ACTIVITIES

Davao's position as the melting pot of Mindanao makes it one of the best destinations to view and better understand the cultural diversity of Southern Philippines.

HERITAGE SIGHT-SEEING

The Davao Museum at the Insular Village, Lanang - is a repository of tribal art, costumes and jewelries, as well as works of art that include paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Nearby is the T'boli Weaving Centre, where tribal women demonstrate the traditional skills needed to weave the native cloth known as T'nalak. At the Ladislawa Garden Village in Buhangin is the Ford Academy of Arts, a leading centre for arts and culture showcasing the works or school of expression of the region's local artists.

On San Pedro Street is the San Pedro Cathedral, the city's oldest church, named after Saint Peter. The church was built in 1847 during the Spanish period; the original altar is preserved in the right wing of the cathedral.

GOLFING

Golf is another favourite pastime of Davao City residents. Access to the exclusive Apo Golf and Country Club, Lanang Golf and Country Club, New Davao City Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes, Golf Masters Sports Club and Andrew's Driving Range can be arranged with a hotel concierge or through tour operators.

ECO-ADVENTURE

Davao offers rewards to visitors with an adventurous spirit. Chief among these is a climb up to Mount Apo, which borders the city on the west. The mountain is the Philippines' highest peak and home to the endangered Philippine Eagle. March, April and October are the best times to climb the peak - which can take up to four days.

Guests can also visit the rare eagle in the Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Centre, located in Malagos, Calinan, which is 45 minutes from downtown Davao City. The site is also home to a nature park with different types of fruit-bearing trees, as well as a variety of animals. Also in Calinan is the city's Japanese Museum, which houses a collection of Japanese art. The objects bear silent witness to the city's past as an occupied area during World War II.

Other popular adventure and eco-tourism destinations include:

Malagos Garden Resort, in Baguio District, is a tropical hideaway that showcases Davao's famed orchids, plant and fruit trees. The resort also has a butterfly sanctuary, camping area, a bird park and nature conservation centre.

Marilog District, located at more than 3,000 feet above sea level, is known for its caves, waterfalls, rivers, and mountain trails.

Nestled at the foot of Mt. Talomo are the Eden Mountain Resort and Loleng's Mountain Spring Resort, which at 2,600 feet above sea level, has a commanding view of Metro Davao.

SNORKELING & SCUBA DIVING

Nearby Samal Island offers diving enthusiasts the opportunity to view the city's underwater topography. Dive shop operators based in the city's downtown area can make arrangements to dive at Samal Island, Talicud Island, Ligid Island, Isla Malipano and the Mushroom Rock.

SHOPPING

Fruits, flora and handicrafts are prizes enterprising shoppers are most likely to discover in Davao City's shopping areas. Bazaars like the Aldevinco Shopping Centre are an Aladdin's Cave of wonders featuring beautifully made souvenirs, while upscale malls such as Gaisano Mall and Victoria Plaza are the destinations of choice for those seeking more contemporary items at a reasonable prize. Be on the lookout for some of the city's most interesting fruits: mangosteen, rambutans, pomelos, as well as marangs and the region's famous offering: the durian, whose smell is indeed strong, and to the non-aficionado, unbearable, while devotees don't even notice.