Airport Review: Davao International Airport

Davao International Airport (IATA: DVO), is the main airport serving Davao City and the busiest airport in the region of Mindanao. Formerly known as Francisco Bangoy International Airport, it is named after the patriarch of an influential family residing in the city who donated the land where the airport operates. The airport has a single 3,000-meter precision runway.

Welcome to Davao!!!

The current terminal replaces the previous airport terminal, which lie just across it, in handling both domestic and international flights operating to and from Davao. The P2.7 billion passenger terminal is a Malay architecture-inspired building which is four times larger than the old terminal. It is highly computerized, more secure and has more commercial spaces for concessionaires at approximately 9,000 sq. meter. It has four units of jet bridges for passengers. The terminal has 14 domestic and 14 international check-in counters that can handle a steady flow of passenger traffic. The Check-in counters are equipped with electronic weighing scales and conveyors and its baggage handling system is also computerized. It also has 2 arrival areas, for domestic and international with 2 baggage conveyors each. The Cargo Terminal Building covers almost 5,580 sq. meters and can handle up to 84,600 metric tons of cargo a year. The modernization and upgrading of the airport facilities aims to cement Davao as a hub for tourism and foreign investment in the region.

Welcome!!!

Initial construction began in 2000 while plans for construction were announced in 1992. After almost a decade, the new terminal was inaugurated on December 2, 2003. On November 12, 2007, Cebu Pacific announced this airport as its third hub.

The following airlines and their destinations currently serve Davao International Airport:

1.      Air Asia Philippines – Clark

2.      Airphil Express – Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo, Manila, Zamboanga

3.   Cebu Pacifir Air – Butuan, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog, Iloilo, Kalibo, Manila, Puerto Princesa, Zamboanga

4.      Philippine Airlines – Manila

5.      Wings Air – Manado

6.      SEA (South East Asian) Air - Manila

7.      Silk Air – Singapore

8.      Zest Airways - Manila

(Information source: Wikipedia: Davao Airport)

I experienced being in Davao International Airport when I visited the city in Summer 2009.

Left outside facade of the airport.

Overview of the main terminal. Photo courtesy of Jetphotos.net

Building and Facilities

The terminal building is strikingly white-painted outside but what makes it more striking are the layered triangular shape Malay-inspired roof.  The pointed roof design also echoes Davao’s famed fruit king – Durian particularly its pointed thorn-like skin texture. The building’s predominantly white color with accents of gray and green creates an airy and spacious atmosphere. The choice of white as the predominant color also evokes a light feeling and mood along with the concept of maximizing the spaces of the building for handling larger capacity of passengers.  

The multi-floor terminal is designed to meet the international standards of an airport terminal. It serves both domestic and international flights and its capacity is designed to handle both type of flights. It has four jetways that has the capacity of handling a bigger plane like Boeing 747-400 of Philippine Airlines which is regularly deployed on the airport.  It can also handle mid-range and long-range aircraft types like Airbus 330-300 and Airbus 340-300 with its 3,000 meter runway. I think it can even handle a long-range Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.  

The Smart ad that designs the outside façade of the terminal facing the plane side added colors and Davao character to the dominantly white painted building of the terminal.

Mount Apo in the air!!!

Davao, here I come! On approach to the airport.

Arrival

My arrival to Davao was exciting and very much welcoming because in the air I was treated with a glimpse of Mount Apo! It’s the Philippines’ highest peak. I don’t know if it depends on aircraft approach but as our plane banks on an approach to Davao Airport, I saw a group of tall mountain peaks surrounded by clouds that one resembles the peak of Mount Apo. I knew that I saw the country’s tallest peak when I compare the pictures I took with the pictures of Mount Apo’s peak. I marvel in viewing Mount Apo in the air. It was a great welcome on my first time visit to Davao!

The arrival area is spacious with 4 baggage conveyors to ease claiming of check-in luggage. It has a friendly service desk for tourists who want to inquire about the tours around the city and getting transportation out of the airport. The outside façade has a line-up of numerous taxis available for transportation. But what I like about in Davao, is that these taxis are registered at the security desks before going out of the airport facilities for security reasons of the tourists and taxi scam fares. Most of the taxi drivers are naturally friendly and not forced. The Durian Monument designed by Kublai Milan, Davao’s famous artist found at the front facade was a great welcome for tourists and visitors who want to discover the city.

