Philippines' land of "King of Fruits"

From above the beautiful sky of Davao, let me introduce you the King of Fruits - Durian.

According to Wikipedia, durian is the fruit of several tree species belonging to the genus Durio. The name 'durian' is derived from the Malay-Indonesian languages word for duri or "spike", a reference to the numerous spike protuberances of the fruit, together with the noun-building suffix -an. There are 30 recognized Durio species, at least nine of which produce edible fruit. Durio zibethinus is the only species available in the international market: other species are sold in their local regions.

Well, that's how Wikipedia describes and defines the King of Fruits which I surely have nothing to explain about it scientifically. I will share my very own experience regarding this fruit, and of course the places too.

Upon entering or touching down from Davao International Airport, the smelly scent of the Durian welcomes you as its aromatic mystical odor intrudes your being.

 
"Truly, there is always a best place to discover in all south part of everything that is superbly to explore and experience."

JUST IN. Inside the Davao International Airport.

"I know that that a day of an opportunity to explore Davao is just a tip of an iceberg experience."

 Heading east-south from Davao International Airport is a vast of fruit stands along the way. Road-side vendors offer lots of exotic yet mouthwatering fruits that you can only taste here at Davao in low cost. The King of Fruits – Durian – only costs Php 50.00 – Php 120.00 per piece depending on size. As what others who experienced the humble taste of Durian, odorous yet aromatic scent will captivates you to have a taste of this very delicious fruit. The taste of this fruit is undefined actually. No words can describe this but one thing is for sure – It’ll bring you to “Cloud 9”. Yes, it tastes like heaven bouncing back to the moon to Venus! Exaggerated, but it is indeed the way you feel when you tasted Durian.  

KING OF FRUITS. Smooth, odorous, spiky durian (front) and marang (behind).

Other fruit that will catch your sight is Marang. It looks like jackfruit surrounded by thick, soft spiky outer texture. Like Durian, Marang is also one of the common fruits where Davaoeños and people from the south of Philippines have enjoying in low cost while other enjoys it free! It can be sold for only Php 25.00 – Php 50.00 per piece only.  Its taste is like a combination of jackfruit with blend of Atis and sort of sweetened Guyabano and lot more!

FRUIT STAND. Hundreds of durian and other fruits can be bought in low cost along the way whenever you roadtrip the entire provice of Davao.

Aside from these two fruits where are very rare to my taste buds, there are also Mangosteen, Lansones, and Rambutan presents on every fruit stands which has couple of meters away from one another. There are also processed food versions of Durian and other fruits that are sold locally also in low cost of not more than Php 100.00. Usually it serves as “pasalubong” that everyone has in hand whenever they depart from Davao or other part of Mindanao.

Further more, meters away from the airport, you will notice the sculpture of the gigantic durian statue. Sadly, upon excitement, I forgot to check what's this statue all about.

JUST IN. Me behind this gigantic statue of Durian.

Continuing the path southward to Digos City to the town of Malita, you may notice the Davao Del Sur Coliseum which is best place for conventions, seminars, sports events and other massive audience-gathering-needed venue. Beside the coliseum is an Olympic size swimming pool. Unfortunately, I don’t have a clear and vivid photo of the pool, [maybe next time].

"WHITE HOUSE OF THE SOUTH". This round-shaped Davao Del Sur Coliseum is use for lots of events including conventions, assemblies, sporting event, etc. that are being held in the provice and even the entire Mindanao island.

Aside from having lots of fruits stands along the way, the road that connects every cities and towns of Davao has wide array of coconut and cocoa plantations. That’s why Davao is also know for its delicious coconut puto and bibingka. These delicacies can be sold for only Php 20.00 per pack.

I know that that a day of an opportunity to explore Davao is just a tip of an iceberg experience. There is lot more to discover. From fruits, scenic beaches and landmarks, notable food delicacies, hospitable people, seafood, festivities and, of course, to Tuna experience to name a few. There are more than of what I’ve seen that might you have experienced when you visit Davao.

Truly, there is always a best place to discover in all south part of everything that is superbly to explore and experience.