March 1 is Plan a Solo Vacation Day. Yes, there is such holiday. And luckily for you and me, both Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia are having epic seat sales this month. Plus, summer is almost here so today is the perfect time to plan your Solo Trip to Davao. We have shared itineraries in the past but this time, we have prepared a special Davao Itinerary for Solo Travelers. And just in time for Araw ng Dabaw, too.
Where to Stay
First, we have a few suggestions for where you might want to stay.
Park Inn by Radisson Davao is on top of our list.
Disclaimer: Do not judge Park Inn based on that photo. Somebody had laid down on the bed before I took a photo.
Our editor Ria recommends Park Inn for their facilities and beautiful but reasonably priced rooms. Another plus is their proximity to a mall. Park Inn is located right beside SM Lanang Premier. That is a convenient thing for solo travelers because you can easily shop and dine just by crossing a footbridge. There is a 7-eleven on the Ground Floor of SM Lanang Premier. ATMs are also conveniently located nearby.
Park Inn also just a few steps away from the entrance to the SMX Convention Center. So if you are traveling to attend a conference or other events at SMX, Park Inn is your best option.
It is not exactly located in downtown Davao but Park Inn is near several restaurants, malls, and other destinations. And it is near the jump off points and marinas of popular beach destinations. So while it is not at the center of the city, it is at a convenient location.
PARK INN
Address: SM Lanang Premier, JP Laurel Avenue, Lanang
Contact Number: +6382-2727600
Email Address: reservations.davao@parkinn.com
Facebook Page: fb.com/ParkInnDavao
More Recommendations on Where To Stay
Our correspondent Athina recommends RedDoorz (Aljems Inn) located right in the middle of downtown. The RedDoorz listed as RedDoorz near San Pedro Cathedral is known to locals as Aljems Inn. It has been around quite a while. They have rooms you can book via the RedDoorz app for as low as PhP873.
Just download the app from the App Store or the Google Play Store, enter Davao as your destination and it will come up with options for you to book. All hotels and inns in their listing are branded as RedDoorz and have similar looks and amenities as all other RedDoorz listings. So you are sure that the listed rooms have passed the RedDoorz standards. Use the code TRAVELESCAPES33 to enjoy a 20% discount.
REDDOORZ NEAR SAN PEDRO CATHEDRAL DAVAO / ALJEMS INN
Address: Rizal Street
Contact Number: +63917-7167245
Facebook Page: Link
Recommended by Athina Anglionto.
Green Windows Dormitel is a good choice for solo backpackers. They have clean dorm type rooms that you can share with up to 7 other travelers.
For only PhP188 you already have a place to sleep, a clean toilet and bathroom, and access to other amenities. Amenities within the room include hot and cold shower, individual cabinets, and free Wifi access. Not to mention the room is ariconditioned.
Green Windows also has De Luxe Rooms and Family Suites. They are located right in the middle of downtown Davao and is accessible to most forms of commute. There is a 7-eleven just a few steps away and there are restaurants just a few streets away.
GREEN WINDOWS HOTEL
Address: FTC Tower, Mt Apo Street, Davao City
Contact Numbers: +6382-3003893, +6382-3003896
Email Address: greenwindowsdormitel@gmail.com
Website: greenwindowsdormitel.com
Facebook Page: fb.com/iStayedatGWD
Bed and Breakfast
If you want a bed and breakfast experience, we have 2 recommendations for you.
The first one is Sea Green Cafe + Boutique Rooms. They have 3 rooms you can book via the airBnB app. The Rosemary Room is perfect for solo travelers. It has one queen sized bed, toilet and bathroom, and WiFi access.nSea Green is located in a gorgeous house turned into a bed and breakfast. The room is quite pricey at PhP1,800 but it is a great option.
Sea Green’s food is superb. To be honest, Andrew and Ria both recommend it because of the food. They offer healthy meals that are light on the calories. And everything is tasty. From their salads to their desserts, you can expect nothing but a great gustatory experience.
Plus, the place is just so gorgeous and Instagrammable. From the rooms to the dining area and the food, there are so many spots to take your photos. More importantly, the entire place is a good quiet venue to retreat, relax, and just chill.
Other must-try restaurants are also just a few minutes away from Sea Green. Some travelers might find it difficult to find or inaccessible since there are a few commuter options in the neighborhood but you can easily get to it via a taxi ride.
SEA GREEN CAFE + BOUTIQUE ROOMS
Address: Jacinto Extension (near corner Circumferential Road, Marfori Heights)
Contact Numbers: +6382-3274572
AirBnb Listings: Rosemary Room with 1 Queen Size Bed LINK, Sage Room with 2 Double Beds LINK, Cilantro Room with 2 Queen Size Beds LINK
Facebook Page: fb.com/SeaGreenCafe
Legaspi Compound
Our second recommendation is The Bourke. It is closer to downtown and is located in a compound with two of our recommended dining and night spots.