The striking Durian monument at the outside facade of the airport.

Departure

The glass doors and waiting area roofs are tinted in dark green color.  The Malay-inspired roof is also designed up to the roofs of waiting areas of the terminal building. These layers of pointed triangles also echoes the skin of Durian – Davao’s fame king fruit as I’ve observed before. The Malay-inspired roof is also reflected inside the terminal that looks like a big ceiling of a “Bahay Kubo” with modern and steel design. The ceiling has glass linings where natural sunlight can pass through and gives additional lighting inside the departure terminal. The glass designed walls were wide and tall to get more natural lighting get through inside the airport. I also noticed that the Malay-inspired pointed designs is also echoed in on top of these walls and resembles roofs of traditional Nipa hut house or “Bahay Kubo”.

Malay-inspired designed of Davao International Airport. Photo courtesy of Come Visit Davao.

View of the departure area from the terminal's second floor.

 International and domestic check-in counters are separated by a divider with an escalator that leads to the 2nd floor where the final checks, gates and lounges are located. The terminal is complete with immigration and final security checks for international flights. There are also souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes for passengers to enjoy while waiting for their flight. The 2nd second floor also has lounges for VIP passengers. One of the lounges is Mabuhay Lounge for Philippine Airlines’ business class and high miler passengers.

While the departure area has a grand designs of Malay inspirations, the gate area was ordinarily bland in design and majority where just painted in white and green carpeted. Wide glass walls facing the planeside give a view of airline operations and actions on-going in the airport. Davao International Airport has a terminal fee of 200PHP for domestic passengers.

Check-in counters at the departure area. Photo courtesy of Jetphotos.net

Gate holding area. Photo courtesy of Come Visit Davao.

Mabuhay Lounge of Philippines Airlines. Photo courtesy of Come Visit Davao.

Gate waiting area before passengers embark to the aircraft. Photo courtesy of Come Visit Davao.

My Conclusion

The location and space of the current terminal of Davao has a big potential for expansion in case it needs to expand for additional capacity, more flights and rising passenger flow. My impression when I first stepped inside the terminal was it looks like a mini version of NAIA Centennial Terminal 2. This is mainly because of its predominantly white color of the terminal inside and outside of the building including the glass inspired designs. But Davao International Airport still has a distinction because of its Malay and Durian-inspired designs.

The current space of the terminal is enough to serve the current capacity that the airport is handling currently. I just wish they redesign the gate holding areas for a more appealing architecture and did not resorted to a boring white atmosphere area. I think it would also be better if the cafes, shops and restaurants are near the gate holding area as most airport are designed that way. Unlike in Davao International Airport, they are located before entering the gate areas thus they are on a separate facility area of the terminal.

Samal Island and Davao in the air!

Since the terminal is an international airport, I hope the government and concerning agencies will promote the city to have more international flights. I feel that the international side of the terminal is underuse with only Silk Air and Wings Air serving the airport for international flights. Local airlines should be tapped for the potential of the airport to have international flights. Cebu Pacific’s move of making Davao as its third domestic hub was a great move.

Lastly, a departure flight from Davao, gives an air glimpse of beautiful Samal Island – one of the Davao’s tourism draws. The marvelous sights of this beach resort and adventure activity dotted island reminds me and all of us that Davao has a great role in shaping up Philippine tourism potentials.  

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Airport Review is a section in Going Places where I gave a comprehensive review and insights to the airports that I have been in my travels. Review ranges from the airport's arrival and departure area, functionality, terminal structure, facility, airport location up to the unique amenities that the airport offers. These airport reviews will give travelers a first-hand experience of what it is to expect inside these airport terminals

Durian Galore

A visit in Davao is not complete without sampling the local and exotic fruits that is very popular in Davao like mangosteen, pomelo (suha) and of course, durian - the king of Davao fruits! It wouldn't be complete to taste the famous of them all - the durian fruit. And just a cautioned, clip your nose to taste its heavenly sweet pulp or you'll smell its hellish odor! Durian is so famous in Davao that it becomes a national or local icon of Davao and become signiture in their desserts like Durian flavored ice cream, candy, cakes and all other sweets. So on our last day there, we bought these fruits for pasalubong at the famed fruit market, Magsasay Fruit Vendor Association market. While my mom selects the best of these fruits, I get this souvenir shot of tumpok ng durian (stack of durian) that is certainly a Durian galore.

