Many people are aware that Davao City is a bustling metropolis, but that is hardly a good reason for tourists to travel to the area. To get the most out of your trip, you need to go farther afield, the Davao Region in fact. The region includes the city and the Davao Gulf as well as the Davao de Oro (Formerly Compsotela Valley), Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, and Davao del Norte. The total area is 2,444 square kilometers. Here are some places you can have some summer fun in the Davao Region.
Island Garden City of Samal
Isla Reta Beach Resort
Situated along the Davao Gulf, this is the largest resort island in the Philippines. It has almost 70 resorts from which to choose, so you will have no problems find a place to stay. Among the most famous are the Pearl Farm Beach Resort and Paradise Beach Resort. The one thing they all have in common are white sands beaches and the deep blue clear ocean. There is something for everybody on any budget.
Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental
Seven kilometers of white sand beach confronts the first time visitor to the “skim boarding capital of Mindanao.” Be careful, though, because the waves are high and the currents are strong. It is a haven for anyone that likes a challenge in the water, and peace on land.
Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park in Cateel, Davao Oriental
If you love the water but hate the salt, Davao has the Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park. It is made up of a series of 84 waterfalls that spill into the Cateel River amidst a lush rainforest you can admire using the monkey bridge. It is a fully developed tourist destination, however, so you can enjoy your nature stint in comfort.
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Matin-ao Inland Resort in New Corella, Davao del Norte
Bask in the natural spring waters that empty out into the numerous Matin-ao Inland Resort swimming pools . The children would love the slides, but everyone can have A roaring good time.
Banana Beach in Tagum City
Photo from bananabeachdavao.com
The only beach with a banana plantation, you have to admit it can’t be anything but a unqiue experience. Davao grows some of the best fruits in the country, but this place is definitely not for the monkeys. Accommodations and amenities are first-rate, so head on down.
Passig Islet Aqua-Eco Park Resort, Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur
This is a perfect place for beach bumming, because that is pretty much all you can do. It is so small you can walk around it in minutes, and some say it is actually a sandbar kept from eroding by rubber tires. Accommodations are available but basic, and you should bring food as there are no restaurants.
Kapatagan, Digos City, Davao del Sur 
If the beach raises your heartbeat not one iota, head for the hills instead! Kapatagan is a lush valley of pine trees and a wide variety of flora as well as fauna, with the occasional mountain mist. You might just catch a glimpse of a Philippine Eagle, or try the zip lines at Camp Sabros. You can also relax by Lake Mirror at the Mt. Apo Highland Resort, or prepare for a climb up Mount Apo, the highest mountain peak in the country. If you want a wilderness adventure and the best nature photography you can manage, this is the place for you.
Olanivan Island and Balut Island in Sarangani, Davao Occidental
Balut Island is a substantial part of Sarangani, but Olanivan Island is actually just an islet. However, what it lacks in size it more than makes up in interest factor. Aside from the white beaches, this tiny islet sports a lighthouse built by Americans, and home to the B’laan people and their culture, Balut Island, also known as Sanguil, has the non-eruptive Balut Volcano in its center. Both islands are popular tourist spots for rest and relaxation.
Cape of San Agustin, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental
The going is rough when headed for Cape of San Agustin, but it is worth it. There are three lighthouses in the area, two of which you can climb to the top free of charge, and from there you will take in a breathtaking view of the waters of the Celebes Sea and the Davao Gulf. If you hate heights, you can simply laze at any of the numerous beaches dotting the place or visit the rock where St. Francis Xavier supposedly first brought Christianity to Davao .
San Victor Island, Baganga, Davao Oriental
This 3-hectare island is a 5-minute trip from the mainland by boat, and it is the Island Jewel of Baganga, so named because of its powdery white sands and cool, clear blue waters. It is unspoiled, rife with marine life and coconut groves. You might even glimpse Dugong (sea cows) frolicking if you visit between July and August.
Little Boracay Beach Resort, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental
Better than its namesake, this resort has the expected white sands without the high costs. You can enjoy the day amenities for just 20 pesos per adult, and an additional 10 pesos to stay overnight. If you want a cottage, expect to pay about 250 pesos. Granted, the amenities are basic, but good enough for the privilege of enjoying the place.
Eden Nature Garden Resort, Toril, Davao City
If you want to stay close to Davao City for a conference, but still enjoy being surrounded by trees and tropical plants, you can stay in Eden. Well-appointed rooms and excellent food service may spoil the illusion of paradise, but at least you’ll be comfortable.
Maragusan, Compostela Valley
“The Summer Capital of Davao Region,” mountainous Maragusan boasts numerous waterfalls and delightful springs. The climate is not unlike that of the Mountain province in Luzon, but it is still unspoilt and peaceful.
Lubi Plantation Resort in Mabini, Davao de Oro
Situated in Pindasan, Mabini Comval is the Lubi Plantation Resort which offers nature enthusiasts the perfect ambiance to enjoy the sun, white sand beach and untouched marine life. The resort is situated in the island of Kopiat.
Seagull Mountain Resort
Situated 80 kilometers from Davao City proper is the Seagull Mountain resort. This is own be the Dureza Family of Davao. It is used to be their vacation house after a tiring work in their own offices but eventually opens to the public.
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