In the recent years, Davao Oriental has become a tourist favorite owing to the diverse tourist destinations it offers from ridge to reef which include mountain trekking adventure, white-sand beach lined with pampering resorts for various kinds of vacation goers, immense waterfalls, among others. 

Dahican Beach

This beach in Mati has recently become one of the best surging and skimming spots to go to in the Philippines for professionals, newbie and curious tourists alike.  Along its seven kilometer stretch of white sand beaches are various resorts, all equally beautiful, that offer distinctly tasteful accommodation to vacation goers. If you are lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle or pawikan, dugong and dolphins in your visit.

Subangan Museum

Aside from showcasing the cultural heritage of the great Davao Oriental, this museum is home to the bone remains of a 20 ton, 53 feet sperm whale which has drifted to the shore of the region some time in 2010. It is the main attraction of the museum and is considered to be the seventh largest in the world.

Aliwagwag Falls

This is one of the magnificent natural wonders of the Philippines which towers to 1,110 feet of amazing rock formations to complete 130 waterfalls of powerful gushing waters. No wonder it is one of the prided tourist destinations and is regarded as the highest of all waterfalls in the country.

Cape of San Agustin in Gov Generoso

Facing the great Celebs Sea, the Cape of San Agustin mixes remnants of the Spanish colonial rule and the raw beauty of the Philippine beaches evident in Parola Beach’s pinkish white sand. Many divers frequent this place because of the diving experience they get in the diving site nicknamed as “the wall”. The cape houses three lighthouses which offer a breathtaking view of the sea and the uncanny but beautiful islet. Tourists also visit an amazing rock formation called “the altar”.

Mt. Hamiguitan-Bonsai Forest

Recently tagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park is a sanctuary to Philippine wildlife. However, what makes the mountain more special is its bonsai forest which nature alone has crafted and perfected. This forest is unique to the Philippines and this is the very reason why many adventure seekers and mountain trekking enthusiast love to visit the mountain.Mt Hamiguitan is currently not yet open for the public.

San Victor Island in Baganga

Photo by Olan Emboscado of The Travel Teller

Detached from the whole world, this island has retained its beauty and mystery which has drawn many tourists to its midst. The island boasts of its fine white sand and very clean waters home to many sea creatures including the transient dugongs and marine vegetation. Although the island is very simple, tourists can stay for a night in small huts or in tents.

 Lake Carolina in Baganga

Photo by Joemarie B. Escovilla Jr.

Just 15 minutes from the national highway is a perfect getaway for people who are looking for a one-of-a-king experience. Although called a lake, Carolina is actually a lagoon filled with brackish water and abundant marine life. The scenery perfected by the surrounding green trees is also a sight to enjoy which makes the place even more relaxing.

Pujada and Waniban Island in Mati

Waniban Island

Pujada Island / Photo by Jojie Alcantara

If you are fond of secret island getaways, then the Pujada and Waniban islands are perfect for you. Both offers white sand beaches, clear waters and unlimited relaxation. Pujada is bare from all types of commercial accommodation and offers all the wonders of nature can give. Waniban, on the other hand, is home to a small local community but also does not have any commercial lodging stay in.

 Bonhomie Beach Resort

Photo by Jules Albert Songcuya

Situated in the municipality of Banaybanay, this resort offers luxurious beach accommodation for tourists who wish to enjoy a beach getaway complete with posh lodging, pools, appetizing food and acoustic entertainment on weekends. You can arrange a boat trip going to the Burias Islet, take a dip in its clear waters and see for yourself the sanctuary protected in its midst. The resort is also very easy to go to as it is just along the National Highway.

Blue Bless in Mati

Another frequented island resort in Mati is the highly developed Blue Bless. It offers exquisite accommodation with its restobar, cottages and a pool. It does not have a beach line but some of its cottages are directly on top of the sea water which is very convenient for jump diving and swimming.

Cinco Masao Beach Resort

Although quite modest, the resort offers very affordable accommodation perfect for trips with your family or friends. Its winning feature is the calming view of the Pujada Bay. The resort offers island hopping to Waniban which is a secluded island with fine sand beach and very clean water. If you are lucky, you might chance upon dolphins which frequent the island every now and then.

 Sigaboy Island

Photo by Jayvie Piamonte of www.lakawero.com

Another gem hidden and well preserved in Davao Oriental is Sigaboy Island. The place is secluded and is not quite big. In fact, you can round the island in less than 30 minutes and see the beauty of the whole place. It has a coastline which could stretch from some kilometers during low tide. Many locals and tourists frequent the island because of its white-sand beach and very clear water