Ultimate Davao De Oro Travel Guide

Davao De Oro Overview

Davao de Oro might be new to the ears of some as it was previously known as “Compostela Valley.” Following a plebiscite in 2019, the province was renamed to Davao De Oro. Located in the southeastern part of Mindanao, the province is bordered by Davao Del Norte to the west, Agusan Del Sur to the north, and Davao Oriental to the east; to the southwest is the Davao Gulf and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS).

The province of Davao De Oro is nicknamed the “Golden Province” because of the abundant gold deposits found within the mountains of the province. It also has a robust mining industry. Did you know that a type of rafflesia (rafflesia mira), the biggest flower on earth, can also be found in Davao De Oro? This is also the province where you get to see nice mountain sceneries and sea of clouds if you are lucky enough. The GPS Coordinates of Davao De Oro are 7.5125° N, 126.1763° E.

Davao De Oro is the 71st province in my personal quest for #Project82PH. When I visited this province, I was quite nervous because this province is new to me and there is limited information about the tourist attractions here so I just went with the flow with my DIY trip – and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable tours I have experienced!

Read also: Mount Apo – Exploring the Grandfather of PH mountains! 

Best time to go to Davao De Oro

Davao De Oro predominantly has two seasons, the Dry Season (November to April) and the Wet Season (May to October). Usually, tourists and locals enjoy half of the dry and half of the wet season (usually from October to February) because the scenery in the province is also changing depending on the climate and  the weather during October to February in Davao De Oro is cooler. When I visited Davao De Oro, it was the onset of the wet season (monsoon season) in the Philippines that is why rains are inevitable especially in the afternoon. The average temperature ranges from 24 to 34 °C (75 to 93 °F) all year round and can get very humid during the dry season.

How to get to Davao De Oro

Davao De Oro is lucky to be near major transport hubs and here are the ways to reach the province!

By Land

Davao De Oro is well connected with the major land transportation hubs in Davao Region and in Mindanao as a whole. Its capital, Nabunturan, can be reached by van or bus from Tagum City, from Mati City, and from Davao City. Buses and vans from Butuan City and Surigao City also pass through Davao De Oro and are enroute to Davao City. Bus fares depend on the distance of your destination and where you came from, it typically ranges from ₱ 50 to 250.

By Air

The nearest airport to the province of Davao De Oro is the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (IATA: DVO), also known as the Davao International Airport. From the airport, you can take a bus or van from the Ecoland Bus Terminal in downtown Davao City. Major airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines Air Asia service DVO.

By Water

Currently, there are no commercial trips to and from Maco Port in Maco, Davao De Oro. The nearest major port from the province is the Port of Davao (Sasa Wharf) in Davao City, which is around 2.5 hours away by land.

Things to know about when visiting Davao De Oro

Land Area + Comparison of Land Area to Region	4,479.77 km² (1,729.65 mi²) *slightly larger than the US State of Rhode Island
Languages / Dialects spoken	Filipino, English, Cebuano, Mansaka (minority), Manobo, Mandaya
Cellular Signal (Globe, Smart, Dito) / (Poor, Fair, Good)	Globe: Fair (in town centers and rural areas) Smart: Best (almost around the province) Dito: Fair (in rural areas)
Socket Standard, voltage (V), frequency (Hz)	Socket Type A: 2 flat parallel pins Type B: 2 flat parallel pins + grounding pin Type C: 2 round pins   Voltage: 220 V Frequency: 60 Hz
Modes of Payment	Cash (primarily) Credit and Debit Card (accepted in some establishments) GCash or Maya (wire transfer)
Currency used	Philippine Peso (PH₱)

Basic Cebuano Sentences / Phrases you might need to know

Welcome! = Dayon! / Dayon Diri!

Hi / Hello = Hi / Hello

Goodbye = Paalam

Thank you = Salamat

You’re Welcome = Lingaw ka

How Much? = Pila? / Tagpila?

Good morning! = Maayong buntag!

How are you? = Kumusta?

Good afternoon! = Maayong hapon!

Good evening! = Maayong gabii!

I am from… = Gikan ko…

Where is…? = Asa ni…?

Delicious! = Lami!

Famous food and delicacy in DVO De Oro

Dishes

– Kinilaw (ceviche) – Is a raw fish dish that is that is ‘cooked’ (marinated) in vinegar, combined with other spices to add to its taste. It is known as the Filipino version of ‘ceviche.’

– Grilled Tuna Belly or Panga – Since the Davao Region is abundant in marine resources, tuna dishes are common in the area. Grilled Tuna Belly or Panga is popular in Davao De Oro and is served with lots of rice or any other side dishes.

– Pork Humba – This tender pork dish has a sweet and savory taste and is a common dish in Mindanao. It is usually paired with salted black beans and other herbs and spices to add to its rich flavor.

– Balbacua – This Filipino beef stew is popular in Visayas and Mindanao made from collagen-rich broth and beef feet, and skin. This is slow-cooked to make the ingredients tender to taste. 

Delicacies

– Durian Ice Cream – As Durian is an abundant fruit in Davao Region, Davao Ice Cream (and other similar desserts and pastries made of Durian) is popular in Davao De Oro, too. Considered as the “King of Fruits,” Durian is well-loved by locals here.

– Assorted Bibingka / Kakanin – Delicacies made from rice flour and sticky rice are common throughout the Philippines. This popular delicacy comes in different shapes, sizes, and flavors.

Exploring in and out of Davao De Oro

Exploring and going around Davao De Oro might be quite challenging since you do not know where these multicabs will go. You really have to ask locals on what multicab to ride on and tell the driver where you will drop. The main modes of transportation in Davao De Oro are the tricycle and the multicab. The minimum fare for multicabs is from ₱ 13 to 15 pesos and will increase in increments depending on the distance of your destination. Traffic situation in the town centers is from light to moderate and can get heavy during rush hours (0700 – 0900 H and 1700 – 1900 H). Road conditions are mostly concrete in the province.

*Here are some of the places to see and visit in Davao De Oro! Read more here!

*Note that the places, prices, and information written as of publication date and time are true and are given best during my visit. Changes may occur without prior notice. If you notice any changes to the information given above, you can e-mail me here so we can dish things up!*

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