Flying back to Davao City felt like a whole new experience, as I discovered new spots and exciting things to do around the city. Known as the gateway to Mount Apo – the country’s highest peak – Davao is also famous for producing some of the best durian. It’s also home to conservation efforts for (my favorite) Philippine Eagle, centered at the Philippine Eagle Center.
Planning a trip and building an itinerary is one of the most exciting parts of travel. I personally enjoy reading reviews, saving spots, and eventually visiting them myself. As someone who shares travel experiences, I find real customer reviews incredibly helpful – not just for discovering the best places, but also for saving money and creating more meaningful trips.
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My First Kadayawan Festival Experience in Davao
In contrast to many other festivals in the Philippines, which often have deep religious connections, Kadayawan is a celebration that highlights the rich cultural heritage, unity, and abundant natural resources of the Davao Region.
During our recent trip to Davao, I discovered that Grab app features GrabFood 5-Star Eats, where you can discover top-rated food spots – from coffee shops and specialty cuisine; and it also has Travel Guides section that suggests top destinations and activities in the city that can be visited by booking GrabCar.
I have been using Grab everytime I travel, not just in Manila, but also when traveling in other Asian countries, like in Vietnam – we used GrabCar to go to Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, as well as when we went around Sapa, Vietnam.
The recent trip in Davao with friends was all about slowing down, exploring new places, and trying things we wouldn’t usually do. Sharing some of the spots we loved and little moments from our recent time in Davao.
Where to Eat in Davao City?
Davao isn’t just a destination for nature escapes – it’s a city that quietly delivers when it comes to food. From casual cafés and local eateries to standout restaurants serving Japanese, Filipino, and fusion dishes, there’s always something worth discovering.
Kanto Cinco
A specialty coffee shop serving Mt. Apo Arabica, ceremonial matcha, and pasta until midnight. They go beyond coffee to seek out the most authentic, high-quality ingredients for their products, like sourcing from the best ceremonial-grade matcha farms in Japan. I rarely order Matcha, but I love their Sea Salt Matcha Latte.
Wynward Garden Bistro
Tucked away in an unexpected spot, Wynward Garden Bistro is a charming garden restaurant surrounded by lush trees and fresh herbs. The space feels warm and inviting—more like visiting a relative’s home than dining out—where every dish is thoughtfully prepared using the freshest ingredients, all at a very reasonable price. If you’re lucky, you might even meet the gracious owner, Sir Rodelio, who adds a personal touch to the experience.
It’s no surprise that Wynward Garden Bistro is a consistent GrabFood 5-Star Eats awardee, thanks to its standout food and service. If you can’t make the trip, you can still enjoy their dishes from home by ordering through the GrabFood app.
Dirty Sanchez
Authentic Mexican Food is hard to find – in every destination (that is not Mexico). In Davao, there’s the unapologetically gritty, flavor-packed Mexican-American joint that’s converted Davao locals into birria evangelists. Some drive 30+ minutes one way just for a taco fix. Others pray a Grab rider accepts their order.
They served not the usual taco, but one in home-made tortilla with pulled pork, served with consommé and salsa verde. It is very filling and truly one-of-a-kind.
Katsu Country
The homegrown Japanese restaurant that’s quietly become Davao’s gold standard for tonkatsu. Crispy panko crust, juicy pork that actually tastes like pork, rice bowls, and the bento box that you expect in Japan + the tonkatsu sauce is balanced – savory, slightly sweet, never overwhelming.
Fun & Unique Things to Do in Davao
The SkyCycle is a thrilling attraction in Eden Nature Park and is a must-do when in Davao. Imagine riding a bike suspended in the air.
For someone like me who doesn’t have biking skills, it was a very frightening experience.
Malagos Garden Resort
Malagos Garden Resort is a 12-hectare mountain resort located in Baguio District, 1,000 feet above sea level in Davao City, Philippines. It is a multi-awarded ecotourism destination known for its lush gardens, internationally awarded farmstead-to-bar chocolates, organic farm produce, and its cultural and educational programs. Recognized as one of the Top Tourism Attractions in the Davao Region, it stands out as a haven for both leisure and learning. It also serves as a sanctuary for various Philippine flora and fauna, making it a key player in the country’s conservation efforts.
We would have wanted to re-create our old photos from our previous trip, but we just took the time to enjoy the view after our Chocolate-Making and Paper Mache Painting Activities.
FrogKaffee & Coffee Roastery
rogKaffee & Coffee Roastery is a Davao-based specialty coffee shop with its own in-house roastery, focused on quality beans, precise brewing, and a laid-back café experience. The space stands out with its exposed wood interiors, warm lighting, and visible roasting equipment – creating a cozy, immersive vibe. Paired with a team of knowledgeable baristas, it offers more than just coffee – it’s a full experience.
During our visit, we joined a Coffee Cupping session, where we learned to appreciate each cup through its aroma, flavor, taste, and acidity.
Pickle Town
Pickleball is quickly gaining popularity in the country, and Davao has a top-rated spot where you can easily get into the sport. From court and paddle rentals to in-house coaching, everything you need to learn and play is readily available.
We had a great time here – burning calories while picking up new skills and a deeper appreciation for the game.
Whether you come for the food, the mountains, the wildlife, the chocolate, the coffee, or the people, you’ll leave with stories worth telling.
I hope you find this helpful, until the next adventure!
