Davao City: Humidity, Halo-Halo, and Honestly, Just Trying to Find a Plug

okay, so davao city. it’s…a lot. i landed yesterday, feeling like a wilted lettuce leaf, and honestly haven’t fully recovered. the flight was brutal, and the air here just hits you. i just checked and it’s basically soup outside, a thick, warm hug you didn’t ask for. 24.84 degrees, they say, but it feels like you’re standing next to a pizza oven.

I’m here scouting locations for a low-budget indie film - think gritty realism, lots of rain, and characters who look perpetually exhausted. I’m the indie film scout, by the way. It’s glamorous, I swear. Mostly it’s just me wandering around looking lost and trying not to make eye contact.

A metal sign with arabic writing on top of a building

My hotel is…functional. Let’s leave it at that. The wifi is spotty, the aircon sounds like a dying walrus, and the breakfast situation is questionable. But hey, it’s cheap. And honestly, after a week of hostels in Manila, I’m not complaining too much. I’ve been relying heavily on mobile data, which is surprisingly good here.

I spent most of today wandering around the Aldevinco Shopping Center. It’s…an experience. Imagine a labyrinth built entirely of knock-off goods and enthusiastic vendors. I think I accidentally bartered for a pair of sunglasses using only hand gestures and a confused expression. It’s a good place to people-watch, though. If you get bored, Samal Island is just a quick ferry ride away, apparently.

Someone told me that the durian fruit here is legendary, but also smells like gym socks and regret. I’m…hesitant. I’ve heard conflicting reports. One guy swore it was the best thing he’d ever tasted, another said it gave him nightmares for a week. I’m leaning towards avoiding it, honestly.

I did, however, discover halo-halo. Oh. My. God. It’s basically shaved ice with everything good in the world thrown on top. Beans, fruit, jelly, leche flan…it’s a sugar rush of epic proportions. I found a great place near People’s Park - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g298460-Davao_City_Mindanao.html - called Lolo Dado’s. Seriously, go there. You won’t regret it.

a large sign hanging from the side of a building

I overheard a conversation in a cafe earlier - apparently, there’s a really good night market near Roxas Avenue, but you have to be careful with your belongings. “Pickpockets are like ninjas,” one woman said, very seriously. “You won’t even know they’re there until your wallet is gone.” Helpful. I’m definitely keeping my valuables close. You can find more info on local events here: https://www.davaocitybylocals.com/.

My neighbors seem pretty chill, mostly just hanging out on their porches and chatting. There's a lot of karaoke happening, which is…a choice. It’s definitely a lively atmosphere. I also saw a bunch of chickens wandering around earlier. Just, chickens. Living their best lives.

I’m still trying to find a decent coffee shop with reliable wifi. It’s a struggle. I heard that Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is okay, but overpriced. Yelp says there’s a hidden gem called Bean & Brew, but it’s apparently always packed: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Coffee%20Shops&find_loc=Davao%20City.

A street sign hanging from the side of a building

Honestly, Davao City is…complicated. It’s chaotic, humid, and a little bit overwhelming. But it’s also got a certain charm. A raw, unfiltered energy. And the halo-halo is worth the trip alone. I’m going to try and find a power outlet and charge my camera. Wish me luck. And if you’re planning a visit, bring a fan. And maybe a nose plug, just in case you encounter the durian. Check out this forum for more local tips: https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=348818

Davao City: Humidity, Halo-Halo, and Honestly, Just Trying to Find a Plug

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About the author: Adam Wright

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