History

Although Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago originally served as a haven for those fleeing from the militant spread of Islam in Indonesia, by the end of the 14th century the crescent flew over Sulus, and by the time Miguel de Legazpi arrived in 1565 the entire southern region was bowing to Allah. Indeed only the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors halted the northern movement of Islam throughout the Philippines.

map of Davao

The Islam encountered by Legazpi and even that practiced today must raise eyebrows in Al Azhar. Nevertheless, none will bow lower than the Moros, to use their Spanish name.

The Moro wars started in the 1700's but lasted intermittently, for three centuries! It ended only when the Spansh regime in the Philippines collapsed. Even with the coming of the Americans the Muslims of Mindanao did not give up their struggle to maintain their way of life. Not until 1915 was an uneasy peace signed. As a result of educational, economical, and political reforms, the Moros were brought within the framework of government centered at Manila.

The fragile peace collapsed in the 1970's mainly because of large scale migrations since World War II, of Christians from the neighboring Visayas made two million plus Muslims a minority in their own homeland. Predictably in a 1977 referendum the Moros were thunderously defeated on the question of autonomy. In any case, the plebiscite was said to have been "fixed" by Marcos.

A 1989 referendum saw most southern provinces choosing to stay outside the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. Only Maguindanao, Tawi Tawi, Sulu, and Lanao del Sur in the west, dominated by three Muslim groups - The Maguindanaos, Tausugs, and Maranaos - voted yes for autonomy.

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) the amalgamation of several armed guerrilla groups which appeared in the early 70's  has negotiated a peace with the government of Fidel Ramos, with most of the guerrillas now integrated into the governments armed forces. But some radical splinter groups continue their fight for autonomy, often reverting to terrorism.

Warning

It is these continued troubles to the western regions of Mindanao that hit the headlines even today.... And where as you should always look to your Embassy for travel advice, what we can say is that these minority groups that revert to kidnapping and terrorism are generally not a problem in the tourist areas of Davao City itself. Even though the featured "Pearl Farm Resort" was hit in the nearby area. Security has been tightened up, and visitors are generally safe in Davao. Terrorism is a sad fact of life in the world today as September 11th 2001 in America has shown. Vigilance is needed. But, where ever possible people should not give in to such tactic's and go about their normal life as much as possible - including tourists. We advise you stay clear of the Western areas of Mindanao and concentrate on Davao itself.

Introduction

Sprawled amongst the shores of the southeastern island of Mindano, Davao del sur is a place of natural wonders and rarities. It boasts of the country's highest peak - Mount Apo, the most prized Philippines orchid species like the vanda sanderiana, some of the most exotic fruits such as the Durian fruit which is famed for its sweet taste despite the pungent aroma! And the endangered Philippine Eagle. It also claims to be the worlds largest City in terms of land mass. Davao City also has the highest percentage of students within the country who study at the many schools and universities.

How to Get there.

Mindanao is located in the far South of the Philippine Islands. It is possible to travel by ferry from Manila but, this journey can take several days and because of this the only real way to travel as a tourist to Davao is by a domestic flight. Davao has an Airport and flights to and from Manila depart daily.

Philippine Airlines first flight leaves at 5.10am and the last flight is at 2.50pm. Air Philippines first flight at 5am and last flight at 3.45pm. And Cebu Pacific starting at 4.30am with the last flight at 4pm. The flight takes around 90 minutes.

The ferry service is by Sulipicio lines and leaves Manila every Thursday at 4pm and Sunday at 10am. 

Once you get to Davao transportation is by Trikes and Jeepney as normal and taxi's. There are two kinds of taxis as well. The regular Air conditioned type, and PU type. These PU's are an experience! No A/C some with no windows and car seats that are obviously pirated from another type of car and held in by wire etc... Beaten up old things, is the kindest thing one can say about them. However they are cheaper than the regular taxi's.

Where to Stay

Apo View Hotel - At the heart of Davao City's business district, The Apo View is about 20 minutes from the Davao International Airport. A shopping mall is just across the street from the hotel, as well as a church, several banks and a jogging oval. Some of the city's more popular entertainment places are also just a short ride away. Apo View hotel comes highly recommended. Easily accessible from the Airport and within easy reach of the city with its shopping malls, restaurants and disco and nightlife. Also within easy reach of the beaches and resorts.

Insular hotel - Top quality hotel centrally located, enjoy a dip in the swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens and a view of the beach. For health buffs, there is a jogging path in around the gardens of the hotel as well as a basketball court, tennis court, pitch n' putt greens. One can also enjoy a stroll along beach right in front of the hotel. Visit the Mandaya Weaving Center were ethnic women weave the "tinalak" and where one can buy exotic souvenir items. Night life in the hotel can be spent at the Vinta Bar where one can enjoy listening to the band's music.

The Tower Inn is located down town just 20 minutes from the Airport. They provide a free shuttle service to and from the Airport for guests. The hotel has cable TV. Air conditioned rooms. The hotel has a new wing where with Beeline you can get a 25% discount whilst in the old wing you can get a massive 50% discount until Dec 31st 2000. Discounts are on cash payments only. Credit Card transactions add 6%. The have a business center and room service. They have 49 rooms in total. 

Pearl Farm Resort - Nestled on the quiet west side of Samal Island. a mere 40-minute boat ride away from the city is the Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Located by a hillside cliff covered with lush vegetation as a backdrop the resort offers its guests - well facilities and modern amenities in an exotic environment.

Restaurants

 There are a vast variety of Restaurants in and around Davao and within the city itself and the shopping mall at Victoria Plaza you will find the usual fast food chains as well as specialized restaurants covering all the various nationalities as well as local cuisine.

