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Davaos Durian

By admin. Filed in Davao's Durian Fruit |

The durian, is a native fruit to Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia and been known to the western
world for about 600 years. There is a debate that whether this Durian Fruit is also a native of the
Philippines.The British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace famously described its flesh as a rich
custard highly flavoured with almonds in the 19th century. The flesh can be consumed at
various stages of ripeness, and is used to flavour a wide variety of savoury and sweet edibles in
Southeast Asian cuisines. The seeds can also be eaten when cooked. The name durian comes
from the Malay word duri (thorn) with suffix -an. (wiki)
Most people who do not like Durian are basically due to its smell. The aroma could be a little
offensive but do not deprive yourself by it for it is one perfect Gods gift. Its spiky look, its aroma,
its heavenly flavour, is so unique which makes it so beautiful and pleasurable eat. The unusual
delicious flavour and odour of the fruit may have prompted many people to express diverse and
passionate views ranging from deep appreciation to intense disgust. Mark this guarantee, there
is no fruit like Durian and it is worth to eat and enjoy it.
Davao City is the core of Durian production in the Philippines. The Durian has some varieties.
Here in Davao we have the Chanee, the Native and the Malagkit and many more. Chanee
durian fruit has golden yellow creamy and little bit firm, and it become meshy when over-ripe.
The taste is sweet and has strong fragrance and it will taste sweet-bitter when over ripe.
Chanee fruit is fleshy and has a thin seed compared to the native and Malagkit. The
native durian is creamy white and relatively small. The meat of the fruit is relatively small
coating the big seed of the fruit. The taste is bitter-sweet and has strong aroma. For the locals of
Davao, many prefer to eat Malagkit durian. This is so due to its thickness of the flesh and its
uniqueness of its taste. The malagkit is very creamy and utterly sweet and the smell is not that
firm compared to other three mentioned. Durian fruit is considered ripe when the smell of it
becomes intense; the color will be more brownish and cracks will slice seeing the flesh inside.
Davao City is not just famous of its durian fruit. There are other fruits which is high in demand
like Pomelo and Mangosteen. While visiting Davao City, you can find fruit stand in almost
everywhere and are all shockingly cheap. In fact, in durian fruit stand that we have here you can
even eat it right there and then in the street. Let the vendor choose what is already and ripe ask
them to open it for you and they will take care of the seeds and the spike skin of Durian.

DAVAO CITY is the regional center for Davao Region (Region XI) and is considered to be the
most important cities in the Philippines, the de facto capital of the island of Mindanao. It also has
the largest land area in the Philippines, bounded by the highest peak of Mount Apo, Davao Del
Norte in the north and partly on the east side, and Davao Gulf. Davao is an independent province
though usually grouped with Davao Del Sur for statistical purposes.
Davao City boasts of its international airport and seaport as one of the busiest cargo hubs in the
Southern Philippines. The place is also the center of various BPO operations. Significantly, the
city earns high annual revenue. The citys strategic location makes it the center of trade not only
in the Southern Mindanao region or the whole of Mindanao but also in the East ASEAN Growth
Area (EAGA).

LOCAL PRODUCTS
Davao boasts of its fruit plantations and ornamental flower gardens such as the rare and endemic
specie of waling-waling (Vanda Sanderiana). Fruit products are bananas, pomelos (a kind of
local grapefruit); and the ever famous King of Fruits, Durian. Other plantation products are
abaca, ramie, corn, rice, coffee and coconuts.
FAMOUS FOODS
Davao City is also called as the Fruit Basket of the Philippines due to its various fresh fruits
produce such as watermelon, the sweetest mango, the more succulent pomelo, rambutan, banana,
mangosteen, lanzones, strawberry, pineapple, avocado, langka, buko or have a bowl of fresh fruit
salad.
It is only here in Davao where you can find the exotic Durian (the King of the Fruits or the Fruit
of the Gods) serving as the fruit of good and evil with its strong aroma (or pungent odor)
overpowered by its heavenly taste which you would not want to exchange for anything.

Seal

Davao is a city in the Philippines and is considered by many to be the most crimefree area in the country. Tourists are guarded not only by the police, but also by the
people around.
The simplest way to get around is by hopping on a taxi. A typical trip can cost about
60-70 pesos or slightly more than a U.S. dollar if one goes by the meter. However,
drivers in Davao do not bargain if they notice that you are a tourist, hence the cost
of the trip may same as a regular in price. If you know the name of the building,
establishment, area or street you wish you reach, this is still the fastest way to get
to your destination. You can also call the cab company directly to have a cab driver
pick you up. Mabuhay Taxi is one of the most reliable cab companies around and
they can be reached at +82-234-1360 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Alternatively, if you opt for more adventure, then do as the locals and catch a

