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The Philippines are divided into a northern, a central and a southern region. The Southern region is called the Mindanao Region, and Davao City is the biggest city on Mindanao Island. Said to be chartered with more land than any other city in the world, Davao is a huge town of more than one and a half million people. In addition, Davao is in the middle fo a growth spurt, due to a bustling new international airport and one of the largest seaports in the nation.
Davao has dubbed itself The City of Royalties, or The Royal City, because of all the natural wonders that thrive nearby. A beautiful and rare orchid, the waling-waling, Queen of the Orchids, can be found in the jungles near Davao, and the weird and wonderful fruit called the durian, the King of Fruits, is a regular staple of dining here. On the horizon, Mount Apo, nicknamed The King and Grandfather of Philippine mountains, rises into the sky. The Philippine eagle, the biggest eagle in the world, King of Philippine sky, soars overhead in the protected reserves of the island.
With its emergent new port and growing economy, Davao has become a business hub for the whole Mindanao Region. Tourism is still one of the top industries here, and the superb white sands of the nearby beaches and the cool clean mountain resorts are always fully occupied. The city is famous for its diving sites, as so many places n the Philippines are, and Mount Apo offers more trekking and outdoor activities for tourists and travelers. You can enjoy the events of the Kadayawan Festival throughout August, and visit the Philippine Eagle Center to support preservation efforts of this beautiful bird of prey. The Lon Wa Buddhist Temple is a great destination for the spiritually curious, and the People’s Park, filled with sculptures representing indigenous local tribes, will make for a great outing during your visit here. For those with a historical turn of mind, the Mindanao Taoist Temple can be found on J.P. Cabaguio Avenue, and the Mintal Battle Memorial commemorates a hard fight between the Japanese Imperial army and a combined U.S. and Filipino force. You may want to try one the following hotels when you visit Davao…
Marco Polo Davao
One of the Marco Polo franchise hotels, the Marco Polo Davao is new and modern, and has become an instant landmark. Located at the heart of downtown, the Maroc Polo has 245 rooms and five dining establishments. Set within a quick drive or walk of most of the city’s main attractions, the Marco Polo offers a true five-star experience.
Crown Regency Residences Davao
The Crown Regency franchise is composed of four Philippine operations, each offering a five-star experience. The Crown Regency Davao provides Mediterranean villas to its clientele, laid out in small and cozy groups in the setting of a sprawling garden. The gorgeous landscaping evoke a sense of luxury, and the Crown also offers a spa, a poolside bar, and a pair of cafés for your dining pleasure.
Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao
While the Waterfront group of hotels generally offers casino entertainment, the Davao operation is more of a natural world experience. With its five restaurants and 159 rooms and suites, the Waterfront Davao is a genuine five-star establishment. Located by the calm and blue waters of the Davao Gulf, the Waterfront provides elegant gardens and vistas of the sea, all visible from its open corridors. You might also enjoy the complimentary “tuba,” the coconut wine of the islands, provide free to all guests.
Apo View Hotel
Crown Regency Residences
Grand Regal Hotel
Marco Polo Davao Hotel
Microtel Inn and Suites Davao Hotel
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Waterfront Insular Hotel