More about Davao here.

Davao Delight

Davao became the center of my summer 2009 when my first foot landed there last April 3-4 on a short travel trip. It was my first trip to Mindanao and my first travel trip for this year. And I wonder what surprises is waiting for me later this year. This trip was unexpected. I earlier foresee that I won't have a summer escapade this year as I am in job transition right now but alas, life is full of surprises. It was really unexpected as it just a sudden decision. My mom is going to celebrate her birthday on April 4. She wants to celebrate it in a different place. Davao was her choice as it has multiple daily flights, wide open seats available and she has been there twice already. So we have our open tickets issued a day before departure. Then hopped on the 10am flight the next day. For this trip, my bro is with us too.

Actually were getting the earliest 4am flight but since all flights available has wide positive seat spaces we opted in 3rd flight at 10:15am. In the turn of events we were given passes to the Mabuhay Lounge of Philippines Airlines (PAL). I'm delighted because it was my first time to be there. We're not even Mabuhay Miles members (PAL's frequent flyer club), just strong connections at the check-in counters hehe.. Anyway, it was almost 30 minutes before boarding when we got there. We indulge in snacks provided at center buffet table. All food were delicious. We also did try the free internet computer services of the lounge. For personal laptops the lounge is free wi-fi or wireless broadband.

By the time we board, I'm surprise were on PAL's A340. But to be honest, their domestic service is downgraded. Only peanuts and a cracker with complimentary choice of drinks were served for the 1 hour and 35 minute flight. Not to mention juice was cut from the drinks offered which I often drink onboard PAL. Only tea, coffee and water were offered now. Before snacks were "snack pack" with more snacks inside a pack or Goldilocks treats were served. Talking about recession... it's a good thing that we eat already in the lounge.

Welcome to Davao!

Departure area of Davao Airport.

What surprises me in this plane trip is the spectacular view of Mount Apo that can clearly seen from the window of the plane as it approaches Davao City. I took several shots of it. From surrounded by clouds or vague captures... it was truly majestic. Mount Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines. It is one of the most popular climbing destination of the Philippines. Declared national park, it is also home to a thousand species of endemic birds including the rare Philippine Eagle.

Mt. Apo from the airplane window.

Philippines'highest peak as our plane descends the airport.

PR811 arrived at 12 noon in Davao's international airport. The colorful banner ads of SMART mobile made the outside facade of of the airport more appealing. Inside, the airport is five star for me. It is for its relax ambience, clean surroundings, white choice of palatte and very symbolic architectural design of triangles and pointed-styles (especially the durian landmark outside the airport). Staffs are friendly too. The terminal is big enough to handle both international and domestic flights. It opened last 2003. I just hope more international flights opens in Davao.

Davao is a premier city in Mindanao of the southern Philippines. It is considered to be the world's biggest city with an area of 2,440 square kilometers. Davao is dubbed as "The City of Royalties" or "The Royal City", because of the presence of the kings and queens of nature present in Davao referring to Waling-waling - The Queen of Philippine Orchids, Durian - the King of Exotic Fruits, Mt. Apo - The King and Grandfather of Philippine mountains and Philippine Eagle - the largest eagle in the world and the King of Philippine skies. In recent years, Davao has emerged as the business, investment and tourism hub for the entire southern Philippines. The city boasts of some of the finest beaches and mountain resorts in the country, and proximity to the Philippines’ most captivating diving spots as well as its highest peak, Mount Apo.

Sasa Wharf enroute to Samal Island.

