Davao City, on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, is a coastal commercial center near 2,954m-high Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak. In the city center, People’s Park is known for its colorful indigenous sculptures and lighted fountains. It's also home to Durian Dome, named after the pungent, spiky fruit that grows in abundance on Mindanao. The Davao River cuts through the city.

Along the river banks are green spaces and the Davao Crocodile Park, a zoo with a variety of wildlife. Upriver are rapids for rafting. Elsewhere, the Philippine Eagle Center provides a rainforestlike home for the endangered giant raptors. Notable cultural institutions include the Museo Dabawenyo, exploring the region’s heritage, and the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography, focusing on the Mindanao tribes. The large Lon Wa Buddhist Temple is known for its statues and elaborate wood carvings. Samal Island, just off the coast, is a resort area with beaches and snorkeling.

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