Davao Oriental, the easternmost province of the Philippines, is aptly called “Sunrise Capital” as it is the first to greet the dawn each day. The province offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich local traditions. Visitors can bask on pristine white sand beaches, embark on thrilling highland adventures, explore breathtaking dive sites, and immerse themselves in its vibrant communities.
Mount Hamiguitan
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is a 26,000-hectare protected area encompassing both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. These habitats are critical for a wide range of plant and animal species, including threatened and endemic flora and fauna, eight of which are found only at Hamiguitan.
The mountain range is also home to critically endangered trees and plants, the Philippine cockatoo, and the iconic Philippine eagle.
Aliwagwag Falls
Recognized as the Philippines’ tallest and longest cascading waterfall, the Aliwagwag Falls stands at 338 meters with over 130 cascades. The waterfall paints a picturesque scene in Barangay Aliwagwag in Cateel town, Davao Oriental.
Pusan Point
Sitting in the easternmost inland part of the Philippine archipelago, Pusan Point is famous for its picturesque sunrise.
Here, tourists can look forward to the lighthouses overlooking the rough waters of the Pacific, the local Science Museum with its giant sundial, and a white cross on the cliff by the shore, visible throughout Caraga town.
Pujada Bay
Mati City’s Pujada Bay is celebrated as one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. This expansive bay is surrounded by lush mountains and is home to diverse marine life, making it a haven for ecotourism and water-based activities, including diving and freediving.
Island hopping in Pujada Bay offers an unforgettable coastal adventure featuring pristine islands, snorkeling sites, and scenic seascapes. Visitors may encounter dolphins in the wild, explore marine habitats through snorkeling, and visit areas known for sea turtle conservation and sightings. With its turquoise waters and diverse coastal attractions, Pujada Bay provides a refreshing way to experience the natural beauty of Davao Oriental.
Cape San Agustin
Cape San Agustin, located in the Municipality of Governor Generoso, is also the southeasternmost point of the Philippines. It is a popular destination for its historical lighthouses and scenic landscapes and seascapes where the Davao Gulf meets the Celebes Sea and Pacific Ocean.
Dahican Beach
Dahican Beach in Mati City is a paradise for skimboarders, surfers, and beach lovers. Its 7-kilometer long stretch of white sand and turquoise waters provides the perfect backdrop for both adventure and relaxation.
Governor Generoso
Governor Generoso, also known as GovGen, is a municipality in Davao Oriental named after the first elected governor of the then-undivided Davao province. It is known for its rugged coastlines, rich marine biodiversity, and historical significance.
San Salvador del Mundo Church
San Salvador del Mundo Church, located in the municipality of Caraga, is the Davao Region’s oldest church. Renowned for its colonial-era architecture and cultural significance. Completed in 1884, the church stands as a testament to the region’s rich heritage and serves as a focal point for local community gatherings and religious ceremonies.
Ultralight Planeride Experience in Mati
Experience the thrill of flight through Mati’s ultralight plane ride adventure, where visitors can soar above the coastline aboard an open-cockpit aircraft. This unique aerial experience offers breathtaking views of Mati’s beaches, mountains, and surrounding landscapes, making it a must-try activity for aviation enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to appreciate Davao Oriental from a different perspective.
Museums Visits in Davao Oriental
Davao Oriental’s museums offer enriching journeys through the province’s natural and cultural heritage. The Sabungan Museum in Mati, the Mandaya Heritage Museum in Caraga, and the Mt. Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum in San Isidro features exhibits on local biodiversity, flora and fauna, cultural traditions, and local artists’ works. Through sculptures, paintings, artifacts, and educational displays, visitors gain deeper insights into the province’s history, identity, and rich heritage and its people.
Diving (Scuba and Freediving)
The coastal waters of Mati, Governor Generoso, and Tarragona provide excellent opportunities for scuba diving and freediving, with dive depths ranging from 40 to 150 feet. Suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike, these sites offer access to diverse underwater environments and rewarding marine encounters. The area’s favorable diving conditions make it a growing destination for both recreational diving and underwater exploration.
Skimboarding
Widely popular for skimboarding, Mati offers ideal conditions for skimboarding along its long stretches of white-sand beaches. The combination of gentle shore breaks and expansive coastlines attracts both novice and professional skimboarders, while nearby turtle sanctuaries and occasional turtle sightings add to the destination’s appeal for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts.
