The province of Davao del Sur stands as one of the emerging destinations and a formidable tourism potential of the Davao region. With its foothold raging from shores that kiss the Davao Gulf to the highlands embracing the skies surrounding the towering Mt. Apo, the destinations that the province boasts are breathtaking, captivating, and picturesque. 

When the rest of the country’s eyes initially thought mostly of Davao City or Samal Island speaking of “Davao” per se” as a destination, most of the tourist spots’ emerging status has protected them from the negative high traffic effects such as cultural decay and physical wear and tear. Set your eyes towards the southern foothills of Mt. Apo and it beckons the myriad destinations and experiences for you to behold. From Nature and culture to Adventure, let me help unfold my very own Davao del Sur’s triumvirate of tourism.

Here are the destinations we visited during the Domestic Tourism Invitational Program of the Tourism Promotions Board with the Provincial Tourism Office of Davao del Sur. 

Bagobo-Tagabawa Cultural Village

Immerse yourself in the cultural sensations of the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe!

This indigenous community, known for their vibrant cultural practices, has undertaken remarkable efforts to preserve their heritage. Tibolo Cultural Village offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the colorful heritage of Bagobo Tagabawa culture while enjoying authentic experiences like primitive culinary practices, a weaving school, and the chance to stay overnight in native huts.

Here are the experiences we had during our visit:

One of the tribe’s matriarch – Ms. Marichie Ayoc has led a group into a spirited storytelling about their tribe’s way of sustenance and system of belief in her native tongue. Bearing their Bagobo garb with colorful beaded headdress, she proudly sang with her sweet voice expressing reverence to their heritage.  A  group of young tribespeople performed a live ritual dance depicting their cultural rites during planting and harvest season. The mesmerizing music played skillfully with every tap, the choreography of comical sways of their hips, and the rhythmical stomp of their feet was a transcending moment bringing the group to their past. 

Weaving School

Located on a two-leveled hut, the weaving school features a spacious ground-level foyer and a nook where the finished garbs are stored. The upper floor features a working space for weavers, guests, and learners. 

Lunch 

One of their traditional culinary artist, Ms. Kristita, has presented to the team their native lunch offerings. We had a chicken soup dish, choice of steamed vegetables, grilled fish, and fresh fruits. All were prepared through their primitive means such as cooking in bamboo and using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Altogether, the flavors speak of the source and freshness of the ingredients. I did not sense any funky or pique aftertastes. The vegetable choices were not overcooked and still had the bite. Their local dish “Lodong” made from dried anchovies and gabi leaves is my top favorite. I loved how the savory rich sauce, the texture of the gabi leaves, and the umami from the dried anchovies sent waves of exploding flavors in every bite. 

Stay Options

Immerse yourself in a deeper community sense by staying overnight at Tibolo Cultural Village. They have overnight huts equipped with basic conveniences. Surrounded by colorful gardens with endemic flora and towering trees that offer respite from the sun.  On a naturally high altitude terrain, it is normally cold hence AC unit is not a must – mere fresh cold mountain breeze cloaking you. 

Twin Mountain View Resort 

A mountain resort with guests’ private view and luxurious staycation in mind!

Seemingly like a humongous birds-of-prey perched precariously on a scenic ridge, the Twin Mountain View Resort offers guests 360-degree sweeping views of the valley, vegetable patches, and the towers of Mt. Apo and Mt. Matutum on a clear day. The mountain resort brands itself as one of the epitome of highland luxury stay experiences equipped with premium facilities and amenities. 

As soon as you enter their premises, you will notice that every space is designed for you to enjoy the valley below – there are balconies everywhere! Gather your guts and strut that walk hundreds of feet above the air! Guests’ favorite is their new Glass Walk Installation which provides a knee-shaking experience to enjoy the view. 

Suggest to have an overnight stay at Twin Mountain View Resort and enjoy a relaxing vacation on the mountains. Here are sample of their rooms. Coming as a large group? Book in advance their Premium Mountain Villa that comfortably fit 15 persons. 

