Davao's topography dazzles with a variety of picturesque landscape. Fruit plantations and orchid farms mantle volcano-fed hills and valleys. Virgin forests and nurture rare wildlife. Coral islands lie on mirror flat water. And the country's highest peak, Mt. Apo, magnificently lords over the hinterland.

Just as enchanting is its brilliant tapestry of harmony, woven from the diverse cultural threads of its people. In Davao, the contemporary fuses with the traditional as migrant settlers from all over the country peacefully co-exist with a sizeable expatriate community and numerous ethnic tribes who continue to live as they did century ago.

Davao is home to the majestic Philippine Eagle, the country's national bird and considered the largest eagle in the world. It is also boasts of the most prized Philippine orchid species like the Vanda sanderiana and some of the most prized fruits like durian and mangosteen.

Davao is an anchor tourist destination, a natural haven both sedate and daring pursuits. It is jump-off point to satellite destinations on the island of Mindanao.

Island Garden City of Samal

The Island Garden City of Samal is a group of islands in the Davao Gulf. The largest, also called Samal, has a number of excellent resorts, including one that was once a pearl farm. There are also many fine beaches, with good opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Maragusan

With its cool mountain weather, Maragusan in the province of Compostela Valley is Davao's tradition summer capital. The ethnic Mansaka community lives in the coffee-growing valley amidst waterfall and cold springs.

Kidapawan

The provincial capital of North Cotabato, Kidapawan City is two hours by bus from Davao City. It is the main gateway to the ancient of Mount Apo and hosts the 10-day Kalibongan Festival, a showcase of old ethnic rituals, songs, dances, and sports of the Manoboand other Mindanao tribes.

Davao Oriental

The province of Davao Oriental has at least 40 tourist spots. The town of San Pedro is home to Tinagong Dagat (or Hidden Sea), a mysterious lake; the highest waterfall in the country, the 338 meter-high Aliwagwag Falls, is found in Cateel in the old town of Caraga is a moss-covered 17th-century church.

General Santos City

General Santos is the tuna capital of the Philippines, where over 2,400 species of marine can be found, including the yellow fin tuna, skipjack, and mackerel. General Santos can be reached by a 3-hours bus ride from Davao City.

Location:

Davao City, Cabantian

Type of Residence:

House not in a subdivision. 600 square meter lot with another small house built mostly of native materials, cooler too.

Size of House:

five bedrooms, two CRs

Own or Rent:

Own

Cost of Rent:

None

Electricity:

P2, 600 one air conditioner, seldom used

Water:

P620 I also use a rainwater cistern

Gas:

P500

Phone:

P840 Phone and dialup Internet combined

Cable:

Nearby but not available

DSL:

Nearby but not available

Power Outages:

Less than 1/month, very short

DSL:

N/A

Air Quality:

About 1/month, sometimes for hours,"hard" water

Noise:

Rated 3 (Average)

Traffic:

Moderate, no traffic jams, congested rush hours

Public Trans:

Nearby, Jeepneys and Taxis. I ride my motorcycle and bicycle all over the city too.

Stores:

Downtown, 5km away, 5 malls

By:Dan Vander May