The Bourke has Super Double Rooms that can fit up to 3 persons. But if you want to splurge on yourself, we recommend booking a room all to yourself. Their rooms are spacious and gorgeous. If you are a digital nomad or traveling for work, this is the perfect hotel for you. They offer free WiFi. It is pricey at PhP4,120 for a night but we think it is worth every peso.
It is not exactly your typical bed and breakfast but they do serve really good breakfast with their rooms. Each room comes with 2 breakfast meals served by Bondi & Bourke right beside it.
Bread and Fruits 
Poached Egg and Salmon 
Sausage and Eggs
You can enjoy it in your room or at the restaurant. There are 7 breakfast options. Fresh fruits, bread, and a selection of tea, coffee, and juices are served with breakfast. Our tip for solo travelers: Eat one meal at the restaurant and have one meal served at your room for late lunch or afternoon snacking.
The Bourke is on the list of Davao Bloggers Society’s Recommended Hotels. It is conveniently located right in the middle of downtown Davao with countless convenience stores, restaurants, and other landmarks within a walking distance.
Eat and Drink
As mentioned, The Bourke is located at Legaspi Compound, along with Bondi & Bourke Davao and FowlPlay.
Bondi & Bourke is one of our recommended dining spots where you can enjoy a great steak and other modern Australian cuisine dishes. If you want something light, try their pasta dishes. Or order a glass of wine and antipasti for a night cap. If you are not staying at The Bourke, you can enjoy a nice brunch meal at Bondi & Bourke on weekends.
Fowlplay is another one of our highly recommended spots. They serve excellent fried chicken and all things chicken. Including superbly tasty Chicken Tacos that might seem measly but tastes really good and super filling.
Chicken Tacos 
FowlPlay Fried Chicken 
Whiskey Sour
Another reason to visit Fowplay? It is a great place to enjoy cocktails. Almost every day of the week they have special deals like PhP80 cocktails on Wednesdays and PhP80 Mojitos on Mondays.
Legaspi Compound has other establishments but we highly recommend you try both Bondi & Bourke and Fowlplay.
THE BOURKE, BONDI & BOURKE, FOWLPLAY
Address: LEGASPI COMPOUND Pelayo Street
THE BOURKE
Contact Number: +6382-2278613
Website: thebourke.com online booking available
Facebook Page: fb.com/TheBourkeHotel
BONDI & BOURKE
Contact Number: +6382-2243752
Website: bondiandbourke.com
Facebook Page: fb.com/BondianBourkeDavao
FOWLPLAY KITCHEN + DIVE BAR
Facebook Page: fb.com/FowlPlayPh
Instagram: instagram.com/FowlPlayPh
Davao Itinerary for Solo Travelers: Islands
One of Davao’s lasting tourism taglines is “From Islands to Highlands.” True to this, you can easily chill on the beach and enjoy the mountainside breeze in just a few hours.
Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort is perhaps the most popular beach resort in Davao. It is technically not in Davao City but it is just a few minutes away from the city. The jump off point is about 30 minutes away from downtown and the boat ride takes just under 15 minutes.
They have a pristine beach front, a variety of food options, and various exciting amenities including jetskis and other water sports. Paradise Beach Resort has cottages or you can bring your own tent and sleep by the beach if you want to stay overnight.
Our recommendation? Head to Paradise’s port before 6 am. Ride the boat. Enjoy a morning swim. Order a filling breakfast. Enjoy a few quiet moments by the beach. And go straight back downtown before 12 noon.
PARADISE ISLAND PARK AND BEACH RESORT
Address: Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), Davao del Norte
Jump Off Point / Port Address: Paradise Road, Km 9, Sasa
Contact Numbers: +63920-9546780
Website: paradiseislanddavao.com
Facebook Page: fb.com/ParadiseIslandDavao
To Highlands
Catch a quick lunch in the city or in your hotel. (We have a few recommended food stops below.) Freshen up. In the afternoon, you can catch the shuttle to Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park (Bambu).