Here are the room options we are able to visit

Here are the dishes we tried at their Gemelo Restaurant, we had Sisig (with blasphemous addition of egg, Pinakbet, Sinigang and Grilled Chicken paired with their best Atchara!

Mt. Apo Agri-Ecotourism National Park

A lake park with staycation amenities plus the view of Mt. Apo in the mornings!

On a clear day, bask in the formidable glory of Mt. Apo against the lake at Mt. Apo Agri-Ecoturism National Park. Another highland destination featuring a large placid freshwater lake with a center island. At first glance, it seems to be a man-made lake since there are no obvious feeding rivers or tributaries. Upon verifying, the park staff has mentioned that they believed there was an inconspicuous water source continuously feeding the lake. Officially opened last October 2023, the park is surely one of the newest destinations in the hinterlands of Davao del Sur. 

The park features a sprawling complex of lakeside fun with villas, cottages, and camping sites. If you wish to hold private events here, they have a Function Hall where you can rent for the day. They also have an outdoor swimming pool for guests who love to splash away the day. Most guests coming from surrounding communities visit the park to fish. You would see lots of them sitting nonchalantly at the shores of the lake with their long rods. For an entrance fee of Php150 per head for 12 years old and above, they get to catch a family dinner’s meal here. 

What I love about the lake are the white Lilies that add drama and a sense of life against its seemingly placid state. The lake stands like a gigantic mirror against the sky. The lake also has a spacious center island connected with a footbridge. For sure, guests would love to take photographs here. 

Overall, the park seems a bit bare but they have more projects and developments on way. What an exciting future for this tourism destination in the province! Would love to be back and feature it. 

Jardin de Senorita

Blazing with purple petal glory on mountain ridges! 

Patch of European beauty right in the heart of Kapatagan’s dominantly green highland mountainscape lies the colorful Jardin de Senorita. 

Visiting on a misty afternoon, we experienced the garden complex in its mystical state. The colors and shades were quite dampened by the thick but the cool weather and the design plan had led us to certainly discover and explore every segment. We began with their welcome drinks at their modest-sized but well-planned cafe that extends to a balcony. 

What makes them unique is their Purple Hill situated on a separate ridge. It’s a whole little world of purple – from choice of flower species to art installations. A purple scale model of the Eiffel Tower, petal-shaped seats, ridges covered with absolute purple blooms. One must tread and accomplish the steep stairway from the other side passing by a modest footbridge offering views of a peaceful brook below. 

Overnight stay is possible since they offer their private rooms lined up leading to their Windmill installation. A larger villa is available also for bigger groups. 

Entrance Fees are as follows (may change without prior notice) 

• Adult: Php110
• Senior Citizen: Php80
• Children below 10: Php55

For inquiries and reservations, 

Sir Ped’s Coffee

Coffee with a view? But wait, there’s more!

At Sir Peds Coffee in Davao del Sur, they offer more than sipping coffee with the sweeping views of the Bansalan highlands. A coffee and flower farm, two spacious villas, private rooms, an activity center for kids, and a sprawling garden complex perched on a mountain slope dotted with well-appointed picture interests and social media-worthy spots.

Having its own coffee production, every caffeine sip assures of freshness and quality – farm-to-cup divine and crafted brew. At their road level, bask in their homey cottage-style cafe with a spacious balcony and an alfresco lounge area. Every space, nook, and corner is well-designed, providing guests with different avenues of creative expression.

Craving for a good pizza? Try their freshly baked 3 Cheese Marinara and offer yourself an explosion of savory and tangy flavors perfectly married in every bite. Best to consume right after serving before the naturally cold mountain air snatches the food spirit.

Elevate your experience and suggest an overnight stay at their premium Western-style A-Frame Cottages. Enjoy a premium staycation experience with a touch of local delights such as kawa baths right in your villa yard. Dip in your private pool with a direct view of their flower and coffee farm. Offer yourself a leisurely walking tour around the farm complex on their established footpaths to marvel at different portions of their garden and get those endorphin-releasing movements.

