15 Things To Do in Davao City for First-Time Tourists (Like Me!)

13. FIND OUT WHY THIS BURGER JOINT WAS FEATURED IN A FOOD-RELATED TELEVISION SHOW

BACKYARD BURGERS

PRICE RANGE: Mid-range

*Optional: Jump to:

Page 1: Introduction, Seda Abreeza, Fruits Market, Museo Dabawenyo, D'Bone Collectors Museum, People's Park, Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimp

Page 2: Davao Crocodile Park, Davao Butterfly House, Tribu K'Mindanawan, Blugre Coffee, Roxas Night Market

As avid fans of Solar Network's "Something to Chew On" and host Xandra Rocha-Marcos's intelligent quips, we clung to every review she said and took notes on the interesting food establishments she had the privilege of visiting. One of the restaurants in Davao City that I clearly remembered her giving a positive review is Backyard Burgers.

We ordered an extra-cheesy burger (Php 160.00) with Pica-Pica Platter (Php 170.00) and cheesy nachos for sides and split it between the two of us. The bottomless iced tea was okay, too.

I think Xandra was right-- the burger here is commendable, as I can tell that the patty is 100% beef and flame-grilled according to my taste. I found fault in only one thing-- nothing about its taste makes it unique from the other chains. I mean, I've had burgers that taste exactly like this before. That is just my opinion, though.

The water they served us, Kangen Water, tasted refreshingly sweet.

14. PAY PRESIDENT DUTERTE A VISIT

PRESIDENT DUTERTE'S RESIDENCE AT DONA LUISA SUBDIVISION, DAVAO CITY

ENTRANCE FEE/S: Free

Whether you're a Filipino or not, it's always a privilege to get the chance to rub elbows with the president-- or, at least, with his cardboard stand-in which is propped up in front of the gate of his Davao City residence at Dona Luisa Subdivision. However, while the facade and cardboard cut-out are free for tourists to document as they please, the inside of the president's humble abode, an ordinary concrete house that turned into a famous tourist draw due to President Duterte's ascension to the position, is strictly off-limits.

During the time of our visit, our taxi driver informed us that the president was indeed inside said residence, probably resting. This explained the presence of multiple uniformed and non-uniformed security personnel roaming the grounds.

It's amazing how the President chooses to live here when he could live like royalty at the Palace.

If it disappoints you that you can't meet President Duterte personally, you can take out your disappointment by buying multiple souvenirs from the pop-up kiosks and food carts lining the area.

15. SAMPLE AUTHENTIC DAVAO CITY SWEETS

LOLA ABON'S PASALUBONG STORE

PRICE RANGE: Budget

In Davao City, while there are gazillions of stores to shop for Davao sweets perfect for souvenirs, there is only one known institution that's been ruling the business for decades now. Selling products that are infused with the flavor of not only durian but also other famous export-quality products within the province like mangosteen, coffee, and pineapple, Lola Abon's in Matina is the go-to destination for various uncommon pasalubong finds.

I'm ashamed to admit that we fell victim to the common misconception about Lola Abon's products being pricier than the others, so as vindication I'm helping to clarify the rumors. Lola Abon's products that are not being redistributed and are sold in their pasalubong center in Matina are, in fact, cheaper than most of the products sold in shops and markets in the city from Php 30.00 per pack.

Lola Abon's "Wall of Pride".

One of the many thrills of shopping in Lola Abon's is finding that the products that they sell are unique and out of the ordinary. Where else in Davao City can you buy Durian Choco-Chip Cookies, Durian Coffee Yema, Durian Buko-Pandan, and Pineapple-Durian Tarts, among others? Plus, the employees generously dole out free samples regularly so we felt like we were in sweets heaven. 

Various specialty products line the shelves. Before you go, try the durian-flavored iced candy for Php 10.00 or grab a glass of cold water for free!

There are more places within Davao City that we wanted to visit had it not been for the lack of time, but then if that would mean more reasons to come back and visit this awesome place again then it's fine by me. As implied by the lovable Winnie the Pooh in one of his famous quotes, how lucky are we to have visited such a place that makes it very hard to bid farewell to it?

Other notable attractions, destinations, and activities in Davao City include: