Welcome to Davao city, why are there so many foreigners here?
by The Longest Way Home ~ June 12th, 2010. Filed under: Philippines.
The wide roads in Davao
Davao city doesn’t get much of a write up in my guide book. All I know of the place is that for some reason it’s popular with foreigners looking for a place to live. Sounds like I had a plan of direction after all.
The guidebook mentioned that crime was low, it has several crocodile farms which they seem obsessed with writing about in every big town here. And, it was a port city which is nothing unusual in the Philippines.
Thank goodness for wiki-travel and word of mouth.
Who lives here?
4,000 expats & foreigners live in Davao. That’s quite a number of foreigners for a place that doesn’t get much of a write up. It meant there had to be something about the place they liked. And, there is. Maybe I’d like it too? Is Davao my missing link …
The best city in the Philippines for getting around:
Davao is quite large, yet it’s relatively easy to get around. The roads are wider than any other city I’ve visited in the Philippines. Traffic seems gentler too. A taxi is no problems, jeepenys and tricycles either. The city doesn’t seem to be in a rush. And, herein lies the secret to Davao.
The Entrance way to China town in Davao city
Contradictions of travel began once I arrived and checked into a cheap pension house not so far from the Ecoland bus terminal. Online most were offered at around 1000 + pesos, on the ground they were 250 -300 fan rooms, and 500 peso A/C rooms right near malls and some of the attractions of the city.
On the ground:
I hate malls, but the temptation of air conditioning at Gaisano Mall was too much, it was also lunch time.
Secondary to that, I was minutely curious to see if it was any different so far south compared to say Manila. Nope, no difference. Floors upon floors of retail outlets and fast food. Slightly higher prices than local places, but pretty much the same.
No free WiFi. And, Smart on my mobile phone is not doing well at all. Hence I am spending a lot of time processing photos.
Time to check out the other sights around Davao City
Rows of Durian fruit at Magsaysay fruit vendors stall in Davao city
Magsaysay fruit vendors is infamous for what the equally known Durian fruit is famous for. The worlds stinkiest fruit in the world is held with pride and passion in this city.
“You try Durian!” called out a woman with a smile as I stumbled onto the market.
I walked over and asked the price of a slice.
“160 pesos” which is about USD $3. I never understood why Durian is so expensive in the Philippines as it’s so populous.
They say the smell is worse than the taste. But I do believe if something smells bad, don’t eat it. I travel long term, this saves me. If I was only there for a few weeks, no problem. (and, yes I have tasted Durian fruit)
Every city has a China town:
China town was a little further up ahead. And again, aside from a colorful archway, was just another street. Though it did have an extra few Chinese stores running along it.
But dark clouds and a sweetness in the air told me it was about to rain. Time to retreat back to Gaisano mall. It took only 10 minutes to get back across the city. This is unheard of in the rest of The Philippines.
China Town road in Davao city
So the answer to why foreigners like Davao is …
The long awaited rains are now here, and the people of the city come into the mall for shelter. Among them, many, many foreigners. These foreigners were different though. Outside of Manila it was the first time I saw younger more long term foreigners in The Philippines.
Volunteers, English teachers and the odd married guy. Workers, people in business attire, and generally slightly smarter looking foreigners. Davao simply makes sense to live in, because it works.
Moreover this is one of the reasons so many foreigners live in Davao. It’s not because it’s the most exciting place in the world. It’s at the bottom of a “war torn” island.
Yet, at the same time its very safe. It’s easy to get around. You can get just about anything you want. And, the pollution is minimal here. Not only that, but the city simply seems to work.
It’s not a paradise island place like El Nido in Palawan. But, it is a good place to live as normal a life as an expat could have overseas, it would seem.
Coming soon:
Finding Buddha …
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Feel free to leave a comment below!
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June 12th, 2010
With your write up, I could just imagine how Davao has progressed since the last time I visited, 8 years back. I fell in love with the city right away and back then, things were very much simpler.
These are what I recall from my experience:
> Matina TownSquare, where every youngster would go for night life. Does it still exist?
> The Venue, an alternative to MTS. “Party Place”
> If all else fails, we hit the gas station and just hangout.
> Blue Grey – coffee place
> Criselda’s – Makes very good chocolate cake; this was served to me when I celebrated my 23rd birthday in Davao, and since then, I’d have friends bring me THAT particular cake, when they asked me what I wanted from there.