Bambu EcoPark is popular among locals for its picturesque environs. They also have various outdoor activities you can enjoy such as kayaking. Among Davao’s various mountain resorts, we deem Bambu most accessible since they offer shuttle services. Pick up point is Rose Bakeshop in front of Gaisano Grand Calinan. Shuttle services are priced at PhP30 for a one way trip and are scheduled through out the day. Pick ups are scheduled at 9 am, 11 am, 1:30 pm, and at 3 pm. Send offs from the park are at 10:30 am, 1 pm, 2:30 pm, and at 5 pm. In the evening shuttle services are at 8 pm and at 9 pm for PhP50 per person
BAMBOO SANCTUARY AND ECOLOGICAL PARK
Address: Purok 5, Barangay Malagos, Baguio District
Contact Numbers: +6382-2286116, +63917-6212652
Email Address: davbamboosanctuaryandecopark@gmail.com
Facebook Page: fb.com/DavaoBambooSanctuaryandEcologicalPark
Instagram: @dbsandecopark
Scenic Night View
You can also opt to rest or stay downtown in the afternoon. Have dinner. (We have suggestions for food spots to try below.) And go to Jack’s Ridge in the evening. Jack’s Ridge has an almost 360 view of Davao from above. They have various food outlets, but we recommend just having a cup of coffee or a refreshing fruit shake and enjoying the view at night.
The easiest way to get to Jack’s Ridge is by taking a cab. It is around 30 minutes from downtown. But it is worth the trip if you want to enjoy the view and take a few photos.
JACK’S RIDGE RESORT + RESTAURANT
Address: Shine Hills, Matina
Contact Numbers: +6382-2978830
Website: JacksRidgeDavao.com
Facebook Page: fb.com/JacksRidge
Roxas Night Market
When people ask us why they should visit Davao, our top reason would be food. Of course. Davao has an exciting food scene with cuisines from various parts of the Philippines and the world well-represented throughout the city. We have here 5 of our recommended food spots for solo travelers.
First off, we have Roxas Night Market for those who want to try the streetfood and barbeque food options of Davao. You can get all the grilled, fried, and homemade sweets and all cheap food finds along Roxas at night. A portion of the street is closed and becomes home to dozens of food stalls serving barbecue, grilled tuna, siomai, fishballs, fresh fruits, and other delicacies. We recommend dropping by at least once.
Roxas Night Market is located along Roxas Avenue and is open from 6 pm until 10 pm every night. We dare say your trip to Davao is not complete without a stop at the Roxas Night Market.
Bloggers’ Top Pick: Lachi’s
Ria’s all-time favorite restaurant is Lachi’s Sans Rival Atbp. Originally famous for their Sans Rival and other pastries, Lachi’s has grown into one of Davao’s most popular food destinations. Day and night you can find a line of people waiting to be seated.
Asian Spicy Chicken 
Laing
Lachi’s serves comfort food that vary from Filipino staples such as Tapa and Lechon Paksiw to western favorites such as Country Chicken Mozarella. There is something for everyone here. Of course, your Lachi’s experience will only be complete with a slice (or two) of their desserts. We highly recommend their cheesecakes, especially the Matcha Cheesecake.
If you have not tried durian but want to have a taste of it, we would recommend checking the Lachi’s Durian Cheesecake. We have learned, over the years, that even those who do not love fresh durian, can learn to love Lachi’s Durian Cheesecake. We have more durian recommendations down below if you are interested.
LACHI’S SANS RIVAL ATBP
Address: Ruby Street, Marfori Heights
Facebook Page: fb.com/LachisDavao
More Food to Try
We have so many food spots to recommend but here are three more to consider that are highly recommended by our team. We handpicked these restaurants because they serve meals and dishes good for just one person.
Lara Mia Cafe and Bistro is not as known as the others on our list but it is highly recommended by our editor Ria.
Blue Cheese and Pear Salad 
Gambas Pasta
Looking for the perfect spot to have a cup of coffee or enjoy a hearty serving of pasta or maybe an entire pizza all to yourself? Head over to Lara Mia. And do not forget to bring home a tub of their Ube Fudge or packs (yes, multiple packs) of their heirloom chocolate fudge with walnuts. Their one of a kind Purple Haze layered cake in a can is also a highly recommended dessert.
LARA MIA CAFE and BISTRO
Address: University Avenue corner Talisay Street, Juna Subdivision, Matina
Contact Numbers: +6382-2981789, +63932-8283636
Business Hours: 11 am – 9 pm, Monday – Sunday
Facebook Page: fb.com/LaraMiaFudge
Instagram: @LaraMiaFudge
Yolks Flower Cafe + Cupcakery offers a variety of dishes that will make your eyes, your palate, and your tummy full and satisfied. The place is definitely beautiful and their pastries are so delicately pretty. But Yolks is more than just pretty pastries. They have must-try spicy buffalo wings and belly busting rice meals.
YOLKS FLOWER CAFE + CUPCAKERY
Address: Bella Vie Building, Circumferential Road, Marfori Heights
Contact Number: +6382-3271808
Business Hours: 7 am – 10 pm, Monday – Sunday
Facebook Page: fb.com/YolksPh
Instagram: @YolksPh
All Day Dining and Drinking
Another one on our list is one that serves everything to satiate your cravings from breakfast meals to cocktails.
