IT’S not all bananas in the Land of the Bounty. While Davao del Norte is well-known for it’s vast banana plantations, the province is endowed with natural beauty and other natural resources which have made it a favorite destination for both local and foreign tourists. And it’s not just bananas they come here for. For instance, just across the shimmering waters of Davao Gulf, you’ll find a big beautiful island—the Island Garden City of Samal—which is part of the province. Whether you come as a tourist, or as a plain visitor, it’s easy to fall in love with the island at first sight: it’s perfect for a vacation or an investment site. Its long stretches of snow-white beaches and crystal clear waters can take your breath away. It’s not surprising why a number of world class resorts owned by foreign investors are located right on this beautiful island. Role of tourism The tourism sector is essentially important to the development of Davao del Norte. Its growth is beneficial to the social, cultural, educational and economic sectors. The province has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions, either natural or man-made. Only a few have been developed while most of the rest still need to be discovered and properly tapped for maximum use. These fascinating sites are items that need to be protected from abuse and misuse as well as environmental degradation. The development of tourism in the Province of Davao del Norte has been ascertained in most recent and major government undertakings. From the country’s tourism master plan down to the regional development plan, Davao del Norte’s tourism potentials have been identified as priority areas for tourism development, owing largely to its nature-based attractions and rich cultural heritage. Tourist attractions At the forefront of tourist attractions in Davao del Norte is the Island Garden City of Samal. The island has so much to offer in terms of its famous white and pristine beaches, excellent scuba diving and snorkeling sites, marine and fish sanctuaries and rare coral gardens that contain 32 coral species in just one colony. It also has waterfalls, springs and rivers to boast of. A breathtaking view of rugged mountains, vast expanse of Davao Gulf and Davao City across the sea can be had from mountain view decks located at elevated areas. The island is not only a haven for adventure-seekers and nature lovers, but it is also an ideal residential place for those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. Mainland attractions In the absence of beaches from which exciting water sports can be enjoyed, the mainland of Davao del Norte is also endowed with much tourism attractions that are unique unto themselves. There are mountain resorts, waterfalls, varied flora and fauna, springs, lakes, rivers, caves, vast plantations, cutflower gardens, rain forests and tribal communities. Waterfalls and springs that are good sites for swimming, fishing, family picnics and excursions abound in the municipalities of New Corella and Kapalong. The mainland has two lakes, one of which is man-made. The major rivers are also good for swimming and fishing, but they are more valuable for irrigating the surrounding rice fields. The caves have rich deposits of guano, a rich organic fertilizer formed from the natural droppings of bats. Such caves are also found in New Corella and Kapalong. There are also caves found in the Island Garden City of Samal. Panoramic sights The best panoramic sights can be viewed from mountain and forest view decks in New Corella and Kapalong where the elevation is higher than the rest of the municipalities in the province. One can visit vast agricultural plantations for a tour upon early arrangements with the plantations’ management. Activities like tissue culture, land preparation and maintenance, planting, harvesting and packaging will show first-time visitors what makes Davao del Norte click as a vibrant agricultural province as well. Aside from plantations, there are also a lot of cutflower gardens in the province growing a wide variety of orchids and anthurium. They also grow ornamental and foliage plants. Authentic indigenous peoples are also part of the Province’s natural attraction. They showcase their distinct culture and heritage. The municipality of Talaingod has been identified as a cultural settlement destination. Tourism facilities For the convenience of both foreign and local visitors, the tourism sector has come up with clean, comfortable accommodations and related facilities. These include hotels, resorts, inns and pension houses. The type of accommodation depends on the type of tourists/clients being targeted. On the mainland, tourist accommodations are centrally located in the capital town, Tagum City. Beach resorts, inland resorts and pension houses are the tourist accommodations that are found in the Island Garden City of Samal. Classification ranges from Class A to triple A Class. Beach resort facilities include function rooms for conferences and seminars, restaurants, coffee shops, pavilion, huts and cottages. Recreational facilities also cater to tourists and visitors. These are movie houses, home videos, disco houses, sing-along joints, and cockpit arena and fitness center. Tourism projects Recognizing the tourism industry potential, the provincial government of Davao del Nort has identified the sector as among the key investment areas of the province. Joint business ventures in world-class beach resorts, cultural villages, theme parks, recreation centers and hotels are recommended to local and foreign investors. Indeed, to all the potential investors and even plain visitors, there’s more to offer in Davao del Norte than just bananas.
