to be honest, davao isn't very nice when you think of it in a tourist point of view. the basic spots to go are:
1.) crocodile park - kind of a bad zoo
2.) phil eagle sanctuary - again, a bad zoo
3.) talikod island/samal - it used to be full of underwater life, but for the most part, they are gone now. but if you enjoy quiet beaches, you can find some in samal. also add, "paradise resort" ... the expensive version of the experience is Pearl Farm.
4.) eden nature park - kind of a nature resort. a relaxation or a bf-gf date kinda thing. as a tourist spot, it is not very exciting
5.) zipline - i do not know where, cause believe it or not, i havent tried it, despite it being just 20 mins away. dont worry, crocodile park will hook you up
6.) rafting - this is actually kind of fun. not very intense too. any sedentary person can enjoy it. again, croc park can hook you up
Food (note, food in davao is cheap, not exactly unique, but hella cheap):
1.) tsuru resto's buffet every 15th and 30th of the month - well, not that awesome when you are used to the HK's and the Singapore's, but this resto is probably not in manila, so it would be cool to eat here.
2.) Coco's Bistro - a cheaper version of restos like Chilli's and TGIF. try the cajun shrimp chowder
3.) Spirale - i am not sure if it is in manila... it's an italian resto. try the Sea Bass in White Wine (not the instrument lol), you will thank me for it.
4.) La Toscana - a small italian resto. it isn't corporate, so yes, try it before it eventually closes down.
5.) Burger Chef - a small burger resto owned by a french guy. again, indie stuff, not corporate. also, have you and your family's order taken by Pearl, an 8 year old girl that is very smart (she memorizes the specials and knows her food server basics)
6.) Ah-Fat Seafood House - most tourists visit this place. order the slipper lobsters. they are expensive but well, i dont think many restos serve it. this is a chinese restaurant btw
7.) Balik Bukid - its an organic resto. they serve stuff like blue rice and that really good tasting lechon kawali that goes by a different name
8.) Dexter's Pizza - a cheap pizza place. if you are tired of the corporate pizzas, well, this is a good alternative. this place is so cheap, its not somewhere you'd bring the whole family. its more of a barkada thing
9.) Lachi's - again, a resto tourist spot. its ultra small, but they have their versions of pinoy food stuff. however, they are very famous for their desserts. good luck finding a seat there during peak hours, cause this place is ultra small and personal.
10.) Dencia's - its a good breakfast place. its basically an institution. try their arrozcaldo and tokwa't baboy for breakfast. again, this is non corporate
11.) Bistro Rosario - the first fine dining place in davao city that is still alive. i have been eating here since i was 9 years old. they serve steaks and they play those frank sinatra songs. the cool part? it is hella cheap by manila standards.
anyway, enough with food. if you noticed, davao is a nice eating place just because of the price
Music. now, you will be disappointed ... davao music scene is not happening at all. i can count all the good drummers with one hand ... but just for the heck of it, if you really wanna check out it out:
1.) Sa'Less Bar - its the only place that allows independent music. it is so close knit that everybody knows everyone there. if you are not from davao, the people will know. as for the bands, they range from not being good, to terribad. you are blessed if you can hear someone sing in the right key. you can check out the original music scene via this webpage:
http://davaomusicnation.com/you might say that, that page has the best orig music davao can offer.
2.) Matina Town Square (MTS) - this is where you check out the higher pay showbands. depending on your luck, this is where you usually find the talented musicians ... playing 90's hits or Bon Jovi ... which is kinda moot cause you won't get to see what they can really do with their instruments. but hey, at least in here you will get to hear someone sing in-key.
3.) Bogsers - this is a resto grill place near the beach ... and this is where the low pay showbands are. the music is hit or miss, one thing consistent though is that it is always outdated.
i think one of the best reason to be a tourist in davao is if you go the adventure route. i can recommend:
1.) Mt. Apo
2.) Caving - you can choose from a variety of trails and caves. just go to a nature shop you can find in: MTS, Madrazo Fruit Stand, Gmall
however, i think you should have a level of physical fitness to enjoy those trips. if you are sedentary, you'd only be in a bad mood.
Finally, malls!
1.) Gaisano Mall - check out the red carpet cinemas ... lazy boy recliners for only 200 pesos. this is a "student mall" ... expect a lot of people
2.) SM Ecoland
3.) SM Lanang - expensive mall food can be found here
4.) Abreeza - its an ayala mall
that's about it.