Our 2-Day Davao Travel Itinerary ♡
Mati beaches, mountain roads, spontaneous photo stops, and a reunion with friends. Come along for the adventure!
When people talk about traveling to Davao, Davao City is usually the first place that comes to mind. But there's so much more to discover beyond the city, especially if you're up for a road trip.
We spent two days and one night exploring parts of Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro with our friends. Between beaches, scenic viewpoints, coffee stops and long conversations over food, we made some wonderful memories.
This Davao travel itinerary follows our actual journey, from Davao City to Mati, through Davao de Oro, and back again. Here's where we went and what we'd recommend if you're planning a similar trip.
Our itinerary at a glance
Two packed days of coastal views, mountain scenery and memorable stops.
Mati & Davao Oriental
- Davao Oriental Welcome Park
- Cafe Labyrinth
- Sleeping Dinosaur View Deck
- Subangan Museum
- Bador Barbeque
- Dahican Beach
- Lane's Kalapyahan Beach Resort
- Mati Baywalk · Overnight in Mati
Discovering Davao de Oro
- Upper Sumlog Bridge
- Lake Leonard Eco-Tourism Park
- Villa de Kusinera
- New Bataan
- Jorge Town Resort, Montevista
- Return to Davao City
Davao Oriental Welcome Park
Our first quick stop was the Gov. Corazon Nuñez-Malanyaon Welcome Park, better known as Davao Oriental Welcome Park. We took photos by the huge welcome signage and walked around the area.
There were food stalls, souvenirs and a cafe nearby, making it a handy place for travelers to stretch their legs. We didn't stay too long, though. Breakfast was waiting at our next stop.
📍 View on Google Maps ↗
A Relaxing Breakfast at Cafe Labyrinth
One of our friends recommended Cafe Labyrinth, around eight minutes from the welcome park. When we arrived, I understood why. With its greenery, fresh air and cozy cottages, it felt like the perfect break after a long drive.
We ordered cheese quesadillas, pork kawali, beef tapa and coffee. I especially loved their coffee! After breakfast, we relaxed a little longer before getting back on the road.
📍 View on Google Maps ↗
Sleeping Dinosaur View Deck
At Badas Point in Mati, we stopped to admire the famous Sleeping Dinosaur, a green peninsula whose outline resembles a dinosaur resting by Pujada Bay.
We noticed other travelers and motorcycle riders enjoying the view too. It was a quick photo stop, but looking out over the mountains and sea reminded me how beautiful the Philippines really is.
📍 View on Google Maps ↗
Subangan Museum
Our next stop was Subangan Museum in Mati. The enormous sperm whale skeleton was one of the first things that caught our attention. It's difficult to appreciate its size until you see it in person.
We explored exhibits about the province's culture, biodiversity and history, including the traditions of the Mandaya people. It was an interesting and educational break from the road.
Address: Barangay Datu Martin Marundan, Mati City
Fees in our notes: ₱20 local residents · ₱50 local non-residents · ₱100 foreign visitors
Listed hours: 9 AM–5 PM
Confirm current fees and hours before visiting.
Bador Barbeque
Bador Barbeque was another food stop on our Mati itinerary. I love that road trips give us opportunities to discover local places to eat, rather than rushing from one tourist attraction to the next.
We haven't included specific prices or dishes here because those details weren't recorded in our notes.
Dahican Beach: Our Favorite Coastal Stop
Dahican Beach was one of the highlights of our trip. Its long stretch of sand and beautiful blue water made us want to spend the afternoon doing nothing but enjoying the sea.
We took pictures, played in the waves and enjoyed being together. Looking back at our photos still makes me smile.
The waves were strong during our visit, so please be careful when swimming. I also noticed some plastic in the water. Dahican is beautiful, and I hope visitors continue to help keep it that way.
Little moments from Dahican Beach
Dinner at Lane's Kalapyahan Beach Resort
After the beach, we checked in to our accommodation and freshened up before dinner at Lane's Kalapyahan Beach Resort.
The sound of the waves and the relaxed atmosphere made it a lovely place to sit with friends, enjoy our food and catch up on life. Sometimes the conversations are just as memorable as the places.
📍 View on Google Maps ↗
Mati Baywalk Park
After dinner, we visited Mati Baywalk Park. The park felt lively, with people enjoying the breeze, walking around and spending time together. We saw food stalls and restaurants nearby too.
