Do’s & Don’ts in Davao (2025 Edition)

Welcome to Davao City—often called the Land of Promise, and for good reason. It’s not your typical Philippine metropolis. Davao is cleaner, greener, and more disciplined, yet bursting with culture, nature, and flavors that are uniquely Mindanaoan.

Known for its firm but fair governance, eco-conscious mindset, and the towering Mount Apo, Davao blends traditional values with modern sustainability. But before you wander its peaceful streets or explore its lush highlands, here’s your essential guide to traveling smart, safe, and respectfully in the heart of Southern Philippines.

DO’s in Davao: How to Experience the City with Respect & Heart

Davao City isn’t just another destination—it’s a place of discipline, warmth, and deeply rooted local pride. To make the most of your stay (and avoid unintentional disrespect), here are some important DO’s every visitor should follow:

🗣️ 1. Speak Softly and Be Polite

Davaoeños are known for being soft-spoken, respectful, and calm. Here, loud or aggressive behavior is not just frowned upon—it’s considered rude. When in conversation:

• Avoid shouting or raising your voice, especially in public
• Use respectful language like “po” and “opo”
• Greet people warmly—smiles go a long way!

💬 Pro tip: Speak with kindness, and you’ll earn the locals’ trust fast.

🧹 2. Keep the City Spotless

Davao prides itself on being one of the cleanest cities in the Philippines—and it shows. Cleanliness isn’t just a campaign, it’s a culture. As a visitor:

• Always throw trash in designated bins
• Don’t chew gum or leave wrappers on the ground
• Smoking is banned in public places (yes, even outdoors like parks, streets, and terminals)

🚭 Reminder: Davao enforces strict anti-smoking laws under the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance. Violators can face fines or jail time.

👮‍♂️ 3. Follow the Rules—Always

This city runs on discipline and order, and that’s one reason why it’s regularly ranked among the safest cities in Southeast Asia.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Curfews for minors are strictly observed
• Public drinking is regulated—don’t crack open a bottle just anywhere
• Jaywalking? Don’t even try it—you might get fined on the spot

🛑 Heads-up: Davao is proof that rules, when followed, create a peaceful environment.

🥭 4. Taste Local Delicacies (Yes, Including Durian!)

Food is a huge part of the Davao experience. And yes, that includes durian—the spiky fruit that smells strong but tastes sweetly unforgettable. Don’t leave without trying:

• Durian (fresh, candy, or ice cream form)
• Tuna kinilaw – a spicy raw tuna dish
• Mangosteen & pomelo – Davao-grown tropical fruits
• Kalderetang kambing – savory goat stew

🛍️ Where to try it? Head to Roxas Night Market or Aldevinco Shopping Center for authentic eats and local souvenirs.

🌿 5. Explore Nature with Respect

Davao is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Philippines—from towering mountains to rare wildlife. But with great beauty comes great responsibility.

Whether you’re climbing Mt. Apo or visiting the Philippine Eagle Center, always:

• Stay on designated trails
• Do not touch or feed wildlife
• Pack out your trash and follow Leave No Trace principles

🌱 Nature is sacred here. Treat it like a privilege, not a playground.

💬 6. Learn a Few Local Phrases

Even a little effort in speaking the local dialect can make a big impression. In Davao, people speak Bisaya/Cebuano, and here are a few handy phrases to know:

• “Salamat” – Thank you
• “Asa ang CR?” – Where’s the bathroom?
• “Maayong buntag” – Good morning

💡 Locals appreciate it when you try to speak their language—even if you mispronounce a few words.

❌ DON’Ts in Davao: What Not to Do If You Want to Be a Respectful Visitor

Davao City is admired for its discipline, safety, and strong cultural values. But to truly enjoy your stay and avoid offending locals—or worse, facing fines—here’s what you absolutely should NOT do:

🚬 1. Don’t Smoke in Public Areas

Davao is globally recognized for having one of the strictest anti-smoking laws in Asia.

🚫 Smoking is completely banned in all public places, including:

• Parks
• Sidewalks
• Terminals
• Restaurants (even outdoor ones)

Fines and penalties apply, and yes—they apply to tourists too. Repeat violators could face jail time.

💡 Want to light up? You’ll need to find a designated private area (very rare in Davao!).

🗑️ 2. Don’t Litter—Anywhere

Davao’s clean, green reputation didn’t happen by accident—it’s thanks to strict enforcement and civic discipline.

Avoid:

• Throwing wrappers or cigarette butts on the street
• Dumping trash in nature parks or hiking trails
• Leaving food waste in public areas

🏞️ Whether you’re in the heart of the city or exploring Mt. Apo, “leave no trace” is more than a guideline—it’s a duty.

🤳 3. Don’t Be Flashy or Rude

Davao is a place of modesty, humility, and quiet respect. Show-off behavior stands out—and not in a good way.

Avoid:

• Flaunting designer bags, phones, or jewelry
• Speaking loudly or making a scene in public
• Acting entitled or bossy toward locals or staff

🎧 Tip: Tone down the volume—both in your voice and your fashion.

🐅 4. Don’t Support Unethical Animal Tourism

Davao is rich in wildlife—but not all animal attractions are ethical.

Avoid:

• Visiting roadside zoos or caged animal shows
• Paying to take selfies with sedated animals
• Supporting businesses that exploit endangered species

✅ Instead, visit the Philippine Eagle Center, which leads the way in conservation, education, and ethical animal care.

🌿 Respect wildlife. Don’t treat them like props.

🏍️ 5. Don’t Overspeed or Ignore Traffic Rules

Unlike many urban cities, Davao strictly enforces traffic discipline. Road rules are not suggestions—they’re enforced.

🚨 Don’ts to avoid:

• Driving or riding without a helmet
• Ignoring speed limits and traffic signs
• Jaywalking or crossing randomly

👮 Traffic enforcers are alert and visible—you won’t get away with it.

⛪ 6. Don’t Disrespect Local Culture or Religion

Davao is a multi-faith, multicultural city, home to Christians, Muslims, and Lumad Indigenous communities. Each culture and belief system is treated with deep respect.

Avoid:

• Wearing revealing outfits inside churches, mosques, or tribal spaces
• Taking photos of rituals or Indigenous people without consent
• Making jokes or assumptions about religion, customs, or accents

🙏 When in doubt, ask respectfully. Cultural sensitivity is always appreciated.

Final Tip: Let Davao Change Your Pace

Davao isn’t about fast living—it’s about balance, peace, and pride. The safety and serenity you feel aren’t accidental—they’re the result of a community built on mutual respect, discipline, and love for the land.

Come with a calm heart and a curious spirit, and Davao just might be the most peaceful and powerful chapter of your Philippine journey.