Here is a comprehensive list of Davao Del Norte tourist spots you should not miss!
Davao Del Norte is known as “The Banana Capital of the Philippines,” owing to its vast and fertile agricultural grounds. It is also home to the world’s biggest colony of fruit bats, and the world’s biggest rosary. Both of these tourist spots placed Davao Del Norte in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Due to its abundance of eco-cultural wonders, Davao Del Norte is one of the fastest eco-tourism destinations in the Philippines. It hosts white sandy beaches, lush forests, enchanting islands, pristine waterfalls, mystic caves, and historic churches. It’s your getaway for fun, thrill, learning, and adventure.
If you’re planning to visit, don’t miss out on these fascinating Davao Del Norte attractions.
Behold Davao Del Norte Tourist Spots
1. Island Garden City of Samal
The Island Garden City of Samal is among the top Davao Del Norte tourist spots. Home to unspoiled white beaches, stunning limestone rock formations, thriving marine life, and diverse flora and fauna, Samal Island is your ultimate tropical getaway.
It is home to one of the world’s biggest populations of bat caves including the largest concentration of giant pearls. This makes the island a critical ecological sanctuary.
As a responsible tourist, your visit here can help spur the protection of these species and the promotion of ecotourism.
- Best Time to Visit: April to August
2. Monfort Bat Cave
Monfort Bat Cave is one of the hidden treasures of Samal Island. It contains the world’s largest known population of fruit bats.
In fact, the Guinness World Record recognized it as home to the largest single colony of its kind in 2010. Millions of bats literally live here and you’ll have the chance to see them flying out of the cave or resting upside-down.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Tambo, Babak District, Samal Island
- Entrance Fee: Php 40 per person
- Contact: +63 82 221 8925, +63 82 225 8854, +63 917 705 4295
- Email: info@batsanctuary.org
3. Hagimit Falls
Hagimit Falls maybe not be that high but it does project an enchanting allure. It cascades for about 20 feet like a long curtain. It has a wide and deep pool where you can jump or dive and have a rejuvenating swim.
Lush forests surround the waterfall, adding to the scenic view. It’s one of the popular Davao Del Norte tourist spots.
- Location/Jump-off: Penaplata, Samal Island
- Entrance Fee: Php 40 per person
- Environmental Fee: Php 5 per person
4. Mt Puting Bato
Though Samal Island is more popular for its white beaches, it also has several mountains worth climbing. One of which is Mt Puting Bato. From its top, you can glimpse of the coastal views of Samal Island and its lush landscapes.
You can also view the majestic Mt Apo from here. It’s an ideal mountain for beginners as the trails are well-established and not that steep.
- Location/Jump-off: Sitio Tayapoc, Brgy Guilon, Samal Island
- Elevation: 1,345 feet above sea level
- Habal-habal Ride: 30 minutes to an hour on rough road
- Trekking Time: 30 minutes
5. Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Considered as one of the most beautiful beaches/resorts in the Philippines, Pearl Farm Beach Resort is the only 5-star beach hotel resort in Davao. It covers a sprawling area of more than 14 hectares.
Aside from its rustic tourism amenities, the resort also advocates for ecological conservation. That’s what I love about it most. It also aims to promote Filipino design and culture.
- Location/Jump-off: Bo. Adecor, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal
- Tel: 082-235-1234 to 36
- Email Address: pearlfarmresortreservations@anflocor.com
- Website: https://www.pearlfarmresort.com/
6. Kaputian Beach
If you’re after the cheapest beach option in Davao Del Norte, check out Kaputian Beach. It’s a public beach managed by the local government. But t don’t let that stop you from visiting.
Aside from being a budget-friendly destination, Kaputian Beach boasts of powdery white sand beaches. It also has crystal-clear waters. Among the activities, you can do here are diving, snorkeling, and several water spots.
