Durian and Pomelo in Davao
Part of the Davao travel guide — see every topic in All Davao Guides.
Davao is famous across the Philippines for its fruit. The rich soil and warm weather of the region grow durian, pomelo, mangosteen, rambutan, lanzones and much more. Durian is the most famous, and the most talked about, because of its strong smell. This guide explains how to try the local fruit and where to find it.
Durian
Durian is a large fruit with a hard, spiky shell. Inside are soft, creamy pods with a sweet and rich taste. The smell is very strong, and people either love it or hate it. Davao grows many types of durian, and locals often have strong opinions about the best. Sellers will open a fruit for you to eat on the spot. Because of the smell, many hotels, taxis and airlines do not allow durian. Look for signs, and eat it at the fruit stalls instead.
Pomelo
Pomelo is a large citrus fruit, like a big, mild grapefruit. Davao pomelo is known for being sweet and juicy, with pink or white flesh. It has a thick skin, which sellers often peel for you. Pomelo is easy to carry and does not have a strong smell, so it is a popular gift to take home. Many fruit stands sell pomelo in nets or boxes for travel. It keeps for several days without a fridge, which makes it good for a long trip.
Other fruit to try
Mangosteen is a small purple fruit with sweet, white segments inside. Many people call it the queen of fruits. Rambutan is red and hairy, with a juicy, white inside like a lychee. Lanzones are small, pale fruits that grow in bunches and have a sweet and slightly sour taste. Marang is a large, soft fruit with a sweet smell. Davao also grows bananas, cacao for chocolate and coffee. Ask the seller which fruits are in season that week. Many sellers will let you taste a piece before you buy.
Where and when to buy
Fruit stalls are found across Davao City. The area near Magsaysay Park is well known for its many fruit sellers. Local markets such as Bankerohan also sell a wide range of produce. Durian and many other fruits are most plentiful in the second half of the year, often from about August to October, though some fruit is sold all year. Prices are usually per kilo or per piece. Choose fruit that looks fresh, and ask the seller to help you pick a good one.
Chocolate and coffee
Davao also grows cacao, the bean used to make chocolate. Local chocolate makers have won attention in recent years, and you can buy bars made from Davao cacao in shops and at the airport. Some farms offer tours that show how cacao is grown and processed. Coffee is grown in the hills around Davao too. Local cafes in the city serve coffee from nearby farms. These make good gifts to take home, because they travel well and do not smell like durian.
Durian and Pomelo at a glance
| Getting there | Fruit stalls near Magsaysay Park and in local markets across Davao City |
|---|---|
| Hours | Stalls open from morning to evening; some later |
| Cost | Cheap to moderate; sold per kilo or per piece |
| Best time | Often August to October for durian; check what is in season |
| Rule | Durian is banned in many hotels, taxis and planes |