Batu Cafe serves everything from pica-pica platters, dumplings, to fried chicken sizzling Bulalo, and Bagoong Rice. They have an extensive menu covering almost anything you could ever want. And most of it, at least around 90% that we have tried are not just good but really good. And worthy of a second or third try. Some of it we have ordered and eaten more than we care to count.
Plus, they have some of the best homemade ice cream, cakes, and desserts courtesy of Margie’s Bakeshop. Their Sticky Toffee Pudding is to die for.
And to end the day, you can settle in for a quiet night of their cocktails at their hidden bar Zanzibar. Check out our list of Zanzibar favorites.
Ursula 
Old Fashioned 
Kalamansi Krush
If cocktails are not your thing, they also have a wide selection of local and imported beer and liquors. Zanzibar, we think, is the perfect place for solo drinking. Or if you are meeting up with a friend or business contact in Davao, this is the right place for a night cap.
Zanzibar is located in the same building as Batu House along Circumferential Road in Marfori Heights, Davao City. They are open all days of the week, Monday to Sunday.
For updates and other information, follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/zanzibardavao and on Instagram @Zanzibar_Dvo.
BATU CAFE + ZANZIBAR + MARGIE’S BAKESHOP
Inside the Batu House
Address: Circumferential Road, Marfori Heights
BATU HOUSE Facebook Page: fb.com/BatuHouseMarfori
ZANZIBAR Facebook Page: fb.com/ZanzibarDavao
Durian
Durian, certainly, is one of the things people either seek out or avoid when they visit Davao. It is an acquired taste. A flavor that is too complex to explain. But we do recommend you try it in some shape or form. We already mentioned Lachi’s Durian Cheesecake.
Another must-try durian form for durian newbies is Durian Coffee by Blu Gre Coffee. Durian has a bittersweet taste and a creamy texture. Both taste and texture go well with coffee. We recommend trying Blue Gre’s Durian Coffee if you want to have a bit of taste of durian without really having to try the fruit.
Or if you want to have a taste of some of the best durian candy, visit Apo ni Lola. They have a store somewhere south in Matina and in Abreeza Ayala Mall. They have a good selection of durian, mangosteen, and other fruit flavored candies. You will definitely find here the perfect candy for your pasalubong.
If fresh (or frozen) durian is what you are looking for, drop by Magsaysay Fruit Stand. You can eat your choice of durian and other fruits here. Or buy some to take home. There are countless fruit stores open 24/7. They can open the fruit and have you eat them fresh right there. Or you can have them package them for travel. Aside from durian, they also have pomelo and other seasonal tropical fruits such as mangosteen, langka, marang, and watermelon.
BLU GRE COFFEE
Addresses: Landco Commercial Building, JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada and Matina Town Square, McArthur Highway, Matina
Facebook Page: fb.com/BluGreOfficial
MAGSAYSAY FRUIT STAND
Magsaysay Avenue, Davao City (Beside Magsaysay Park and Sta Ana Wharf)
Open 24 hours
Pasalubong Shopping
Before you leave, do not forget to buy some pasalubong. Visit Aldevinco Shopping Center. They have boutiques selling a variety of indigenous products. From tie dyed beachwear to exquisite batik clothes, you can find them all here. There are also fresh sea pearls, accessories by indigenous tribes, and other pasalubong and collectible items.
Another alternative is the Davao Pasalubong Center by the DTI and the LGU. It is a small building with various stalls selling products by local MSMEs. From local chocolates to Davao souvenir items, this is the place to shop at.
We recommend visiting both.
ALDEVINCO SHOPPING CENTER
Address: Claro M Recto Street corner Roxas Avenue, Davao City
DAVAO PASALUBONG CENTER
Palma Gil Street, Davao City (right outside People’s Park)
Landmarks
You could not leave Davao without dropping by and taking photos at People’s Park.
People’ Park has a good mix of nature and art to make it the perfect place to take your souvenir photos. It is filled with Instagrammable spots to take your selfies at. Or you can ask locals or fellow tourists to help you out. Visit this place early in the morning or just before sunset to capture those photos with the right light.
So hurry up. Book that flight and fly solo to Davao. There are so many places to visit and even more foo to try here.
Map to our Davao Itinerary for Solo Travelers
You can easily hail a taxi or book one via the Grab app to visit these destinations. Or you can venture into these places via jeepney.
Here is a map to all the recommended destinations in our Itinerary for Solo Travelers.
If you are visiting Davao alone or with a group, feel free to leave us a comment. We might be able to meet you up for coffee. See you here.
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