Team Out of Town
What are the top tourist attractions in Davao Occidental, Philippines?
Davao Region, one of the Philippines’ centers for trade and investments, boasts some of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the country. Located on the southwestern tip of the region is the province of Davao Occidental, one of the newest provinces in the country, rich in culture and tradition thanks to the ethnic variation there. At the same time, Davao Occidental is known for its marine resources, fisheries, and abundance of lovely beaches.
Beach Hopping
Powdery white sands and dense coconut trees adorned with many hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, with jaw-dropping scenery. It is along Davao Occidental’s coastlines that some of the country’s most stunning beaches are found. Compared to the more famous beaches in the country, most of the province’s beaches are untouched in unspecified locations, known only to locals. But thanks to the growing tourism of Davao Occidental, these wonders are slowly gaining the spotlight.
Some of Davao Occidental’s notable beaches are:
- Don Marcelino – Bulata White Beach, Tuwang White Beach
- Saranggani – Maluco Beach, Baetiong Beach, Huway Beach, Laker Beach, Manado Beach, Mangahos Beach, Obas-Manubay Beach
- Sta. Maria – Kisulad Beach
Chasing Waterfalls
Some of the region’s most majestic waterfalls are deep in the forests of Davao Occidental’s barangays. One waterfall worth knowing and visiting is Kepiya Falls in Don Marcelino. An underrated beauty of nature, Kepiya Falls rises 20 feet above with a lovely catch basin below. Like other waterfalls in Davao Occidental, Kepiya Falls is surrounded by a dense forest where visitors can unwind.
Some of Davao Occidental’s notable waterfalls are:
- Don Marcelino – Banag Falls
- Jose Abad Santos – Kapindangan Falls, Ilib Falls, Mapaya Falls, Maymayo Falls
- Malita – Kabasalan Falls, Kablolan Falls, Meyhan Falls, Balakayo Falls
- Sta. Maria – Sampaw Falls
Maliteño Museum
Maliteño Museum, formerly known as Malita Museo, is one of Davao Occidental’s historical and cultural sites. Inside the museum are artifacts and antiquities that showcase the diverse cultures of the province’s indigenous groups.
Location: Malita, Davao Occidental
Mount Kiyawa
Located in Sta. Maria is the famous minor peak of Mount Kiyawa. Standing approximately 420 meters above sea level with magnificent panoramic views of neighboring mountains, municipalities, and seas. From the peak of the mountain, the municipalities of Malita, Malalag, Sulop, and Padada are visible, and even Mount Apo can be seen!
A shrine of Sto. Niño can be seen on the peak of the mountain. The shrine was built to honor Sto. Niño, which pilgrims visit every Lenten Season. The local municipal hall is at the foot of the mountain, the only starting point before hikers reach the mountain’s peak.
Location: Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental
Olanivan Island
Olanivan Island is quite distinctive in its circular shape. Visitors get unlimited views of Balut Island and Saranggani Island from the island. Visitors can even tour the island’s lighthouse when the opportunity arises to get panoramic views of the ocean and nearby islands.
Location: Sarangani, Davao Occidental
Balut Island
Balut Island, also known as Malulong Island, has the rugged, idyllic beach atmosphere adventurers crave. The secluded site is popular among backpackers and solo travelers looking for serene escapes. Balut Island offers plenty of beach activities, such as swimming and snorkeling, that make exploring the island more exciting. Apart from beaches, there is also the option to island hop to Tuke Maklang Beach, Paras Beach, Olanivan Island, and Sabang Hot Spring.
Location: Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental
Balut Volcano
Aside from beaches and islands, visitors can also hike to the peak of Balut Island, the highest of the three islands in Saranggani. Throughout the hike, visitors will come across native plants, such as pitcher plants, and enjoy beautiful views of Balut Island and the Marore Islands in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Location: Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental
Little Boracay
Situated in the small barangay of Sto. Niño, along its coastline, is the famous Little Boracay Beach Resort, where the hidden and unspoiled white sand beaches lie. The resort lacks the numerous restaurants and bars found at other famous beaches in the Philippines, so visitors can truly experience nature during their stay. No crowds, no parties. Just coconut trees, the white sand beach, and the quiet sea.
