From reefs to ridges, a range of adventures and sports awaits in Davao Occidental’s expansive water bodies and mountains. Dive into the province’s cool inland and surrounding waters. Conquer new heights by hiking and trekking the numerous peaks across the province’s municipalities. Let Davao Occidental captivate not just your senses but your entire being.
Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is a religious landmark that merges spiritually with natural beauty. The towering monument stands atop a hill along the highway in Jose Abad Santos, offering an expansive view of the rugged ridges and the calm waters of the Davao Gulf.
Sanctuario de Santo Rosario
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Malita is a significant religious and cultural icon. The parish, established in 1947, venerates a Madonna and Child Statue, symbolizing devotion and hope for the community.
Divine Mercy Shrine
A revered religious site that draws pilgrims and visitors seeking spiritual solace and reflection. Situated on a hilltop, the shrine offers a peaceful environment conducive to prayer and meditation. The site is dedicated to the Divine Mercy devotion, a popular Christian devotion focused on the mercy of Jesus Christ, and is an important pilgrimage destination in the region.
Gaginaway Festival
The Gaginaway Festival in Jose Abad Santos is a lively cultural event that highlights the area’s rich traditions and heritage. The celebration features a range of activities, including street dancing, food markets, and craft showcases, all aimed at promoting local talent and enhancing community bonds. This festival provides an opportunity for locals to unite and celebrate their identity and history, while also drawing visitors to experience their unique cultural practices.
One of the festival’s key activities is a spectacular street-dancing competition, where participants wear traditional attire and perform choreographed dances that tell local legends and folklore.
Kap’yaan Festival
The Kap’yaan Festival is an annual celebration that pays tribute to the town’s agricultural heritage and the bountiful harvests of its farmers. This lively event features vibrant street parades, traditional dance performances, and a variety of competitions, such as rice planting and cooking contests, highlighting the community’s cultural traditions and togetherness. Alongside these activities, the festival also supports local products and crafts, nurturing a sense of pride and camaraderie among the residents.
Balut Island
A beautiful island waiting to be discovered lies at the southernmost tip of Davao Occidental, southwest of Sarangani Island in Mindanao.
It is one of the Philippines’ most remote and pristine island destinations. The island offers many spectacular features, including white-sand beaches, a hot spring, a volcano, historical landmarks, lush vegetation, and more.
Activities available on the island include beach volleyball, kayaking, skimboarding, and an 11-kilometer swim across the bay.
