There’s something about Davao that always gets our hearts racing. And that’s not only because of its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. This week, we heard some exciting news: the Davao Adventure Challenge (DAC) is back for its second season!
Launched by the Department of Tourism – Davao Region (DOT-XI) together with local governments and private partners, the DAC is basically a playground for adventurers like us. It’s a year-long program that invites thrill-seekers and curious travelers to try out different outdoor activities across the region. Think trekking, spelunking, diving, snorkeling, canyoneering, white water rafting, bouldering… You name it, they’ve got it.
The first season of DAC had 17 sites. This year, we have a whopping 28 sites on the list. That means more destinations to explore, more stories to tell, and more hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
What excites us even more is how this challenge isn’t just for locals. When Director Tan shared how they pitched the DAC in Japan and actually found a market there, we felt a spark of pride. Adventure is universal, and Davao has all the ingredients to become a world-class hub for it. Sure, the lack of direct international flights is a challenge, but if programs like this continue to grow, who knows? We might just see more routes opening up.
What we love most about DAC is that it’s not purely about extreme sports or adrenaline rushes. It’s also about culture, coffee, and community.
For instance, if we find ourselves in Banay-Banay (Davao Oriental), we can sip on Kagan coffee. Or if we’re down south in Matanao (Davao del Sur), there’s another kind of coffee experience waiting for us. We think that’s beautiful—how DAC encourages people to explore not just the landscapes but also the stories, flavors, and traditions of each place.
It’s about connecting dots on a map, yes, but also about connecting with people.
Image from Department of Tourism Davao
