among them is the special Empanada. At Php 9 per piece, you can consume five at max for sure. And no worries for our families at home, you can buy a box of 15 pieces at Php 145, or 25 pieces at Php 235.

WHERE TO STAY IN DAVAO ORIENTAL

Davao Oriental Tourism Complex. Situated at Barangay Don Martin Marundan, Tourism Complex lies on a 5-hectare land (Formerly owned by Hans Menzi) that houses the Subangan Museum, Provincial Tourism Office, Provincial Tourism Annex & Function Rooms, Subangan Dormitory, and the Governor’s Mansion.

Their Tourism Dormitory is now open for Public with the following rates:

Deluxe Twin Bed (P2,000 w/Bfast & P1,750 w/o Bfast)
Deluxe Double Twin Bed (P3,500 w/Bfast & P3,000 w/o Bfast)
Dormitory (3 Beds: P800 | 4 Beds: P1,000)
Function Room (For 50 pax: P3,000/day)

For Travel Bookings and Reservations, you may contact the Provincial Tourism Office of Davao Oriental at (087) 388-4013/ 09668854985 or email them at davaoorientaltourism@gmail.com.