Alavar Seafood Restaurant - J.P.Laurel St,  Davao City. Tel : (082) 221 4639

After Dark Resto Bar - Sandawa Road, Ecoland. Davao City. Tel : (082) 298 0299 

Beatlebum Resto Bar - Door 5, Escalona Bldg, Ponciano Reyes St, DavaoCity. Tel : (082) 224 3455

Beunaventura Steakhouse - Madrazo Shopping Center. C.Bangoy St,  Davao City. Tel : (082) 227 8012

Casa Armas - Habana Compound. Rizal St, Davao City. Tel : (082) 227 7562

Garden Oasis Restaurant - Porras St Bo Obero Davao City Tel : (082) 224 1402 International cuisine

Hot Plates Resto Bar - Guerrero St,  Davao City Tel : (082) 227 3668 Exotic food (Crocodile adobo!)

Shanghai Restaurant - 423-425 Ramon. Magasaysay Ave, Davao City Tel: (082) 227 6460 Chinese cuisine

Samubi Restaurant - McArthur Highway Matina, Davao City Tel: (082) 298 2251 Filipino - Steak and Chinese dishes.

Cactus World - Amgar Plaza, Ilustre St. Davao City. Tel : (082) 226 3825 Authentic Mexican and Latin food

Places of Interest.

For shopping the modern mall of Victoria Plaza is popular with the locals and tourists alike. located on the main highway J.P.Laurel Avenue and with the Davao Medical school right opposite a heaven for students. The University of Southern Philippines is also close by. The Casino Filipino is also located in this area and is an attraction to the area.

The Philippine Eagle Nature Center on the slopes of Mount Apo is a sanctury for this majestic bird of prey with a wing span of 2.5 meters. It has been saved from extinction and is now the National symbol. There are also many species of flora in the park such as the waling-waling orchid. The visit is a must when visiting Davao.

Samal Island - Davao's best beaches are located on Samal Island a short boat ride from the main wharf. You can hire a banka to take you the short trip across. There are some beaches with overnight accommodation available and the odd resort as well, such as Pearl Farm. The once flourishing cultured pearl industry has given way to tourism as the Islands main revenue source, although Samal remains refreshingly unspoiled and undeveloped. 

A tour of the city and its out- skirts will bring the visitor to Dabaw Etnica, a tiny settlement of the Mandaya tribe; Dabaw Museum whose display includes tribal artifacts and costumes, and the Taoist and Lon Wa Buddhist Temples. There are also visits to the Greenhills and Derling Orchid Farms where Davao's orchids blossom and bloom. The waling-waling orchid reigns supreme over the other orchids in the province in terms of color and size. Visitors are welcome to play a round of golf at the Apo Golf and Country Club. Its 18- hole golf course offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Also on the golf club scene is the Lanang Golf & Country Club.  Try as well Mountain climbing. Mountain bike trails. Horseback riding. Diving and water sports at the resorts. Gaming at Casino Filipino.

Scuba Diving

Scuba World - Pro Dive Center, 150 Bonifacio St. Davao City. Tel : (082) 226 2588 EMail : denz@skyinet.net 

White Tip Divers - PPA Bldg, Sta Ana Wharf, Davao City Tel : (082) 227 0234 EMail: ctshack@dv.weblinq.com 

Many of the resort hotels such as Pearl Farm also has dive shops and cater for Scuba Divers.

Nightlife.

Outside of Manila, Angeles and Subic you will not find that many areas that cater to the 'go-go' bar type of nightclub and nightlife. Davao is no exception. The main tourist to the area is from Japan and other Asian locations so you will find many Karaoke and Videoke type of bars. As well as the local type 'showgirl' bars such as the Square Circle. There is a complex here called the 'Square Circle' ask any well knowledge taxi driver for it's location there are around 5 bars here, mainly karaoke and showgirl types.

 There are an abundance of these type of evening entertainment places and they can be a refreshing change from the 'go-go' bars. There are hundreds of GRO's available throughout Davao in such establishments. Davao being such a hive of education there are thousands of students seeking to supplement their income to pay their way through college.

There area has many disco's as well and again this is a City where you can meet any number of really attractive young ladies eager to meet you and entertain you. In addition you will find many casa's where the mamasam will be standing outside and inviting you to meet one of her girls... to find these casa's though in the main it would be advisable to get a friendly cab driver from your hotel to show you around. There are also a number of massage parlors as well.

One thing for sure, although the night life scene is different there is absolutely no shortage of nightlife in the area and once again the student population of the City adds to the attraction to visiting this beautiful City and area.

Moonlight Club - Cabaguio Ave Davao City Tel : (082) 221 8445 Karoke and GROlounge highly recommended.

After Dark Resto Bar - Sandawa Road, Ecoland. Davao City. Tel : (082) 298 0299

Beatlebum Resto Bar - Door 5, Escalona Bldg, Ponciano Reyes St, DavaoCity. Tel : (082) 224 3455

Korokkan KTV & Resto Bar -  Victoria Complex, Bajada Davao City. Tel : (082) 224 0458

Kristoffer Videoke - Arida St Davao City. Tel : (082) 221 0458

Kissmark KTV Bar - Victoria Plaza.  J.P. Laurel Ave, Bajada Davao City Tel : (082) 221 8319

Shell Shock Videoke & Resto Bar - Lot 2, Block 94. Sandawa Rd Matina Davao City Tel : (082) 299 1709

Hot Plates Resto Bar - Guerrero St,  Davao City Tel : (082) 227 3668 Exotic food (Crocodile adobo!)