Davao City

Davao City Hall

Davao City is Mindanao’s premier city and the gateway to the region’s attractions. At 244,000 hectares, it is the world’s largest city in terms of land area; its boundaries encompass commercial areas as well as beaches, mountains, and forests. The city was developed during the early 1900s when Japanese migrants set up plantations along its shores, taking advantage of the rich volcanic soil. Nowadays, Davao is considered as one of Asia’s best cities; its been rated by some regional publications as one of the most livable cities in the region. It’s also blessed by a mild climate that’s rarely affected by typhoons.

Situated beside Davao Gulf, the city is dominated by the Philippines’ highest mountain, 2954-meter-high Mount Apo. The dormant volcano is home to tribes such as the Bagobo, Manobo. Mandya and B’laan, and its fertile, cool foothills are covered with plantations of exotic fruits like durian, marang and pomelos as well as numerous flower farms. The exceptional waling-waling orchid is grown here. Mount Apo is actually a national park area, and the sight of its bewildering array of flora, captivates many mountaineers ranging from impressive mahogany trees to strange lichen formations.

Philippines Eagle

The Philippine eagle is one of the largest and most endangered eagles in the world. The raptor is currently documented on just four Philippine islands—Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte, and Samar. Scientists estimate that perhaps only a few hundred pairs remain in the wild.

With a wingspan of nearly seven feet and a weight of up to 14 pounds, the species, Pithecophaga jefferyi, casts an impressive shadow as it soars through its rain forest home. Its long tail helps it skillfully maneuver while hunting for its elusive prey, like flying lemurs or palm civets.