DAVAO OCCIDENTAL:
Regarded as the region’s last frontier, Davao Occidental is a religious pilgrimage haven as it holds a bevy of old churches, heritage houses and religious landmarks from the town centers to the hilltops of the municipalities of Sta Maria to Jose Abad Santos.
To those who enjoy the great outdoors, the province is naturally endowed with waterfalls and surfing-ready beaches situated in the towns of Malita, Jose Abad Santos and Don Marcelino, and wild mountain trails in Mt. Sumadel and Mt. Monkeyawa in Sta. Maria. The islands of Sarangani and Balut are some of the region’s most pristine beach destinations.
Must-buys from the province include tupiri woven products from the Sangir tribe and nito woven products from the Blaan tribe.
DAVAO DEL NORTE:
Davao del Norte is the region’s center for agri-ecotourism. This bustling province prides itself with budding agricultural developments and mixed-used tourism hubs across its cities and municipalities. This includes Panabo City Mangrove Forest Park, the Mariculture Park, Hijo Resort, Tagum Aquamarine Complex, and Tagumpay Nature’s Park.
The Island Garden City of Samal has long been known as the crown jewel of the province with its rows of beach and inland resorts, dive sites, wildlife conservation and other fun-filled land and aquasports endeavors. The municipalities of Kapalong, Sto. Tomas, and Talaingod are also popular with heart-pounding adventures, such as spelunking, trail hiking and other outdoor pursuits.
The province also celebrates its annual Tipanud Festival in honor of its tribes: Mansaka, Sama, Dibabawon, Mangguangan, Ata-Manobo, Mandaya and Kalagan.
Must-buys from the province fruit wines, banana products and native woven products.