> Space Burger
> Ateneo de Davao
> Most special of all, the friendships that I have built!
Coming from Manila, I found it very laid back. 10 – 20 minutes from your starting point, you get to your destination. Though it’s closer to the equator and many say that it’s warmer down there, I didn’t mind it too much. Perhaps, it isn’t as polluted, as you mentioned in your article. What I would always look forward to was the chance to go to the hills and hangout at that restaurant (which name I forgot already) and see the view of the city and stargaze at the same time. They claim to have the cleanest water (potable) and FACT: IT’S THE LARGEST CITY IN THE WORLD (in terms of geographical size).
I have always planned to retire in Davao. Life is simple there.
Good luck!
I’ll be waiting for your next post.
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The Longest Way Home Reply:
June 14th, 2010
-shotgunchick- Well you certainly know Davao better than me
It’s definitely a different breed of city within the Philippines. And, seems, quite well run compared to many other places. Many people give a thumbs up to the administration here, so that’s a first!
Can’t really comment on the party places, as it’s not on my agenda. Though talking to others, the place is still filled with them. Likewise coffee places, and cafe’s. Though for anyone coming here, it’s really not a resort city! Far from it. It’s more a come and live here city.
-Eli- There’s actually not that much to do here in terms of SEA activities. At least none that compare say to Palawan for diving or Sagada for caving mountains etc. Davao is more a laid back city compared to the rest here. Not saying it’s not worth visiting, it just depends on what you are looking for.
-jessiev- Some of the best are!
-floreta- For long term living, it definitely rates high. For lots to do … not so sure.
-ciki- No easy to find free WIFI is a serious problem here. Davao tourisim or a local business needs to look into this. And to any guest-house listening, I don’t mean a 40kb drop in or out connection! It’s a good reason to move out, rather than get people to move in!
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June 12th, 2010
That’s all I ask for in a city to live in, somewhere where everything is easily accessible on foot, without ridiculous road traffic, and where the people are friendly for the most part.
Sounds like Davao City is a great place. I’m putting it on my checklist for my Southeast Asia tour. The list is getting bigger everyday:)
Thanks, Eli
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June 12th, 2010
sounds like a well-kept secret!
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June 14th, 2010
I know someone online in Davao that I could probably visit! I never thought of it before but you’ve just piqued my interest! A hub of foreigners/expats sounds like a cool place to hang. Looking forward to your finding Buddha post!
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June 14th, 2010
no wifi.. how can?!! i’ve already stricken it off my list
i too dislike the durian;)
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June 15th, 2010
Wow it has really grown. I was there 10 years ago and I was literally the only foreign female I had encountered. A great city in an amazing country.
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The Longest Way Home Reply:
June 16th, 2010
-ayngelina- Hi there, yes it certainly seems to have changed a lot in 10 years. I wonder what another 10 will bring to Davao city?!
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June 17th, 2010
Davao in one of the best city in the Philippines. Unlike Manila, Davao has less pollution yet it is a highly commercialized city. People in Davao are very accommodating and like you’ve said, there so many foreigners there nowadays. But still i want to go there again. Thanks for the post!
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June 18th, 2010
Hail Davao! I have been to the place and I agree with you, the whole city just seem to function well without the rush. And the Davao may not be as expensive as my favorite Keswick Hotels, but they can hold up to their own.
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The Longest Way Home Reply:
June 20th, 2010
-Kenneth Ragpala- Yep, its quite an easy, laid place alright. For a big city that’s a good thing
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July 4th, 2010
try to visit Davao city best restaurant afhat, best gym metro lifestyle, best hair salon Joan de Castro Hair salon , best barbeque Penongs and many more…………….
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The Longest Way Home Reply:
July 4th, 2010
-susan madrigal- Thank you for those tips … though I have to say I might give the hairstyle one a miss
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July 9th, 2010
it’s laid back, cheap, and 30 minutes to go diving! love davao, but manila will always be home.
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July 26th, 2010
To shotgunchick I think the restrauant in the hills you are talking about is Jack’s Ridge. I was in Davao City this past April for 2 weeks visiting my finacee and her family and we all had lunch there. What a Beautiful view of the city and the bay, it’s a very livable city because of the hospitality and laid back atmosphere. I only regret not finding out about Mindinao Bob before my trip there I would love to have met him!
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