Davao del Sur is in the Davao Region of Mindanao. Most people fly from Manila to Davao City, about one hour and fifty minutes by air, and travel from there. Digos City is about 55 kilometres south, a one to one and a half hour drive, and Bansalan is about 75 kilometres away, around two hours by road.
Best For
Davao del Sur suits a Mindanao trip built around Davao City, with Mt. Apo in the background. Davao City is the main draw, with Eden Nature Park and the Philippine Eagle Center. Digos and Bansalan are quiet provincial towns that I visited for family rather than sightseeing.
Top Places
Bansalan is a small provincial town with rural life, Mt. Carmel and views towards Mt. Apo, about two hours from Davao City. Davao City is the gateway to Mindanao, with Eden Nature Park, the Philippine Eagle Center and Mount Apo nearby. Digos City is the provincial capital, about one to one and a half hours south of Davao City.
Plan Your Trip
Most people fly into Davao City and continue by road, so check flights before you book. Davao has warm temperatures throughout the year and no particularly pronounced dry season, so you can plan around your own schedule. Entrance fees usually apply at the nature attractions.
Dezza’s Tip
I only went to Digos and Bansalan to visit family. I wouldn’t send a tourist there, because there are plenty of better places to see around Davao. Base yourself in Davao City, and treat Digos and Bansalan as optional day drives if you have a reason to go.
Davao del Sur FAQs
How do I get to Davao del Sur from Manila?
Most people fly from Manila to Davao City, about one hour and fifty minutes by air, landing at Davao International Airport. From there Digos City is about 55 kilometres south and Bansalan about 75 kilometres, so you continue by road. Check flights before you book.
How far is Digos from Davao City?
Digos City is about 55 kilometres south of Davao City, a drive of one to one and a half hours. Digos is the provincial capital of Davao del Sur, and it has the Davao Gulf and the Kapatagan highlands nearby.
What is there to do in Davao City?
Davao City is the gateway to Mindanao, with Eden Nature Park, the Philippine Eagle Center and Mount Apo nearby, plus Samal and Talikud islands. It is a good place to spend a couple of days before heading further out.
Is Bansalan worth a visit?
Not for most tourists. Bansalan is a small, quiet provincial town about 75 kilometres and two hours from Davao City, and I only went to visit family. There are better places to see around Davao, so treat it as an optional day drive.
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Where Is Davao del Sur?
Davao del Sur is in the Davao Region of Mindanao, around the southern end of Davao Gulf.
