Panabo
Philippines · Asia
About Panabo
Panabo, officially the City of Panabo, is a component city in the province of Davao del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 211,242 people. It is also known for being the “Banana Capital of the Philippines” for its vast banana plantations.
Panabo is the second most populous city in Davao del Norte (after Tagum) and it is also part of Davao Metropolitan Area as it shares borders with Davao City. It has an area of 25,123 hectares (62,080 acres). The Panabo City Hall is located about 2.23 kilometers from its boundary with Davao City.
The name Panabo originated from the phrase "pana-sa-boboy" where "pana" means "arrow", the tool which the original inhabitants of the place, the Aetas, use when hunting wild animals for food.
Originally the rich lowland of what today is Panabo was inhabited by a group of natives called Aetas. These people led nomadic life and lived by hunting. With the use of their most essential tool, the bow and arrow—"pana-sa-boboy" as they call it—they hunted for food which primarily consisted of rootcrops and meat of wild boars.
Panabo travel guide
Getting there
By car Panabo is a travel access hub of many types vehicles throughout the south-east of the country. Travelers from Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Surigao, Agusan Province, Mati, Compostela Valley province, and even travelers from Manila, South Luzon, and Visayas.
By plane The nearest public airport is Davao International Airport, 21 km away in Davao City. A taxi or short distance bus from the airport to Panabo takes 30-40 minutes.
By boat Panabo has its own wharf for docking sea vessels but it does not have a passenger terminal. Sasa Pier Passenger Terminal in Davao City is the only access from major cities in the country. Sasa Pier is about 23 km from Panabo and takes 45 minutes of travel.
Getting around
Panabo is a simple place. The simplest way to get around the downtown area by tricycle. It only cost 15 pesos per passenger. If you want to go in farm areas outside downtown area, hop on jeepneys, multicabs, and a habal-habal (a modified motorcycle with extended seat to occupy more passengers).
See
The city is well known as mass producer of bananas and pomelos in the country. See the wide banana plantations just outside the downtown area. Discover the Araw ng Panabo Festival which is held from March 1st to March 31st. The celebration contains colorful parade and many other events. Witness the Ati-atihan Festival of Sto. Niño Church.
Buy
Fruits. The city is famous for bananas and pomelos. Gaisano Grand mall, Quezon Street, ☏ +63 32 273 0588. 10AM-8PM.
Eat
Maria Clara Resort, Wharf Road, Brgy. San Pedro. +63 84 822-7083. Restaurant and conference halls.
Drink & nightlife
The city has many resto bars. The most famous one is the Ultra Bowl, located along the main highway.
Sleep
Panabo has several accommodations ideal for gatherings, be it business meetings, grand wedding receptions, conferences, seminars, and other functions.
Gambriel Resort and Restaurant, Bangoy St, Gamao Subdivision (Barangay San Francisco). +63 84 822-5537. This is considered one of the nice resorts and restaurants. Swimming pool with cottages, children playground. Residencia de Cristita, Brgy. Sto. Nino (near Central Warehouse Club), ☏ +63 84-628-4156. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, refrigerators and WiFi. Safe parking. Jams Apartelle, Panabo National Highway. (near Rivera Hospital), ☏ +63 84-628-6806, [email protected]. A/C rooms with own bathrooms and cable TV. ₱600. 3-One Apartelle, Km 31, Brgy. Cagangohan. +63 84 628-4872.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.