Where to Stay in Davao
Philippines
|Pop. 1.8M
|4 neighborhoods covered
Davao at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Davao
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Visit the Eden Nature Park for a refreshing escape from the city; it's a well-maintained eco-tourism spot about an hour away that offers activities like hiking, zip-lining, and a butterfly garden, often overlooked by those sticking strictly to urban attractions.
Getting Around
Download the Grab app upon arrival for easy and relatively affordable transportation, especially for longer distances or late at night.
Watch Out For
Overcharging by unregistered taxis (always ensure the meter is used or agree on fare beforehand)
Solo Female Travel
Davao is generally considered one of the safest cities in the Philippines for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like avoiding walking alone in poorly lit areas at night and being aware of surroundings are advised, but widespread issues are uncommon.
Hidden Gems in Davao
Lesser-known spots the locals love
D' Bone Collector Museum
This unique museum showcases an incredible collection of animal skeletons, from tiny insects to massive whale bones. It's a fascinating and educational stop for anyone interested in natural history.
Eden Nature Park
Escape the city heat in this sprawling eco-tourism resort featuring lush gardens, waterfalls, and adventure activities like ziplining. It's a refreshing green oasis with stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Roxas Avenue Night Market
FREEExperience the vibrant local food scene at this bustling night market, famous for its affordable and delicious street food. From grilled meats to fresh seafood and local delicacies, it's a culinary adventure.
Philippine Eagle Center
Get up close with the majestic Philippine Eagle, the national bird of the Philippines, at this conservation center. It's a chance to learn about these magnificent raptors and their importance to the ecosystem.
Mount Apo
FREEWhile a challenging trek, reaching the summit of Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest peak, offers unparalleled panoramic views and a profound sense of accomplishment. It's a spiritual and natural wonder for avid hikers.
Jack's Ridge Resort
FREEThis resort offers breathtaking panoramic views of Davao City, especially stunning at sunset. It's a great spot for a leisurely meal or just to soak in the cityscape from a different perspective.
What It Costs in Davao
Daily budget per person in PHP
💡One of the cheapest destinations worldwide
PHP 1500/day
PHP 4000/day
PHP 10000/day
Where to Stay in Davao
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Gaisano Mall of Davao15 min
- SM Lanang Premier25 min
Pros
- +Convenient access to shopping malls and dining options
- +Good transportation links
- +Relatively safe and developed
Cons
- -Can be congested during peak hours
- -Less of a 'tourist' feel
Top stays in Bajada
Dusit Thani Davao
$$$A luxurious resort-style hotel offering extensive amenities and beautiful grounds.
The Apo View Hotel
$$A historic hotel with classic charm, offering good value and a central location.
Hotel Tropika
$$A comfortable and modern hotel known for its friendly service and clean rooms.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Davao
$A no-frills, budget-friendly option offering clean and functional rooms.
Best for
Walk to
- Local Markets10 min
- Smaller Eateries5 min
Pros
- +More affordable accommodation and food options
- +Authentic local experience
- +Growing number of cafes and co-working spaces
Cons
- -Fewer high-end amenities
- -Can feel less polished than prime tourist areas
Top stays in Kamuning
Go Hotels Davao
$A reliable budget hotel chain offering clean rooms and essential amenities.
Red Planet Davao
$A modern, no-nonsense budget hotel with comfortable beds and efficient service.
The Royal Corner Inn
$$A smaller, charming inn offering personalized service and a cozy atmosphere.
Best for
Walk to
- Agdao Public Market5 min
- Local Restaurants10 min
Pros
- +Incredible street food and local delicacies at the market
- +Very affordable prices
- +Immersive cultural experience
Cons
- -Can be very crowded and chaotic
- -Sanitation in market areas can be questionable
- -Less developed for tourists
Best for
Walk to
- Victoria Plaza Mall20 min
- Parks and Recreation15 min
Pros
- +Quieter and more peaceful than commercial centers
- +Good mix of local and modern establishments
- +Generally safe and well-maintained
Cons
- -Can be a bit removed from major tourist attractions
- -Public transport options might require transfers
Top stays in Obrero
Marco Polo Davao Hotel
$$$A premier hotel offering stunning city views, excellent service, and a rooftop pool.
The Pinnacle Hotel and Suites
$$Modern hotel with spacious rooms and good amenities, popular with business travelers.
Hotel Vicenza
$$Comfortable and clean hotel with attentive staff and convenient location.
Areas to be cautious
- Certain isolated areas within Agdao at night: Can be poorly lit and have limited security, increasing the risk of petty crime and making navigation difficult.
- Remote coastal areas outside the city proper without local guidance: Can lack infrastructure, reliable transport, and may present safety concerns due to isolation and potential for opportunistic crime.
Insider tip: Visit the Eden Nature Park for a refreshing escape from the city; it's a well-maintained eco-tourism spot about an hour away that offers activities like hiking, zip-lining, and a butterfly garden, often overlooked by those sticking strictly to urban attractions.
Safety in Davao
SafeSolo Female Travel
Davao is generally considered one of the safest cities in the Philippines for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like avoiding walking alone in poorly lit areas at night and being aware of surroundings are advised, but widespread issues are uncommon.
At Night
Main commercial areas and well-lit streets are generally safe, but exercise caution in less populated or darker side streets. Stick to areas with visible activity and other people.
Emergency
911
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by unregistered taxis (always ensure the meter is used or agree on fare beforehand)
- 2Distraction theft in crowded markets (be aware of your belongings)
Getting Around Davao
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxis (approx. 400-600 PHP, 45-60 mins), Airport Grab (rideshare, similar cost and time). No direct public transport.
🎫
Day Pass
Not applicable for jeepneys; taxis/Grab are per ride.
Single: Jeepney: 10-15 PHP (short distance), Taxi/Grab: starts at 50 PHP + per km.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitGrab
📶
WiFi
Good20-50 Mbps (in cafes/hotels)
Public Transport
Jeepneys (ubiquitous, cheapest, complex routes), Taxis (metered, readily available), Grab (rideshare app for cars and motorcycles).
Ride-share
Grab is the primary app; costs vary but a 30-min ride is typically 200-300 PHP.
Transport Tip
Download the Grab app upon arrival for easy and relatively affordable transportation, especially for longer distances or late at night.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Shopping malls (e.g., SM Lanang, Gaisano), cafes, hotels.
Coworking
Limited dedicated co-working spaces; check cafes like "The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf" or inquire about business centers in larger hotels. Daily costs vary greatly, typically 300-800 PHP if available.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jul, Aug, Sep
Hotels & Accommodation in Davao
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Who Is Davao Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
Budget Backpackers
Offers the most affordable accommodation and local food options, providing an authentic experience without breaking the bank.
Foodies
The Agdao Public Market is a vibrant hub for experiencing diverse and incredibly cheap local street food and delicacies.
First-Timers
Provides a good balance of accessibility to essential amenities like malls and restaurants, with relatively safe and developed surroundings.
Families
Offers a more relaxed and residential environment with proximity to parks and family-friendly amenities, while still being connected.
Solo Travelers
Provides a good mix of affordability, local interaction opportunities, and a growing number of cafes suitable for working or relaxing.
About Davao
Davao may refer to:.
Frequently Asked Questions About Davao
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Davao Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel