Golden experiences across three distinct tourism circuits await visitors in Davao de Oro.
From the wellness loop that showcases nature’s healing power and features award-winning products, to the highland-to-valley circuit that encapsulates farm tourism with visits to waterfalls and springs, to the coastal circuit that offers enchanting beach resorts and destinations.
The Sea of Clouds in Maragusan
The Sea of Clouds in Maragusan is a breathtaking natural wonder that attracts tourists and adventurers seeking serene, picturesque landscapes. Located in the heart of Maragusan, Davao de Oro, this elevated area offers a stunning view of clouds blanketing the valleys, making it feel as if you’re standing above the heavens. The cool climate and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect spot for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Lake Leonard
Lake Leonard is a serene freshwater lake in Maco, Davao de Oro, formed within the caldera of Mt. Leonard Kniaseff, offering a striking blend of natural beauty and geological significance. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling highland terrain, it provides a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and nature walks amid tranquil scenery. The lake was named in 1956 after Leonard Kniaseff, a mining prospector and the first general superintendent of Samico during the post-war Masara mining operations. Rising to about 1,190 meters above sea level, Mt. Leonard Kniaseff is a stratovolcano situated within a fertile valley bordered by the highlands of Maco, Mawab, and Maragusan. Classified by PHIVOLCS as an active volcano, it last erupted around 120 AD (±100 years), adding historical and geological depth to this peaceful yet significant natural landmark.
Water adventures in Kopiat Island
The emerging dive sites of Mabini, particularly around Kopiat Island, offer opportunities for both diving and snorkeling amidst colorful soft corals and diverse reef ecosystems. Suitable for novice and seasoned divers alike, the area features dive depths of 20 to 60 feet, allowing visitors to explore underwater landscapes and observe a variety of small reef fish and other marine species. With its relatively unexplored waters, Kopiat Island provides a tranquil marine adventure for those seeking to discover one of Davao de Oro’s promising coastal attractions.
Waterfalls Hopping – P’yalitan Falls and Tagbibinta Falls
Experience a refreshing waterfall-hopping adventure in Maragusan through the majestic P’yalitan Falls and Tagbibinta Falls. P’yalitan Falls captivates visitors with its impressive 120-foot multi-tiered cascade set amid the cool mountain climate, while Tagbibinta Falls features a picturesque 75-foot multi-tiered waterfall that also serves as a sacred altar and cultural landmark for the local community. Together, these natural attractions offer a unique blend of scenic beauty, tranquility, and cultural significance, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Mt. Candalaga
Mt. Candalaga offers an exciting trekking experience for adventure enthusiasts, featuring lush forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic mountain landscapes. Known as a habitat of the rare Rafflesia magnifica, the world’s largest flower species, the mountain offers trekkers a unique opportunity to witness this remarkable bloom in its natural environment while enjoying the rich biodiversity of Maragusan.
Bulawan Festival
The Bulawan Festival is the premier cultural celebration of Davao de Oro, highlighting the province’s rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and abundance of natural resources. Derived from the local word for “gold,” the festival features colorful street dances, cultural performances, agricultural and trade exhibits, and community activities that showcase the province’s identity, unity, and progress while celebrating the resilience and creativity of its people.
Bilawa Mainit Hot Waterfalls
A perfect escape with soothing hot water cascading down beautifully formed rocks is Bilawa Mainit Hot Waterfalls. It was named after Bilawa, a place in Mainit that serves as the source of the hot water. It is owned and managed by the Barangay Council of Mainit and is a village dominated by the Mansaka indigenous people.
Surrounded on both sides by forested slopes, hot sulfuric water oozing from vents above the slope in the Hot Waterfalls cascades into steaming rock formations and hot pools below, where tourists can heal and enjoy.
