Welcome to Davao de Oro, a province of golden landscapes, powerful rivers, majestic mountains, waterfalls, rich biodiversity, and indigenous cultures at the heart of Mindanao.

Formerly known as Compostela Valley, Davao de Oro is a province where nature remains the main storyteller. Located in the southeastern part of Mindanao, it is surrounded by mountain ranges, forests, agricultural lands, and rivers that have shaped the lives of its communities for generations.

The province earned its name from its long history connected to gold resources, but its true wealth extends far beyond minerals. Davao de Oro is blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes, including waterfalls hidden within forests, mountain trails, rivers, caves, and scenic countryside roads that showcase the raw beauty of Mindanao.

Known as a destination for adventure and nature exploration, the province offers experiences far from crowded tourist routes. Travelers can discover waterfalls, trek through mountain environments, explore rural communities, and witness the daily lives of farmers, indigenous groups, and local entrepreneurs.

Davao de Oro is also home to indigenous communities including the Mansaka, Mandaya, and other Lumad groups, whose traditions, weaving, rituals, music, and connection to ancestral lands remain an important part of the province’s identity.

Agriculture plays a major role in the province’s economy. Vast plantations and farms produce bananas, coconuts, cacao, coffee, and other crops, creating landscapes where mountains and agriculture exist side by side.

From waterfalls hidden deep in the forests to peaceful mountain villages, Davao de Oro represents the unexplored beauty of Mindanao.

At Trek Voyagers PH, we invite you to discover Davao de Oro beyond the usual routes—to experience a province where adventure meets culture, where nature remains powerful, and where every journey reveals the golden heart of Mindanao.

What’s Included

• 4 nights’ accommodation at a comfortable hotel, mountain lodge, eco-resort, or locally managed stay.
• Daily breakfast and selected local meals throughout the itinerary.
• Private transportation within Davao de Oro.
• Guided nature, adventure, cultural, and agricultural tours.
• Entrance fees and environmental fees for included attractions.
• Local guide assistance and destination storytelling.
• Indigenous cultural experiences.
• Farm and local product experiences.
• Authentic Mindanao cuisine experiences.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to explore Davao de Oro is during the dry season from November to May, when waterfalls, mountain roads, trekking routes, and countryside exploration are more accessible.

Recommended periods:

☀️ November – May

• Best for adventure activities
• Trekking
• Waterfall exploration
• Road trips

🌿 December – February

• Cooler mountain temperatures
• Comfortable outdoor activities

🌧️ June – October

• Lush forests
• Fuller waterfalls
• Higher rainfall possibility

Some mountain and remote areas may require local weather assessment before visiting.

Itinerary Highlights

Discover Davao de Oro through a journey combining waterfalls, mountains, culture, and rural experiences.

Waterfall Adventure Experience

Explore some of Davao de Oro’s hidden natural treasures.

Experience:

• Forest waterfalls
• River landscapes
• Nature trekking
• Swimming areas

Possible destinations:

• Awao Falls
• Mainit Hot Spring areas
• Hidden waterfalls throughout the province

Mountain & Forest Exploration

Discover the province’s rugged landscapes.

Experience:

• Mountain viewpoints
• Forest trails
• Biodiversity
• Rural landscapes

Davao de Oro’s mountains provide some of Mindanao’s most authentic outdoor experiences.

Indigenous Culture Experience

Learn from communities preserving ancestral traditions.

Experience:

• Indigenous crafts
• Traditional practices
• Cultural stories
• Local hospitality

Agricultural Countryside Journey

Explore the province’s farming identity.

Experience:

• Banana plantations
• Cacao farms
• Coffee communities
• Rural livelihoods

River & Adventure Experience

Discover the waterways that support local communities.

Experience:

• River landscapes
• Outdoor activities
• Scenic countryside routes

Local Food Journey

Taste authentic Mindanao flavors.

Experience:

• Fresh tropical fruits
• Local cacao products
• Farm-to-table dishes
• Traditional Mindanao cuisine

Suggested 5 Days / 4 Nights Itinerary

DAY 1 — Arrival & Davao de Oro Introduction

Morning

• Arrival from Davao City
• Travel to Davao de Oro
• Welcome lunch featuring local cuisine

Afternoon

• Hotel/lodge check-in

Explore:

• Nearby communities
• Local markets
• Provincial landscapes

Evening

• Welcome dinner

DAY 2 — Waterfall & Nature Adventure

Morning

• Breakfast
• Travel to waterfall destination

Activities:

• Trekking
• Nature exploration
• Swimming
• Photography

Midday

• Picnic lunch surrounded by nature

Afternoon

• Continue waterfall adventure

Evening

• Return accommodation

DAY 3 — Culture & Agriculture Experience

Morning

• Visit local communities

Experience:

• Indigenous traditions
• Local crafts
• Community stories

Midday

• Farm-to-table lunch

Afternoon

• Agricultural exploration

Visit:

• Cacao farms
• Coffee areas
• Rural communities

Evening

• Cultural dinner

DAY 4 — Hidden Davao de Oro Adventure

Morning

• Scenic countryside journey

Explore:

• Mountain roads
• Viewpoints
• Rivers
• Nature areas

Afternoon

• Local product experience

Discover:

• Cacao products
• Handmade crafts
• Local specialties

Evening

• Farewell dinner

DAY 5 — Departure

Morning

• Breakfast
• Souvenir shopping

Recommended purchases:

• Cacao products
• Coffee
• Local delicacies
• Indigenous crafts

Afternoon

• Check-out
• Departure

Trek Voyagers PH Experience Notes

Travel Personality

⛰ Mountains
💦 Waterfalls
🌿 Nature
🧡 Indigenous Culture
🌾 Agriculture

Recommended For

✓ Adventure travelers
✓ Nature lovers
✓ Photographers
✓ Road trip explorers
✓ Cultural travelers
✓ Travelers searching for underrated destinations

Difficulty Level

Moderate

(Some waterfall and mountain activities may require trekking.)

Why Davao de Oro Belongs in Project 82

Davao de Oro represents the untouched side of Mindanao—a province where nature remains powerful and communities continue living in harmony with the land.

Its beauty is not only found in waterfalls and mountains but also in the stories of farmers, indigenous communities, and local people who protect and celebrate their home.

Beyond its name connected to gold, the province’s greatest treasure is its landscape, culture, and the people who keep its traditions alive.

For Trek Voyagers PH:

Davao de Oro is where mountains hold stories, rivers create journeys, and the golden spirit of Mindanao shines through every adventure.

✨IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTE✨

Full itinerary details, including the complete day-by-day schedule, meeting points, travel arrangements, activity timings, inclusions, and other important trip information will be provided exclusively to confirmed joiners.

Thank you for choosing Trek Voyagers PH. We look forward to creating a meaningful and unforgettable journey with you.