- Location: Little Boracay Beach Resort, Barangay Sto. Niño, Colongan Road, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental
- Entrance Rates: P20, Children; P30, Adults
- Contact: 09399064036
Sleeping Dragon Island
While Davao Oriental is known for its Sleeping Dinosaur Island, Davao Occidental has its own Sleeping Dragon Island. Found in Sta. Maria, the island, is named after the mythical creature thanks to its dragon-like appearance. From a particular angle, the mountains can look like a dragon’s body, with some of its parts touching the azure waters of the sea.
Location: Sarangani, Davao Occidental
Sabang Hot Spring
An hour from Olanivan Island, along the northern coast of Balut Island, just 30 minutes from the town center, is the famous Sabang Hot Spring, where the crystal waters of the pools can boil up to 80°C. While the pools are unfit for swimming, the hot spring is a relaxing place for a calming soak.
Location: Sarangani, Davao Occidental
Bolae Cove
Bolae Cove is a quiet inlet in Saranggani with a calm beach backed by a dense forest of coconut trees that protects the area from strong winds. The tranquil and clear waters of the beach are perfect for those looking to swim and snorkel or to simply watch as the sun rises along the horizon.
Tuke Nonsul
Tuke Nonsul is an underwater paradise, a haven for snorkelers who wish to see the thriving and colorful colony of corals there. The nearby islands may not be blessed with a sandy beach, but their rock formations make up for an excellent spelunking adventure.
Captain’s Lake
A small resort with a gorgeous man-made lake backed by a coconut plantation, Captain’s Lake has served the locals as a quick getaway destination with recreation activities like fishing and swimming. Guests can choose to fish for lunch or order an in-house meal. Karaoke machines and cottages with breathtaking sea views are available for rent. Close to the resort is a small pocket of beach that guests can venture to.
Location: Barangay Kinangan, Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental
Lapuan Cold Spring
Tucked within Barangay Lapuan, the quiet and peaceful Lapuan Cold Springs is where several locals go for a much-needed refreshing break. Perfectly hidden beneath the lush foliage of Don Marcelino, the cold springs remain unknown to visiting tourists and are ideal for those who like to travel without encountering other tourists.
- Location: Barangay Lapuan, Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental
- Entrance Rates: P20, Children; P30, Adults
- Cottage Rates: P150
- Contact: 0951 534 3125
- Socials: facebook.com/Lapuan-Cold-Spring
James Flower Garden
James Flower Garden is located in Barangay San Isidro, a quiet tourist attraction flocked by local visitors looking to unwind and relax. The tourist spot has several picture-worthy backdrops, an umbrella-covered path, dozens of plant varieties, and a small animal enclosure.
- Location: Banayao, Barangay San Isidro, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental
- Entrance Rates: P20 per person
| Municipality | Tourist Attractions |
|---|---|
| Don Marcelino | • Kepiya Falls • Banag Falls • Mt. Sumadel (100-m. high ) • Mt. Pispis • Bulata White Beach • Windy Tuwang White Beach • Migdolog Shrine |
| Jose Abad Santos | • Caburan Hot Spring • Lukewarm Spring Water • Lake Kapanglaw • Kapindangan Falls • Ilib Falls• Mapaya Falls• Maymayo Falls |
| Malita | • Brgy. Talucanga • Lalom Cave• Kabasalan Falls, Kablolan Falls, the stair-like Meyhan Falls • Balakayo Falls (Brgy. Pangian)• Tibiangao Caves • Tubalan Cove • Dugongs (sea cows) |
| Sarangani | • Maluco Beach • Baetiong Beach• Huway Beach• Laker Beach (Brgy. Laker)• Manado Beach• Mangahos Beach• Obas-Manubay Beach |
| Sta. Maria | • Little Boracay • Kisulad Beach (Brgy. Kisulad).• Sampaw Falls |
How to Get There
To get to Davao Occidental, visitors can take a flight to Francisco Bangoy International Airport, also known as Davao International Airport, from any major city such as Manila, Clark, and Cebu. It is the main airport in Davao City and the whole Davao Region.
Visitors can take a taxi from the airport to any point in Davao City or the Ecoland Bus Terminal. There is no direct bus from the airport. The best way to get around Davao Occidental is by jeepney and, for ease and convenience, by rented vehicle.
Davao Occidental Travel and Tour Packages
Check out our list of affordable Davao Occidental hotels and resorts via Agoda and Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Also read:
- Bacolod Travel Guide
- Negros Island Region: The Philippines 18th Administrative Region
- MIMAROPA: Discovering the Wonders of Occidental Mindoro
- Ultimate List of the Best Hotels in Bacolod City