- Location/Jump-off: Kaputian, Samal Island
- Entrance Fee: Daytrip (Php 10 for adults, Php 5 for children); Overnight (Php 75 for adults, Php 25 for children)
- Camping Fee: Php 250 (inclusive of a tent)
- Cottage Rent: Php 300- Php 800 depending on size; Php 100 for table rental; Php 10 for chair rental
7. Tambo Vanishing Island
Tambo Vanishing Island is a protected marine reserve. It is named as such because it literally disappears during high tide. During low tide, a small strip of enthralling white sands appears.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Tambo, Babak, Samal Island
- Boat Ride: 15 minutes from km 11, Sasa Port, Davao City
8. Mamacao Spring
Mamacao Spring is a small body of water that is crystal-clear. A huge balete tree grows beside it and is surrounded by lush forests. Different wildlife species often settle temporarily on the site.
You’re lucky if you spot on them during your arrival. There are also several stories and myths about the spring. Let’s leave that up for the locals to share when you visit there.
- Location/Jump-off: between Brgy San Isidro, and Libuak, Babak, Samal Island
9. Japanese Cave House
The Japanese Cave House is among the historical Davao Del Norte tourist spots. The Japanese used the cave as a safe-house during World War II. Inside, you’ll find various artifacts and materials such as handwritten markers and ammunition supplies.
- Location/Jump-off: Camudmud, Samal Island
- Entrance Fee: Php 40 per person
10. World’s Largest Rosary
If Brazil is known for its giant statue of Christ the Redeemer, Tagum hosts the world’s biggest rosary. It weighs more than 2,815 kilograms and measures 85.5 meters long.
The beads are made from magcono (ironwood) which used to abound in the mountains of Davao Del Norte.
- Location/Jump-off: Gonzales Avenue, Sobrecary St., Magugpo, Tagum City
11. Panas Falls
Panas Falls is a multi-layered waterfall with multiple pools you can enjoy. It is part of the Panas Eco-Cultural Park, a protected site with rich flora and fauna species.
It has pristine waters coming from the forests, making it ideal for relaxation. Aside from chasing Panas Falls, you can also stroll around the park to explore other sights.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Carcor, New Corella
- Habal-habal Ride: 30 minutes from New Corella town proper
12. Canibad Beach
Canibad Beach is one of the laid-back Davao Del Norte tourist spots, making it also one of the most preserved. You’ll find both sandy and pebbled beaches here.
There are also several resorts in the area, each offering you a breathtaking view of the surrounding blue waters.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Aundanao, Penaplata District, Samal Island
13. Malipano Island
If you prefer less touristy destinations, check out Malipano Island. Located near the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, the island offers one of the most stunning beaches in the Philippines. It has a gorgeous tropical view, sparkling green waters, and ivory sands. It hosts several villas with modern amenities.
- Location/Jump-off: Kaputian, Samal Island
- Contact Number: 082-235-1234 to 36
- Email Address: pearlfarmresortreservations@anflocor.com
14. Baga Cave
Baga Cave is one of the several caves found in Talikud Island. It has a small opening and some narrow passages but as you go deeper, you’ll find large chambers.
Here, various stalactite and stalagmite rock formations await to satisfy your spelunking experience. You’ll also glimpse of beautiful pools glistening with the rocks.
- Location/Jump-off: Santa Cruz, Talikud Island, Kaputian District, Samal Island
- Entrance Fee: Php 50 per person
- Caving Rates:
- Php 550 (minimum of 1 person)
- Php 450 (minimum of 2 persons)
- P 350 (minimum of 6 persons)
- Php 250 (minimum of 14 persons)
- Php 200 (minimum of Php 200)
15. Talikud Island
Talikud Island is home to some of the most preserved beaches in the entire Davao region. It is actually a part of the bigger Samal Island. There are beaches in Talikud Island that can rival those found in Boracay.
Almost anywhere around the coast, sparkling turquoise waters will greet you. The surrounding seas also team with corals and various marine species. It is one of the best eco-tourism spots in the Philippines.
- Location/Jump-off: Samal Island, Davao Del Norte
For More Information
If you need more information to help in setting up your itinerary to Davao Del Norte tourist spots, do contact DOT Davao Region via the following:
- Tel: 0822210070
- Website: http://www.tourism.gov.ph