Sir Ped’s Coffee has gained steady foot traffic all week and best to have prior seat reservations if you wish to dine at their cafe.

AltaMers Mountain Resort

A premium Mers brand at a high altitude grandeur!

Reward yourself with stunning views of Mt. Apo while basking at the glorious architectural marvels of the premium Altamers Mountain Resort in Davao del Sur. One of the business ventures of the homegrown Mers Foodchain brand in the province, this exquisite complex excites their guests and patrons with a more premium and elevated grandeur of dining, and now, staycations.

During the Domestic Tourism Invitational Program of the Tourism Promotions Board with the Davao del Sur Provincial Tourism team, the group of tour operators and media had a glimpse of the breathtaking new tourism complex destination. Set on a naturally hilly terrain with connected facilities and amenities, guests get to be immersed in the fusion of Mother Nature’s humbling embrace and premiumly designed resort features. An infinity pool, a luxurious three-story restaurant with spacious multi-level balconies, a ledge with a swing, the beguiling infinity outdoor swimming pool with cultural touches, a separate cafe (building) and a natural flora.

Having to dine at their Lower Ground Floor Dining Hall with unique ceiling features and a homey balcony extension, we munched at their dishes: Kare Kare with thick peanut-based sauce, Chicken Tinola with a hearty soup, and Pinakbet with fresh vegetables.

Lao Integrated Farm 

A dedicated center for organic farming and agritourism in Bansalan, Davao del Sur

Dedicated to full organic farming operations, the Lao Integrated Farm is one of the top-tier centers of farming excellence. The farm operations widened its operations to include Agri-tourism as one of its experiences. Widen your senses in the world of organic farming and learn the strategic and innovative means of farming. Many farmers veer away from this practice because of the added costs and efforts, plus a deeper scrutiny to achieve accolades. But venturing on the tour of Lao Integrated Farm, allow yourself to immerse in such practical learning by the tour guide. 

The farm tour involves beginning with a quick learning session and a walking tour around the complex. You will visit different segments of the farm. We started with their vermiculture center, then their upper ground caprines, their hogs, their chicken condominium, mini terraced plantations, their seedling house and the forest zone. 

Apart from organic means of cultivating, you would learn how important keeping the endemic flora species and avoiding the invading or parasitic ones that would wreak havoc the natural ecosystem in the long run. Apart from the immersive tour, we had a glimpse of the local culture through the Live Tribal Dance performance, and a taste of their innovative products such as their homemade pizza, eggpie and tea beverages. Do you know that they serve organic ice cream too? You’ve got to try it. 

The Berries Farm Cabin & Restaurant

Triumvirate of Farm Tourism – berry picking, great dining experience and farm staycation!

The most variety of berry picking you can have in the Davao region! You have to visit The Berries Farm Cabin and Restaurant in Bansalan of Davao del Sur province. Imagine lounging at 1,200 meters above sea level under a cabin-style restaurant with sweeping views of the mountainscapes coupled with the dancing of the misty weather and the symphony of the cool mountain breeze. 

The farm has been operating since 2018, hence, the variety of fruit species being cultivated. Through the years, they have learned the art of growing these berries which leads to healthy yields. 

One must not leave the farm without dining at their restaurant. We are able to try below dishes all with berry goodness: 

You would see the berry farm and picking section at the slopy side of the farm complex. With an established footpath, tourists can safely and conveniently tread around the maze-like farm pathways and forage with sweet and ripe berries. A farm tour guide will assist you and pinpoint fruits ready for picking. Additionally, you can buy more local products located in their parking area. You can choose from accessories to sweetened yams and more berry fruits! 

Want to bask longer in Mother Nature’s splendor? Have an overnight stay at their A-Frame cabin that can fit up to 8 guests comfortably. 

Entrance Fees

• Php40 13 years old and up
• Php20 Aged 5-12
• Free 4years old younger

Humbled by Nature Farm

A sprawling farm complex with camping, tree house and rabbitry, plus breathtaking mountain views!