colorful jeepney. Simply ask around for which route to take. They are available 24
hours and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the city. This is the cheapest
option for getting around as a typical fare cost about 5-7 pesos.
Another alternative ride aside from the jeepneys and taxis, is to rent a car. Many
available cars for rent, but if you don't know the routes, you can hire drivers buy
asking the attendant of the said rent a car shop.
Buses are also available but these tend to ply exclusively along the north-south
route and going out and in the city area.
the Mt. Apo at its peak- the tallest mountain in the Philippines, where you can also
go and climb to the top of it.
Take time to see the majestic Philippine Eagle, one of the three largest eagles in the
world and sadly also one of the most endangered, at the Philippine Eagle Center in
Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. The Center is home to at least 30 Philippine
Eagles, and also hosts a variety of other raptors, birds, and animals in a simulated
forest environment. The Center is about 45 minutes away from downtown Davao. To
get there, buses or vans to Calinan depart from the Bankerohan Market at 15
minute intervals. Once in Calinan, tricycles, motorcycles and jeepneys bound for
Malagos may be found at the Calinan market area. The Philippine Eagle Center is
open 8am to 5pm daily and is operated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
When your going to Davao You can party hard at The Venue . You can also spot
Filipino celebrities during week ends.
Davao is reknowned for its durian and pomelo. Eating durian is admittedly an
acquired taste but those who do end up liking it will swear that the bad smell is
worth it. Pomelo on the other hand is a citrus fruit that most closely resembles a
grapefruit, it is quite common in South East Asia. Beware of bringing durian inside
airplanes as well as hotels and other establishments. They may have strict
regulations on allowing durian inside and some may not allow durian to be brought
at all.

A Sprawling Metropolis Davao City is the biggest city in the Philippines, and one of the biggest
in the world.
It is located in the Southern part of the Philippines, or more specifically in Southern Mindanao. It
is a multi-cultural city and one that effortlessly combines the beauty of nature and the trappings
of modern life.

Places to Go in Davao
You will never run out of things to do and places to go to when you go to Davao. If you're the
type who loves nature, go to any of the following:
1. Eden Nature Park - this is a man-made attraction nestled 3,000 feet above sea level. It is
an 80-hectare paradise with lots of pine trees, facilities, accommodations and attractions.
You can visit the place during the day (hire a taxi or a jeep to take you there and to pick
you up at the end of the day) or you can stay longer. Eden also has its own campsites and
log cabins where you can sleep over and really experience living with nature.
2. The Crocodile Farm - this is like a mini-zoo where you get to see (you guessed it right!)
crocodiles. There are around 60 crocodiles in the farm plus other animals such as
monkeys, birds, ostrich, parrots and even a fully-grown tiger. Don't forget to bring your
camera. Kids are very much welcome in the farm (don't worry, the crocodiles are all
inside cages). Just tell them not to put a finger (or two) inside those cages.
3. Pearl Farm Beach Resort - although this resort is not exactly within the city, it is,
nevertheless, one of its attractions. The resort is located in an island and can be reached
via a 45-minute boat ride. It was given this name because the site where it is located used
to be a pearl farm. The resort boasts of beautiful rooms (located on a hillside or right in
front of the beach) restaurants serving delicious food and various water sports.
4. Mt. Apo - if you are the type who loves mountain climbing, then Mt. Apo is your
destination. The mountain is about 9,600 ft. and has been climbed by a lot of climbers,
both local and foreign.
If you want to know more about Davao's resorts and parks, visit this site - Davao Resorts and
Parks.
If you're the type to go to clubs or malls or coffee shops, etc., Davao also has these to offer you.
There are also a lot of malls in Davao - SM Davao, Gaisano Davao, NCCC Mall, Robinsons, to
name a few. Coffee shops are in abundance in this city, both inside and outside malls.

Where to Eat in Davao


There are a lot of places to eat in Davao. Chinese food, Japanese food, local food, Korean food,
Thai food or even European food - all these are available in Davao. For places offering foreign
food, you can check out this website http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/content/2008/03/bobs-top-ten-restaurants-in-davao/. Or you
can go at the back of Victoria Mall and visit any of the restaurants surrounding this mall. There
are restaurants offering buffet lunch and dinner (Buffet Palace behind Victoria Mall and in

Matina) and Nanay Bebeng's in Marfori Heights. Or you can try the famous Colasa's with its
very tasty chicken barbeque. Or you can go up a hill and go to Jack's Ridge - it also gives a nice
view. Or you can try any of the restaurants located inside the malls found in Davao. Or go to
Torres Street (near Victoria Mall and Gaisano Mall), where there's a long row of restaurants
(Banok's, Rai Rai Ken, etc., etc.). Wherever you are in Davao, you can always find a place to eat
(and they can fit your budget, too!).

Entrance to the Eden Nature Park. Courtesy of http://www.waypoints.ph/photo_detail.php?


passptr=1&wpt=edennp

Pool aquarius, one of the many amenities in Waterfront Insular Hotel (courtesy of
http://www.waterfronthotels.net/davao/other-amenities-services/other-amenities-andservices.html)

The Apo View (courtesy of http://www.apoview.com/hotellocationmap.php)

Where to Stay in Davao

Davao is also known as a convention center in Southern Philippines. This position is the reason
why Davao is a premier city in the whole Philippines. There are more than 2,500 hotels and
resorts in the city (that was in 1999!) and is projected to grow more due to the increasing demand
for conventions and tourist attractions. If you want to go to Davao, make sure you find out first if
there is a convention in the city. If there is one, chances are the hotels are filled during this time.
If you are the type who likes first-class hotels (never mind the cost), stay in the Marco Polo
Hotel or The Apo View Hotel or the Waterfront Insular Hotel. Alternatively, you can stay in any
one of the numerous hotels, inns, pension houses and apartelles in Davao. For some of these,
check out this website - Davao Hotels or search the internet.

Last But Not the Least


Lastly, do not worry about getting lost in the city (despite its vastness). The people here are very
friendly and accomodating. Plus there are signs all over the city pointing you to the right
direction. Better yet, befriend a taxi driver who can take you around the city and its attractions.
The above is just a tip of the iceberg (or the city). There are a lot more things I can write about
Davao. If you want to learn more, you can visit Davao Citys Official Website. Hope you'll enjoy
yourselves when you stay in this beautiful city.

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