Digos City Hotels

Taste the sweetness that the Mango Capital City of the Philippines has to offer and learn more about this vibrant and progressive city when you visit.

Lying on the eastern shores of Davao Gulf and the southern foothills of Mount Apo, Digos was once a sleepy municipality that has quickly developed into a suburban, bustling capital of Davao del Sur. Known for its exciting natural parks, pottery industry, and bestselling mangoes, this city is sure to please all travelers who come knocking on its gates. Before the Spanish era, Digos was a watercourse used by the indigenous population who lived along the foothills of Mount Apo for fishing and bathing. 

It is said that when the Spanish colonizers arrived in Digos, some of the Spaniards met the locals and inquired about the name of the area. Believing that the explorers were asking where they were headed to, the natives answered “padigos,” which means "to take a bath." From then on, the place was identified as Digos.

 

How to Go

By plane

Book a flight bound for Davao with Cebu Pacific, AirAsia or other airlines that offer Manila to Davao or Cebu to Davao flights. Flights last for about 2 hours. After arriving in Davao via plane, head on over to a bus terminal. The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal, in particular, has routes to almost all major cities including Digos City.

 

Getting Around

Buses, taxis, tricycles, single motorcycles(skylab/habal-habal), multi-cabs, jeepneys, and public vans can take tourists to any part of the city. To reach other cities, air conditioned buses are recommended as they provide protection from the rain, hot weather, and dusty roads.

 

Tourist Attractions

While Digos City is often overshadowed by the highly urbanized Davao City in terms of tourism, visitors should not miss out on the world-class attractions and scenery that Digos has to offer.  The Kublai Art Garden, the brainchild of Mindanaon artist Kublai Millan, is one of the must-sees in Digos City. This stunning attraction displays giant sculptures that show the traditions of the indigenous Bagobo people of Mindanao. Tourist will learn much about Digos City’s and Davao del Sur's history and culture here.

Also in Kublai Art Garden, one of the most eye-catching sights is the Agong House. Located at the heart of the garden, this one-of-a-kind, eccentric-looking house created by Kublai was modeled after the agong, a percussion instrument. This instrument is widely used by Muslims and tribes in Mindanao. Kublai Millan actually uses this house when he is in Mindanao.

Nature lovers will find Lake Mirror in Mount Apo Highland Resorts enchanting. This man-made lake is so named because of its surface that reflects the magnificent Mount Apo. To see the perfect scenery, visit this lake on a cloudless morning. Lake Mirror is also good for fishing, boating and even swimming.

Another one of Digos City's most visited destinations is the Virgin Falls in Kapatagan. This one-tier waterfall is hidden deep inside a verdant forest. Though a strenuous trek is required to reach the Virgin Falls, its beauty and cold mists will relieve one’s tiredness.

 

Top Things to Do

is famous for its parks, which hosts fun activities that visitors can try out. There are also plenty of shopping centers, delicacy shops, pottery stores, and markets selling delicious mangoes. Even less active travelers will find something enjoyable to do in this city. One can swim or just beach bum in Passig Islet Aqua-Eco Park Resort, a man-made sandbar at the edge of the Davao Gulf. It once served as a base for the coastguard in the area. Cottages can also be rented for families to relax in.

On the other hand, brave souls will definitely have a blast at Camp Sabros, an outdoor adventure camp situated at more than 3,900 feet above sea level. Guests can rent cottages, play pool, go horseback riding, and have bonfires at night if the weather permits. Camp Sabros is also known for its cable car rides and three ziplines, two of which are the longest ziplines in the Philippines.

Still seeking more excitement? Water tubing at Sibulan River will definitely deliver more thrills. This three-kilometer river will give the most memorable and wettest ride anyone could experience. Currents vary depending on the weather, but there are areas where the water is calm enough for the tub riders to enjoy a relaxing float down the river. For a change of pace, tourists can relax at the Marawer Hot Springs. It is free of charge and will warm chilled and tired bodies. There are also stalls that sell snacks and drinks.

 

Where to Eat

Have a taste of classic Filipino cuisine and enjoy a hearty meal at Fiesta Sorpresa in Barangay San Jose. Their bright and cheerful interiors will stimulate appetites. Choose from a wide selection of Filipino dishes such as sinampalukang manok, fresh lumpia, rellenong bangus, and many more. With its reasonable prices and big servings, budget travelers can stop for a bite here.

Another food stop travelers should sample is the Mers Food and Delicacies Inc. This shop and restaurant specializes in native delicacies such as suman and bibingka. Your cravings for sweets, on the other hand, can be satisfied at Prangel's Snack Inn. The house specialties are cakes, pastries and mami. Their mami is highly recommended by all who have sampled their dishes. As for cakes, their jelly roll is a must-try and is also great to give as gifts. With low prices and good quality food, one should not pass up purchasing goodies at Prangel's.

 

Nightlife

Though a big, bright city at night, Digos City has an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcoholic drinks after 1 am. Travelers can still have a nice night out in Digos despite this ban, however, as karaoke bars and dance clubs dot the city.

For people who love watching live music performances while sipping their drinks, then Paul Magoo's Fire and Ice is the place to go. A bar, lounge and restaurant in one, Magoo’s has a nice atmosphere and features live bands every night.

With tasty food, great music and a wide dance floor, the Shooters Grill, KTV & Superclub, on the other hand, will have visitors singing and dancing all night. This is a lively place where people can just cut loose and have fun.  

 

Where to Stay

There are a number of good hotels to choose from in Digos. Some are luxurious resorts, while others are simple inns. Most lodgings in this city offer great deals to tourists. Business travelers will find Hotel Yncierto a gem among hotels. It is affordable, clean, and close to shops and restaurants. A car park, cable television and WiFi are provided to visitors.

Those seeking a quiet stay away from the noisy streets should look no further than

. Primarily for budget travelers, this hotel has an accommodating staff, well-kept rooms, and great, inexpensive food.

Another good lodging option is Ang Tribu Bagobo Woodlands at Barangay Binaton in Digos, a homey and tranquil resort. Travelers can choose from different accommodation packages depending on their budgets. A nature lover's paradise, the lovely gardens and fresh air will give guests the most serene stay in Digos City.

 

Travel Tips

• Buy mangoes in Digos City from March to June. Peak season of mangoes are in the summer months. Exotic fruits like durian and marang are sold for very low prices in this season as well.

• Visit Digos in the summer. The months of May to September celebrates huge festivals so going to Digos in these months will let travelers experience the lively festivities that Digos City has.

• Be aware of the rules in the city. As mentioned earlier, the Digos City has imposed a liquor ban on restaurants and bars. Business establishments are not allowed to serve alcoholic beverages or intoxicating substances after 1 AM. If you are planning to drink the night away, it’s best to have alternatives so that your time and money would not be wasted trying to find bars that serve liquor after the curfew. People are allowed to drink beer in their private lodgings as long as the hotel or inn allows it.