Overview
Davao is the largest city on the southern island of Mindanao and the gateway to this less-visited corner of the Philippines. It's a relaxed, spread-out place framed by Mount Apo, the country's highest peak, and known for fresh seafood, tropical fruit (this is the durian capital) and the endangered Philippine eagle. For UK travellers it works as a one- or two-stop trip via Manila, and makes a rewarding alternative to the busier beaches further north.
Best time to fly to Davao
Davao is warm and humid all year, typically 25–33°C. The drier, brighter months run roughly December to May, while June to November brings heavier afternoon downpours that usually pass quickly. Reassuringly, Davao sits largely outside the main typhoon belt, so serious storms are rare. The Kadayawan harvest festival in August is colourful but fills flights and hotels, and fares peak over Christmas, New Year and Holy Week (around Easter) — check the When to book chart above for current trends.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights between the UK and Davao. Philippine Airlines flies London Heathrow to Manila non-stop, from where a domestic connection to Davao takes under two hours. Alternatively, one-stop routings run with Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, Singapore Airlines via Singapore or Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, each linking through Manila or Cebu for the final leg into Davao (operated by Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific). Pure flying time from London to Manila is around 13–14 hours; allowing for the connection and the domestic hop, plan on a total journey of 18–24 hours.
Things to do in Davao
The appeal here is nature and food rather than nightlife. Highlights include:
- Philippine Eagle Center: See the country's national bird up close at this respected conservation and breeding centre in Malagos.
- Mount Apo: The Philippines' highest mountain, with multi-day treks for the fit and dramatic views for everyone.
- Samal Island: White-sand beaches and island resorts just a short boat ride from the city.
- People's Park: A leafy downtown park with striking indigenous-inspired sculptures and gardens.
- Roxas Night Market: The spot for grilled street food and, if you're brave, fresh durian.
At Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO)
Davao's airport (also called Davao International) sits around 12 km north of the city centre, a 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic. The Grab ride-hailing app is widely used and usually the easiest option; fixed-rate airport taxis, metered taxis and pre-arranged hotel transfers are also available. Most central hotels are within 15–25 minutes.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Davao
- Book ahead: For long-haul trips to the Philippines, roughly two to four months in advance tends to give the best balance of price and choice.
- Avoid the peaks: Sidestep Christmas, New Year and Holy Week, when diaspora demand pushes fares up.
- Stay flexible: Midweek departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) and shifting your dates by a few days can cut the cost — use the price charts on this page.
- Compare the legs: Sometimes a UK–Manila flight plus a separate Manila–Davao fare on Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines beats a single through-ticket.
Travel essentials
British passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism; your passport should be valid for at least six months and you may be asked to show onward or return travel. The currency is the Philippine peso — pounds aren't accepted locally, but ATMs are plentiful and cards work in malls and hotels, though you'll want cash for markets and jeepneys. No vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, but a GP or travel clinic may recommend hepatitis A and typhoid cover, and you should take mosquito precautions against dengue. Always check the latest FCDO advice for Mindanao before booking and ensure your travel insurance reflects it.