Our accommodation wasn't far away, so we stayed a little longer before calling it a night. It was a nice, easy ending to a busy first day.
📍 View on Google Maps ↗
Upper Sumlog Bridge
On our way toward Maragusan and New Bataan, we stopped at Upper Sumlog Bridge. The red bridge against the surrounding greenery looked beautiful, so we couldn't resist a few photos.
We had fun taking jumping shots, and they turned out better than expected. Sometimes the unplanned stops are the ones you remember most.
Never stop in an active traffic lane or pose on the roadway. Choose a safe, designated area for photos.
Lake Leonard Eco-Tourism Park
Lake Leonard was a lovely surprise. The lake looked so wide and peaceful, with mountains and greenery all around. It was a refreshing change from the coastal views we'd enjoyed the day before.
We spent time enjoying the scenery and taking photos. We also found the entrance and amenities affordable.
Location: New Leyte, Maco, Davao de Oro
Fee noted in our draft: Around ₱30–₱35 per person
Rate is not verified as current. Daylight visits are recommended.
Villa de Kusinera: Together After Six Years
One of the most meaningful moments was lunch at Villa de Kusinera in Andap, New Bataan. It had been six long years since we'd spent time together like this.
We shared bulalo, sizzling pork sisig, buffalo wings, beef pares and pancit guisado, followed by desserts and drinks including halo-halo, mais con yelo and mango shakes.
We enjoyed the friendly service and affordable food, but the best part was having everyone around the same table again.
Good food, better company
A Quick Stop in New Bataan
After lunch, we spent a little time around New Bataan, where one of our friends is from. The town felt clean and peaceful, and we stopped for a few more photos before continuing to our last major destination.
Jorge Town Resort, Montevista
Jorge Town genuinely surprised me. I've traveled around Japan more than the Philippines. Back when I was a student, leisure travel wasn't really in the budget, so I hadn't explored much of my own country.
Seeing the animals, playgrounds, swimming pool and outdoor spaces reminded me of family-friendly places I'd visited in Japan, including Makaino Farm.
Maybe I hadn't explored enough of the Philippines yet. Jorge Town reminded me that there are still so many wonderful places back home waiting to be discovered.
Based on the resort details in our notes, attractions include pools, playgrounds, swan boats, a sky bike, gardens, 3D wall art and places to eat and relax. Check activity availability before your visit.
Jorge Town Visitor Information
Address: Purok 4, Montevista, Davao de Oro
Listed hours: Day tour 7 AM–5 PM; pool access 7 AM–9 PM
| Visitor | Regular entrance | With pool access |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | ₱120 | ₱200 |
| Senior / PWD | ₱70 | ₱120 |
| Child 7–12 | ₱70 | ₱120 |
| Child 4 and under | Free | Free |
These are rates recorded in the original travel draft, not confirmed current prices. Cottage rates were listed from ₱650 and overnight rooms from ₱3,500. Confirm all prices, hours and activities directly with the resort.
Our final stop: Jorge Town
Travel tips before you go
A few practical things to keep in mind if you want to follow our route.
🚗 Arrange transport
Several stops are spread across two provinces. Private transport makes a packed two-day route easier to manage.
🌤️ Start early
Allow enough time for the drives, meals and photo stops. Don't underestimate travel distances.
💵 Carry some cash
Useful for entrance fees, small restaurants, roadside snacks and places that may not accept digital payments.
🌊 Respect the sea
Dahican can have powerful waves. Check local conditions and follow swimming safety advice.
📷 Keep stops safe
Enjoy roadside scenery, but never stand in a traffic lane for a photograph.
💕 Leave room to relax
Our favorite memories weren't always planned. Enjoy the company, not just the checklist.
There’s still so much to discover back home
Our two-day road trip was short, but it gave us plenty to remember: Dahican's beautiful coastline, the peaceful views at Lake Leonard, the laughter during our photo stops and the conversations over food.
I've spent more time traveling around Japan than my own country, not because I didn't want to explore the Philippines, but because I didn't always have the opportunity. This trip reminded me how much is still waiting to be discovered back home.
I'm glad we took this journey, and even more grateful we got to share it with good friends. I hope our Davao travel itinerary inspires you to explore beyond Davao City too.
Have you been to Mati or Davao de Oro? I'd love to hear about your favorite places!
