Korean Job Discussion Forums

[butlerian]

Planning a trip to Davao in Jan/Feb. How is it? Any good places nearby? Cheers.

[Tiger Beer]

I liked Davao.

It's bigger than Cebu, but more spread out. It is also one of the safest large cities in the Philippines by a long shot. People are way more normal and just nice good people.

For example, I walked around all over downtown barhopping past 2a.m. and never felt unsafe at all (unlike if I walked around much in Cebu or Manila late at night).

They have a very tough major in Davao. Apparently, he is so strict, he sentenced his own son to the death penalty because of some serious drug charges. In other words, he doesn't mess around. Also, if you take taxis around Davao, you just won't ever get overcharged - ever. Right at the airport, guys right down the taxi's info, and if there is any disagreement, you can make a formal complaint that they take very seriously.

Also, Davao is in Mindonao, and most people are afraid of all things related to Mindinao. Don't be! The large cities like Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos are not muslim, they are christian/catholic. I did not feel uncomfortable whatsoever in the city. Apparently there are regions elsewhere in rural Mindinao and Zamboanga to be wary about, but Davao is a very safe place on all accounts.

(Sorry if I went on about safety issues in Davao, but generally the mass majority of people who think of Mindinao, are scared to death of the the name 'Mindinao'). I've been down there twice now, and love being in places like Manila or Cebu or Boracay and tell people I just came back from Mindinao or if I wear touristy Mindinao t-shirts. Even Filipinos are terrified of Mindinao! Nothing to worry about whatsoever though.

Touristy places near Davao, Eagle Conservatory and some famous Island resorts that are nearby as well. You'll see them all listed in a Lonely Planet guide, etc.

[thatwhitegirl]

I grew up in Mindanao...about 2 hours from Davao. It is a very big, spread out city. You can't really walk around it so much...it is just giant. Public transport is everywhere, and just hop on any jeepney and get off when you feel like it/like what you see. They are a great way to get around, as they are so cheap.
There are some nice islands to go to...we always went to Paradise Island or further away to Samal.
I don't know how much time you'd want to spend there. I'm going to the Philippines in Jan-Feb, to show my husband where I lived, but we won't be going there.