Davao & Mt. Apo

Gateway to the south

Davao is Mindanao's gracious, orderly gateway — home to the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, the durian capital of the country, and Samal Island's beaches a short hop across the gulf. On the skyline stands Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines.

At the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos you stand a few metres from a bird with a two-metre wingspan and perhaps a few hundred left in the wild — the conservation-breeding programme that keeps the species going has run there for decades. Up in the hills, Eden Nature Park sits cool and forested on the slopes of Mt. Talomo, a useful escape from the lowland heat.

Across the gulf, Samal Island is a twenty-minute crossing to white sand, Hagimit Falls, and the Monfort Bat Sanctuary — a limestone cave holding one of the largest fruit-bat colonies on earth, and an extraordinary thing to watch at dusk. And then there is the fruit: Davao is the durian capital, and the city takes its pomelo, mangosteen and cacao just as seriously.

Our city-and-island package covers the highlights at an easy pace; serious climbers can add a fully guided Mt. Apo summit trek with the permits and porters arranged.

Best time & what to pack

When to go

The city and Samal Island are year-round. The Mt. Apo summit trek is best in the dry months of March to May and requires advance permits.

What to bring

• Light clothing for the lowland heat
• Swimwear for Samal Island
• A jacket if heading to higher ground
• Cash for markets and fees