The first place we visited is the Island Garden City of Samal. Samal Island is a 2nd class island city off the coast of Davao City pier. From Sasa Wharf is a 7 minute boat ride to Paradise Island Nature and Park Resort located in Samal Island. It is 15php one-way fare. It was quite rainy when we cross the sea to the island so waves were also quite strong. Paradise Island Nature and Park Resort is a popular beach resort in Samal Island. Mainly because its is cheap but the place is good. You'll just pay 100php per person for the entrance that included free usage of beach table. Don't worry about the hut, the resort provided a wide fix cover to the whole picnic area to protect from sun's heat.

Aside from swimming, you can also do renting water bicycle, banana boat and jet ski to enjoy water sport activities. There's also a restaurant in the resort for food as bringing food in the resort is not allowed when you spend an overnight. Hotel accommodation of the resort is available. Before we leave, we checked the Bird Country of Paradise Island. It is an aviary with numerous bird displays in the area like peacocks, crown pigeons and cockatoos. At the back also is an under contruction water theme park. When completed, it will add another reason why Paradise Island is the resort choice in Samal Island.

But please note that Samal Island is also dotted with other numerous beach resorts and hotels including the famous Pearl Farm Resort (which is also an attraction by itself) and also the attention gaining Talikud Island for its dive spots. Going to Samal Island resorts depend on which wharf to depart. Each resort has designated wharfs to board so know the resort's wharf first before going there.

A whole day trip is enough to spend in Paradise Island Resort. Eating "Halo-halo" while watching the beauty of the beach and sea is a perfect summer scene for a perfect summer mood. Samal Island is definitely a suitable place to spend your summer. After an almost whole day spend in Samal Island, we wend back to Sasa Wharf and headed to Agdao near Magsaysay Park to check-in at Evergreen Hotel.

We took a jeepney ride to Agdao by just asking the locals. Here, I observed that Dabawenyos are friendly and helpful. They are really helpful especially when they know tourists asking for directions around the city. The thing is even when you ask them in Tagalog they will still answer you in Bisaya dialect so knowing few Bisayan dialect would be helpful. But nonetheless Dabawenyos will try to help you as long as they can which I really like. Davao City is a clean city. Cleanliness is maintain to the whole city so it also maintain a pollution-free surrounding. The cleanliness of the city is another thing that I like in Davao. I also read from a feature magazine that the city is also the most crime-free area in the country. All of these efforts is throgh the leadership of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

People's Park

The following day is my mom's birthday. This is a different way to celebrate her birthday as this is the first time she spend it in another place. We started the day by going to the city center and visit the famous People's Park. The park is distinct for its numerous statues of Davao icons like the Philippine Eagle and Durian. Another distinct statues were the children monuments that seems playing around. Inside the park one can already see the high-rise building the famous hotel - Marco Polo Davao. People's Park is larger than ordinary parks that you saw. There are artificial 10ft falls, lined pine trees and Japanese themed gardens. There is also man-made lakes with ducks freely swims in it. The park also takes care pigeons that freely goes in the1 park. Another feature of the park is the bridge facing the dancing fountains that every visitors will enjoy. Lastly, it is better to visit the Durian Dome with spikey-design open ceilings at night as the ceilings are lighted but in the morning you'll easily appreciate its surgary rainbow colors around.

Durian Dome at People's Park and Street scene in Davao.

People's Park also has large ground grass areas and benches to sit. You'll never feel tired of seeing the park as there a lot of areas to explore. There is even a "bahay kubo" over a lake with a fountain view that you can rest for a while before continuing exploring the park. The park has a maintained schedule on its opening days. It usually starts to open at 1:00pm onwards. We visited it in the morning and it was closed at that time. We pleaded to see the park as we will depart to Manila by evening. We were permitted. I learned it was closed for that morning because a local tv station is shooting their summer station ID at the park. Entrance to the park is free of course!

After visiting the park we went to SM Davao at Ecoland to eat lunch. But before we took a jeepney ride to Ecoland, we saw a new hotel - Sampaguita Inn which is near in People's Park. Sampaguita Inn offers cheaper accomodation prices than the hotel we stayed. It has a better facility than the former like wi-fi service and coffee shop plus the proximity to the city proper and transporation areas. We will definitely stay there on a next visit. In SM (Shoemart), we took a breakfast then lunch. Restaurants are quite far from the hotel we stayed in Agdao. The mall is similar to its other counterpart branches in the country. We also bought some souvenir items their but other souvenir shops are available throughout the city proper.

