City in Davao del Sur, Philippines
Davao for solo travelers
Is Davao good for solo travel?
Mindanao's big, orderly city: safe, cheap, good food and fruit, with Samal Island and Mount Apo close by. Few nomad amenities, little nightlife by Manila standards, and strict local rules on smoking and alcohol.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 3/5 · Good, with some effort |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Widely spoken |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women by Philippine standards. Dress modestly away from malls and resorts, and use Grab after dark. |
How to meet people in Davao
Dive and trekking operators for Samal and Mount Apo, run and cycling groups, language-school and volunteer contacts, and hostel common rooms downtown.
Good things to do alone
- Eat fresh durian and pomelo at Bankerohan Market
- Day trip to Samal Island's Pearl Farm area
- Visit the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos
- Climb or trek Mount Apo with a guide
- Browse Roxas Night Market
Where to stay in Davao
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Lanang | Malls, condos, restaurants and the easiest long stays |
| Poblacion (Downtown) | Cheap hotels, markets, Magsaysay Park, jeepneys everywhere |
| Matina | Local food, universities, mid-range rentals |
| Buhangin | Quieter residential area near the airport |
Solo travel across Philippines
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Siargao | 5/5 | Widely spoken |
| Moalboal | 5/5 | Widely spoken |
| Manila | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Boracay | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Palawan | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| El Nido | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Cebu | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Coron | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Bohol | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Panglao | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Makati | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Baguio | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| La Union | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Dumaguete | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Siquijor | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Puerto Galera | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Malapascua | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Port Barton | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Sagada | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Banaue | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Vigan | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Iloilo | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| BGC | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Bantayan | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Davao | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
| Tagaytay | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Angeles City | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
Quick answers
Is Davao good for solo travelers?
Good, with some effort (3/5). Mindanao's big, orderly city: safe, cheap, good food and fruit, with Samal Island and Mount Apo close by.
How do you meet people in Davao?
Dive and trekking operators for Samal and Mount Apo, run and cycling groups, language-school and volunteer contacts, and hostel common rooms downtown. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Davao?
Widely spoken.
Is Davao safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women by Philippine standards. Dress modestly away from malls and resorts, and use Grab after dark.
More about Davao
Going to Davao solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Davao meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.