Bask yourself in a 3.5-hectare sprawling farm wonder! An interactive farm resort that allows guests to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape, the fruit-bearing trees, the plantation section, the camping segment, the tree house mini-villa, an open-air function hall, and lots of view decks you can enjoy. 

We’ve had a memorable visit as the Farm Management has prepared an immersive cultural experience with their Live Blaan music and ritual dance. I was amazed by the intricate traditional garb and the musical instrument that is truly dear to my ears. After a quick refreshment, they led a guided tour around the farm complex and demonstrated how a space can be developed innovatively to allow diverse experiences from farming, livestock interaction, staycation, and activities.

Haven’s Dew Mountain Resort 

A modest-sized flower farm that thought of packing all in the most features that can within their boundaries. 

Seeing from the road calls attention thanks to its picturesque A-Frame Villas and Glamping Pods. A skybike installation is one of the most queued attractions in Haven’s Dew Mountain Resort. Cross almost the entire breadth of the park above a mere cable while pedaling with Mt. Apo as your backdrop. 

They have their restaurant dining hall at the highest deck to offer diners sweeping views of their flower farm attraction. They have an outdoor swimming pool, more villa options, a spa, and lots of picture points. In my point of view, the farm has placed so many elements in such a limited space. Like there are no breathing spaces in between segments, but only footpaths separating each. 

We had an overnight stay at Haven’s Dew at their A-Frame Villas. We slept on the second level with 5 beds. The rooms are clean as we entered, and ventilation is via tower fans. There are two separate toilet and shower room with ample water pressure. They have Wi-Fi services at acceptable and tolerable speeds – depending on several guests sharing. Their spa needs to level up their services to a real spa though – we experienced noisy spa attendants. 

There are actually more destinations you can see as you saunter around the highlands of Davao del Sur. They have good road networks, lesser traffic, and friendly locals, plus, the views are not eye sore comparable to Baguio City. 

For convenient arrangement of your Davao del Sur tour, contact trusted Travel Operators below: 

EVENTIVE TRAVEL SERVICE OFFICE

• Address: Unit 203 Golden Wings Bldg. Gen. T de Leon Valenzuela City
• Contact Nos. 02-8562-6046/0917-1236687/0917-1631884
• Email Add: sales@eventivetravelservices.com
• Website: https//eventivetravelservices.com
• Facebook Page:facebook.com/eventivetravel

JCA PRIMA TRAVEL AND TOURS

• Address: Cavite, Philippines
• Email: fo.jcaprimatravel@gmail.com
• Mobile No.: +63 931 064 5233
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jcaprimatraveltourinc/

Alternatively, you can contact the Davao del Sur Tourism Office to coordinate your visit through mobile number +63 910 096 7239, email davsurtourism2020@gmail.com, or their official Facebook Page: Davao Del Sur Tourism Development and Promotions Office and Instagram Account @DavSurTourism to arrange on your tour. 

TRAVEL GUIDE

If you coming outside from Mindanao, nearest airport is via Davao City (Francisco Bangoy International Airport). From the airport, take a taxi ask your friendly driver to alight you at the Davao Ecoland Bus station. From the bus station, take a bus or van bound to Digos City or General Santos City. Ask the bus conductor or van driver to alight you at Digos City Integrated Bus Terminal. Once at the Digos Bus Terminal, hail a tricycle and alight at the Davao del Sur Provincial Tourism Office at the Capitol Grounds. As of writing, Davao has direct flight routes from Manila, Cebu, Clark, Zamboanga, Siargao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Bohol and Cagayan de Oro.

Alternative airport is via General Santos International Airport of SOCSARGEN region. From the airport, take a van or taxi and alight to their bus terminal that has routes bound to Davao. Take a bus or van bound to Davao that passes by Digos City.Ask the bus conductor or van driver to alight you at Digos City Integrated Bus Terminal. Once at the Digos Bus Terminal, hail a tricycle and alight at the Davao del Sur Provincial Tourism Office at the Capitol Grounds. As of writing, General Santos City Airport has direct flight routes from Manila, Cebu, Clark and Iloilo.