After lunch, we went back to the hotel. Then we visit Puentespina Orchids Garden at noon located at Bolcan St, Agdao. I believe it is a must-see in Davao to see one of its nature "royalties" - the Waling-Waling orchid flower which you will see in Puentespina Orchids Garden. You will also see other varieties of the orchid of all colors that some resembles to small butterflies. Vanda sanderiana (Waling-waling's scientific name) is the best known endemic orchid in the Philippines which is mostly found at Davao. Waling-waling is an ethnic term that means the "graceful movement" of a butterfly in flight. Other species of the orchid are also beautiful and delightful to see especially the red variety that I saw that day. Davao's orchids are really must-see when visiting Davao especially to orchid-lovers. Entrance is free plus you will see other ornamental garden plants in display for visitors' appreciation. You can also buy fully grown orchid plants or seedlings of Waling-waling and other orchid varieties at the garden as they really cater in selling it. Other plant species are available for sale too. Just ask the caretakers for the price lists.

Other noteworthy places to see in Davao are Malagos Garden Resort, a garden resort with exotic birds on display, coffee shops, swimming pool, butterfly santuary and features a bird show located at Calinan, Philippine Eagle Conservation Centre in Baguio District where you can see the Philippine Eagle in their special habitat areas, Mount Apo National Park, home of the tallest mountain in the Philippines where visitors can arrange tours and gentler climbs through the tourist office, Eden Nature Park, located at the foot of Mt. Apo offers various adventurous activities but also offers a great way to relax away from the city and Samal Island, dubbed as an island garden city, it offers a wide array of beach resort attractions including the famoust Pearl Farm Resort whom by itself is an attraction to see that promises a high quality service. Also check out Talikud Island it is famed for diving activity and beach resort too. Except Samal Island, I never been to these places during my visit but I recommend these places to put in your itineraries when you visit Davao. All are must-see places.

Durian Galore at Magsasasay Fruit Market.

Pomelo galore as well...

A visit to Davao is not complete without tasting and buying its exotic fruits like durian, pomelo and mangosteen. We bought some as pasalubong at Magsaysay Fruit Vendor Association market near Magsaysay Park. Many people don't like durian because of its strong smell but I love its taste. I just clip my nose everytime I take a bite.^^ Durian has been a recognized icon symbol in Davao. From the airport building architecture of pine-designed, to the Durian monument located outside the facade of the airport to the landmarks of People's Park, one can already reflect durian's strong association as an icon. Other treats were made out of durian. I'm sure you'll love durian cake, durian empanada and durian pastillas. All treats are available in special stores and at SM Mall.

I recommend Davao as an ideal place to spend your summer. It offers a lot from beach resorts to garden resorts to historical trips to exotic food trips, Davao 's offer is endless. After packing properly the fruits to bring home we went to Davao airport for our departure at 04:35pm and arrive in Manila at 6pm. It was a wonderful airplane trip where I got to a chance to see sunset from the air. What a unforgetable view in my sight to end my Davao summer trip.

Summer 2009

I early predicted a vague summer to happen as an escapade is impossible due to various situation I'm in right now like I'm in job-transition, bankrupt finances to travel and my job training is one the way. Now, I truly believe in the saying - if there's a will, there's a way... And with that a summer escapade is bound to happen! Destination is... Davao! Though, it was a short trip last April 3, I made sure I had maximized my first time visit to Mindanao. Last year, I'm also in the feeling of not seeing a travel trip to happen. I never expect it to happen. More so, I never expect to have 3 travel trip in a year! First in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, then Boracay... all first time. I thought domestic travel were enough for that time but later in November, I had the opportunity to travel to Guam (my first international travel since 2006!). No one can really tell what the future holds for us. Unexpected things happens.

Davao is such a nice place. People are friendly and the places are clean and safe. I'll tell you my 2-day trip exploration there in my later post. But for the meantime let's go back to my upcoming retrotravel post featuring Iloilo - my first local travel in the Philippines.