Introduction

Davao is the industrial hub of Mindanao and is composed of three provinces and one city. Davao City, its capital, is the largest city in the world in terms of land area covering 244,000 hectares. It is also serviced by an international airport.

The country 's southern-most major city , Davao offers some of the best natural attractions one can find in Pilippines.

Here in Davao and in the dense forests of Mt. Apo, the Philippines highest peak, lives the rare Philippine eagle. But you don't have to go that far. Just visit Davao's Eagle Conservation Center, home of Pagasa, the world's first artificially inseminated eagle. Enjoy the stretch of white sand beaches and resorts all year round. And for more adventure, scale the heights of Mt. Apo on a four-day trek. If these are not enough, visit Pearl Farm -- a premier resort complete with aqua sports facilities. Stilt type cottages distinguish this resort from all the others. Dive off this isle and you might discover giant Taclobo clams and sunken Japanese wrecks. Underwater, the seascapes are simply spectacular.

GettingThere:
From Manila or Cebu, Philippine Airlines offers daily flights to Davao. Manila-based flights take 1 hour and 35 minutes while Cebu-based flights take 50 minutes.

Shopping:
Brass bells, handicrafts and handwoven cloth. Water pearl trinkets. Exotic fruits like durian, rambutan and pomelos.

Sightseeing:
Eagle Conservation Center. Mt. Apo National Park. Puentespina Orchid Garden. Banana Plantation Tour. Samal Island. Talikud Island and Coral Islands.

Close to the city is Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the country. Rising 10,311 feet above sea level, Mt. Apo is home to the endangered Philippine Eagle.

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.

Recreation:
Apo Golf & Country Club and Lanang Golf & Country Club. Mountain climbing. Mountain bike trails. Horseback riding. Diving and water sports at the resorts. Gaming at Casino Filipino.

Food:
Filipino and International fare served at the restaurants. Try the local seafood.